How to Track Your UGC Performance When Brands Don’t Share Conversion Data

Let's be honest - you've asked for performance data after a campaign and gotten crickets, right? Or maybe you've gotten some vague "the content performed well!" feedback that tells you absolutely nothing.

This is the biggest frustration I hear from UGC creators: brands rarely share actual conversion numbers, click-through rates, or sales data. They want you to create converting content, but they won't tell you what converts.

Here's the workaround: Meta's Ad Library shows you exactly which of your content pieces brands think are worth spending money on. And when they're paying to promote your content for weeks or months? That's your conversion proof.

The Data Problem Every UGC Creator Faces

You send your content to a brand and then... silence. Maybe you get a "thanks, this is great!" but no actual performance metrics. Meanwhile, you're trying to build a portfolio that proves you can drive results, not just create pretty videos.

Sound familiar? You're not alone. Most brands guard their conversion data like state secrets, even though sharing basic performance metrics would help you create better content for them.

The result? You're creating content blind, never knowing which pieces actually moved the needle for their business.

Why Brands Don't Share Performance Data

Before we dive into the solution, let's be real about why this happens:

  • They don't want competitors knowing what works

  • Internal politics around sharing marketing metrics

  • They're honestly not tracking UGC performance properly

  • They're worried you'll ask for higher rates if you see good numbers

Whatever the reason, it leaves you without the data you need to improve and prove your value.

The Meta Ad Library Workaround

Here's what most creators don't realize: when a brand turns your content into a paid ad, they're voting with their wallet. They're saying "this content is so good, we're willing to spend money promoting it."

Meta's Ad Library (facebook.com/ads/library) is completely public and shows you:

  • Which of your content pieces are running as paid ads

  • How long they've been running

  • Whether they're currently active (still spending money)

This isn't perfect conversion data, but it's the closest thing you'll get to performance proof without brands sharing their analytics.

How to Track Your Own Success

Step 1: Set a monthly calendar reminder to check the Ad Library
Step 2: Search for every brand you've worked with in the past 6 months
Step 3: Look through their active ads for your content

When you find your content running as a paid ad, document:

  • Start date and current duration

  • Platform (Facebook, Instagram, or both)

  • Current status (active = still spending money)

  • Direct link to the ad

What Different Ad Durations Actually Mean

Since brands won't tell you conversion numbers, ad duration becomes your performance indicator:

1-2 weeks: They're testing your content
3-4 weeks: It's likely meeting their goals
6+ weeks: Your content is definitely profitable
3+ months: You created a winning ad that's driving consistent sales


The longer your content runs as a paid ad, the better it's performing. Simple as that.

Building Your Performance Portfolio

Since you can't get conversion data, create your own proof system:

Document everything in a simple spreadsheet:

  • Brand name

  • Content type (unboxing, tutorial, lifestyle)

  • Ad start date

  • Total duration run

  • Current status

  • Ad Library link

This becomes your "Conversion Portfolio" - proof that brands don't just use your content once, they invest marketing dollars in it repeatedly.

How to Use This Data in Future Pitches

Now you have actual proof to work with. Instead of saying "brands love my content," you can say:

"I create UGC that brands actually want to promote. For example, [Brand X] ran my unboxing video as a paid ad for 8 weeks, and [Brand Y] has been promoting my tutorial for 3 months. Here are the direct Ad Library links showing the ongoing campaigns."

This is infinitely more powerful than showing organic posts with like counts.

Real Examples of What to Look For

Best case scenario: Your content runs for 2+ months This is gold. Long-running ads are almost always profitable ads.

Good scenario: Multiple pieces of your content become ads shows you understand what converts for that brand.

Still valuable: Short-running ads (2-3 weeks) even brief ad runs prove the brand thought your content was worth investing in.

Red flag: Content never becomes a paid ad MIGHT (but not necessarily) mean the content didn't perform well organically, or the brand doesn't invest in promoting UGC.

What to Do When You Find Long-Running Ads

When you discover your content has been running as an ad for weeks or months:

Follow up with the brand: "I noticed you've been running my unboxing video as an ad for 6 weeks! The performance must be strong. I have some ideas for variations that could test well."

Use it for social proof: Reference successful ads when pitching similar brands.

Analyze what worked: Study the content that became long-running ads to understand what elements made them successful.

Questions UGC Creators May Be Wondering

What if I never find my content in ads? Some brands don't promote UGC as paid ads, or they might promote it months later. Keep checking, and consider that those brands might not be the best for performance-focused portfolio pieces.

Can I ask brands directly if they'll promote my content? Absolutely! Ask during the brief: "Do you typically promote high-performing UGC as paid ads?" This sets the expectation and shows you understand performance marketing.

What if an ad stops running after a few days? Document it anyway. Even short runs show the brand initially thought it was worth promoting. Just don't lead with these examples in future pitches.

Your Competitive Advantage

Most UGC creators have no idea whether their content actually drives results. They're flying blind, hoping brands will work with them again.

When you can track and document which of your content pieces brands choose to invest ad dollars in, you're building real performance proof. This data helps you:

  • Understand what type of content works best for each brand

  • Prove your value to future clients

  • Command higher rates based on demonstrated results

  • Identify which brands actually value performance-driven content

The Bottom Line

Brands might not share their conversion data, but they vote with their wallets. When they turn your content into paid ads and keep them running for weeks or months, that's your performance proof.

Start checking Meta's Ad Library monthly. Document what you find. Use it strategically in your pitches.

You might not have access to their analytics dashboard, but you now have something almost as valuable - proof that they're willing to spend money promoting your content repeatedly.

And honestly? That's better than any "great job!" email you'll ever receive.



About the Author: Jennifer is an online marketing strategist who works with various business owners to help them connect with their ideal audience. She uses email marketing, SEO/AI, and Web Design to do that! She is also a Gen X UGC creator with her husband. If you need help creating a plan for your business, connect with her at hello@jennylainedesigns.com

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