Why User-Generated Content Works
If you want people to pay attention, give them something real. User-generated content (UGC) delivers authenticity in a way that polished brand messaging just can’t touch. It is content created by real customers, not marketers, which makes it instantly more relatable and engaging.
From customer photos and testimonials to reviews and videos, UGC builds trust. When you showcase it on digital signage, you are not just promoting a product, you are putting your community at the center of your brand.
In a world full of noise, people crave what feels genuine. That is exactly why user-generated content in digital signage works so well.
What Counts as User-Generated Content?
UGC is not limited to selfies and product reviews, although those are great too. Here are a few types of content that you can repurpose for your screens:
- Photos of customers using your product
- Customer reviews or star ratings
- Testimonials
- Social media posts tagged with your brand
- Video clips from fans or community members
- Contests or giveaway entries
If someone created it and shared it online because they love what you do, it is fair game (with proper permission, of course).
Where to Use UGC in Digital Signage
User-generated content in digital signage is versatile. You can use it in:
1. Retail Stores: Display real customer reviews or photos near the product itself to encourage purchases.
2. Restaurants or Cafes: Feature photos of customers enjoying meals or drinks. It adds personality and builds local pride.
3. Fitness Studios or Gyms: Highlight community success stories or before-and-after shots on screens in reception or training areas.
4. Events and Conferences: Use a social wall to showcase attendees’ posts in real time. It creates a sense of excitement and belonging.
5. Hotel Lobbies or Waiting Areas: Make the wait feel shorter with engaging, localized content that features past guests or travelers.
The Benefits of Using User-Generated Content
Using user-generated content in digital signage is not just trendy, it is practical. Here’s why it works:
- Builds Trust: People believe other people more than they believe brands. Seeing real users builds confidence.
- Saves Time: Instead of creating every asset from scratch, you can use content that already exists and resonates.
- Creates Community: Featuring your audience shows that you value them. It encourages others to engage and participate.
- Keeps Content Fresh: No more repeating the same loop of ads. UGC lets you rotate new content regularly with minimal effort.
How to Source and Use UGC the Right Way
Before you start putting customer photos up on your signage, be sure to do it right. Here are a few key steps:
- Get Permission: Always ask before using someone’s content. You can do this through a DM, a formal release form, or by including UGC rules in a contest.
- Credit the Creator: A simple name tag or social handle is usually enough. It gives credit where it’s due and builds goodwill.
- Curate Carefully: Not all content is equal. Pick UGC that aligns with your brand style and message. Keep things on-brand and high-quality.
- Update Often: Rotate content regularly to keep your screens feeling dynamic and up to date. People notice when things feel stale.
How Aesend Makes UGC Simple
With Aesend’s digital signage platform, uploading and managing user-generated content in digital signage is seamless. You can:
- Pull content from social feeds automatically
- Approve and tag submissions
- Schedule UGC alongside branded assets
- Monitor content performance
This lets your team focus on creativity and community instead of logistics.
Your audience already loves your brand. Let them tell your story. Featuring user-generated content in digital signage is one of the easiest and most effective ways to create real connection and engagement.
With Aesend, bringing those authentic voices to your screens is effortless. Your signage becomes more than messaging. It becomes a reflection of the people who believe in what you do.