The Psychology of Authenticity in Social Media Content

Social media has become a powerful platform for individuals and brands to connect, engage, and share content with a global audience. However, the rise of carefully curated feeds and polished aesthetics has produced a growing desire for authenticity in social media content from consumers.

This is why the trending statistics you keep hearing about mostly illustrating user-generated content (UGC) outperforms other types of images and videos across all digital marketing channels. 

People are increasingly craving genuine connections and experiences, leading to a shift in how they perceive and engage with content online. But have you stopped to wonder why? Or even more importantly, how that understanding can help you be a better marketer and see improved performance in your digital marketing?

Today’s marketer needs to understand the psychology behind authenticity. It is crucial for brands aiming to maximize their digital marketing performance and establish meaningful relationships with their target audience.

Authenticity in social media content refers to the extent to which the content aligns with the true personality, values, and experiences of the individual or brand sharing it. Authentic content stands out amidst the sea of heavily edited photos, staged moments, and sponsored posts. It captures the essence of real life and resonates with audiences on a deeper, emotional level. 

The psychology behind authenticity lies in its ability to foster trust, build credibility, and create genuine connections with viewers. So, what are the qualities that make a video or image posted on social media more authentic? 

The Qualities of Authentic Social Media Content

Unfiltered Moments

Authentic content often captures unfiltered, spontaneous moments. The raw and unscripted aspects of life make it relatable to consumers. Whether it's sharing a vulnerable moment or showcasing imperfections, these unfiltered moments help to create a sense of genuine connection with viewers.

Relatable Storytelling

Stories have always been a powerful way to connect with others, and social media is no exception. Authentic content tells relatable stories that evoke emotions and experiences shared by many. It goes beyond product promotion and focuses on engaging narratives that people can connect with on a personal level.

Transparency and Honesty

Authenticity thrives on transparency and honesty. Brands and individuals that openly share their values, beliefs, and even challenges foster trust and credibility with their audience. This can be achieved through sharing behind-the-scenes footage, addressing concerns openly, or admitting mistakes and learning from them.

User-Generated Content (UGC)

UGC plays a significant role in authentic content. When the content you see on a brand’s feed, email or website is from a real customer, fan, follower or employee, it is simply more believable to the audience. Brand content and stock images or footage is the opposite, or not believable, in the customer’s eyes. UGC creates an atmosphere of trust around the brand using it.

Imperfections and Realism

Authentic content embraces imperfections and realism. It acknowledges that life is not always picture-perfect, and it's okay to showcase the ups and downs. By being real and relatable, content creators can build a sense of trust and credibility with their audience.

Why Invest in Authenticity?

So, why should brands invest more in UGC and authentic content to improve their digital marketing performance?

First, authentic content generates higher levels of engagement. When people come across content that feels genuine, relatable, and honest, they are more likely to engage with it, whether that means liking, sharing, or commenting. The emotional connection formed through authentic content fosters a sense of loyalty and brand advocacy.

Authentic content also builds trust and credibility. In a world filled with sponsored posts and thinly-disguised advertisements, consumers are becoming more skeptical of the brand-related content they see. By prioritizing authentic content, brands demonstrate their commitment to being real and transparent, which helps to establish trust among their target audience.

Authentic content also encourages user participation and creates a sense of community. When brands involve their customers in the content creation process through UGC campaigns, it gives them a voice and a platform to share their experiences. This fosters a stronger sense of community, loyalty, and brand affinity. And isn’t a Community we can drive Commerce with and through the goal?

Finally, authentic content helps to differentiate brands in a crowded marketplace. With social media inundated with polished, staged content, brands that dare to be authentic stand out from the crowd. By embracing the qualities that make content more genuine, brands can create a unique identity and leave a lasting impression on their audience.

The psychology behind authenticity in social media content lies in the brand or creator’s ability to establish trust, build credibility, and create genuine connections with the audience. Brands that invest in UGC and authentic content stand to benefit from higher engagement, increased trust, a stronger sense of community, and a unique brand identity. 

In an era where genuine connections are valued more than ever, the importance of authentic content cannot be overstated. By embracing authenticity, brands can unlock the full potential of their digital marketing efforts and create meaningful connections with their audience in the ever-evolving social media landscape.

CIPIO.ai’s solutions are built to help brands do just that. Our image-to-image and video-to-video search and discovery features, powered by artificial intelligence, are the only of their kind in the industry and help you get to the right type of content for UGC campaigns rather than leading you to creators that might have good content. 

Our end-to-end solution empowers your brand to ignite growth across your business by helping you find, curate, engage, contract and pay those who create authentic UGC and micro-influencers for your brand. And it’s all done at one of the category’s most cost-efficient price points.

Find out more by scheduling a call with us and turn on the power of authentic UGC for your brand today.