How to Create AI UGC Video Ads

User-generated content (UGC) is a go-to format for brands looking to build trust through real voices and relatable stories. Testimonials, unboxings, and casual reviews help audiences connect with products. AI now lets you scale this kind of content without needing creators for every piece.

This guide explains what AI UGC Video Ads are, why it’s useful, how to make it, and what to keep in mind before you launch.

What is AI UGC?

AI UGC (artificial intelligence user-generated content) is content created with generative AI that mimics what a real user might say or do in a video. Rather than filming actual customers or influencers, you use AI tools, like Spaces, that generate avatars and voices to deliver a scripted message. The final video appears to be a genuine testimonial or review, but it is actually produced using software.

AI UGC tools let you script a message and generate a video featuring an avatar that speaks naturally, with lip-sync, gestures, and facial expressions that mimic real people. The result feels social-native and personal, but it’s built entirely with AI.

This type of content helps marketing teams produce more, faster. It’s not a substitute for community, but it’s a way to meet content demands with fewer production bottlenecks.

Benefits of AI UGC

Here’s what makes AI-generated UGC such a useful tool for marketing teams:

1. Speed and scale: AI UGC tools let you produce multiple versions of the same video in just minutes. You can adjust scripts for different audiences, run A/B tests on key messages, and create language-specific versions without going back to square one.
2. Lower production costs: creating content with actors and cameras can quickly become expensive. AI UGC replaces most of that setup with a faster, lower-cost approach that still delivers visual impact.
3. Global localization: producing content for different markets usually means multiple versions. AI UGC speeds this up by generating translated speech and adjusting visuals to match each language.
4. Full creative control: with AI, you’re not limited by a creator’s availability or interpretation. You can script, direct, and iterate your content until it’s perfect, with zero reshoots.
5. Always-on content: staying visible online requires a steady flow of content. AI UGC makes it easier to keep up the rhythm, giving you fresh videos whenever you need them.
6. Better testing and optimization: because AI UGC is fast to produce, you can test more versions of your ad creative. This enables better optimization for ROAS (return on ad spend) and audience targeting across channels.
   

How to Create AI UGC Video Ads

Creating your first AI UGC video ad on Freepik is easier than you think. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown:

1. Define the video’s purpose

Decide what kind of UGC-style video you want to make. It could be a testimonial, product review, how-to, or a casual explainer. This choice will shape your script, tone, and visuals.

2. Create a new space

Go to Freepik Spaces and open a New Space. Here we have two options to start creating our AI UGC video ads: we can either create them step by step from scratch, or use a ready-made template and customize the elements.

To speed things up, you can also start with a ready-made template. Templates in Freepik Spaces come preloaded with structured nodes and example prompts, ideal if you’re new to the process or want a fast setup. Just pick one that fits your goal (testimonial, unboxing, how-to) and customize it to match your product and tone.

You’ll follow a simple workflow: Product input → Scene input → Image generation → Video input → Output.

3. Upload the product input

• Upload a high-quality image of your product (centered, well-lit) using a Media node.
• Describe the Product type in a Text node (e.g. Energy drink can, skincare bottle, sneakers).
• Write a short Product description in another Text node. It should include what the product is, the main benefit, and the brand tone. Example: Energy drink can. Bold, edgy, high-energy brand vibe.
• Group them together.

4. Generate the base image

Group the product inputs (Media and Text nodes) and connect them to an Assistant node. This node will generate a prompt based on the product information. Then, link the Assistant node to an Image Generator node and click Run to create the main image for your video.

If the result doesn’t look right, go back to the Assistant node and refine the product description or add more detail about the scene, character, or environment.

5. Set up the video input

Use a Text or Assistant node to create a prompt for your video. Describe the scene as if you’re briefing a UGC creator: where it takes place, who’s on screen, and how they use the product. Write a short script (15–20 seconds) that includes a clear hook, one benefit, and a simple CTA. Then, add how the camera should move. Aim for a natural, handheld style with slight zooms or angle changes to keep it realistic.

Prompt example:

Vertical video. Handheld smartphone look. Young woman, casual and confident, sitting on her couch holding the skincare bottle. Natural lighting. She speaks directly to the camera.  ‘I’ve only been using this for a week, and my skin already feels smoother. Let me know if you try it too.

6. Generate the video

Once you’re done, link the generated image and the Text or Assistant nodes with the prompt created in the step above to a Video Generator node. Click Run to create your AI-generated UGC video based on your setup.

7. Create localized variants

Duplicate the video node to make different versions for each market. Change the language or adapt the script while maintaining the visuals.

8. Quality checklist

Before exporting, check for clarity, flow, and realism. Make sure the product stands out, the voice sounds natural, and the CTA is clear.

9. Export and use in ads

Export your video in 9:16 (vertical format). For testing, create a few versions with one small change, like a different hook, CTA, or camera style.

How to Make AI UGC Video Ads: A Step-by-Step Tutorial

This step-by-step tutorial shows you how to create scroll-stopping content in minutes with Freepik.

Human UGC vs. AI-generated UGC: Key differences

Both human and AI-generated UGC have their place in your content strategy. Here’s how they compare when it comes to cost, control, and creative flexibility.

Human UGC is great for emotional storytelling and community-driven campaigns. AI UGC works best when you need quick turnarounds, localization, or content at scale.

Common use cases for AI UGC ads

AI-generated UGC is already helping brands across industries improve their ad performance. Here are a few examples of how it’s being used:

• E-commerce: product reviews, feature highlights, and influencer-style demos.
• Apps and SaaS: walkthroughs that mimic real user experiences.
• Healthcare and wellness: personal stories focused on results or habit changes.
• Education and training: testimonials for online courses or certification programs.
• Real estate: agent-style walk-throughs or community spotlights.
• Finance: simulated testimonials about saving, investing, or loans.

In each case, the aim is to deliver relatable, fast, and trustworthy messaging at scale.

Legal and ethical considerations of AI UGC ads

Using AI to create user-style content comes with responsibilities. To stay compliant and build trust, keep these six principles in mind:

1. Disclosure: label AI-generated content, especially in paid ads. Platforms like Meta and TikTok may require this for transparency.
2. Consent: only use someone’s image, voice, or data if you have the commercial rights. If you’re replicating a real person’s likeness, make sure they’ve signed a release that covers AI use.
3. Truthfulness: stick to real product claims. Even if the testimonial is simulated, the message should reflect honest benefits or experiences.
4. Platform compliance: each ad platform has its own rules for AI-generated media. Some restrict deepfake-style content or require disclaimers. Always check the latest guidelines before publishing your work.
5. Cultural sensitivity: review scripts and visuals for tone and phrasing in each market. What works in one culture might feel off or confusing in another.
6. Data privacy: if you use customer data to personalize AI content, follow data laws like GDPR or CCPA. Be transparent about how data is used and always get consent.

AI UGC gives you a quick, flexible way to create content that feels personal and fits right into social platforms. It’s not a replacement for real stories, but it works well when you need to move fast and stay in control of your message.

You can use it to launch new products, adapt campaigns for different markets, or test new creative ideas. With clear direction, honest messaging, and the support of the Freepik AI Suite and Spaces, you can produce high-impact video ads without adding pressure to your team.