User-generated content can be a game-changer for charities, allowing them to connect with their supporters in a powerful and authentic way.

How can charities get user-generated content that is good quality, ethical, respectful, and effective? We work with charities to improve their content, here is how.

First and foremost, when speaking to your service-users, staff, volunteers etc about capturing content, charities need to be transparent about the purpose of the content and how it will be used. This means telling them where the content will be posted, who will have access to it, and how long it will be used. By building trust and transparency, your content creators will feel more appreciated and supportive of the project. Get fully informed consent from those involved in the content, ensuring that they are aware of what they are agreeing to and that they have the option to decline participation.

Secondly, you need to be very clear about what content you need and what the theme or key messaging is. Guidelines should include image and video quality requirements, content themes, and any other relevant information. By setting clear expectations for content creation, you can ensure that the user generated content is of high quality and aligns with your charities mission and values.

Thirdly, be engaging and inclusive. Be open with your content creators and create a sense of community around user generated content creation. Respond to submissions, comment on social media posts, and share the content you receive. By engaging with your audience, you can create a positive and supportive environment for user generated content creation and encourage more people to participate.

Watch some user-generated content films.

Fourthly, be clear about how and where to send footage. Make is as easy as possible for people to send in content and give feedback as you receive it. You want to provide constructive feedback that helps improve the content while also being respectful of the creator’s efforts and intentions.

Lastly, thank and credit your creators. Let them know how their content has been used, what the results and impact has been.

So, there you have it. Getting good user-generated content is a fun and rewarding experience that can help your charity grow in ways you never thought possible. Don’t be afraid to get creative, experiment, and see what works best for you. Who knows, you might just create the next viral content sensation!

Want to upskill your content creators? Join one of our ‘how to create content using your phone’ workshops.