8 Testimonial and Review Request Email Templates (With Subject Lines)

Most happy customers will give you a testimonial if you ask at the right moment, make it easy and tell them exactly what you need. Most will not go looking for a way to do it on their own. The email is where that happens.

Below are eight templates you can copy and adjust. They cover the first ask, video and written requests, reminders, the thank-you and a reminder for UGC creators. Replace anything in [brackets].

What makes a testimonial request work

• Ask right after a win. A finished project, a solved problem or a great result.
• Be specific about the format. "A 60-second video" or "three sentences and a photo" is easier to say yes to than "a testimonial."
• Show the questions. People hesitate when they do not know what they will be asked.
• Give one link and a date. No accounts, no apps.
• Keep it short. If it needs scrolling on a phone, trim it.
• Say how you will use it. People are more comfortable when they know where it will appear.
• Disclose incentives. If you offer a thank-you gift, say so, and do not tie it to a positive review.

When to send each template

Template	When to send	Goal
1. First ask after a win	Within 1 to 3 days of a milestone	Get a yes
2. Video testimonial ask	After they agree, or as the first ask for engaged customers	Get a recording
3. Written review with photo	For people who prefer not to be on camera	Get a quote and image
4. Gentle reminder	3 to 4 days after the ask	Nudge
5. Last reminder	1 day before the date	Final nudge
6. Ask for a small change	After a submission that needs one fix	Fix one item
7. Thank you and how it will be used	Right after you receive it	Close the loop
8. Creator deliverable reminder	Before a UGC deadline	Get files on time

1. First ask after a win

Subject: Quick favor, [First name]?

Hi [First name],

Congratulations on [the win, e.g., "launching the new site"]. It was a pleasure working with you on it.

Would you be open to sharing a few words about your experience? It helps other [type of customer] decide whether we are a good fit.

It takes about 5 minutes. You can record a short video or write a few sentences, whichever you prefer: [link]

If it's not a good time, no problem at all.

Thanks, [Your name]

Tip: Name the specific win. It reminds them why they were happy and makes the ask feel personal.

2. Video testimonial ask

Subject: Would you record a 60-second video about [product]?

Hi [First name],

Thanks again for [the win]. Would you be willing to record a short video, about 60 to 90 seconds, about your experience?

You can record right from your phone or laptop on this page, no account or app needed: [link]

The questions will be on screen while you record:

1. What were you trying to get done before working with us?
2. What changed after you started?
3. What would you tell someone who is on the fence?

A quiet spot with light on your face is all you need. It's fine to retake.

Could you record it by [day, date]?

Thank you, [Your name]

Tip: Three questions is enough for an email. Our guide on how to collect video testimonials has seven prompts to choose from and recording tips to share.

3. Written review with photo

Subject: A few sentences about [product]?

Hi [First name],

If video isn't your thing, a written review is just as helpful.

Here's what we'd love, by [day, date]:

• A star rating, 1 to 5
• Two or three sentences on what changed for you
• Optional: a photo of you, or of [the product / the finished project]

You can add it all here from your phone: [link]

Thanks so much, [Your name]

Tip: A photo makes a written quote far more believable. A project or product photo works if they prefer not to show their face.

4. Gentle reminder

Subject: Still up for sharing a few words, [First name]?

Hi [First name],

Just a friendly nudge on the testimonial. It takes about 5 minutes, and you can do it from your phone: [link]

If you'd rather skip it, just let me know and I won't ask again.

[Your name]

Tip: Giving people an easy way to say no is respectful and often gets a yes.

5. Last reminder

Subject: Last call: your [video / review] for [product]

Hi [First name],

We're finalizing [the new case study page / our fall campaign] on [day, date], and we'd love to include you.

If you have 5 minutes before then, here's the link: [link]

Either way, thank you for being a customer.

[Your name]

Tip: Stop after this one. Two reminders is plenty for a favor.

6. Ask for a small change

Subject: One small tweak to your video?

Hi [First name],

Thank you so much for recording this. It's great.

One small request: [specific change, e.g., "could you record it holding your phone vertically?" or "could you mention the name of the product once?"]

You only need to redo that one item, here: [link]

Thanks again, [Your name]

Tip: Be specific and ask for one change, not several. Lead with genuine thanks.

7. Thank you and how it will be used

Subject: Thank you, [First name]

Hi [First name],

Thank you for taking the time to share your experience. We really appreciate it.

Here's how we plan to use it, as you agreed in the release:

• [Our website, on the customer stories page]
• [Our social media accounts]
• [A short quote in our sales materials]

We'll send you a link when it's live. If you ever want us to change or remove it, just reply to this email.

[Your name]

Tip: Telling people where their testimonial will appear builds trust, and offering a way to change it shows you take their consent seriously. See our guide to a usage rights release for what to put in writing.

8. Creator deliverable reminder

Subject: Reminder: [Campaign] deliverables due [date]

Hi [Creator name],

A quick reminder that final files for [Campaign] are due [day, date].

Still needed:

• #[2]: Testimonial-style video, vertical 9:16, 30 to 45 seconds
• #[4]: 5 lifestyle photos

Received, thank you:

• #[1]: Unboxing video

Please remember to say the code [CODE] and include the disclosure. Upload here: [link]

If anything is getting in the way, reply and let me know.

[Your name]

Tip: List only what is still missing and repeat the specs, so the creator does not need to dig up the brief. Our UGC brief template shows how to set up numbered deliverables.

A note on incentives and disclosure

Offering a small thank-you for a testimonial is common. In the US, the FTC's Endorsement Guides require that material connections, including payment, free product and discounts, be clearly disclosed wherever the endorsement appears, and incentivized reviews need that disclosure too. Offer the reward for an honest review, not a positive one. In Canada, the Competition Act prohibits misleading representations, which can apply to endorsements that hide an incentive. This is general information; check with an attorney for your situation.

Letting the agent send these for you

Sending and timing these by hand works for a few customers. Tangentflow's AI collection agent emails the invitation, answers questions by email reply and in a chat on the page, sends reminders paced to your "needed by" date and follows up on anything missing. When one file needs a change, you write a note on it, and the agent emails the person, reopens just that item and chases the new version. The Video testimonial, Written review with photo and UGC creator deliverables templates come ready to send. The Free plan includes one open request with the full agent on your first; see pricing.

FAQ

When is the best time to ask for a testimonial?

Within a few days of a clear win, such as a launch, a solved problem, a renewal or a high survey score. Avoid asking alongside an invoice or a complaint.

How many times should I follow up on a testimonial request?

Two reminders is usually enough: one a few days after the ask and one just before your date. After that, let it go. It is a favor.

What should the subject line of a testimonial request say?

Keep it short and personal, and name the format if you can, for example "Would you record a 60-second video about [product]?"

Can I offer a discount in exchange for a review?

You can, but in the US the FTC's Endorsement Guides require clear disclosure of the incentive, and it should not depend on the review being positive. In Canada, the Competition Act's rules on misleading representations apply.