AI UGC HOW-TO

AI UGC AD WORKFLOW

From reference image to scroll-stopping UGC ad.

No camera. No actors. No studio. Follow the complete six-step workflow from visual reference to a polished, post-ready vertical video.

Watch the demos ↓Start the guide ↗

UGC DEMO VIDEOS

See the finished style in action.

Four vertical examples showing how AI UGC can work across lifestyle, beauty, fitness and creator-led content.

01

Lifestyle

Natural movement in a real-world setting.

02

Beauty product

Direct-to-camera product presentation.

03

Fitness

Cinematic character-led brand content.

04

Creator workflow

A clear visual hook for an AI process.

STEP 1

Find Your Reference Image

Choose a visual anchor before writing the prompt.

  • Search Pinterest, TikTok or Instagram for the character, setting or vibe you want.
  • Save one reference image that captures the direction. It does not need to be perfect.
  • You can also use a character from an existing UGC library if one already matches.
  • Choose something that fits the product and audience. A closer reference means fewer revisions later.
Want a stylised look?

The same process works for Lego, stop-motion, 1990s hand-drawn sitcom cartoons, FOOH, ASMR and other styles. Only the reference and style direction change; the rest of the workflow stays the same.

IP safety

Describe the general visual language instead of naming or recreating copyrighted characters.

STEP 2

Build Your Prompt in ChatGPT or Claude (JSON)

Turn the reference into a clear production specification.

  • Upload the reference image into a ChatGPT or Claude chat.
  • Ask for a JSON-formatted prompt describing exactly what should appear.
  • Specify the subject, outfit, expression, product, setting, lighting and camera angle.
  • Generate two matching prompts: one for the still image and one for the video.
  • Read the JSON and correct any unwanted details before generating.
Think of JSON as a spec sheet.

Every field removes guesswork for the image and video models.

View the example JSON prompt
{
  "scene": "Cozy bedroom selfie, soft natural window light, warm neutral bedroom and softly blurred bedding",
  "subject": {
    "description": "Young woman with fair skin, natural freckles, strawberry-blonde hair pulled back, soft glowy makeup and natural manicured nails",
    "expression": "Playful and confident, looking directly into camera",
    "pose": "Phone held at arm's length; free hand resting gently near jawline"
  },
  "outfit": "Oversized fluffy white robe or sherpa hoodie",
  "product": {
    "item": "Reflective silver-toned hydrogel under-eye patches",
    "placement": "Applied under both eyes",
    "detail": "Glossy, form-fitted and catching soft highlights"
  },
  "lighting": "Warm diffused window light with natural skin texture and no harsh shadows",
  "camera": "iPhone front-camera selfie angle, shallow depth of field, 9:16 vertical",
  "style": "Photorealistic candid lifestyle UGC with natural colour grading",
  "aspect_ratio": "9:16",
  "quality": "High detail, realistic skin texture, no airbrushing artefacts"
}
STEP 3

Generate Your Image

Turn the approved image prompt into the hero frame.

  • Open your chosen image-generation tool.
  • Paste the JSON image prompt.
  • Select the strongest photorealistic image model available to you.
  • Generate, then adjust only the details that are wrong instead of starting again.
Build your image prompt in Image Scene Builder ↗
STEP 4

Animate in Seedance 2.0, 2.5 or Another Video Generator

Convert the approved still into a controlled moving performance using any capable AI video model.

  • Upload the image generated in Step 3.
  • Choose a built-in voice or upload your own voiceover.
  • Set the video size and duration.
  • Paste the matching video prompt created in Step 2.
  • Generate. If needed, change one small piece of wording and try again.
Shape the motion in AI Video Prompt ↗
STEP 5

Polish in CapCut, Canva or Any Editing Suite

Turn the AI generation into something that feels like a finished advert.

  1. Import the generated video.
  2. Add readable text overlays, captions or subtitles.
  3. Layer in suitable audio, voiceover or background music.
  4. Trim awkward starts and endings; use purposeful cuts or zooms to maintain energy.
  5. Add the logo, handle or call-to-action when appropriate.
  6. Export at the highest quality supported by the destination platform.
STEP 6

Export and Post

Prepare the final video for TikTok, Reels, Shorts or paid social.

  • Export from your chosen editing suite in the platform's preferred format.
  • Post organically or use the finished creative in Meta or TikTok Ads Manager.