What is UserGenerated Content?
Usergenerated content (UGC), alternatively known as usercreated content (UCC), is any form of content, such as images, videos, text, and audio, that has been posted by users on online platforms*.

The primary means of creating and publishing UserGenerated Content has become the smartphone.

According to recent data, 85% of Americans own a smartphone**. Smartphones are routinely used to publish pictures and video via websites and apps, which enables users to share their participation in an event, presence at a location, or highlight a relationship or connection with other people.

UGC Methods and Formats:
The quality and capabilities of smartphone cameras has increased exponentially over recent years, and highquality video can be captured using a few methods and formats:

Methods: “Point & Shoot” and “Selfie Mode”

“Point and Shoot” method is similar to a traditional camera; using the camera on the BACK of the smartphone, pointing it at the subject, and filming the content. When filming in “Point & Shoot” mode, using two hands will keep the camera steadier, but watch out for your fingers blocking the lens.

“Selfie Mode” utilizes the camera on the SCREEN SIDE of the smartphone; capturing content that is pointed back at the user holding the smartphone.
When filming in “Selfie Mode”, hold the device at arms length and make sure to look in the camera and not at yourself if possible.

Formats: Horizontal (16x9) or Vertical

Horizontal format is similar to traditional film or high definition television broadcasts. This format is preferred by media professionals, and is often called “widescreen” or “16x9”

Vertical format is popular because smartphones are often held vertically when taking calls – and it's a comfortable and natural physical way to hold the device. Vertical format is commonly used on social media platforms such as TikTok and Facebook.

Environment: Light and Sound

Lighting:

Be aware of where your light source is coming from. It might be daylight, ambient room lighting, or specific lighting such as a ring light or dedicated LED light panels

Lighting can be flattering, but it can also create shadows that are distracting or undesired. More light is better than less light.. and a consistent, flat light source is the best choice. When filming In selfie mode, make sure your primary light source is “in front” of you – and not behind you shining into the camera.


Sound:

Audio is the weakest link when capturing content on smartphones.

Smartphone microphones are usually located on the bottom of the device, and are designed primarily for close and direct audio like speaking into a phone. Some smartphones have a second microphone which will capture ambient sound. Also, smartphones often utilize advanced onboard technology such as dynamic range compressors and noise cancellation that try to help the clarity of your sound.

Sometimes ambient sound or room reverberation (echo) can compete with the user's voice and diminish the audio clarity and quality of the video

Some basic guidelines:

Capture content in a quiet space, preferably without much echo or room reverb.
If outside, try to avoid windy spaces or loud environments such as car noise or machinery
When speaking, make sure you speak directly at the phone and don't talk too fast. Speak naturally but clearly


Pro Tip: Film in a car with a smartphone holder – but NOT while driving!!

The environment is closed, protected and usually quiet
Filming during the daytime will give you ample light that shouldn't be too bright
The smartphone holder will hold the device steady

*UserGenerated Content: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Userge...
**Study: Pew Research Center, April 2021; https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/...

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Produced by East Main Media
Host: Brian Brodeur