How to Track the Performance of Your UGC Videos as a Creator
User-generated content (UGC) has become a cornerstone of digital marketing. But once a brand purchases your content and uses it in their ad campaigns, how can you determine how well it performs?
In this blog, you'll learn how to track the performance of your UGC videos—from leveraging the Meta Ad Library to direct communication with brands. We'll also walk you through the step-by-step process of using ad libraries effectively.
Using the Meta Ad Library
Platform: Meta (Facebook & Instagram)
The Meta Ad Library is a powerful tool that allows you to check whether and where your videos are being used in ads. You can also get an estimate of their reach.
Go to the Meta Ad Library
Visit the official Meta Ad Library website.
Search for the Brand
Enter the name of the brand that purchased your video.
Ensure you select the correct country and ad category (e.g., "Ads").
Filter by active and inactive ads.
Check the Ads
Identify if your video is currently being used in an ad campaign.
View Campaign Details
See which platforms (Facebook or Instagram) the ad is running on.
Check if multiple versions of your video are being used.
Click on the ad to get insights into reach and basic performance data like impressions and placements.
What you can’t see:
Detailed performance data such as clicks and conversions remain hidden—these require access to the brand’s ad account.
Pro Tip: The Meta Ad Library is a quick and easy way to check if your content is live and gauge its reach. It’s also useful for ensuring that brands adhere to your agreed-upon licensing terms.
Using the TikTok Ads Manager
Platform: TikTok
The TikTok Ads Manager also offers some insights into how your content is used and how it performs in paid campaigns.
Search for Ads
Open TikTok and look for ads from the brand.
Comments and hashtags can often hint at whether your videos are being used as ads.
Use the “See Analytics” Button
If available, click on this feature to access basic ad insights.
Limitations.
Without the brand’s login credentials, you won’t be able to see detailed performance metrics like clicks, conversion rates, or audience targeting.
Getting Performance Data from the Brand
The Meta Ad Library, TikTok Ads Manager, and YouTube provide only limited insights into your UGC video performance. For more detailed data, collaboration with the brand is essential.
1. Direct Access to Performance Data
Ask the brand to share ad performance data with you. Even basic screenshots or reports on click-through rates (CTR), conversions, and engagement rates can provide valuable insights. If you're working on long-term collaborations, it’s worth negotiating clear agreements about data access.
2. Using Collaboration Tools
Some brands may grant you access to their ad accounts via:
Facebook Ads Manager
TikTok Ads Manager
Google Ads
This allows you to view detailed analytics on how your videos are performing. Ensure that access is handled securely and in compliance with privacy regulations.
3. Requesting Feedback from the Brand
Proactively ask for feedback on your video’s performance. Did your content improve conversion rates? These insights not only help optimize the current campaign but also refine your future content strategy.
How to Gauge Performance Without Direct Data
Even without access to a brand’s ad data, you can still gather valuable insights about how well your UGC videos are performing.
1. Social Media Monitoring
Check the brand’s social media channels to see if your videos are frequently embedded in their campaigns.
2. Brand Communication
Observe whether the brand repurposes your content after purchase or combines it with additional ads.
3. Ad Library Checks
Regularly review ad libraries (Meta, TikTok) to see if your videos are still active in campaigns.
Why Performance Data Matters for UGC Creators
Tracking the performance of your UGC videos offers several key advantages:
Content Optimization: Identify which video styles perform best and refine your strategy accordingly.
Stronger Negotiation Power: If you can prove high engagement or conversion rates, you can command higher rates for your work.
Long-Term Brand Partnerships: Brands prefer working with creators who demonstrate measurable value.
Best Practices for Communicating with Brands
Understanding and improving the performance of your UGC videos also enhances your reputation with brands. Demonstrating interest in their campaign success makes you a more valuable collaborator.
1. Clear Communication
Before working together, ensure the brand is willing to share performance data with you.
2. Contractual Agreements
Include clauses in your contract that require the brand to provide performance data or at least regular feedback.
3. Regular Follow-Ups
Stay in touch with the brand after your content goes live and proactively request performance updates.
Conclusion:
Understanding the performance of your UGC videos is a crucial step toward success as a creator. Tools like ad libraries offer a starting point, but direct brand collaboration provides deeper insights. By actively tracking and analyzing performance data, you can refine your content, strengthen your brand partnerships, and position yourself as a high-value UGC creator.
Make Your UGC Videos Even More Successful
Success isn’t just about creativity—it’s about smart analysis. Learn to track your performance, optimize your content, and build a thriving creator brand. Get expert advice now!