In the UGC world, everyone is quick to talk about the quality of your hook, the effectiveness of your editing and the video quality — but no one is talking about the audio.
The quality of your audio is just as important as your video quality and lighting. We know that 76% of consumers trust UGC ads as much as personal recommendations, but how much can you trust someone you can’t hear?
High-quality UGC, with well-produced videos, can serve as powerful endorsements that drive users to take action. Microphones are game changers when it comes to the audio.
Here’s our recommendations.
Do You Need A Microphone For UGC?
No, you don’t need a microphone for UGC.
The best part of UGC is that you can make a start at no cost, and improve your processes further down the line. If you’re further down the line, then a microphone can take your UGC content to the next level.
A good microphone ensures that your audio is clear and free of background noise. Poor audio quality can make it challenging for viewers to understand what you’re saying or lose interest in your content altogether.
On the flip side, good audio quality gives your content a professional edge, making it more engaging and enjoyable to listen to. And it doesn’t necessarily need to break the bank.
What Are The Audio Options For UGC?
No Mic
If you’re not yet at the stage where you’re ready to invest in audio equipment, don’t fret — there are still things you can do to take your audio from a 2 to a solid 7.5. The first is the good old blanket trick. You’re going to simply hop yourself under a blanket to record your voiceover and voila background noise is cancelled out.
The second option is utilising Adobe Audio. This is a free AI tool that takes your standard audio file and enhances it to make recordings sound as if they were recorded in a professional studio. And let me tell you, it works a treat.
Lavalier Microphone
A lavalier microphone, commonly referred to as a lav mic, is a small, discreet microphone designed to be worn on the clothing, typically on your collar. You’ve 100% seen one before. They are the tiny mics that have done the rounds on TikTok, and while they do a good job of recording audio, they should be left to the TikTok girlies.
You should only be using lav mics for voice overs, or for ironic content. Not only do they not sit right on clothing ( there is a sure chance that you’ll have it rub up against your neck while filming) but they don’t look native or organic. It’s hard for users not to notice a mic when watching your content, which makes it look staged. That is not the name of the game in user generated content.
So what’s the alternative?
Shotgun Mic
A shotgun microphone, often known as a shotgun mic, is a microphone designed to capture highly directional audio. Shotgun microphones have a distinctive elongated shape, resembling the barrel of a shotgun, which gives them their name. They can be set up just out of frame while you’re filming UGC content, allowing you to get top notch audio, without disrupting your shot.
I personally use the Elgato Wave:3 which is pricy, but is second to none in terms of quality.
You can record your audio file in Premiere Pro while recording on your iPhone.
Is It Time To Mic Up?
In the competitive realm of UGC, investing in quality audio is a strategic move. While you can thrive initially without dedicated audio equipment, the journey toward elevated content beckons the integration of microphones that enhance your storytelling.
Remember, the UGC landscape is about more than just the visuals— is it time to mic up?