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? ๐ค
Instead of limiting UGC to paid social, consider broadening your horizons and testing these video ads in your in-game network campaigns too (Unity,ย ironSource,ย Google AdMob,ย AppLovin,ย Molocoย 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...
And why stop there? ๐ค
Instead of limiting UGC to paid social, consider broadening your horizons and testing these video ads in your in-game network campaigns too (Unity,ย ironSource,ย Google AdMob,ย AppLovin,ย Molocoย 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...
๐ฎ 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. "๐๐ฉ๐ฆ๐ณ๐ฆ'๐ด ๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐ ๐ง๐ข๐ช๐ญ๐ฆ๐ฅ ๐ต๐ฉ๐ข๐ต!"
๐ฅ 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. "๐๐ข๐ช๐ต, ๐ ๐ค๐ข๐ฏ ๐ง๐ญ๐บ ๐ข ๐ฑ๐ถ๐จ?!"
๐ 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. "๐ ๐ฐ๐ถ ๐๐๐๐ ๐ต๐ฐ ๐ถ๐ด๐ฆ ๐ค๐ฐ๐ฎ๐ฃ๐ฐ๐ด ๐ช๐ฏ ๐ต๐ฉ๐ช๐ด ๐ญ๐ฆ๐ท๐ฆ๐ญ!"
โจ 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. "๐ ๐ค๐ข๐ฏ'๐ต ๐ธ๐ข๐ช๐ต ๐ต๐ฐ ๐ต๐ณ๐บ ๐ต๐ฉ๐ช๐ด ๐ฎ๐บ๐ด๐ฆ๐ญ๐ง!"
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.
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