Guide: Creating UGC-Style Product Videos with AI

User-generated content (UGC) videos perform exceptionally well on social media because they feel authentic and relatable. However, creating convincing UGC-style videos traditionally requires either working with content creators or investing significant time in learning video production techniques to achieve that natural, unpolished look.

Recent advances in AI allow you to create authentic-looking UGC videos through a two-step process: first generating realistic UGC-style product images using ChatGPT 4o, then adding subtle motion effects using Midjourney v7's video capabilities. This approach combines the authenticity of user-generated aesthetics with the efficiency of AI production.

Why This Two-Step Approach Works

Breaking the process into image creation and then animation allows for more control over the final result. You can perfect the UGC aesthetic in the static image phase, then add just the right amount of motion to bring it to life without overwhelming the authentic feel.

This approach also allows you to create multiple variations from the same base concept, testing different motion styles and effects to see what resonates best with your audience.

What You'll Need

• ChatGPT 4o access for creating authentic-looking UGC images

• Midjourney v7 access with video generation capabilities

• Optional: Another AI model for brainstorming UGC concepts

• Base product image with neutral background (or plan to create one)

• Understanding of your brand and target audience preferences

Understanding UGC Authenticity Elements

Before creating content, it's important to understand what makes UGC look genuine:

• Camera Quality: Smartphone-level quality rather than professional photography

• Composition: Slightly imperfect framing, natural angles

• Lighting: Natural, available light with realistic shadows

• Details: Human elements like hands, natural environments

• Imperfections: Slight blur, grain, or other authentic camera characteristics

Part 1: Creating Authentic UGC-Style Images

Step 1: Define Your Authenticity Elements

Choose 3-5 specific characteristics that will make your content look genuine:

Camera Characteristics:

• "Shot on iPhone" quality

• "Smartphone camera depth of field"

• "Natural phone camera distortion"

Composition Elements:

• "Extended arm selfie angle"

• "Slightly off-center framing"

• "Casual handheld positioning"

Lighting Options:

• "Golden hour sunlight through window"

• "Natural indoor lighting"

• "Soft overhead lighting with gentle shadows"

Authentic Details:

• "Thumb partially visible in corner"

• "Natural hand positioning"

• "Casual background elements"

Natural Imperfections:

• "Mild camera grain"

• "Slight motion blur"

• "Realistic focus variation"

Step 2: (Optional) Brainstorm Concepts

If you want to explore different approaches, use AI to develop concepts:

Example Prompt:

You are a UGC content strategist. Create 2 authentic UGC-style concepts for our [Product Name], incorporating these elements:

- Camera: iPhone-quality photography

- Composition: Extended-arm selfie angle

- Lighting: Golden hour window light

- Detail: Thumb visible in frame

- Imperfection: Natural grain and slight blur

For each concept, describe the camera angle, background setting, and authentic touches in 2-3 sentences.

Choose Your Preferred Concept:

• Select the approach that best fits your brand and audience

Step 3: Generate Your UGC Image with ChatGPT 4o

1. Start with ChatGPT 4o and upload your product image if you have one

Use a Detailed UGC Prompt: Example:

You are a UGC-style content creator. Create a 1200×1200 authentic-looking image featuring the product with these characteristics:

• Camera Quality: Shot on iPhone with natural smartphone depth of field

• Composition: Slightly off-center, showing someone's arm extended holding the product

• Lighting: Warm golden hour sunlight coming through a window, creating soft shadows

• Authentic Detail: Thumb partially visible in the lower-left corner of the frame

• Natural Imperfections: Mild grain and slight motion blur for smartphone authenticity

• Background: Casual home setting with plants and books on a shelf
Make it look like genuine user-generated content, not a professional product photo.

2. Review and Refine

   • Check if the image looks authentically user-generated

   • Ask for specific adjustments if needed:

     • "Increase the natural grain slightly"

     • "Make the lighting warmer"

     • "Adjust the thumb position"

3. Save Your Image

   • Download the final image with a descriptive filename like UGC_Product_Static.png

Part 2: Adding Motion to Create Video Content

Step 4: Prepare Your Static Image

Use the UGC-style image you created in Part 1, or any existing static image that has the authentic look you want to animate.

Step 5: Create Motion with Midjourney v7

1. Access Midjourney through Discord

2. Upload Your Static Image to the Midjourney channel

Create a Video Prompt Example:

 /imagine [your uploaded UGC image] --video


Prompt: "Over 5 seconds, apply a slow, smooth zoom-in toward the product, with a subtle sparkle effect on the logo area. Keep all motion minimal and fluid for authentic feel."
 Motion Options to Consider:
Slow zoom-in or zoom-out

Gentle pan left or right

Subtle sparkle or glow effects

Slight rotation or tilt

Natural breathing motion

3. Keep Motion Simple

   • Focus on one primary motion effect

   • Specify duration (typically 5-10 seconds)

   • Emphasize smoothness and subtlety

4. Wait for Processing

   • Allow Midjourney to render your video

   • Processing time varies based on complexity

5. Download Your Video

   • Save as UGC_Product_Video.mp4

Step 6: Review and Optimize

Quality Check:

• Play the video to ensure smooth motion

• Verify the motion enhances rather than distracts from the product

• Check that the authentic UGC feel is maintained

Iterate if Needed:

• "Slow the zoom to 7 seconds for more subtlety"

• "Replace sparkle with a gentle pan to the right"

• "Reduce motion intensity for more natural feel"

Re-render Until Satisfied

• Don't hesitate to try different motion approaches

• Test various durations and effects

Important Tips for Success

Maintain Authenticity

• Consistency: Keep the same framing and background throughout the motion

• Subtlety: Less motion often feels more authentic than dramatic effects

• Natural Feel: Avoid overly polished or perfect motion

Optimize for Social Platforms

• Duration: Keep videos under 10 seconds for most social media platforms

• Looping: Ensure start and end frames match for seamless loops

• Mobile-First: Remember most viewers will see this on mobile devices

Technical Considerations

• File Size: Optimize for quick loading on social platforms

• Aspect Ratio: Consider platform requirements (1:1 for Instagram feed, 9:16 for Stories)

Quality Balance: Maintain authenticity while ensuring clarity

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