What is exactly created by users? + Examples |
How did Meta come up with a system that earns users $44? How did LinkedIn achieve $8 billion in revenue through charging everyone from recruitment agencies to premium members to employers?
Check out the companies that make billions in social media and you'll see that their worth is dependent on their customers. User-generated content is the secret that drives these companies. It's also the reason for generating forums online as well as brand communities, Discord servers, Medium, as well as the comment section of a blog, if you can still find such something called. As a community platform, we're in a front-row seat to the ways in how UGC builds vibrant communities and many of them transform into 6- or 7-figure companies. Even companies with 8 figures.
In this article, we'll be discussing:
- What kind of content generated by users can become.
- What makes it so valuable (with pros and cons).
- Examples of UGC.
- How can you get UGC for your brand or for your company.
What is user-generated content (UGC)?
Content created by users is anything created by people who use the platform not its creators, whether the content is video, text images, text or other. The majority of social media platforms are based on content created by users and, in turn, other internet platforms like online forums, and online communities. Most of these sites use a system of business in which the application is hosted by the platform and the users write the content.
Even if you'ren't the most popular social media user, you are able to make use of UGC to benefit yourself. The majority of users are thriving due to UGC because users meet to create an online community, learn the subject they are interested in, and enjoy some fantastic conversations.
What is HTML0? UGC helps companies
Do you remember the application Clubhouse? The app was pitched as an exclusive software that could listen to music and would be worth an astonishing 4 billion dollars by 2021. It wasn't open to the public (you had to be invited) as well as featured regularly scheduled appearances by famous stars like Oprah Winfrey, Elon Musk and Kevin Hart, and it was a huge success.
When the ban on infectious diseases ended, Clubhouse had a tough job keeping those customers- recently, it laid off its employees. The number of active users on Clubhouse has fallen for a couple of years-about 10 million every week. Comparatively, Pinterest has 482 million monthly users.
The Threads platform is a captivating instance. The platform surpassed 100 million users within 4 days! In the following two weeks, it only reached 60 million. It appears that the increase has not been very steady, but Meta doesn't make it accessible to everyone.
Source: Statista
A user base of 160 million using Threads is nothing to be snoozing at. Its rival X (Twitter) has more than 600 million monthly users. to more than 600 million monthly users.
The success or failure for these companies, as well as the billion-dollar valuations of these platforms, are contingent upon two aspects: 1. Will people attend? 2. Are they able to create materials? Nothing else really matters.
It is the case also in the membership community. We have found that we are able to be able to accurately predict 93% whether an online community will succeed or fail. Two aspects are crucial 1. Do people sign up? 2. Are they friends? These data are so valuable that we're currently working on a system of software that could be more than just hosting for UGC as it also is designed to help users make connections with one another.
The foundation for all it is the social component of the social network. The concept of social networks indicates that they are the basis of human community. What's the reason that makes Facebook one of the most popular platforms, with more than 3 billion people using it? Maybe it's because Facebook is built upon in-person, social networks. You can be mad at someone you do not follow on Twitter and remove them from the account. If Facebook is the place you connect with your mother and grandma and sell stuff from your garage, it's probable that you'll stay on it around.
In order for UGC to be able to create an enterprise, it must not just be a matter of throwing material up in the air. The endless creation of AI social media content isn't the best way to grow your business.
For social networks, communities such as reddit, blog comments, and blogs-the real value of these platforms is the engagement.
UGC is an engagement. Writers. Users of contents. If you don't have UGC and you do not possess engagement.
User-generated content has benefits and drawbacks
The creation of content by users offers a myriad of benefits for people who own or host platforms.
Engagement: Engaging users in the process can scale content creation much quicker and much further than the scope of what can be accomplished by an individual company or site. The major social media platforms create very little or no content. For instance, YouTube estimates that around 500 hours of content is posted every minute! YouTube is unable to produce the same amount of content despite AI.
User-directed conversations The internet is packed with amazing and bizarre items that users choose to discuss online. UGC allows users to create content and conversations they care about.
Diversity of viewpoints: UGC gives people voices-especially those who may not normally be heard in media. Everybody can be involved. Everyone has the ability to voice their opinion.
The network effect The network impact is a term to explain how communities and platforms grow more valuable each time a new member joins.
Improved customer experience for the brand or company the user-generated content of users can be utilized to improve the customer experience and even customer service; for example the Apple's community for customers includes people who answer questions at their own pace.
HTML0 There could be some disadvantages with users-generated content, too.
- Misinformation and lies: Since there is no barrier to entry, UGC suggests that everyone can make anything. With 55% of Americans say that the spread of false information is a problem that needs to be dealt with, UGC can be a part of the issue.
- Bullying and intimidation: UGC from content creators and those who respond (e.g. through comments) could be interpreted as intimidation or the use of bullying or is directed at a specific group or person.
- Moderation: Moderation for hosts of community-based websites and social media businesses Moderation is now an essential element for hosting UGC.
However, don't be discouraged by this from permitting users to create content. This negative effect can be minimized with an effective moderation process and guidelines for communities. Offering users the option to help in moderation could go an extremely long way (e.g. the "report the comment" button). ).
If your customers put their hours and efforts in a place, the majority people will want the experience to be enjoyable. They're generally happy to help with the moderation.
Content created by users
- Scale content creation fast
- Let in the many perspectives and voices
- Increase organic reach and increase the conversation
- UGC could bring new users to your website (e.g. when it's used in a shared way) as well as help grow your user base.
Cons of user-generated content
- Greater risk of false or inaccurate information
- The bullying and intimidation
- Need for moderation
The content created by users
It's a Mighty Network
A Mighty Network is a Community platform which gives hosts the chance to bring communities together and improve lives. Members can take part in classes, live discussion online, live streaming of events, and more. Communities that thrive always enjoy high participation from members. (See some of the examples here ).
The company was established in the year 2010 and the app was launched in the year 2010 with the view to let users share pictures using filters. The app quickly expanded in popularity, and has since expanded to offer more options like Reels and has over 2 billion active users.
YouTube
In the last section, we noted the fact that there are 30,000 hours of content being added to YouTube each hour. That means it will take you more than 1900 years just to watch new videos that have been uploaded. YouTube is the biggest with regard to UGC. And it is a fact that 30% of young people consider YouTubers their "dream work" YouTube has made a impact on our imaginations. Whether they can monetize and earn money from views or otherwise, YouTube is a juggernaut in the world of UGC.
Blog Comments
It's not as common nowadays, but the idea of starting blogs and getting comments used to be the OG of user-generated content. This pattern on some blogs, and especially on blogging sites like Medium. Certain news sites on the internet do this too.
Local Reviews
We've been talking about social media however, reviews of restaurants or attractions. via Google or Yelp provide a great picture of UGC.
Review of the Product
The same as local reviews when you read reviews on products before purchasing anything through Amazon or another E-commerce website .
Forums
If you've spent any moments even on social media sites such as Reddit or Quora You'll see that there are many individuals who are active on these communities, creating the content that keeps these websites functioning. Reddit will have 53 million people using it by 2025.
Tips to unlock UGC
1. Produce amazing content
The first and most important thing is that UGC is likely to come through great content. There are a myriad of software available you create a wealth of material. You can technically create endlessly AI text and publish it.
However, great content is unique and can spark conversations. If the content is authentic and genuine, users are compelled to step up and comment or even create.
2. Create niche spaces
Imagine who controls algorithms. Hootsuite states that the average engagement rate for a Facebook Page post is 0.07 percent. What type of UGC is able to thrive in a social media context where it's not seen? What kind of content creator is willing to create something that no one is able to access?
It is better to design spaces that aren't based upon algorithms to allow users to share and create. Email. Online communities. Chat rooms. Apps. Spaces need to be designed without an the algorithm that allows you to unblock UGC.
3. Memorable social media campaigns
While algorithms are fickle, UGC is still possible with social media campaigns. Select the platform you prefer, and make content that's engaging. You can also find creative ways to get people involved. A competition or prize to reward contribution could also boost engagement!
4. Reviews
The most common type of UGC for companies includes reviews, testimonials, and other positive feedback (negative feedback can also be useful, but in a different way.) It's crucial to get UGC from review websites if there is a product you sell, or local reviews when you use Google is essential as more of us are influenced by reviews when making purchases. If you're also using testimonials on your site, UGC can be really helpful in this way too.
In the event of obtaining UGC feedback, be sure to ask. Simple steps to incite users to write reviews or rating can make an enormous difference in the amount of activity.
5. Contribution in Gamify
If you're searching for or need UGC and gamification, the whole process can make a difference. Much like Apple's support department, it is heavily influenced and shaped by users, with lots of people willing to help customers with questions. It's been turned into a game with achievement levels, and an online community specifically for best contributors. Through gamification and rewards, you could encourage the creation of content.
Conclusion
At the end of the day user-generated content is an immense asset. Some of the most prominent brands across all over the world have relied on UGC to propel them to multi-billion dollar valuations. It doesn't matter if it's billions of people creating content, or a community that shares their thoughts, UGC taps into human creativeness in a way that is amazing.
Now you can read: 11 Types of Online Communities That Thrive
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