How to make a 9:16 UGC ad with AI: complete step-by-step guide

Creating a vertical UGC ad with AI in AvataReel takes under 2 minutes: you write the script, pick the influencer, describe the scene, and the system delivers a 9:16 HD 1080p MP4 ready to publish on TikTok or Instagram Reels, with no camera, no studio and no waiting days for a human creator.

What you need before you start

• An AvataReel account (free signup, no card, at avatareel.com/signup)
• The ad script (up to 600 characters, see how to write it below)
• An image or description of the scene where the influencer will appear
• Optionally: a product image

That is all. You do not need a camera, microphone, editing software or a real influencer.

Step 1: Decide whether the video will have a scene

In AvataReel you create a single influencer video and only decide whether it has a scene. There is no mode to choose anymore: you write the script and, if you want, add a scene description and the product. Same video, optional scene.

For product ads on TikTok Shop or Instagram Shopping, the video with a scene is the best fit: the influencer appears using or presenting the product in a real context (kitchen, gym, bedroom), which makes the creative more credible. Without a scene, you get a clean talking head, in the talking avatar style.

Step 2: Write the script with a conversion structure

A good 8-second UGC script has four parts:

1. Hook (0–2s): a sentence that stops the scroll. Examples: "I used to spend $40 a month on this until I found out…", "This product changed my morning routine".
2. Problem (2–4s): the pain the product solves, in one short sentence.
3. Solution (4–6s): the product as the direct answer.
4. CTA (6–8s): a clear action. Examples: "Click the link and get yours", "Hurry, there's a discount today".

AvataReel accepts scripts of up to 600 characters. For a short UGC ad (~8s), use between 200 and 350 characters. For a longer testimonial with no scene, use up to 600 characters.

A ready-to-copy script example

I hated waking up tired even after sleeping 8 hours. Then a friend recommended this magnesium supplement and within 5 days the difference was huge. Deep sleep, energy in the morning, no medication. Grab it while it's on sale, link in bio.

This script follows exactly the hook → problem → solution → CTA structure.

Step 3: Pick the influencer

AvataReel offers 24+ influencers in the catalog, with varied profiles (gender, ethnicity, style) to match your product's audience. You can also upload your own face to create a custom avatar.

How to choose:

• Product niche: a young, relaxed influencer for beauty and fashion; a more serious profile for finance and supplements.
• Gender and ethnicity: choose a profile that represents the campaign's target audience.
• A/B test: create the same scene with two different influencers to find out which converts more.

Step 4: Describe (or upload) the scene

The scene is the context where the influencer appears; adding one is what turns the video into an in-scene UGC ad. You can:

• Describe it in text: "Modern kitchen, marble countertop, natural light from the window, product on the counter in front."
• Upload an image: a photo of your space, your store or a stock photo.
• Upload a product image: the system places the product in the scene coherently.

The more specific the description, the more relevant the ad's visual context. Avoid generic scenes (white background, black background): UGC converts precisely because it looks real.

Step 5: Adjust the tone and create variations

AvataReel lets you choose the narration tone:

• Enthusiastic: high energy, ideal for launches and promotions
• Informative: direct and clear, works well for functional products
• Urgent: creates a sense of scarcity, suited to limited offers

You can generate up to 3 simultaneous variations of the same script in different tones. Publish them all on TikTok Ads Manager or Meta Ads and let the algorithm identify which creative has the best cost per result before you scale spend.

Step 6: Generate and download the video

After setting up the script, influencer, scene and tone:

1. Click "Generate"
2. Wait 90–120s (with a scene) or 30–55s (without a scene, direct-to-camera testimonial)
3. Preview the video in the panel
4. Download the 9:16 HD 1080p MP4

The file is ready to publish on TikTok, Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, Facebook Stories or any other platform that supports vertical video.

Step 7: Publish and monitor

A few best practices to maximize performance after publishing:

• TikTok: publish organically first to gather engagement before boosting. The TikTok algorithm does not require followers to distribute relevant content.
• Meta Ads: upload the MP4 as a campaign creative with a conversion objective. Use the 3 tone variations for automatic A/B testing.
• TikTok Shop: attach the product to the video directly in the post to enable native checkout.

How much each video costs

Each generation uses from 4 credits on Economy and 6 on Premium, depending on length (a ~30s video costs 10 on Economy and 18 on Premium). For comparison, human UGC creators in Brazil charge R$300 to R$1,500 per video, according to the market figures in our cost analysis.

AvataReel sells credit packs at $9, $19, $39 and $79, and monthly plans at $12, $21 and $59 per month. Everything is sold in USD by card. Credits never expire and no subscription is required: monthly plans are optional.

See the full cost analysis in How much a UGC ad costs in Brazil in 2026.

Next steps

You now have the full step-by-step. Time to put it into practice. Create your free account, generate your first UGC ad and see the result before you invest.

Want to go deeper on scripts? Read UGC scripts that convert for 9:16 videos and see 5 ready-made structures to copy.