How do I get customers to make video content like Reels or TikToks about my business?

Getting customers to create engaging video content like Instagram Reels or TikToks for your business is a powerful way to boost visibility and build authentic social proof. These short-form videos capture attention, drive engagement, and often have a higher organic reach than static posts, making them invaluable for modern marketing.

The most effective strategy involves offering a clear incentive. Customers are more likely to dedicate time and creativity to producing video content if they receive a small perk, such as a discount, a free item, or an exclusive offer. This exchange creates a mutually beneficial relationship where the customer gets value, and your business gains valuable, user-generated marketing material.

It's crucial that any incentivized social media content fully complies with legal and platform guidelines. In the US, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Endorsement Guides mandate "clear and conspicuous" disclosure when a material connection exists between an endorser and a brand. This means customers must explicitly state they received a perk for their post, typically using hashtags like #ad or #sponsored, or platform-specific tools like Instagram's "Paid Partnership" tag. Businesses are responsible for ensuring their endorsers make these disclosures, and the FTC actively enforces endorsement rules — with civil penalties up to $51,744 per violation under its 2024 rule. Paying for reviews on platforms like Google, Yelp, or TripAdvisor, however, is strictly prohibited by their respective policies and should be avoided.

To maximize your chances of success, make it easy and fun for customers to create content. Provide clear prompts or ideas for what kind of video you're looking for, such as showcasing a new product, demonstrating a service, or capturing the atmosphere of your location. Encourage authenticity and creativity, allowing customers to express their genuine experience with your business. You can suggest ideas — a beautifully plated dish, a stylish haircut, a unique retail display, a vibrant class — without dictating that the experience be portrayed positively. The perk is given for posting, never for posting something positive: under FTC rules an incentivized endorsement must reflect the customer's honest opinion, so you cannot require or reward a positive review or condition the perk on sentiment.

Social Perks lets you reward your own customers with a small perk for posting video content about your business. It auto-injects the required FTC disclosure (#ad / #sponsored or the platform's native paid-partnership label) into every post — it can't be turned off — blocks any submission that lacks proper disclosure, and verifies each post so you can review and approve it before a perk is credited.