AI ad optimization tool "Cascade" adds AI generation of UGC video, apparel try-on UGC, and product motion video. AI generation of try-on UGC video is a first in Japan for an ad management and optimization platform

Cascade Inc. (Headquarters: Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan; CEO: Kazuki Miyauchi) has launched a feature in "Cascade," its AI-powered digital ad optimization service, that automatically generates UGC (user-generated content) style vertical video ads.

This update supports three formats — UGC video, apparel try-on UGC, and product motion video — so that advertisers in any industry can put it to work.

AI generation of UGC-style apparel try-on video is a first in Japan for an ad management and optimization platform (May 2026, in-house research). With it, Cascade provides an environment where the entire ad creative production process, from still images through video, can be completed within a single product.

■ The rise of UGC video ads, and the production bottleneck

Vertical UGC video is becoming the central ad creative format on major platforms including TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts. Its natural, understated style drives high engagement, yet production requires casting, shooting, and editing, and the resulting cost and lead time have become an operational bottleneck.

Cascade's new feature replaces those production steps with AI, lowering the barrier to using UGC video ads and creating an environment where multiple variations can be tested in parallel and creative can be improved continuously.

■ New feature: three UGC video formats

1. UGC video generation

Simply upload a product image and AI generates a vertical video that recreates the product in actual use. With a natural composition that includes the speaker's expressions, gestures, and narration, the result can be delivered as ad creative that fits your brand's world.

Cosmetics introduction - UGC video

URL: https://youtube.com/shorts/fer2D6bDNjE?feature=share

2. Apparel try-on UGC [A first in Japan for an ad management and optimization platform, in-house research]

For apparel and fashion brands, Cascade generates try-on UGC video from the user's point of view based on a product image and a person image. Compared with shooting using real models, it makes rolling out video by size, color, and outfit far easier, accelerating seasonal campaigns and SKU-level creative operations.

Automatically generating UGC-style apparel try-on video with AI from a product image and a person image, and completing ad delivery and performance measurement within the same product, is a first in Japan for an ad management and optimization platform (May 2026, in-house research).

T-shirt introduction - try-on UGC video

URL: https://youtube.com/shorts/fR6zofg899k?feature=share

3. Product motion video

Cascade generates video in which a product from a still image moves, rotates, and unfolds within a scene of use. It makes texture and shape easy to convey, and works well across genres such as beverages, home appliances, cosmetics, and household goods.

Energy drink - product video

URL: https://youtube.com/shorts/Z0VzWj6n0Z8

■ From still images to video: the full creative production cycle, inside Cascade

Until now, Cascade has centered on automatically generating still-image ads and optimizing their delivery. With this update, both still images and video can be generated, delivered, and measured within the same product, making it possible to compare creative across formats and build a continuous improvement cycle. For companies that outsource video production, it promises both shorter production lead times and lower costs.

■ Comment from the CEO

"UGC video is no longer something only a handful of companies use; it is becoming a necessary option for every advertiser. At the same time, many companies still cannot get started because of the burden of shooting and editing. Cascade's UGC video generation hands those production steps to AI so that the people running ads can spend their time on the improvement cycle itself. One by one, we are eliminating the things advertisers wanted to do in ad management but could not."

■ Company overview

Company name: Cascade Inc.

Representative: Kazuki Miyauchi

Headquarters: Amy Hall, 1-1-3 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, Japan

Founded: February 2025

Business: Development and operation of Cascade / contract AI development and marketing consulting services

URL: https://cascaded.ai

* Basis for the "first in Japan" claim

Study name: Feature comparison study of ad management and optimization platforms in Japan

Study period: As of May 11, 2026

Conducted by: In-house research

Scope: Major platforms offering ad management and optimization capabilities in Japan

Method: Desk research of each company's official website, published materials, and press releases (as of May 11, 2026)

Item examined: Whether the platform offers a feature that automatically generates UGC-style apparel try-on video with AI from a product image and a person image and completes ad delivery and performance measurement within the same product