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Resident-Generated Content: Let Renters Show What They Love

  • bberrodin
  • 5 hours ago
  • 3 min read
BGSF_Resident-Generated Content

In a world where prospective renters start their apartment search online, and websites are often the first place they visit, the traditional sales pitch doesn’t cut it anymore.


Today’s renters are savvy and skeptical. They want authenticity, social proof, and real experiences from people just like them. This shift has made resident-generated content (RGC), especially peer review videos and testimonials, one of the most powerful tools in multifamily marketing.


Why Resident-Generated Content?


Renters Trust Renters — Not Ads

One of the biggest trends in renter behavior is their preference for peer feedback over traditional marketing. Renters increasingly trust ratings and reviews far more than property websites or paid advertisements, with transparency and authenticity driving their decisions.


Written reviews are valuable, but video testimonials go a step further. They capture emotion, authenticity, and nuance. All elements that static text and staged photos lack. When potential renters hear another resident talk about life in the community, they absorb that information faster and with more trust than if they were reading bullet points on a brochure.


They Answer Questions Instantly

Renters spend only a short amount of time deciding whether a property is worth a closer look. Videos and testimonials give prospects real answers from real people in seconds, reducing the need to pore over long text descriptions or contact leasing teams.


For example:

  • Short resident videos about the community culture or amenities quickly show what makes a property distinctive.

  • Testimonials about maintenance responsiveness or neighborhood vibes answer more nuanced questions that matter deeply to renters.


This rapid insight can cut down the time renters spend evaluating options and accelerate their decision-making.


Videos Keep Renters Engaged Longer

Multimedia content, especially video, keeps visitors on your site longer. Studies show that pages with video content significantly increase engagement compared to text-only pages.


When a prospective renter watches a resident talking about their favorite part of living in your community, they’re building a connection. That emotional engagement makes it easier for them to picture themselves living there, which speeds up the path from research to touring or leasing.


Best Practices for Capturing Resident-Generated Content


  1. Encourage Authentic Storytelling: Invite residents to share honest stories, not polished marketing speeches. Simple smartphone videos recorded in casual settings often feel more genuine and relatable than studio-quality productions. Also, short clips (30–60 seconds) are ideal because they’re easy to consume and perfect for social platforms. Ask residents to talk about:

    1. What made them choose your community? 

    2. A favorite part of living there. 

    3. How the staff or amenities improved their experience. 


  1. Amplify Across Platforms: Multichannel distribution ensures that renters encounter social proof at every step of their journey, making it easier for them to trust your property without searching endlessly for answers. Once you have compelling resident-generated videos and testimonials, put them to work across:

    1. Your website homepage and community pages 

    2. Virtual tour experiences 

    3. Social media channels 

    4. Email campaigns and follow-ups 


  1. Pair Testimonials with Relevant Content: Strategically place testimonials near related information. For example, you could post a positive review of the gym on your list of amenities page. This not only reinforces the feature but also enhances credibility.


The Business Impact: Faster Decisions, Fewer Barriers


Resident-generated content enhances your marketing, shortens the research cycle for renters, and smooths the conversion path. When prospective residents trust what they see and hear from their peers:


  • They spend less time Googling for reassurance.

  • They feel confident moving ahead with a tour or application.

  • They treat your community as a more desirable and trustworthy option.


This kind of social proof helps your property stand out in a crowded market and reduces the friction inherent in today’s high-choice renter landscape.


The Power of Peer Review


Renters today don't want empty promises. They want to feel confident before they commit. Resident-generated content, especially peer review videos and testimonials, offers the most credible, relatable, and efficient way for renters to evaluate your community. By inviting residents to share their voices and experiences, you enhance trust and help prospective renters make faster, better-informed decisions.



BGSF supports multifamily communities with flexible staffing solutions that empower on-site teams to focus on what matters most: creating great resident experiences and sharing them authentically. If you’re ready to reduce friction in your leasing funnel and connect with renters faster, BGSF is here to help. Contact us today!

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