Using customer video in a TikTok ad

Aug 13
5 min read

Updated: 2 days ago

Introduction

In the era of digital marketing, advertising campaigns are no longer just static images or traditional messages, but rather short and direct videos have become the audience’s preferred language. Among the most influential and widespread platforms, TikTok stands out as one of the most powerful tools for reaching consumers, especially in the young age group. But the surprise is that success on TikTok does not depend only on the quality of production or visual effects, but rather on credibility and real-life experience. Here comes the role of customer videos, or what is known as User Generated Content (UGC), which turns ordinary customers into storytellers for your brand.

In this post, We will dive deeply into the importance of using customer video in TikTok ads, and how to benefit from it step by step, supported by practical examples and marketing tips that make it an effective tool for increasing sales and building trust.

First: Why is customer video effective on TikTok?

1. Credibility and transparency

Audiences on TikTok reject “overly polished” ads. Rather, he searches for natural content that resembles his daily life. When a customer sees someone like them using the product and speaking honestly about it, the likelihood of trusting the ad increases exponentially.

2. The Power of Interaction

Videos submitted by customers are often full of spontaneity and real moments, and this is what drives the audience to interact with them through comments and shares.

3. Lower cost than traditional production

Instead of hiring an entire production team, companies can encourage clients to shoot simple videos with their phones. These videos may outperform expensive ads in terms of results.

4. Diversity of angles and visions

Every customer sees the product from a different perspective. One of them focuses on quality, another on price, and a third on user experience. This diversity enriches the library of advertising content.

Second: Types of customer videos suitable for advertisements

1. Product Reviews

A customer explains how he used the product, and what benefits he noticed. Example: A girl reviews a skin care cream and explains the difference before and after.

2. Unboxing & Try-ons

The first moment of opening the product and trying it in front of the camera arouses the curiosity of viewers. Example: Open the box of new headphones and show the sound quality first hand.

3. Comparison clips

A customer compares your product with a competitor’s product, showing your superiority. Example: Comparing the charging speed of your phone with another brand.

4. Success Stories

A customer tells how your product changed their life or helped them solve a real problem. Example: An educational service user shares the story of how he went from failure to success after benefiting from it.

5. Entertaining content

A customer uses the product in a funny scene or a popular challenge on TikTok. Example: Using a specific drink in the “Before and After Energy” challenge.

Third: Steps to collect customer videos

1. Encouragement with rewards.

Offer discounts or loyalty points to anyone who sends a video about their experience with the product.

2. Launch TikTok challenges.

Create a special hashtag for your product, and ask customers to participate with videos. Example: #Your_Coffee_With_Covinus_Challenge

3. Direct communication.

Message your loyal customers and ask them to send short video clips, Explaining that you may use it in an official announcement.

4. Simplify the process.

Give clients simple shooting guidelines: good lighting, clear sound, duration 15-30 seconds.

Fourth: How do you turn a client’s video into a TikTok ad?

1. Choose the appropriate shot

Do not use the entire video if it is not perfect. Cut out the most impactful moments.

2. Adding explanatory texts

Add short phrases such as:

“I tried the product and it turned out amazing”
“I did not expect the result to be like this”

3. Insert a call to action (CTA)

such as:

“Order now from the link”
“Try it yourself today”

4. Adjust the quality without compromising on spontaneity

The colors or sound can be improved slightly, but without losing the natural spirit of the video.

5. Merging multiple videos

Collecting the opinions of 3 different customers in one video may double the effect.

Fifth: Marketing strategies to increase the power of customer video

1. Use the storytelling format.

Start the video with a problem the customer faced, then show how the product helped solve it.

2. Use trending music

On TikTok based on trends. Use viral music clips to increase exposure.

3. Show results in numbers

If a customer says, “My sales increased by 50%” or “I saved 3 hours a day,” the ad becomes more convincing.

4. Retarget the audience

After publishing an ad based on customer video, retarget those who watched the video with another ad that contains a special offer.

5. Integrate with Influencers

Ask TikTok influencers to share customer videos, to increase exposure.

Sixth: Realistic examples from the market

A cosmetics company: It used videos of customers before and after using a lightening cream, and achieved a viewing rate 10 times compared to regular ads.
Fast food restaurant: Launched the “First Bite” challenge, where customers photograph their facial expressions when tasting a burger for the first time. Within a week, the challenge went viral, reaching more than 5 million views.
An educational application company: published videos of students talking about their experience with the application, showing snapshots of the program interface. The result: a 35% increase in downloads.

Seventh: Mistakes that must be avoided

Forcing customers to adopt a specific text. Credibility is the secret. Don't make the client read a made-up scenario.
Neglecting sound quality Even if the video is normal, bad sound can spoil the experience.
Boring lengths of effective TikTok ads do not exceed 30 seconds.
Ignoring client permission Clear consent must be obtained from the client before using the video.
Skip translation Add short translations of texts to suit a wider audience.

Eighth: Free tools for editing customer videos

CapCut: A famous video editing tool with special templates for TikTok.
InShot: Easy to use for adding text and effects.
Canva Video Editor: To add attractive visual elements.
VN Editor: Free and provides professional options.

Conclusion

Using customer video in TikTok ads is not just an additional option, but has become a necessity in the modern world of digital marketing. It combines credibility, simplicity, and persuasive power. Through the steps and strategies we have reviewed, any business

small or large can transform its customer experience into an effective marketing tool that enhances sales and builds loyalty.

Remember:

Today's customer doesn't want an ad that will sell to them, but rather a story that makes them feel part of the brand.
One spontaneous video from a satisfied customer can be more powerful than a huge multi-million riyal advertising campaign.