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UGC-style ads (casual, direct-to-camera videos that feel organic rather than produced) consistently outperform polished brand ads on social platforms. Captions gives you two ways to make them: with your own recorded footage, or entirely with AI. This guide covers both approaches.

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Approach 1: Record it yourself

This produces the most authentic result. Use this approach when you want a real person on camera: yourself, a team member, or a collaborator.
1

Write your script

UGC ads follow a simple structure:
  1. Hook (1–3 seconds): lead with the problem or a bold claim
  2. Problem/agitate: describe the pain point your audience knows
  3. Solution: introduce the product
  4. Social proof or demo: show it working
  5. CTA: tell them what to do next
Keep it under 60 seconds. 30–45 seconds is ideal for paid social.Use the Script Generator to draft a script from a prompt, then edit it to sound like you.
2

Record in the Captions Camera

Open the Captions app → tap Camera. Load your script into the Teleprompter and record.UGC tips for recording:
  • Use your phone camera, not a professional setup. It should feel real
  • Natural window light works better than studio lighting for this format
  • Slightly messy background is fine. It adds authenticity
  • Record a few takes and pick the most natural one
→ Record Yourself with Camera & Teleprompter
3

Apply AI Edit

After recording, tap AI Edit and choose a style. For UGC ads, styles like Core, Clarity, or Elevate tend to work well. They’re polished without being over-produced.AI Edit adds captions, cuts the silence, adds B-roll, and finishes the edit automatically.→ Go from Raw Footage to Finished Video
4

Add captions and export

If you didn’t use AI Edit, generate captions manually. Bold captions are essential for paid social, since most people watch with sound off.Export at 1080p vertical (9:16) for Instagram Reels, TikTok, and YouTube Shorts.

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Approach 2: AI-generated UGC ad

No camera required. Use this approach to test multiple ad concepts quickly, create ads at scale, or when you don’t have a person available to record.
1

Go to AI Ads

Open Captions → tap AI Creator → select AI Ads.
2

Paste your product URL

Enter your product or landing page URL. Captions scrapes the page and pre-fills the product name, description, and images.
3

Review and edit the product info

Check the auto-populated fields. Fix the product name, refine the description, and swap out any images that don’t look right.
4

Review and edit the script

Captions generates a UGC-style script automatically. Edit it to match your brand voice: tighten the hook, add specific claims, or adjust the CTA.
5

Choose your avatar

Select from the community avatar library or use your AI Twin if you’ve set one up. For ads, choose an avatar that matches your target audience.
6

Generate and export

Tap Generate. Review the output, make any final adjustments, and export.
AI Ads requires Pro, Max, or Scale.

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Tips for high-performing UGC ads

  • The hook is everything. If the first 2–3 seconds don’t stop the scroll, nothing else matters. Test multiple hooks.
  • Specificity beats vague claims. “Saves 3 hours a week” outperforms “saves time.”
  • Show, don’t tell. If you can demonstrate the product working, do it. B-roll of the product in use is worth more than describing it.
  • Match the platform. TikTok rewards raw and energetic. Instagram tends to perform better with slightly more polished content. Test both.

Create Multiple Ad Variations Fast

Use AI Twin + AI Ads to test different angles at scale.

Turn a Product URL into a Video Ad

Fastest path from URL to finished ad.

AI Ads reference

Full feature documentation.

Script Generator

Generate ad scripts from a prompt.
Last modified on April 20, 2026