Summary

READ IT

Digital marketing is an ever evolving landscape which has been adopted globally with user-generated content leading the race towards authentic and immersive user engagement. As we enter 2024, it is important to reflect upon trends and successes, over the course of this article we explore the numerous sources for UGC marketing and the various tools that are a must have in your marketing arsenal to guarantee success.

While Vimeo has long been synonymous with UGC, a new challenge arises: the limitations faced by Vimeo in harnessing the full potential of user-generated content. This piece unpacks the "Vimeo Problem," highlighting its constraints in terms of monetization, reach, and integration.

However, not to worry, this article presents you with alternatives that can significantly drive your UGC strategies to new heights. From the business-centric features of Wistia to the global reach of YouTube, and the innovative Vidjet enhancing customer journeys with shoppable videos—these platforms promise to elevate your UGC initiatives.

Fasten your seatbelts as we, navigating challenges, exploring alternatives, and uncovering the keys to effective UGC content marketing.

What is considered UGC content?

One of the most commonly asked question when it comes to getting started with UGC is understanding the fine line between user generated content and influencer marketing content. Did you know? Research shows that 85% of individuals found influencers to be unauthentic and unrelatable while, 77% of individuals believe that they are more inclined to purchase products or services which feature User Generated Content.

Image showing a chart for UGC Statistics.

Now let's take a look at what is classified as 'UGC':

Customers

Have you ever come across the 'unboxing orders' trend?These unboxing videos that took TikTok and Instagram platforms by storm were originally created by customers themselves. It goes without saying that, your customers are the most ideal cohort when it comes to gaining UGC. This is primarily because of two reasons either, they have been officially requested to do so by your brand, or they are so satisfied with the products or services that they take it upon themselves to organically create and share content around your brand.

Brand loyalists

The next set of content that is considered to be UGC is the content that is created by your returning customers or as termed in the eCommerce landscape, 'Brand loyalists'. These fans or advocates are those group of individuals that are considered to be your most dedicated customers. Since they have an inherit passion and commitment towards your brand, they are able to get more individuals to engage with your UGC in a more credible manner. Thus requesting content from this audience segment is considered as UGC.

Employees

Have you ever come across the 'packing orders' trend? The final type of content that can be considered as user generated content is the content that is created internally by your employees themselves. This is primarily because of the fact that the value behind this employee created content is significantly higher than that of influencer marketing.

Imagine this, employees from your brand are showing behind the scene footage packing your order for you or short form content highlighting why they love the company they are working for. These behind-the-scenes footage, help establish both brand identity as well as authenticity.

Image showing UGC

Beyond Vimeo: The Vimeo Problem

For years vimeo was considered as the go to platform for hosting and sharing videos, but it has some potential drawbacks for use with user-generated content (UGC). Let's delve into these further:

Limited Monetization Opportunities

At first glance one of the most concerning drawbacks of using vimeo as the base platform for your UGC is the restrictions on monetization opportunities.

When compared to other platforms such as youtube, Vimeo doesn't provide its users with built in advertising algorithms or creative tools to create visually appealing content while generating revenue and market growth. This can be a significant disincentive for individuals using Vimeo to create content and market its brand.

Less Reach and Engagement

The second is the concern of reach and engagement. When compared to other platforms Vimeo is seen to have a comparatively smaller user base implying that, your reach as a marketer is limited.

If brands are using vimeo for their UGC purposes there is a high likelihood that you will have a smaller reach which directly correlates to a lower engagement making attracting new viewers and audiences difficult.

Difficult to Integrate with Other Platforms

The final cause of concern is the lack of integration adaptability with other platforms. If you are using Vimeo to host your visual content and use it on your websites or social media channels it can be challenging.

Additionally, Vimeo's embeddable player can be buggy and difficult to use, which can further hinder your ability to share your videos with others.

Image showing issues with Vimeo

Increase Brand Visibility: 3 Vimeo Alternatives to boost UGC marketing

Wistia

Wistia is a well-established video hosting platform that is specifically designed for businesses and organizations. It offers a number of features that are well-suited for UGC, such as:

  • A powerful embeddable player: The platform features an embeddable player that makes it easy to embed your videos on your website or blog.
  • Analytics dashboard: The platforms in built data analytics creates room for you to create content based on data driven and actionable insights, such as which content has more views, the duration they view it for and many more.
  • Wistia offers a number of features that can help you to monetize your UGC, such as:
  • A built-in advertising program: Wistia's advertising program allows you to place ads before, during, or after your videos.
  • A sponsored content program: Wistia's sponsored content program allows you to partner with brands to create sponsored videos.

YouTube

YouTube is the most popular video platform in the world, and it is a great option for hosting and sharing UGC. It offers a number of features that are well-suited for UGC, such as:

Vidjet

Vidjet is an easy to use Shoppable-video platform for modern e-commerce stores ensuring a seamless and engaging user experience.

Image showing UGC Platform Diversity.

How do I pick a tool for my UGC content marketing

When it comes to picking the ideal tool for your UGC marketing strategy, the decision ultimately comes down to your target audience. A study conducted shows that on an average, compared to generation Z, millennials have a longer attention span when it comes to watching videos at a whooping 12 seconds as compared to a mere 8 seconds. 

Image showing shoppable video player

This tends to pose as a challenge when it comes to modern day marketers. This is where shoppable video players take the lead, offering brands with the ability to seamlessly engage these audiences with short format videos. To top it off, shoppable video players such as vidjet also offer its users with:

Increase customer conversion rates

  • Embed videos at scale, without code
  • Tag products on videos
  • Minimal impact on loading times and site speed.
  • Seamlessly integrate social videos into product display pages.

Increased Reach and Engagement

  • TikTok like animations and transitions
  • Vertical video priority and Mobile optimised
  • Engaging and interactable short form content.

Seamless Integration with Other Platforms

  • Integration with CMS's: Shopify, Prestashop, Wordpress, Magento, Wix, Drupal, etc.
  • Integration with social networks: TikTok, Instagram, Youtube, etc.
  • Integration with third party tools : UGC Platforms, Review Management Platforms, Email Marketing etc.  

Conclusion

As we reach the end of this transformative journey we understand the potential drawbacks of using Vimeo as a platform for user-generated content (UGC) marketing. Remember, the key to effective UGC content marketing is to choose a tool that offers more monetization opportunities, increased reach, create brand awareness and engagement, and seamless integration with other platforms. Are you ready to get users to create UGC posts?