How to Combine UGC, AI Video Editors, and Shoppable Videos in 2025

UGC is real. That’s why it works. But most of it is static. Just photos. And people scroll past photos fast. On the other side, we have videos, which stop viewers instantly. It makes them look. If that video is additionally shoppable, it can turn a view into a sale.

The good news? You don’t need a big studio to do this. You don’t even need the customer to shoot video. You just need their image. Then you use AI tools to turn it into a video, and to top it off, make the shoppable and watch your sales soar!

Here’s how to do it, step by step.

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Step 1: Collect UGC images from real customers

Start with what you already have.

Ask your buyers to send photos. Or pull them from tagged posts, reviews, and emails (with permission). Look for:

• Product-in-use shots
• Mirror selfies
• Close-ups of key details
• Before/after pictures

These photos don’t need to be perfect. In fact, the more “normal” they look, the better. People trust real photos more than model shoots.

Tip: Ask customers one simple question: “Can we turn your photo into a short video to help other buyers?” Most say yes.

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Step 2: Use an AI photo-to-video platforms

Next, upload these UGC images into an AI video editor.

There are platforms now that animate photos, zoom in and out, enable motion, and even create transitions. Some tools even allow for music. Some write captions.

You can pick a format like Instagram Story, 1:1 square, or horizontal. Just choose what fits your site or channel.

What to include:

• Basic motion (zoom/pan)
• Light text (like a quote or short review)
• Branded colour or font (keep it minimal)
• A product name or price tag

You’re not trying to trick people into thinking it’s a real video. You’re just making the photo more scroll-stopping. More alive.

Some AI editors even turn photos into mini video stories. They can stack three photos alongside, including smooth transitions. You don’t need to edit anything by hand.

Platforms that can do this: Modelia, The New Black, Pic Co-pilot etc. What makes it even more interesting is that some are as simple drag and drop.

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Step 3: Add product info with shoppable video tools

Once your photo-video is ready, it’s time to make it shoppable.

Tools like Vidjet allow you to upload these videos and insert clickable elements. You can place:

• “Add to cart” buttons
• “View product” links
• Price tags
• Sizes or colours
• CTAs like “Try it now” or “See more”

You don’t need a developer. It’s mostly drag-and-drop. You can even include product feeds and track interactions on these elements.

You can place these shoppable videos:

• On product pages
• On your homepage
• Inside a Stories-style widget
• As a carousel
• As exit-intent popups

You turn a passive video into an active experience.

A customer sees someone using the product, hovers over and selects on the button, and purchases it. No need to scroll down or search.

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Step 4: Match video type to page goal

Not every landing or PDP needs the same kind of video.

Here’s how to choose:

• Product pages: Use UGC video focused on benefits or showing the item from different angles. Keep it short. Add price and “Buy now.”
• Homepage: Use a mix of lifestyle UGC. Create a shoppable carousel or Stories widget. Let users click through at their pace.
• Cart or checkout: Use short videos with review quotes. Keep it soft. Something like “Real people love this” with a smiling face.

Tip: Always test placement. Some sites perform better with videos above the fold. Others see better results near the CTA button.

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Step 5: Track performance and improve

Just uploading isn’t enough. You need to check if it’s working.

Most shoppable video platforms give you:

• Click-through rates
• View time
• Drop-off points
• Add-to-cart actions
• Revenue from each video

Start small. Try 5 to 10 videos. Then compare which ones get more clicks or sales.

Patterns to watch:

• Are certain types of UGC working better? (selfies vs. product shots)
• Are some formats better? (Stories vs. carousels)
• Are some captions getting more engagement?

Use what works. Cut what doesn’t. And constantly ensure that you are revising your strategy.

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Why this matters

Most brands collect UGC and just leave it as a photo. Or they repost it on Instagram and forget about it.

But UGC has more value than that. It can become a video. That video can become a store.

This system lets you:

• Reuse what you already have
• Avoid spending on studio shoots
• Build trust with real faces
• Let customers shop in the moment

And it doesn’t take weeks. You can do all of this in one day.

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Here’s the full process again

1. Collect real customer photos
2. Use AI to turn them into short videos
3. Add product info using shoppable video platforms
4. Place the video where people shop
5. Track clicks and tweak over time

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Final thought

People want to see how things look on real people. They also want to shop without effort. This workflow gives them both. You don’t need to fake authenticity. Just use what you already have and turn it into something useful.