User-generated content (UGC) is the gold standard for building trust and engagement on TikTok, Instagram, and beyond. But here’s the catch: it needs to feel organic, like a friend casually sharing something cool over coffee—not like a pushy salesperson trying to make a hard sell. Below are UGC video ideas with this approach baked in, ensuring every interaction feels natural, authentic, and relatable.

Video Idea 1: TikTok Slideshow – Cost-effective Makeup Alternatives

Hook: Open with text like, “Don’t waste money on these products!”—immediately resonating with budget-conscious viewers.

Visuals: Flash 2–3 images of high-priced, recognizable designer makeup products.

Transition: Seamlessly introduce the app with a quick screen recording of it scanning a face and analyzing features.

Reveal Alternatives: Highlight 3–4 affordable, high-quality makeup alternatives with captions like, “Try these instead!”

Subtle CTA: End with a brief (1.5 seconds max) screen cap of the app in the App Store. This gives curious viewers the chance to pause and check it out but avoids directly prompting downloads.

Caption Example: Use soft CTAs in the caption, inspired by successful brands like Minutes AI: “Stop overspending on makeup. This is a game-changer. #beautyhacks #makeuptips #savemoney”

Why It Works: This format shows the app’s value—helping users save money and find products tailored to their features—without any overt sales pressure. The soft CTA in the caption drives intrigue while keeping the video experience authentic.

Video Idea 2: Authentic User Reaction – Shock & Awe

Intro: A relatable girl, wide-eyed and amazed, looks into the camera and exclaims, “Oh my God, I’ve been searching for the perfect foundation for months!”

Discovery: She casually explains her breakthrough: “I downloaded this app, scanned my face, and in two seconds, it told me exactly what I needed!”

Demo: Cut to a screen recording of the app in action—showing the face scan and personalized product recommendation.

Reaction: She reacts, amazed, saying, “I can’t believe it! This is exactly what I’ve been looking for!”

Caption Example: Instead of saying “download the app,” let the caption subtly highlight its usefulness: “When you finally find the perfect match 🙌 #makeuplife #beautytech #makeupaddict”

Why It Works: This video mirrors the way friends organically share their favorite finds—genuine, casual, and not overly polished. The audience feels like they’re discovering the app themselves.

Script Variations: Discovery & Transformation

1. Realizing She’s Been Using the Wrong Product

• Hook: “Wait… you’re telling me I’ve been using the wrong foundation this whole time?!”
• Discovery: “I scanned my face with this app, and it said my skin actually needs [a better product].”
• Reaction: “I switched, and my makeup has never looked this good. Why didn’t I know this sooner?!”
• Caption Example: “PSA: Scanning your face changes everything. #beautytech #skincaretips #glowup”

2. Finding a Better Match for Her Needs

• Hook: “Okay, I thought my eyeliner was fine… until this app told me I was missing out.”
• Discovery: “The app said [different eyeliner] suits my eye shape. Who knew?!”
• Reaction: “OMG, my eyes have never popped like this before!”
• Caption Example: “When the eyeliner glow-up hits differently 💅 #makeuplife #eyemakeupgoals #beautytips”

3. Fixing a Long-Standing Makeup Issue

• Hook: “You guys… this app just solved a problem I’ve been dealing with for years.”
• Discovery: “It recommended [the perfect lipstick shade] for my complexion.”
• Reaction: “Wow. How did I not know this was my shade?!”
• Caption Example: “Unlocking my perfect shade was worth the wait 💄 #lipsticklove #beautyhacks #skincaretips”

4. Switching from a Hyped Product to Something Better

• Hook: “Apparently, the product everyone hypes isn’t the best for me.”
• Discovery: “The app suggested [a better product], and OMG, it’s a game-changer.”
• Reaction: “I’m never going back to the hyped stuff.”
• Caption Example: “Not all hype is worth it—find your real match. #makeuphacks #beautytech #glowup”

5. Fixing a Hidden Skincare Mistake

• Hook: “I didn’t even realize I was making this mistake with my skincare!”
• Discovery: “The app said my moisturizer was too heavy. It recommended [a lighter one].”
• Reaction: “My skin feels amazing now—this app is my new go-to!”
• Caption Example: “Better skin starts with better matches 💧 #skincarejourney #beautytech #healthyskin”

6. Discovering a New Makeup Style

• Hook: “I’ve been doing my makeup all wrong for my face shape!”
• Discovery: “The app showed me [a tailored style], and I tried it. Complete glow-up!”
• Reaction: “This feels like unlocking a secret. I look so much better!”
• Caption Example: “Face shape hacks = game-changer. #beautyhacks #makeuptransformation #makeuplife”

Guidelines for Every Video

Keep It Subtle: Never include a direct prompt like “Download it now.” At most, show a screen cap of the app in the App Store for no longer than 1.5 seconds, allowing viewers to pause if they’re curious.

Focus on Discovery: Make the app interactions feel natural and organic, like a cool recommendation from a friend, not a sales pitch.

Leverage Captions for Soft CTAs: Experiment with captions that spark curiosity, using hashtags that resonate with your audience, such as #makeuplife, #beautyhacks, or #glowup.

With these ideas, your UGC content will feel authentic, engaging, and perfectly aligned with your audience’s expectations. Ready to film? Let’s make some magic!