UGC ads win because they feel like a person talking, not a brand performing. If you searched soro2 or sora2 for UGC prompts, you are likely trying to produce stable, believable talking-head clips that do not drift, shimmer, or look uncanny. This page gives you a repeatable system for UGC-style AI video: fixed framing, simple lighting, and controlled motion that leaves room for captions.
Start with the vertical baseline at vertical 9:16 presets, then pair each visual with a hook from TikTok hook templates. If something breaks, route to common failures and fixes. For a full testing plan, connect this page to the AI video ads workflow.
What makes UGC feel real (without glitches)
UGC feels real when the framing is stable, the lighting is consistent, and the script sounds like a person talking. The authenticity is not created by shaky camera moves; it is created by clarity and pacing. In AI video, heavy motion often causes drift or face distortion, which immediately breaks trust.
Treat UGC as a constrained format. Use a medium close-up, centered framing, and safe headroom so the face never gets cropped. Keep the background simple so captions are readable. If you need movement, use a slow push-in only after the static version looks stable.
The UGC base prompt (copy-paste)
This base prompt is designed for stability. Reuse it across variations and only change the hook line or product angle.
UGC BASE (safe default):
Vertical 9:16 selfie talking-head video.
Medium close-up, centered framing, safe headroom.
Casual natural lighting, stable exposure, no flicker.
Subtle phone camera look, minimal camera shake.
Simple background with light natural detail (not busy).
Natural expression, small controlled gestures, stable face, no distortion.If you want a more product-focused UGC variation, keep the same framing and add a controlled demo shot. The base prompt should stay unchanged to prevent drift.
Template 1: Testimonial (skeptic -> proof)
This is the safest UGC structure. Start with skepticism, then move to a single proof moment. The hook should sound conversational, and the proof should be visual and simple. Do not change the framing between the hook and proof; let the script carry the shift.
Example: "I did not expect this to work, but here is what changed." In the proof moment, show one simple action or result. Keep the camera static or use a slow push-in if the baseline is stable.
Template 2: Quick demo (product-in-hand)
Product-in-hand demos are high-performing but fragile. Hands are an instability magnet, so keep gestures small and motion low. The product should remain centered and fully visible throughout the clip.
UGC QUICK DEMO (product-in-hand):
Vertical 9:16 UGC-style product demo.
Hands and product stay fully in frame, centered composition.
Fixed framing, small controlled hand movement, minimal motion.
Natural indoor lighting with consistent exposure.
Constraints: stable hands, stable product shape, no warping, no flicker.If the hands still look unstable, switch to a product-only shot and let the UGC feel come from the voiceover or captions. For product specific scripts, use ecommerce image-to-video prompts.
Template 3: Before/After proof moment
Before/after UGC works best when the transition is subtle and the framing never changes. Keep lighting identical in both states and avoid flashy transitions. If shimmer appears, reduce motion and lock exposure before you rewrite the prompt.
A clean before/after is stronger than a dramatic one. Use a consistent angle, keep the subject centered, and make the proof moment short. This keeps captions readable and reduces drift.
Hook pairing system (fast workflow)
UGC scales when you separate hooks from visuals. Use a fixed visual system and rotate the hook lines. This keeps your generation stable while you test messaging.
- Pick 3 hooks from TikTok hook templates.
- Pick 2 angles: problem to solution and benefit proof.
- Pick 2 visuals: talking head and product-in-hand.
That gives 12 variations without changing your base prompt. Track results and keep the best hook, then experiment with one new variable at a time.
Framing and lighting rules that keep UGC stable
The fastest stability wins come from framing and lighting. Use a medium close-up and keep the subject centered. Add "safe headroom" so the top of the head does not crop. Keep the background simple and avoid bright pattern noise.
For lighting, use one natural phrase and reuse it across clips. If you need a vocabulary pack, use the lighting prompts guide. If you need movement language, use the camera movement prompts guideand keep the move minimal.
SettingsBox: stable UGC defaults
- Duration: 4 to 6 seconds to keep identity stable.
- Motion: low to medium (hook clarity beats motion).
- Movement: static or slow push-in only after stability.
- Format: 9:16 via vertical presets.
If you need more energy, add it in the script and edit. Avoid increasing motion before the baseline is stable.
Troubleshooting UGC failures
- Uncanny face: switch to medium close-up, reduce motion, add "stable face" and "natural skin texture."
- Shaky camera: remove "handheld" language and replace with "subtle phone camera look, minimal camera shake."
- Subject drifts: add "centered framing" and "fixed framing," then reduce motion.
- Background breathes: simplify the background and add "static background, no background morphing."
If several issues appear at once, use the structured flow in the troubleshooting decision tree.
FAQ
Can UGC work without showing a face?
Yes. Use product-only shots with strong captions and voiceover. The UGC feel comes from language and pacing, not only faces.
Should UGC prompts include handheld?
Avoid heavy handheld language. It often triggers drift and jitter. Use "subtle phone camera look" instead and keep framing fixed.
What is the safest framing for UGC ads in 9:16?
Medium close-up, centered framing, and safe headroom. Keep hands inside frame if you are demoing a product.
How do I keep identity consistent across UGC clips?
Lock lighting and framing phrases, then change only one variable per clip. If identity drift persists, review the guidance in character consistency.
Next steps
Use the UGC base prompt as your anchor, then rotate hooks and angles without changing the visual system. This keeps your output stable and your testing fast.