Testing UGC on Mobile Ad Networks? Try this...

Many believe that User-Generated Content (UGC) ads are exclusive to TikTok, but actor-led video ads have excelled across platforms like Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, and other paid social placements.

And why stop there? 🤔

Instead of limiting UGC to paid social, consider broadening your horizons and testing these video ads in your in-game network campaigns too (Unity, ironSource, Google AdMob, AppLovin, Moloco etc).

Where paid social UGC often incorporates scroll-stopping hooks and funny skits, when it comes to ad networks it's better to focus on game-relevant concepts - at least to begin with.

Here are some ideas to consider...

🎮 Gameplay playalongs/commentaries

Feature a creator playing a game level or mini-game, sharing their reactions, strategies, and insights as they navigate challenges. Their personal experience can serve as both entertainment and a subtle tutorial. "𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦'𝘴 𝘕𝘖 𝘞𝘈𝘠 𝘐 𝘧𝘢𝘪𝘭𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵!"

🎥 Trailer reaction videos

Invite creators to film themselves reacting in real-time to your game's trailer or highlights reel. Their responses can add a fresh perspective and allows you to highlight different elements that viewers might find interesting. "𝘞𝘢𝘪𝘵, 𝘐 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘧𝘭𝘺 𝘢 𝘱𝘶𝘨?!"

📚 UGC tutorials

Let creators lead short tutorials. This could range from a basic introduction to the game mechanics for beginners or deep dives into specific strategies for seasoned players. "𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘕𝘌𝘌𝘋 𝘵𝘰 𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘣𝘰𝘴 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘭𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘭!"

✨ Re-imagine your top ads

Take your existing high-performing ads on the platform and integrate UGC elements. For example, after showcasing a pivotal game moment, cut to a creator sharing their thoughts or their own unique take on that scenario. "𝘐 𝘤𝘢𝘯'𝘵 𝘸𝘢𝘪𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘳𝘺 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘮𝘺𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧!"

A note on layout: Instead of displaying the UGC video full-screen, consider using it as an overlay or a picture-in-picture box in the corner. This ensures the viewer's primary focus remains on the gameplay, while the UGC provides an additional layer of engagement.


All that said, you should definitely test your top-performing Meta/TikTok ads on other networks as well.

 

Need support with your UGC strategy, concepting or production? Let's chat!