How to Tell Better Stories in Your UGC (And Get More Brand Collabs!)

Think about the last UGC video that really grabbed you. Was it just a product being shown, or did it feel like it had a little more heart? Storytelling is what separates the content that people scroll past from the stuff that gets shared. It’s how you make a genuine connection with your audience.

And here’s why it matters for you as a creator: Brands want more than just a video; they want someone who can build a story around their product and make it feel personal. If you can tell a story that resonates, your UGC will hit differently and stand out in the crowded space. Trust us, this is the secret to getting noticed by the brands you want to work with.

Storytelling is your ticket to turning your UGC from “cool” to “can't miss.” And that’s how you land more brand partnerships.

Core Elements of Storytelling

When it comes to storytelling in UGC, there are a few key ingredients that really make your video work. By nailing these three elements, you can create a compelling story that speaks to your audience and aligns with the brand’s message.

Hook

The first few seconds are everything. If you don’t hook your audience right away, you might lose them. Try something unexpected, funny, or intriguing, anything that’s going to make them stop scrolling and pay attention.

Conflict and Emotion

This is where you create a connection. People engage with stories because they feel something. Whether you’re highlighting a frustration, solving a problem, or just showing off an amazing experience, you want the audience to relate emotionally to what they’re seeing.

Resolution

Once you’ve got your audience emotionally invested, it’s time to deliver the solution. This is where you naturally weave the brand or product into the story, showing how it’s the answer they’ve been looking for. No hard sells, just a smooth, natural tie-in.

Storytelling Techniques for UGC Creators

If you want your UGC to really hit home, you need to tell stories that feel real. Here are some techniques that will make your content feel more personal and engaging:

Using Personal Experiences

Sharing a bit of your own life makes the content more relatable. Whether you’re talking about a recent experience or something you’ve gone through, it makes the story feel real and genuine. People trust creators who are authentic and open.

Structuring Videos Like a Mini-Story

Think of your video as a little narrative. You can go with the classic before/after format or show a transformation. Another approach is the problem-solution structure: show a relatable problem and then reveal how the product or brand solves it. This keeps the viewer invested throughout.

Keeping It Conversational

Talk to the camera like you’re talking to a friend. This makes the video feel casual and relatable. The more natural you are, the more viewers will connect with you and the brand you’re promoting.

Relatable Humor and Emotions

People love humor, especially when it’s relatable. Show how the product fits into everyday life with some funny moments or relatable situations. On the flip side, don’t be afraid to tap into emotions, whether it’s excitement, relief, or joy, it helps to build a deeper connection.

Aligning Your Story with a Brand’s Message

When you’re creating UGC, it’s important to strike the right balance between your own voice and the brand’s message. Here’s how you can align your story with what the brand wants to communicate:

Understanding What the Brand Wants to Communicate

First, dive into the brand’s message. What are they trying to convey to their audience? Is it about product features, values, or something else? Understanding this will help you shape your story in a way that fits their mission.

Weaving the Product Naturally into Your Content

Integrate the product into your content in a way that feels natural and authentic. Instead of focusing on selling, show how the product fits into your daily life, solves a problem, or improves a situation. This helps make the brand’s message resonate with your audience.

Maintaining Your Personal Style While Fitting Brand Guidelines

Make sure your content still feels like you. While it’s important to follow the brand’s guidelines, you don’t want to completely change your style. Find ways to incorporate the brand’s message while keeping your unique voice and style intact.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even the best creators make mistakes. Here are some to steer clear of when telling your UGC story:

Over-Explaining Instead of Showing

One of the biggest pitfalls in UGC is the temptation to explain everything. Viewers want to see the experience or the product in action, not hear a lengthy explanation. Focus on showing, not telling. Let the content speak for itself.

Sounding Scripted or Inauthentic

Authenticity is key in UGC. If your content feels scripted, your audience will notice. Keep it natural. Speak from the heart, and remember, it’s your genuine reaction and emotions that will connect with the viewers.

Making the Story Too Complicated: Keep It Short and Impactful

Keep your story simple and to the point. Don’t overcomplicate things. The best stories are straightforward, easy to follow, and leave a lasting impression without being too long-winded. Less is often more.

Transform Your UGC with Ramdam Creator School

At Ramdam Creator School, we’ve built a resource hub full of tips, tricks, and expert advice to help you level up your UGC game while staying true to your authentic self. Whether you’re looking to refine your storytelling skills or get practical advice on working with brands, you’ll find a treasure trove of articles designed to help you succeed.

In Creator School, you’ll find helpful content on:

• Building a Portfolio That Attracts Brands: Learn how to create a portfolio that gets you noticed by the right advertisers.
• Hooking Your Viewers: Discover how to grab attention right away and keep your audience hooked until the end.
• Attracting Advertisers with Zero Experience: Don’t have a huge following yet? No worries! We’ll show you how to catch the eye of brands even if you’re just starting your creator journey.

In a nutshell

Creating content that tells a story is a game-changer for UGC creators. As you put your unique spin on your storytelling, you’ll find the right balance between creativity and brand alignment. Every brand has a message, and your job is to weave that message in a way that still feels like you.

So, take what you’ve learned today, test different approaches, and fine-tune your style. Just remember, the more authentic your story, the more it will resonate with your audience.