Scroll through Instagram or YouTube Shorts, and you’ll notice almost every other video is either UGC ( User Generated Content) or a promo code recommendation through affiliate marketing. It’s no longer a trend—it’s the new normal.
At Cannes 2025, influencer-generated content made serious waves, generating a jaw-dropping $203 million in Earned Media Value (EMV)—more than double last year’s $86.3 million.
Boom. That’s not just a stat—it’s proof that influencer marketing is now the VIP of global brand conversations.
So if you’ve heard of UGC and affiliate influencer marketing but aren’t sure which is the right fit for your D2C brand, this blog is for you.
Dive in to discover: UGC vs. Affiliate Influencer Marketing — What Should Your Brand Choose in 2025, and Why?
What Is UGC and Its Benefits for D2C Brands
UGC (User-Generated Content) means content—like reviews, testimonials, reels, photos, or blogs—created by real users and shared on social media. When someone shares their honest opinion about a brand or product online, that’s UGC.
Today, every D2C brand is tapping into UGC influencer marketing through micro and nano influencers to connect authentically with their target audience.
But the big question is: Why should you choose UGC influencer marketing for your next campaign?
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You’re New to Influencer Marketing
If your brand is just starting out on social media or in influencer campaigns, UGC is your best bet.
Why? Because people trust authentic reviews more than traditional ads.
When potential buyers see someone just like them sharing a genuine product experience, it instantly builds trust.
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You’ve Launched a New Product
Launching a new product in 2025’s saturated D2C market? UGC is non-negotiable. Whether it’s a lipstick shade, foundation coverage, sweatproof sunscreen, or pigmentation test—
shoppers want to see real results before they buy.
Without watching several review videos, today’s customers rarely make impulsive purchases.
That’s why every new product launch should be backed by UGC influencer marketing.
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You’re Building Brand Reputation
Why should people trust your brand?
Trust and reputation are everything. When multiple influencers rave about the same product across different platforms, your audience takes notice.
They start associating your brand with credibility—and that’s how brand trust is built in the social-first world.
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You Need Visibility in a Crowded Indian D2C Market
New D2C brands are launching every day in India. To stay ahead of the competition, your brand needs strong visibility.
UGC influencer marketing helps you cut through the noise. When done right, authentic content reaches the right audience, builds familiarity, and drives action.
Still wondering how to leverage influencers for powerful UGC? Click here to learn more.
UGC builds the trust and reputation that today’s audience craves—whether they’re buying salt or a luxury LV bag.
It’s high time to prioritize UGC influencer marketing over traditional influencer marketing for long-term brand growth.
What Is Affiliate Marketing and Its Benefits for D2C Brands
According to the IAMAI (Internet & Mobile Association of India) marketing report, India's affiliate marketing spend stood at US $331 million in 2023 and is projected to reach US $420 million by 2025, capturing approximately 10–12% of total digital marketing budgets.
When discussing UGC vs. Affiliate Influencer Marketing, it's important to first understand what affiliate marketing actually is.
Affiliate marketing is when an influencer promotes a brand’s product on social media and earns a commission for every sale they generate through their unique link or promo code. It’s performance-based, meaning brands only pay when results are delivered.
Why Choose Affiliate Marketing Over UGC for Your Brand?
According to The Economic Times, India’s influencer marketing industry reached ₹3,600 crore in 2024 (~US $435 million) and is projected to grow by 25% in 2025.
This proves that influencer marketing is no longer just an option—it’s a necessity.
Why Affiliate Influencer Marketing?
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You Want Sales
If your product is no longer new in the market—maybe it has already gone viral or is loved by your audience—and you now want to drive more conversions, then affiliate marketing is your go-to strategy to boost ROI from your hero product sales.
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You Want to Track Data
Affiliate marketing is favored by many D2C brands because it allows you to track everything—from influencer performance to campaign reach to final sales.>
Data-backed decisions = smarter marketing.
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You Want Long-Term Relationships with Influencers
The recent Sociopuff Influencer Marketing 2025 Survey Report revealed that influencers prefer long-term partnerships over one-time collaborations.
Affiliate influencer marketing gives both sides a reason to build ongoing relationships that grow with time and trust.
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You Want Higher ROI
When influencers promote your product using a promo code or affiliate link, it feels more authentic. Audiences trust influencers who genuinely use what they recommend.
That trust leads to action—and often ends with customers placing an order on your website or via e-commerce platforms.
So, if you're new to affiliate influencer marketing and planning to run an affiliate campaign—especially on YouTube—Sociopuff is a trusted influencer marketing agency.
We’ve worked with top D2C brands like Hyphen, Mamaearth, Dr. Sheth’s, Beardo, BBlunt, Pure Origin, and many more.
Now’s the time to aim for higher ROI and real tracking results. Contact Sociopuff today to plan your next affiliate campaign!
CONCLUSION
I hope you now have a fair idea about UGC and affiliate influencer marketing. Now, it's your turn to choose the right strategy and build an influencer marketing plan that aligns with your brand, audience, and platform.
It’s 2025—staying on trend means doing influencer marketing the right way with a well-thought-out strategy. Because sometimes, the right influencer collaboration can make your product go viral overnight.
