How to Use Sora 2 to Create UGC Ads: A Step-by-Step Guide

User-generated content (UGC) ads have become one of the most effective ways to build trust and drive conversions. They feel authentic, relatable, and far less polished than traditional advertising. With Sora 2, OpenAI's advanced video generation tool, creating professional UGC ads has never been easier. This guide walks you through the entire process.

What Is Sora 2 and Why It's Perfect for UGC Ads

Sora 2 is an AI video generation platform that can create realistic, high-quality videos from text descriptions. Unlike traditional filming, which requires cameras, actors, and editing software, Sora 2 lets you generate videos in minutes. For UGC content specifically, it excels at creating authentic-looking, unpolished videos that mimic real user testimonials and reviews—exactly what audiences respond to.

Step 1: Plan Your UGC Ad Concept

Before jumping into Sora 2, define what your ad should accomplish. Start by identifying your target audience and the problem your product solves. Write down the key message you want to convey. For example, if you're promoting a skincare product, your concept might be: "A young professional showing how a night cream helped with their dry skin while balancing a busy schedule."

Keep your concept concise and focused. UGC ads work best when they highlight one benefit or transformation. Avoid trying to cram too much into a 15–30 second video.

Step 2: Craft a Detailed Script or Prompt

Sora 2 works by converting written descriptions into video. Your prompt is critical—the more detailed and specific, the better the output. Write a script that describes not just what happens visually, but also the tone and feel you want.

Example prompt: "A woman in her 20s sits at a desk in natural sunlight, applying a skincare product to her face. She's wearing casual clothing, no makeup initially. The camera shows a close-up of her applying the product, then cuts to her face looking refreshed and glowing 10 seconds later. The video has a candid, unscripted feel, like she's recording on her phone. The lighting is natural and slightly warm."

Include details about:

• The character's appearance and clothing
• The setting and lighting
• Camera movements and angles
• The emotional tone (relaxed, excited, thoughtful, etc.)
• Duration and pacing
• Any text overlays or captions you might add later

Step 3: Access Sora 2 and Set Up Your Project

Log into your Sora 2 account (or create one if you haven't already). Navigate to the video creation dashboard. Start a new project and select your desired video length—typically 15 seconds for social media ads, though you can go up to 60 seconds if needed.

Choose your aspect ratio based on where you'll post the video: 9:16 for TikTok and Instagram Reels, 16:9 for YouTube, or 1:1 for square feeds.

Step 4: Input Your Prompt and Generate the Video

Copy your detailed script into Sora 2's prompt field. Be as specific as possible—Sora 2 responds well to descriptive language. You can include references to emotions, camera movements, and even the "feel" of the video.

Click "Generate" and let the AI work its magic. Sora 2 typically creates videos in 2–5 minutes depending on length. You can generate multiple versions with slightly different prompts to compare and choose the best one.

Step 5: Review and Select Your Best Version

Once Sora 2 finishes generating, review the output carefully. Does it match your vision? Does it feel authentic and unscripted? UGC ads should feel natural, not overly polished or robotic.

If the first version doesn't quite hit the mark, refine your prompt and generate again. Key things to watch for:

• Does the person's expression and body language feel genuine?
• Is the lighting and setting appropriate for your product?
• Does the pacing match the intended message?
• Are there any awkward movements or glitches that break immersion?

Step 6: Edit and Add Text Overlays

Download your selected video and import it into a basic video editor like CapCut, DaVinci Resolve, or Adobe Premiere. This is where you can enhance your UGC ad without over-polishing it.

Add subtle touches like:

• Text overlays with your product name or key benefit
• Captions with customer testimonials or results
• Your brand logo in the corner
• Soft background music or the sound of natural ambient noise
• An end card with a call-to-action (CTA) like "Get 20% Off Today"

Keep edits minimal and authentic-looking. The goal is to maintain the UGC feel while adding branded elements.

Step 7: Add a Clear Call-to-Action

Every UGC ad needs a clear next step for viewers. At the end of your video, include text or voiceover directing people to your website, app, or offer. Make it specific and compelling—instead of "Shop Now," try "Get Free Shipping Today" or "Claim Your Discount."

You can also add a link in the video description when posting to social platforms.

Step 8: Test and Optimize Across Platforms

Upload your UGC ad to your chosen platforms—TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, or Pinterest. Monitor performance metrics closely:

• Click-through rate (CTR)
• Engagement (likes, comments, shares)
• Conversion rate
• Cost per acquisition (CPA)

If performance is strong, scale your ad spend. If not, go back to Step 2, tweak your prompt, and generate a new version. UGC ads often perform better when you test multiple variations.

Step 9: Create Multiple Variations

One UGC ad rarely outperforms all others. Generate several versions highlighting different benefits, using different characters (diverse appearances), settings, or problem statements. Test them simultaneously to see what resonates most with your audience.

For example, if you're selling a productivity app, create one version showing a freelancer, another showing a student, and another showing a busy parent. Let the data tell you which angle works best.

Step 10: Analyze Results and Iterate

After running your ads for at least a week, analyze the data. Which videos drove the most conversions? Which had the highest engagement? Use these insights to guide your next round of Sora 2 prompts.

Maybe your audience responds better to slower, more emotional videos rather than quick-cut, energetic ones. Or perhaps featuring a specific demographic drives more conversions. Continuously refine your approach based on real performance data.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Do I need filming experience to use Sora 2 for UGC ads?

No, one of Sora 2's biggest advantages is that you don't need any filming or video production skills. You just need to write a clear, detailed prompt describing what you want to see. The AI handles the rest. Basic editing skills are helpful but not required—you can keep edits minimal for authenticity.

Q2: How much does it cost to create videos with Sora 2?

Sora 2 operates on a credit-based pricing model. You'll need to purchase credits to generate videos, with costs varying based on video length and quality. As of now, pricing is competitive, and you can generate multiple variations to find the best performer. Check Sora 2's current pricing page for exact costs.

Q3: Can I use real people or do the videos always look AI-generated?

Sora 2 creates realistic human characters, but they are entirely AI-generated. They don't look like actual real people you'd film, but they do look natural enough for UGC ads, especially when the focus is on the product rather than the person. If you want actual real people, you'd need to film traditional UGC content or hire actors separately.

Q4: How long does it take to create a UGC ad with Sora 2?

From concept to finished ad, you can typically create a UGC ad in under an hour. Generating the video takes 2–5 minutes, editing adds another 10–20 minutes, and planning might take 15–30 minutes depending on how quickly you nail your concept. This is dramatically faster than traditional filming.

Q5: What if my first video doesn't perform well? Can I quickly create new versions?

Absolutely—that's one of Sora 2's biggest advantages for UGC ads. If a video underperforms, you can immediately generate new variations with tweaked prompts. You can test different characters, settings, benefit angles, or even emotional tones without waiting weeks for new shoot dates. This rapid iteration helps you find winning ads faster.