How to Create Scroll-Stopping UGC Content

The average person scrolls through over 90 meters of content on their phone every day. That means your UGC has roughly 1.5 seconds to earn attention. The creators who thrive on platforms like Hype aren't necessarily the most polished — they're the ones who understand how to stop a thumb mid-scroll.

Start With a Hook That Demands Attention

The first frame of your video is everything. Forget slow intros or brand logos. Lead with a bold statement, a surprising visual, or a question that creates an open loop. Think "I wasted $500 on this product so you don't have to" instead of "Hey guys, today I'm reviewing…".

• Use pattern interrupts — unexpected visuals or sounds in the first second
• Ask a question that creates curiosity ("What if I told you this $10 product outperforms the $200 version?")
• Start mid-action to create immediate engagement
• Use text overlays that give viewers a reason to stay

Tell a Story, Not a Sales Pitch

The best UGC feels like a friend sharing a genuine experience, not an infomercial. Structure your content around a mini narrative: the problem you had, the discovery, and the result. Audiences connect with transformation arcs, even small ones.

Brands increasingly prefer raw, authentic content over heavily produced spots. A genuine reaction filmed in natural lighting will outperform a scripted read in a ring-light studio almost every time.

Edit for Pace, Not Perfection

Modern audiences have been trained by short-form platforms to expect rapid pacing. Cut dead air, trim pauses, and keep your cuts tight. Aim for a new visual or piece of information every 2–3 seconds. Tools like CapCut make this easy even on mobile.

Optimise for Sound-Off Viewing

Up to 85% of social media videos are watched without sound. Always add captions, use expressive body language, and include text overlays that carry the core message. This single habit can dramatically increase your completion rates and the value you deliver to brands.