User-Generated Content (UGC) refers to any content—such as text, videos, images, reviews, or any other type of media—that is created and published by unpaid contributors or fans of a brand, service, or platform. This content is typically shared online and can be found on social media, forums, blogs, and other community-driven sites. UGC is valuable for businesses and organizations as it helps create authentic engagement and can foster community among users.
Example: A classic example of user-generated content is customer reviews on an e-commerce website. For instance, if someone purchases a pair of shoes from an online retailer and then writes a review about their experience, including photos of the shoes being worn, that review and those photos are considered UGC. This kind of content not only helps other potential customers make purchasing decisions but also boosts the retailer's credibility.