The Power of User Generated Video for Viral Events
User generated video is changing the way events go viral. Instead of polished, brand-only content, audiences now crave authentic, in-the-moment event clips made by real people.
These videos capture the energy of events meaning they spread faster than traditional highlight reels or AI-generated video content.
For event organisers and brand marketers, UGC videos are a powerful tool to drive engagement, boost reach, and build community. In this guide, you’ll discover what user generated video is, why it matters, and how to use it to make your events unforgettable.
Understanding User-Generated Video
User-generated video is any user-generated content (UGC) in video format. It is created by attendees, fans, or community members, rather than the event organisers themselves. It can be as simple as a smartphone clip shared on social media like “fancams” or a branded co-create a video template.
Key differences between UGC and traditional event content:
Authenticity vs. polish – UGC feels raw, real, and unscripted.
Community vs. brand voice – UGC reflects attendee perspectives, not just brand messaging.
Organic reach vs. paid promotion – UGC spreads quickly through social sharing.
Why UGC Videos Go Viral
Creating Viral Events with User Generated Videos: Step-by-Step
Plan your event strategy
Decide how UGV fits into your goals, attendee engagement, sponsor visibility, or brand storytelling.Design participation from the start
Use on-site prompts such as QR codes on badges or screens, event signage, and brief hosts to invite attendees to capture and share moments during the event. This encourages attendees to film and upload clips instantly. The less friction, the more submissions. Learn how CrowdClip automates this flow.Utilise hashtag campaigns
A clear, catchy hashtag unifies scattered UGC and makes it discoverable.Incorporate CrowdClip strategies
With CrowdClip, attendees can upload their UGC, which is then automatically blended into a branded event highlight reel, creating personalised videos that capture the event atmosphere, personal moment and expand brand reach.Feature UGC during the event
Display live social walls, or include clips in event recaps, to show attendees their contributions matter.Reward participation
Offer prizes, shout-outs, or exclusive access for those who share the most engaging videos.
Best Practices for Capturing UGC Videos
Set clear guidelines
Provide attendees with easy instructions: what to film, preferred formats, and how to share.Leverage UGC Video AI Tools
Use AI-driven platforms to curate, filter, and edit UGC videos efficiently at scale. Tools like CrowdClip combine automation and personalisation, allowing organisers to integrate attendee-generated clips into branded highlight reels seamlessly.
Be mindful of timing
Request UGC at moments of high energy (e.g., keynote starts, performances, or award reveals).Avoid overload
Ask for content selectively to avoid overwhelming your audience.
Case Studies of Successful UGC Video Campaigns
GoPro Awards
GoPro turned user footage into marketing gold by encouraging customers to submit their best adventure clips. This created a continuous stream of authentic, viral content while strengthening the community.
Formula 1 × Zoom with CrowdClip
At a major F1 event, CrowdClip worked with Zoom to capture attendee UGC videos from the event and transform them into personalised videos. The result? One highlight reel became hundreds of shareable videos, massively amplifying sponsor visibility and brand exposure. (crowdclip.com)
Coca-Cola’s “Share a Coke” Campaign
While famous for customised bottles, the campaign also sparked thousands of UGC videos on social media as people shared personalised experiences — proving the viral power of personalisation.
Measuring the Impact of UGC Videos
To prove value, track key metrics across your campaigns:
Engagement metrics – likes, shares, comments, hashtag mentions.
Reach metrics – impressions, views, follower growth.
Conversion metrics – registrations, ticket sales, sponsor leads.
OfferPop research shows that campaigns with UGC see a 29% higher web conversion rate than those without. This makes UGC not just a trend, but a measurable business driver.
Ready to Engage Your Audience?
User generated videos turn attendees into storytellers, building authentic engagement that polished event videos alone can’t match. Whether through hashtag campaigns, AI curation, or personalised clips, the future of event virality lies in UGC.
CrowdClip helps organisers harness UGC videos at scale, turning moments into shareable highlights that spread fast.
