01What each one is
Creator UGC is a short video filmed by a real person, usually on their phone, showing your product in a natural, native-feeling way: try-ons, unboxings, reviews and “how I use it” clips.
AI UGC is made in the same style, but generated. The scene, the person and the product shots are created with AI, then edited to feel like a creator made them.
02Where AI UGC wins
- Speed: new ads in days, without sourcing creators, shipping products or waiting for footage.
- Volume: many hooks, angles and settings to test, which is what paid social rewards.
- Control: the exact framing, message and brand look you want, every time.
- Easy changes: a new offer or headline doesn’t mean asking a creator to reshoot.
03Where creator UGC wins
- Genuine experience: a real customer’s opinion carries weight no generated video can replace.
- Testimonials and reviews: anything presented as a real person’s experience should come from a real person.
- Community and reach: creators can post to their own audience, not just run as your ad.
04Keep it honest
Use AI UGC to show your product and tell its story, not to invent reviews or results. Don’t present a generated person as a real customer, and follow each ad platform’s rules for AI-generated content. Honest ads also tend to hold up better over time.
05Which should you choose?
- Launching or testing new angles: start with AI UGC to find what works, fast.
- Scaling a proven winner: keep AI variations coming so the ad doesn’t wear out.
- Building trust: add real reviews and creator content alongside.
See how we used AI UGC-style ads for a handmade silver jewellery brand in the Arosia Peru case study.