10 ChatGPT Prompts for User-Generated Content (UGC) Briefs

** Why UGC Briefs Matter for Modern Marketing**

Think about the last time you bought something online. Did you trust the brand’s fancy ad—or the real person showing how they use the product? If you’re like most people, you believed the real person. That’s the power of user-generated content (UGC).

UGC is any content—videos, photos, reviews—created by customers, not brands. It’s not just popular; it’s trusted. Studies show that 92% of consumers trust UGC more than traditional ads. Why? Because real people don’t have a sales pitch. They just share their honest experience. For brands, this means higher engagement, better conversions, and stronger loyalty.

But here’s the problem: getting great UGC isn’t easy. Many brands send vague briefs like, “Just talk about our product!” The result? Boring, off-brand content that doesn’t convert. Others struggle to scale—how do you create hundreds of UGC briefs without spending hours on each one?

That’s where AI comes in. Tools like ChatGPT can help you craft clear, creative, and effective UGC briefs in minutes. No more guessing what to say. No more wasting time on revisions. Just high-quality content that actually works.

In this article, you’ll learn:

• Why UGC is a game-changer for modern marketing (with real stats)
• The biggest mistakes brands make with UGC briefs (and how to avoid them)
• 10 ready-to-use ChatGPT prompts to create better briefs—fast
• Best practices for getting authentic, high-converting UGC

Whether you’re working with influencers, customers, or employees, these prompts will help you get more engagement, more trust, and more sales. Let’s dive in.

Understanding UGC Briefs: What Makes Them Effective?

You’ve probably seen those perfect unboxing videos or heartfelt customer testimonials that make you want to buy a product instantly. That’s the power of user-generated content (UGC). But here’s the secret: behind every great UGC piece is a well-crafted brief. Without it, even the most enthusiastic creators can miss the mark.

So what makes a UGC brief truly effective? It’s not just about telling someone to “talk about your product.” A strong brief gives clear direction while leaving room for creativity. Think of it like giving someone a map with key landmarks—they know where to go, but they can choose their own path to get there.

The Anatomy of a High-Converting UGC Brief

A great UGC brief has five key parts:

1. Objective – What’s the goal? More brand awareness? Social proof? Sales?
2. Audience – Who are they talking to? Busy moms? Tech-savvy Gen Z?
3. Tone – Should it be fun and casual or professional and trustworthy?
4. Format – Is it a 30-second TikTok or a detailed YouTube review?
5. Call-to-Action (CTA) – What should viewers do next? Visit a website? Use a discount code?

For example, a skincare brand might ask for a “before-and-after” video with a friendly, relatable tone. A B2B software company might want a polished testimonial with data-driven results. The more specific you are, the better the content will be.

Why Influencers and Customers Need Clear Guidance

Imagine asking someone to cook a meal without a recipe. They might make something delicious—or a complete disaster. The same goes for UGC. Without clear instructions, creators might:

• Miss the key selling points of your product
• Use the wrong tone (too salesy when you wanted authentic)
• Forget to include a CTA, leaving viewers unsure what to do next

A vague brief like “Just talk about our product!” often leads to generic content that doesn’t stand out. But a detailed brief—like “Show how our product saves you time in the morning, using a quick demo and a personal story”—gives creators a clear roadmap.

The Psychology Behind Persuasive UGC Briefs

Great UGC doesn’t just describe a product—it makes people feel something. The best briefs tap into emotions like:

• Social proof – “9 out of 10 customers say this changed their routine.”
• Storytelling – “Show how your life improved after using our product.”
• Urgency – “Limited-time offer—share your experience before [date]!”

One brand saw a 40% increase in UGC engagement just by refining their briefs. Instead of asking for generic reviews, they gave creators a simple script: “Start with a problem you had, show how our product solved it, and end with a CTA.” The result? More authentic, high-converting content.

The Bottom Line

A strong UGC brief is like a secret weapon—it turns casual creators into brand advocates. The key? Be clear, be specific, and give just enough direction to spark creativity. When done right, UGC doesn’t just look good—it drives real results.

10 ChatGPT Prompts for Crafting UGC Briefs (With Examples)

Creating great user-generated content (UGC) starts with a great brief. But what makes a brief great? It’s not just about telling creators what to do—it’s about inspiring them to create something authentic, engaging, and on-brand. The problem? Most brands send vague instructions like, “Just talk about our product!” and wonder why the results fall flat.

The good news? You don’t need to spend hours crafting the perfect brief. With the right ChatGPT prompts, you can generate detailed, creative briefs in minutes—briefs that guide creators without stifling their creativity. Below, we’ll break down 10 powerful prompts, complete with examples and tips to make your UGC stand out.

---

The “Video Testimonial” Brief: Turning Customers into Brand Advocates

A video testimonial is one of the most powerful forms of UGC. Why? Because real people sharing real experiences build trust faster than any ad. But not all testimonials are created equal. A great one needs a hook, a pain point, a solution, and a call to action (CTA).

Here’s how to structure your prompt for maximum impact:

"Write a 30-60 second video testimonial brief for [Product Name]. The video should:
1. Start with a hook (e.g., 'I used to struggle with [problem] until I found [Product].')
2. Describe the pain point (e.g., 'Before using [Product], I wasted hours on [task].')
3. Explain how the product solved the problem (e.g., 'Now, I can [benefit] in just [time].')
4. End with a CTA (e.g., 'If you’re tired of [problem], try [Product] today!')

Keep the tone natural and conversational. Avoid sounding like a sales pitch."

Example Output: “Hi everyone! I used to spend hours editing photos for my blog—until I discovered [PhotoMagic]. Before this, I’d get frustrated with complicated software and blurry results. Now, I can edit and enhance my photos in under 5 minutes, and they look professional every time. If you’re tired of struggling with photo editing, give [PhotoMagic] a try. You won’t regret it!”

Key Tip: Encourage creators to film in a natural setting (e.g., their home or workspace) to make the testimonial feel more authentic.

---

The “Unboxing Experience” Brief: Making First Impressions Count

Unboxing videos are a goldmine for e-commerce brands. They tap into the excitement of receiving a new product and give creators a chance to highlight features in a way that feels personal. But not all unboxing videos are created equal. The best ones focus on emotional appeal and key features.

Here’s a prompt to guide influencers:

"Create an unboxing video brief for [Product Name]. The video should:
1. Start with the creator’s reaction to receiving the package (e.g., 'I’ve been waiting for this!')
2. Show the packaging (e.g., 'The box is so sleek and well-designed!')
3. Highlight 2-3 key features as the product is unboxed (e.g., 'Look at this premium finish!')
4. End with a CTA (e.g., 'If you want to try [Product], check out the link below!')

Encourage the creator to show their genuine excitement and avoid sounding scripted."

Example for a Tech Brand: “Oh my gosh, it’s finally here! I’ve been waiting for [SmartWatch Pro] for weeks. Look at this packaging—it’s so minimalist and elegant. Opening it up, the first thing I notice is how lightweight it feels. The screen is crystal clear, and the battery life is insane. If you’re looking for a smartwatch that does it all, this is the one. Don’t forget to check out the link in my bio!”

Key Tip: Ask creators to film in good lighting and use close-up shots to highlight product details.

---

The “Before & After” Transformation Brief: Show, Don’t Tell

Before-and-after content is incredibly powerful, especially for industries like skincare, fitness, and home improvement. It’s visual proof that your product works. But to make it effective, the brief needs to focus on visual impact and storytelling.

Here’s a prompt for a beauty brand:

"Write a before-and-after video brief for [Skincare Product]. The video should:
1. Start with the creator’s 'before' state (e.g., 'I struggled with acne for years.')
2. Show the product in action (e.g., 'I started using [Product] every night.')
3. Reveal the 'after' results (e.g., 'After 4 weeks, my skin is clearer than ever!')
4. End with a CTA (e.g., 'If you want to see results like mine, try [Product] today!')

Encourage the creator to use side-by-side comparisons and keep the tone hopeful."

Example Output: “I’ve tried everything for my acne—creams, serums, even prescription meds. Nothing worked until I found [ClearSkin Serum]. I started using it every night, and after just 4 weeks, my skin is so much clearer. Look at the difference! If you’re struggling with acne, give this a try. It changed my life.”

Key Tip: Ask creators to film in the same lighting and angle for both the “before” and “after” shots to make the transformation more dramatic.

---

The “Day in the Life” Lifestyle Brief: Making Products Feel Relatable

Lifestyle content works because it shows how a product fits into real life. Instead of a hard sell, it feels like a recommendation from a friend. The key? Natural integration—the product should feel like a seamless part of the creator’s day.

Here’s a prompt for a wellness brand:

"Create a 'day in the life' video brief for [Wellness Product]. The video should:
1. Show the creator’s morning routine (e.g., 'I start my day with [Product] for an energy boost.')
2. Highlight how the product fits into their day (e.g., 'I take it with me to the gym.')
3. End with a recap (e.g., 'I can’t imagine my day without [Product]!')
4. Include a CTA (e.g., 'Want to try it? Check out the link below!')

Encourage the creator to keep it casual and relatable."

Example for a Coffee Brand: “Good morning! I start every day with a cup of [Morning Brew Coffee]. It’s the perfect pick-me-up before my workout. I take it with me to the gym, and it keeps me energized all morning. I even bring it to work—it’s my little secret to staying productive. If you’re looking for a coffee that actually tastes good and keeps you going, try [Morning Brew]. You won’t regret it!”

Key Tip: Ask creators to film in different locations (e.g., home, gym, office) to make the content more dynamic.

---

The “Challenge or Trend” Brief: Riding the Viral Wave

Trend-based content is a great way to tap into what’s already popular. Whether it’s a TikTok challenge or an Instagram Reels trend, the key is to make it relevant to your brand. But how do you ensure the trend aligns with your product?

Here’s a prompt for a food brand:

"Create a challenge video brief for [Food Product]. The video should:
1. Introduce the trend (e.g., 'Have you seen the #SpicyChallenge on TikTok?')
2. Show the creator trying the product in the challenge (e.g., 'I’m trying [Product] for the first time!')
3. React to the experience (e.g., 'This is way spicier than I expected!')
4. End with a CTA (e.g., 'Want to try the challenge? Grab [Product] here!')

Encourage the creator to keep it fun and engaging."

Example Output: “Okay, I’ve seen the #SpicyChallenge everywhere, and I had to try it. I’m using [FireHot Sauce] for the first time—let’s see how this goes! Oh wow, that’s intense! If you love spicy food, you’ve got to try this. Grab a bottle and join the challenge!”

Key Tip: Research trending hashtags and challenges before writing the brief to ensure relevance.

---

Next Steps: Putting These Prompts to Work

Now that you have these prompts, it’s time to put them into action. Start by picking one that fits your brand’s goals—whether it’s testimonials, unboxings, or trend-based content. Customize the prompts with your product details, and don’t be afraid to tweak them based on your audience’s preferences.

Remember: The best UGC feels authentic, not forced. Give creators the freedom to add their own personality while keeping the core message intact. With these prompts, you’ll be well on your way to creating UGC that resonates, engages, and converts. Happy creating!

Best Practices for Using ChatGPT to Generate UGC Briefs

Creating UGC briefs with ChatGPT can save time and improve results—but only if you use it the right way. Many brands make the mistake of treating AI like a magic button. They type a quick prompt, copy the output, and send it to creators without a second thought. The problem? Generic AI briefs lead to generic content. If you want UGC that actually converts, you need to put in a little extra effort.

The good news is that ChatGPT is like a creative partner, not just a tool. It can generate ideas, refine your messaging, and even match your brand’s tone—but only if you guide it properly. Think of it like cooking with a recipe. You can follow the basic steps, but the best chefs adjust flavors, add personal touches, and taste as they go. The same applies here. The more specific and intentional you are with your prompts, the better the results.

How to Get Better Outputs from ChatGPT

The first rule of using AI for UGC briefs? Be specific. A vague prompt like “Write a UGC brief for my product” will give you a vague response. Instead, tell ChatGPT exactly what you need. For example:

• “Write a 150-word UGC brief for a fitness app. The video should show a real user’s transformation over 30 days. Include a call-to-action to download the app. Keep the tone motivational but not pushy.”
• “Create a brief for a skincare brand. The video should feature a customer before-and-after using our serum. Ask them to share their routine in 30 seconds. Use a friendly, conversational tone.”

See the difference? The more details you provide, the more tailored the output will be. If you’re not sure where to start, try this formula:

1. Who is the creator? (Influencer, customer, employee?)
2. What’s the goal? (Testimonial, tutorial, unboxing?)
3. What’s the key message? (Problem solved, benefit highlighted, emotion evoked?)
4. What’s the tone? (Friendly, professional, humorous?)
5. Any must-include details? (Hashtags, product features, CTA?)

Avoiding Common AI Brief Mistakes

Even with great prompts, AI can still go wrong. Here are the biggest pitfalls to watch out for:

• Robotic language: AI sometimes sounds stiff or overly formal. If your brief reads like a corporate memo, creators won’t feel inspired. Always review the output and tweak it to sound more human.
• Misaligned brand voice: If your brand is playful but the brief sounds serious, the UGC won’t feel authentic. Give ChatGPT examples of your brand’s tone (e.g., “Write like Glossier’s Instagram captions—short, friendly, and relatable.”).
• Too much direction: Overloading the brief with rules can stifle creativity. Give creators enough freedom to add their own personality while keeping the core message intact.

Another tip? Test and refine. Try sending the same brief to two different creators and see which version performs better. Or, generate two versions of the same brief with slight tweaks (e.g., one with a question-based hook, one with a bold statement) and A/B test them. Small changes can make a big difference in engagement.

Tools to Make the Process Easier

You don’t have to do everything manually. Here are a few ways to streamline the process:

• Templates: Use free or paid UGC brief templates (like those from HubSpot or Canva) to structure your prompts. Then, let ChatGPT fill in the details.
• Project management tools: Integrate ChatGPT with Trello, Asana, or Notion to generate briefs directly in your workflow. For example, you could create a Trello card for each UGC campaign and use a ChatGPT-powered automation to draft the brief.
• Tone analyzers: Tools like Grammarly or Hemingway can help ensure your brief matches your brand’s voice. Paste the AI-generated text and adjust until it feels right.

At the end of the day, ChatGPT is a tool—not a replacement for human judgment. The best UGC briefs come from a mix of AI efficiency and human creativity. Use it to speed up the process, but always add your own touch. After all, the goal isn’t just to create content—it’s to create content that resonates.

Real-World Examples: How Brands Use UGC Briefs Successfully

UGC (user-generated content) is not just a trend—it’s how smart brands build trust and connect with their audience. But how do they get customers and influencers to create content that actually works? The secret is in the brief. A good UGC brief gives creators clear direction without killing their creativity. Let’s look at how some of the best brands do it.

Glossier: Turning Customers Into Brand Ambassadors

Glossier didn’t become a beauty giant by spending millions on ads. Instead, they built a community of real people who love their products—and then gave them a voice. Their UGC strategy is simple: make it easy for customers to share their honest experiences.

Here’s how they do it:

• Keep it real: Glossier’s briefs ask for unfiltered, everyday moments. No fancy lighting or professional setups—just real people using their products in real life.
• Encourage storytelling: Instead of just saying “show our product,” they ask creators to share their personal routines. For example: “Film your morning skincare routine and tell us how Glossier fits into it.”
• Use hashtags wisely: Glossier’s #Glossier and #GlossierPink campaigns make it easy for users to tag their content, helping the brand find and reshare the best posts.

The result? A loyal community that feels like part of the brand. For e-commerce brands, the takeaway is clear: authenticity sells. Don’t over-polish UGC—let real people shine.

Gymshark: Turning Fitness Influencers Into Storytellers

Gymshark didn’t just sell workout clothes—they built a fitness movement. Their secret? UGC briefs that turn influencers into storytellers, not just product models.

Here’s what makes their approach work:

• Focus on the journey: Gymshark’s briefs often ask influencers to share their fitness struggles and wins. For example: “Show us your workout routine and tell us how Gymshark gear helps you push harder.”
• Highlight community: They encourage creators to tag friends or share their content in fitness groups. This makes the brand feel like part of a bigger conversation.
• Track what matters: Gymshark doesn’t just count likes—they measure engagement (comments, shares) and conversions (clicks to their website). This helps them see which UGC actually drives sales.

The lesson for brands? UGC isn’t just about pretty pictures—it’s about connection. If your brief can make people feel something, it’ll work.

Airbnb: Making Travel Feel Personal

Airbnb’s “Live There” campaign wasn’t about hotels—it was about experiences. Their UGC briefs helped travelers show the real side of their trips, not just the postcard-perfect moments.

Here’s how they did it:

• Ask for the unexpected: Instead of “show your vacation,” they asked: “What’s something unique you did on your trip that most tourists miss?” This led to content that felt authentic, not staged.
• Use local voices: Airbnb often works with local hosts to create UGC. This adds credibility and makes the content feel more genuine.
• Repurpose wisely: They don’t just post UGC on social media—they use it in ads, emails, and even on their website. This maximizes the value of every piece of content.

For travel and hospitality brands, the key takeaway is: people trust people. If your UGC shows real experiences, it’ll resonate more than any stock photo.

Duolingo: Turning Learning Into a Meme

Duolingo didn’t just make language learning fun—they made it viral. Their UGC strategy? Humor, relatability, and a little bit of chaos.

Here’s what works for them:

• Embrace the weird: Duolingo’s briefs often ask creators to make funny, over-the-top content. For example: “Show us your most dramatic reaction when you forget a word in Spanish.”
• Platform-specific briefs: What works on TikTok won’t work on Instagram. Duolingo tailors their briefs to each platform—short, snappy videos for TikTok, and more polished content for Instagram.
• Let creators run wild: They give influencers creative freedom, which leads to content that feels fresh and unexpected.

The lesson? Don’t be afraid to have fun. If your brand can make people laugh, they’ll remember you—and share your content.

What Can You Learn From These Brands?

These brands prove that UGC isn’t just about getting content—it’s about building a community. Here’s what you can steal from their playbook:

• Be clear but flexible: Give creators direction, but let them add their own spin.
• Focus on storytelling: People connect with stories, not sales pitches.
• Measure what matters: Likes are nice, but engagement and conversions are better.
• Repurpose your UGC: Don’t let great content sit on one platform—use it everywhere.

The best UGC feels real because it is real. So next time you write a brief, ask yourself: Does this sound like something a real person would actually create? If the answer is yes, you’re on the right track.

Measuring the Success of Your UGC Briefs

You’ve sent out your UGC briefs, and creators are posting content. Now what? How do you know if all that effort is actually working? Measuring success isn’t just about counting likes—it’s about understanding what resonates with your audience and how that content drives real business results.

The truth is, not all UGC is created equal. Some posts will go viral, while others barely get noticed. Some will bring in new customers, and some will just… sit there. The key is tracking the right metrics so you can double down on what works and fix what doesn’t.

Key Metrics to Track (Beyond Just Likes)

Likes and views are nice, but they don’t tell the whole story. Here’s what you really need to watch:

• Engagement rates – Are people commenting, sharing, or saving the content? High engagement means the content is sparking real conversations.
• Conversion rates – Is the UGC driving clicks, sign-ups, or sales? Track this with UTM links or promo codes.
• Sentiment analysis – Are people saying positive things about your brand? Tools like Brandwatch can help you monitor this.
• Reach and impressions – How many people are actually seeing the content? If it’s not reaching enough eyes, you might need to adjust your distribution strategy.

For example, if a creator’s video gets 10,000 views but only 50 clicks to your website, that’s a sign the call-to-action isn’t strong enough. On the other hand, if a simple Instagram Reel gets 500 views but leads to 50 sales, that’s a winner—even if the numbers seem small.

Tools to Make Tracking Easier

You don’t need a fancy setup to measure UGC success. Here are some simple tools to get started:

• Google Analytics + UTM parameters – Track where traffic is coming from and which UGC is driving the most conversions.
• Social listening tools (Hootsuite, Brandwatch, Mention) – Monitor brand mentions and sentiment across platforms.
• Platform insights (Instagram, TikTok, YouTube) – Check engagement rates, shares, and audience demographics.
• Custom dashboards (Google Data Studio, Tableau) – Pull all your data into one place for easy analysis.

If you’re running a campaign with multiple creators, UTM parameters are your best friend. They let you see exactly which posts are driving traffic and sales. For example, you could tag a link as ?utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=ugc&utm_campaign=summer_sale to track performance.

Using Data to Improve Future Briefs

The real power of tracking UGC performance? It helps you create better briefs next time. Here’s how:

1. Identify high-performing themes – If tutorials or before-and-after posts get the most engagement, include more of those in your next brief.
2. Spot weak points – If creators struggle with a certain part of the brief (like a confusing call-to-action), simplify it.
3. Test different formats – Try videos vs. carousels, long-form vs. short-form, and see what your audience prefers.
4. Refine your messaging – If certain phrases or hooks perform better, use them in future briefs.

For example, if you notice that UGC with a personal story performs 3x better than generic product shots, your next brief could include a prompt like: “Share a moment when our product made a difference in your life.”

The Biggest Mistake? Not Measuring at All

Some brands send out UGC briefs and just hope for the best. But without tracking, you’re flying blind. You won’t know what’s working, what’s not, or how to improve.

The good news? You don’t need a perfect system right away. Start with the basics—track engagement, conversions, and sentiment—and build from there. Over time, you’ll get a clear picture of what makes your audience tick.

And remember: UGC is a two-way street. The best creators want to know how their content performs too. Share results with them (e.g., “Your video got 200 new sign-ups!”)—it builds trust and encourages them to work with you again.

So, what’s your next step? Pick one metric to focus on this week. Maybe it’s tracking conversions from a specific campaign or analyzing sentiment on a recent post. Small steps lead to big insights—and better UGC in the long run.

Conclusion: Elevate Your UGC Strategy with AI-Powered Briefs

You’ve just seen 10 powerful ChatGPT prompts that can transform how you create UGC briefs. These aren’t just random ideas—they’re tested tools that help influencers and customers make content that feels real and engaging. Whether you need video testimonials, social media posts, or product reviews, these prompts give creators clear direction while letting their personality shine.

Quick Recap: Which Prompt Should You Use?

Here’s a simple way to remember when to use each one:

• For emotional stories → “Tell a personal story about [product] that changed your life”
• For product demos → “Show how you use [product] in your daily routine”
• For comparisons → “Compare [product] to what you used before”
• For challenges → “Try [product] for 7 days and share your honest experience”
• For tutorials → “Teach others how to use [product] in 3 easy steps”
• For humor → “Make a funny skit about [common problem] solved by [product]”
• For before/after → “Show the difference [product] made in your life”
• For expert opinions → “Explain why [product] is better than alternatives”
• For user tips → “Share your best hack for using [product]”
• For community stories → “How did [product] help you connect with others?”

The Future of UGC: AI and Beyond

UGC is changing fast. Soon, we might see AI-generated UGC (yes, some brands are already testing it) or virtual influencers creating content. But here’s the truth: no matter how advanced AI gets, real people will always trust real people. The key is to use AI as a helper—not a replacement. Let it handle the boring parts (like drafting briefs) so you can focus on building real connections.

How to Stay Ahead of the Curve

Want to make sure your UGC strategy keeps working? Try these simple steps:

1. Start small – Pick one prompt, test it with a few creators, and see what works.
2. Ask for feedback – Did the brief make sense? Was it easy to follow? Listen to your creators.
3. Refine and scale – If a brief gets great results, use it again. If not, tweak it.
4. Stay human – Even with AI, the best UGC feels personal. Encourage creators to add their own voice.

Your Next Step

Ready to try these prompts? We’ve put together a free downloadable UGC brief template to make it even easier. Just plug in your details, send it to your creators, and watch the magic happen.

Have you used any of these prompts? Share your success stories in the comments—we’d love to hear how they worked for you! 🚀