Case studies of successful brand social media collaborations using user-generated content.

UGC-driven campaigns create a participatory and interactive experience for customers, leading to increased brand engagement.

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Written by Shivangi

Updated on 22/07/2023

Case Study 1: Starbucks' White Cup Contest on Instagram

In 2014, Starbucks launched the "White Cup Contest" on Instagram, encouraging customers to decorate their iconic white coffee cups and share their creations using the hashtag #WhiteCupContest. The contest aimed to showcase user creativity and engagement while promoting Starbucks' coffee offerings.


The Results:

Over 4,000 UGC entries were submitted during the three-week contest period.

The #WhiteCupContest hashtag received millions of engagements and reached a wide audience.

Starbucks received widespread media coverage and positive PR for the unique UGC-driven contest.

The contest generated significant brand awareness and showcased Starbucks' products through user-generated art.


Case Study 2: GoPro's "Photo of the Day" Campaign on Instagram

GoPro, a popular action camera brand, leveraged user-generated content through their "Photo of the Day" campaign on Instagram. GoPro encouraged customers to share their adventure and action-packed photos taken with GoPro cameras, using the hashtag #GoPro and #PhotoOfTheDay.


The Results:

Thousands of GoPro users participated daily, sharing their captivating UGC photos.

The campaign significantly increased GoPro's brand engagement and follower growth on Instagram.

The high-quality UGC showcased the capabilities of GoPro cameras, serving as authentic product testimonials.

By featuring users' photos as the "Photo of the Day," GoPro acknowledged and celebrated their customers, fostering a sense of community around the brand.


Case Study 3: Coca-Cola's "Share a Coke" Campaign on Twitter

Coca-Cola's "Share a Coke" campaign was a global marketing initiative that involved printing popular names and nicknames on Coca-Cola bottles and cans. The brand encouraged customers to find their names and share photos of themselves enjoying Coke with the personalized bottles on Twitter using the hashtag #ShareACoke.


The Results:

The campaign generated millions of UGC posts on Twitter, with users excitedly finding and sharing their personalized Coke bottles.

The hashtag #ShareACoke became a trending topic on Twitter, driving even more engagement and participation.

Coca-Cola saw a significant increase in brand visibility, reach, and positive sentiment on social media.

By featuring customers' photos, Coca-Cola transformed its product into a personalized experience, deepening the emotional connection with consumers.


These case studies demonstrate how successful brands strategically incorporated user-generated content into their social media collaborations. UGC-driven campaigns create a participatory and interactive experience for customers, leading to increased brand engagement, visibility, and loyalty. By encouraging customers to share their experiences and creativity, brands can leverage the power of UGC to foster brand advocacy and build strong relationships with their audience.