Man filming a video ad on set

Video advertising has taken off in the last 15 odd years and every year has brought in new innovations and changes. It continues to be a dynamic space and capitalizing on emerging trends is as important as ever.

If you’re a business investing in video marketing — and if you’re not, you should be — here are 10 creative video advertising ideas that will help you engage new audiences to drive better results.

1. Social Media Still Rules the Roost

If you’re trying to expand your reach and bring in new audiences, your best bet for targeting them is still social media. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and LinkedIn each cater to different, and sometimes overlapping, audiences. It’s where potential customers spend a lot of their time and are relatively more receptive to promotional messaging, provided it’s contextual.

Video content is the most effective form of content on social media. It’s prioritized by the algorithms and typically earns far more engagement in likes, comments, and shares.

2. Consider Streaming Sites

While social media may still be top dog, streaming platforms are fast catching up. While YouTube and Twitch have always run video ads, it’s a good idea to look at platforms like Netflix, Prime Video, HBO Max, and Hulu that are fast catching up. Many of these platforms offer a tiered pricing structure with the cheapest levels serving ads.

Viewers are somewhat less receptive to ads on these platforms since they’re in the middle of watching something they’re interested in rather than randomly browsing, however, it’s quickly becoming the norm to see ads there.

3. Influencers and Celebrities

A video advertising idea that still works as well as before, if not better, is influencer partnerships. Since they already have an established following, you’re targeting a primed and ready audience. Try and choose your influencers or celebrities carefully; the more their content is attuned to your brand to begin with, the better the results.

You don’t necessarily have to choose the most famous ones around; sometimes partnering with mini-influencers with smaller, but more dedicated subscribers can prove more profitable. When done well, celebrity collabs can turn out to be excellent sales video ideas.

Man filming an athlete running on a deserted highway

4. Create Teasers

Have a new brand launch or an important event coming up? A popular video advertising idea is to promote it with short, catchy teasers. This will give them a sneak peek into the upcoming event and help you create some buzz. If you have something really exciting lined up, such as celebrity participation, trickling the news bit by bit can amp up the anticipation and create word-of-mouth publicity for your brand.

5. Use Animated Videos

2D/3D animated videos are a great way through the live-action barrage that audiences are constantly inundated with. This makes them an excellent video marketing idea. The stylistic difference can give them pause and take in more of your video and perhaps even lead to a sale. Consider Red Bull’s iconic animated videos that never fail to draw in viewers and entertain them, which is no mean feat considering that they’re playing in a saturated market.

6. Use Challenge Videos

Audience interaction is often key to engaging them. Challenge videos are a great advertising idea to make this happen. Instead of the usual promotional spiel, these videos invite the viewers to participate in a fun challenge or activity that’s related to your brand or product. Once enough people take it up, it can create a sense of camaraderie and community among your followers and draw in even more people. It also has the potential to go viral and really make your brand stand out.

7. Show BTS Footage

Planning a huge video campaign? Here’s a good tip: shoot lots of behind-the-scenes footage, especially if there’s celebrity involvement. This gives your fans an exciting peek into how these campaigns get made and perhaps even a look at their favorite celebrities in their unguarded moments.

8. Create How-To Videos

An interesting idea to rope in more customers with video advertising is to create how-to videos. These are little instructional videos that give useful or even quirky bits of advice; think of an apparel brand showing viewers how to tie a Windsor knot or a quick demo of how to use a new app. Even in a time-limited situation such as a video ad, little tips and tricks like this can present something new and original and encourage customers to engage with your brand.

9. Weave a Compelling Story

Sometimes, the oldest marketing ideas work the best, even with video ads. Storytelling is an excellent way to entertain and inform at the same time. It gives potential customers an insight into your brand’s history, ethos, and values. A well-told story can engage audiences to the point that they identify with your brand and may become repeat shoppers.

10. Use Testimonial Videos

Ultimately, nothing works quite as well as independent endorsement.  In that sense, testimonials are an evergreen video advertising idea where customers or qualified industry professionals speak about their positive experiences with your brand’s products. It’s social proof in a way that your product does what you say it does, helping on-the-fence buyers finally pull the trigger.

Trust in Seasoned Creatives to Handle It For You

Can’t decide which video marketing ideas to implement? Call 336 Productions in Orange County, CA. We’re an award-winning studio with a proven track record of producing high-quality video ads. Engage your audiences with captivating videos that help you increase leads, brand awareness, and sales.

Check out our portfolio or customer testimonials. Follow our blog for more creative video advertising ideas or simply reach out to us to get started with your video campaign.

  • "Marlowe Stone is the co-owner and co-founder of 336 Productions, a video agency specializing in corporate video production and branded media, producing content for government agencies and some of the world's biggest brands. She oversees the day-to-day operations of the business. Additionally, she writes, produces, and project manages many of 336's projects. In 2022, Marlowe graduated with her Executive MBA from UCI to gain new insights and knowledge. She also holds a certificate in Women's Leadership and Digital Transformation. An Orange County native and mom to two girls, Marlowe is happiest when spending time with her family and friends."

Leave a Reply