❥ How Can I Make My UGC Stand Out on Social Media? ⋆ The Aesthetic Shop

Hey all,

Creating UGC (User-Generated Content) is one thing. But getting noticed by brands or building a following from it? That’s a whole different game.

With more creators entering the UGC space every day, it’s natural to ask:
“How can I make my content stand out?”

Luckily, the answer isn’t to have expensive equipment or millions of followers. What really sets standout UGC apart is a mix of authenticity, intentional styling, and consistency. All things you can control.

In this post, I’ll share simple, actionable tips that will help your UGC shine on social media and get the attention it deserves (and maybe even some brand collabs, too 👀).

Obs. Make sure to check out my two first posts on the UGC series here and here if you’re really interested in this topic!

✦ 1. Focus on Realness First, Aesthetics Second

UGC that performs well, whether it’s on Instagram, TikTok, or Pinterest, almost always feels genuine and unfiltered, even if it is carefully styled behind the scenes.

People don’t want ads. They want recommendations from people they trust.

So instead of:

Making your content look too polished or “perfect”…
Try:
Showing how a product fits into your actual day. Use natural light, minimal editing, and casual angles. Bonus points if you add a little story or context to go with it.

Authenticity = instant trust.

✦ 2. Develop Your Signature Visual Style

You don’t have to limit yourself to one niche or vibe. But it does help if your content has a recognizable feel.

This could come through in your:

Color palette
Lighting style (soft, moody, bright, etc.)
Photo angles and framing
Props and backgrounds
Tone of voice in captions

Over time, this builds a strong visual identity that makes your content recognizable — even without your name on it.

✨ Want help finding your aesthetic? Check out my customization kits for different vibes like Kawaii, Vanilla Girl, Groovy, Angel Aura, and more.

✦ 3. Tell a Story, Even in a Single Image

The best UGC shows something. Not just a product, but a mood, moment, or lifestyle.

Before you shoot, ask yourself:

What story am I telling here?
How does this product fit into my real life?
What feeling do I want someone to get when they see this?

For example:
💡 Instead of just holding a skincare product… show your morning routine setup with a mug, mirror, soft towel, and glowy light.

A single frame can say so much. Use that to your advantage.

✦ 4. Nail the Composition

You don’t need photography training — just a few easy tricks:

Use natural light whenever possible (morning or golden hour is best)
Turn on grid lines and use the rule of thirds
Keep your frame clean and focused
Use props that support the story (books, mugs, flowers, etc.)

Think of your image like a little magazine cover. What makes it scroll-stopping?

✦ 5. Lean Into What Makes You You

It sounds obvious, but the more you express your personality in your content, the more it connects.

Do you have a playful, sarcastic vibe? Lean into it.
Are you soft-spoken and dreamy? Let that shape your editing and captions.
Love journaling, witchy vibes, or pink everything? Show that.

Brands love creators with a clear point of view, not just pretty pictures.

✦ 6. Edit With Intention (Not Just Filters)

Subtle edits can take your content to the next level:

Adjust exposure, contrast, and warmth to make your visuals feel cohesive
Add slight grain or texture for an organic look
Stick to one or two presets so your grid feels aligned

✨ Not sure where to start? My customization kits include presets, templates and aesthetic image packs that can help you stay visually consistent across platforms.

Final Thoughts: Make It Memorable, Make It Yours

Standing out on social media as a UGC creator is all about bringing something real and intentional to the table.

You don’t need to shout. You just need to be recognizable, reliable, and real.

So show your vibe. Build your style. Tell your story in your own way. And trust that the right brands and followers will be drawn to that authenticity.