7 Best UGC Contest Examples to Inspire Your Next Campaign

Brand interaction with its audience undergoes fundamental changes when user-generated content (UGC) enters the picture. Correct implementation of UGC generates increased audience participation while concurrently building audience credibility and raising sales figures. Running a UGC contest represents one of the most effective methods for promoting customers to produce brand-related content.

Social media competition can encourage people to document their brand encounters express creativity and amplify brand awareness. Which elements specifically drive a contest to succeed? People should learn from which contest examples show the best outcomes.

Brands have launched seven successful examples of competitions that have achieved enormous engagement levels. The received ideas here will serve as inspiration for your upcoming campaign while enabling better engagement with your audience.

What is a UGC Contest?

Brands launch UGC contests as competitions that ask participants to both create branded content and advertise it via hashtags. Participation in UGC contests lets people both enter competitions for rewards and increase their visibility through brand exposure.

The distinctive aspect of UGC contests allows customers to produce their own content stories which authenticates the brand perception.

Brands can use UGC contests in many ways:

• Encourage customers to share photos or videos using their products.
• Ask followers to participate in a creative challenge.
• Run a giveaway where people must submit content to enter.

Now, let’s look at real-world examples of UGC contests that have worked.

1. ASOS: #AsSeenOnMe

Campaign Overview:
Fashion retailer ASOS launched the #AsSeenOnMe contest to encourage customers to post pictures wearing ASOS outfits. Selected images were featured on the ASOS website and social media.

Why It Worked:

• Customers became brand ambassadors by showcasing their outfits.
• The hashtag created a continuous stream of UGC.
• ASOS built a strong community where customers inspired each other.

Key Takeaways:

• Make it easy for people to participate by using a simple hashtag.
• Feature user content on your official channels to boost engagement.
• Encourage customers to style your products in creative ways.

Learn more about ASOS’s marketing strategies here.

2. Aerie: #AerieREAL

Campaign Overview:
The #AerieREAL marketing campaign which Aerie launched as a lingerie and swimwear brand sought to build positive body image awareness. The brand requested customers to showcase their photos using Aerie products without any form of editing. Aerie dedicated $1 to support the National Eating Disorders Association whenever customers shared one of their photos.

Why It Worked:

• It aligned with a meaningful cause.
• Customers felt empowered to share real, unfiltered images.
• The brand’s values resonated with a broad audience.

Key Takeaways:

• Connect your contest to a cause your audience cares about.
• Encourage authenticity to build trust.
• Use donations as an incentive instead of just giving away prizes.

Read more about Aerie’s body-positive campaigns here.

3. Chupa Chups: #Chupalloween

Campaign Overview:
In the Halloween season, Chupa Chups applied the #Chupalloween challenge to invite people to wear costumes based on brand stickers for Halloween.

Why It Worked:

• The campaign was seasonal and timely.
• It encouraged creativity and fun.
• Influencers helped boost participation.

Key Takeaways:

• Tie your contest to a holiday or event for extra engagement.
• Use influencer partnerships to generate buzz.
• Make it easy and fun for people to join.

See how Chupa Chups used social media for engagement.

4. e.l.f. Cosmetics: #eyeslipsface

Check it out here!

Campaign Overview:
The beauty company e.l.f. Cosmetics initiated the #eyeslipsface challenge through TikTok by requesting users to display their makeup talents. The challenge gained popularity because the brand made its own song which spread across the platform.

Why It Worked:

• TikTok users loved the catchy music.
• The challenge encouraged self-expression.
• The campaign generated over 10 billion views.

Key Takeaways:

• Music can make a campaign more engaging.
• Choose a platform where your target audience is most active.
• Keep the challenge simple but fun.

Learn about the success of #eyeslipsface here.

5. Starbucks: #RedCupContest

Campaign Overview:
During the holiday season, Starbucks introduces unique red-colored cups for their customers. Customers could enter the #RedCupContest by posting original Starbucks cup photos for a prize opportunity.

Why It Worked:

• It tied into an existing seasonal tradition.
• The contest was simple but effective.
• It encouraged high-quality user-generated content.

Key Takeaways:

• A well-timed seasonal contest can create lasting engagement.
• Simplicity can be powerful—just asking for a photo can work.
• Give participants a reason to be creative with their entries.

Read about Starbucks’ UGC marketing strategy.

6. Nissan: #ImproviseWithJUKE

Campaign Overview:
Nissan launched a TikTok challenge where users created voiceovers and reactions to their car commercials. The best ones were featured in Nissan’s official ad campaign.

Why It Worked:

• It gave people a chance to be featured in a commercial.
• The challenge was interactive and creative.
• Nissan partnered with TikTok influencers to drive participation.

Key Takeaways:

• Let users contribute to your brand’s storytelling.
• Offer unique incentives beyond cash or free products.
• Use TikTok trends to boost engagement.

Check out Nissan’s digital marketing strategies.

7. Gymshark: #Gymshark66

Campaign Overview:
The #Gymshark66 challenge initiated by Gymshark posted 66 days of fitness dedication with users posting their progress through social media platforms. The competition offered year-long Gymshark sportswear as a reward for participants.

Why It Worked:

• It built a strong community around fitness goals.
• The contest kept people engaged for over two months.
• It aligned with the brand’s core values.

Key Takeaways:

• Encourage long-term engagement rather than one-time posts.
• Make the contest about personal growth rather than just prizes.
• Create a challenge that aligns with your brand’s mission.

Learn more about Gymshark’s community-driven marketing.

How to Create Your Own UGC Contest

Want to run your own UGC contest? Follow these steps:

1. Set a clear goal – Do you want to increase brand awareness, promote a product, or engage your audience?
2. Choose the right platform – TikTok, Instagram, and Twitter all have different audiences and formats.
3. Create a memorable hashtag – Keep it short, unique, and easy to remember.
4. Pick an incentive – Offer cash, free products, recognition, or donations.
5. Leverage influencers – Get key voices in your industry to participate.
6. Engage with participants – Like, comment, and share their posts.
7. Feature the best content – Showcase top entries on your website and social media.

Final Thoughts

A social media competition enables your brand to expand through community growth while gathering remarkable user content. Creative contest examples demonstrate that achievements stemming from engaging promotion methods and appropriate awards generate viral popularity.

Your own UGC contest launch is ready to begin. Begin your planning by setting targets and ensuring your contest offers enjoyable opportunities for audience participation.

The HubSpot UGC marketing guide provides additional information about conducting effective competitions.