12 Biggest Pre-Production Mistakes in UGC Videos and How to Dodge Them

Before you dive headfirst into the bustling world of UGC videos for mobile apps and games, let's pump the brakes for a hot sec. 🚦

Creating UGC videos for your apps and games is like preparing a gourmet meal – it's not just about throwing ingredients together and hoping for the best. It requires finesse, strategy, and a dash of creativity.

Welcome to Flixr's no-nonsense guide on the biggest oopsies you can make in the pre-production phase of your UGC videos.

Whether you're a seasoned pro or a newbie dipping your toes in the UGC ocean, this guide is your lifesaver. We'll navigate through the common pitfalls that could send your UGC video strategy plummeting before it even takes off.

Mistake #1: Vague Video Concepts

AKA the recipe for disaster. Cooking up UGC videos without a clear, crisp concept leads to lackluster content that misses the mark.

How to Fix: Start with a laser-focused creative brief. Know your app or game inside out – its unique features, value propositions, and what sets it apart. Use these ingredients to create concepts that sizzle and pop.

💡 If you have a game or an app you're promoting, contact us with the name of it, and we'll send you custom-made video concept ideas that fit your target audience – free of charge!

Mistake #2: Not Considering Your Target Audience

Aiming your UGC arrow without knowing the target (your audience) is a futile effort. Broad, undefined target groups lead to content that resonates with... well, no one.

How to Fix: Get specific with your audience. 🎯 Who are you talking to? Are they hardcore gamers or casual players? Create a buyer persona and tailor your message as if you're talking to one person only.

Mistake #3: A Hook That's Not Hookin'

A weak or non-existent hook in your script is like a party without music – nobody sticks around. If you don't grab attention in the first few seconds, consider your viewers gone. 💨

How to Fix: Craft a compelling hook that makes viewers stop in their tracks. Be it a shocker, a teaser, or a heart-tugger, make sure it's relevant and gripping.

Mistake #4: Scripting Your Videos Like a Robot

Overly formal, stiff, or jargon-loaded scripts are snooze-fests. They lack the human touch that UGC thrives on.

How to Fix: Write like you talk. Use a conversational tone, everyday language, and natural authenticity. Your UGC videos should feel like a real chat, not a corporate presentation. 🙃

Mistake #5: Rigid Creativity in Scripting UGC Videos

Micromanaging every word and action in the script stifles the natural flair of creators, leaving your UGC feeling forced and artificial.

How to Fix: Trust in the spontaneity of your creators. 🎬 Provide detailed guidelines but allow room for improv. If spontaneity is lacking, you may need to recast your creators.

Mistake #6: Casting Misfits in UGC Videos

Your content can backfire if you cast the wrong people. Talent must align with your brand's voice and audience's preferences.

How to Fix: Select your talent wisely. Choose individuals who mirror your target demographic and resonate with your brand ethos.

Mistake #7: Ignoring Cultural Nuances

Overlooking the cultural diversity of your audience is like serving the same dish at every global feast – it doesn't cater to all tastes.

How to Fix: Embrace and understand cultural nuances. Customize your content to be universally appealing yet locally relatable.

Mistake #8: Stale Storytelling

Rehashing the same old stories and formats can make your UGC feel stale and unoriginal.

How to Fix: Be fresh and innovative. Experiment with new angles, stories, and formats to surprise your audience.

Mistake #9: Wrong UGC Video Length

Creating a video that's too long or too short can lose your audience's attention or fail to deliver enough information.

How to Fix: Match the video length to the platform. Keep it snappy for TikTok or Instagram and allow more time for storytelling on YouTube or Facebook.

Mistake #10: Overlooking the Post-Production Magic

Thinking the job is done once the video is filmed can leave a lot of potential untapped. Raw footage without editing fails to capture the full impact.

How to Fix: Invest in post-production. Add music, graphics, and edit for pacing to transform good footage into great UGC.

Mistake #11: Forgetting the Call to Action in UGC Videos

Wrapping up your video without a clear CTA is like leaving a story without an ending.

How to Fix: Make your CTA clear, concise, and compelling. Tell viewers exactly what you want them to do – download the app, visit the website, or share the video.

Mistake #12: Ignoring Feedback Loops

Not gathering or acting on viewer feedback is a missed opportunity to refine your UGC strategy.

How to Fix: Listen and adapt. Use comments, likes, shares, and other metrics to guide your next move.

Remember, creating killer UGC content isn't just about rolling the camera and hoping for the best – it's both an art form and a game of strategy.

If dodging these pre-production pitfalls feels overwhelming, don't sweat it. That's where we come in. If you're ready to create UGC that dazzles without the drama, let's chat. We're here to streamline your journey from concept to final cut.

For more tips and tricks, and handy tools for your video ads, check out Flixr's resource center!