UGC Ad Examples #103

THC Bev, supplement, games, restaurants + a long-form UGC ad style breakdown

September 27, 2025

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🎬 UGC Ad Examples #103 | September 27, 2025

Welcome to your weekly dose of ad creative inspiration.

We spend so much time talking about snappy hooks, slick transitions, and cinematic color grading. But what if the secret to a high-performing ad was to ignore all of that?

Enter the "ugly ad."

This style is raw, unpolished, and often features longer, more conversational storytelling. It’s designed to feel less like an ad and more like a genuine recommendation from a friend—and in a world of ad fatigue, it works incredibly well.

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Ad Teardown: The Power of the "Ugly Ad"

Creator Lexi Johnson’s ad for a Lume Cube light is a masterclass in this format. There are no flashy edits or trending sounds, but it’s incredibly persuasive.

This ad intentionally trades high production value for high authenticity. Here’s a breakdown of why this approach is so effective, based on your notes.

🧠 The Hook: Radical Authenticity

The video starts with the creator in a poorly lit room, speaking directly to the camera. This immediately signals to the viewer that this isn't a slick, corporate ad. The hook isn't a clever edit; it's the raw, unfiltered honesty of the situation. It feels real and immediately lowers the viewer's "ad shield."

💡 The Story: A Friend's Recommendation

The entire ad feels much more like someone sending a friend a product review.

  • Longer Storytelling: Instead of a 15-second montage, the creator takes her time. She explains her specific problem (bad lighting for work calls) and then walks through the product's benefits and features in detail. This longer format allows her to build a logical case and answer all the potential questions a buyer might have.

  • Simple Editing: The ad relies on basic jump cuts and simple text overlays. This reinforces the feeling that a real person made it, not a massive corporation. It's the opposite of intimidating and feels completely trustworthy.

🎬 The Call to Action: An Earned Endorsement

By the time the ad ends, the creator has earned the viewer's trust. The CTA isn't just a sales pitch; it's the logical conclusion to a helpful, informative review. The viewer is more likely to convert because they feel like they've received a genuine recommendation from someone who truly understands their problem.

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💡 Steal This Tactic:

For your next project—especially for a product that solves a technical problem (like tech, software, or tools)—try creating an "ugly ad."

  1. Don't script every word. Turn on the camera and talk about the product as if you were explaining it to a friend on FaceTime.

  2. Focus on one core problem. Dedicate the majority of the video to explaining, in detail, how the product solved that specific pain point for you.

  3. Keep the edits simple. Use jump cuts to keep the pace moving and basic text overlays to highlight key features. Resist the urge to add flashy transitions or effects.

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Creative Roundup

Here are four more ads worth studying, each with a unique and effective angle.

1. Supplements This ad is about a supplement designed to help with afternoon energy slumps. Check it out to see how they showcase the product.

2. Puzzle Games This is a great ad example for a ‘super decoder’ puzzle game. Check it out to see how they promote this niche product.

3. Food Here’s an effective ad for a food product. Check it out to see how the creator promotes this restaurant.

4. THC Beverages This ad is for a THC-infused beverage. Check it out!

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