Video Advertising Examples And What Makes Them Work

Video advertising examples are not hard to come by.

Lots of brands recognise the importance of video advertising in communicating key messages and connecting with an audience on an emotional level.

You can convey much more in a video than you can in a static image or through written words as people can be deterred by chunks of text.

It’s also more engaging for consumers to watch as they can picture themselves in the video which makes the messaging more relatable. In turn, they’re more likely to buy from the brand as they feel as though they genuinely understand their needs and wants.

However, whilst lots of brands invest in video advertising, some brands do it better than the rest.

In this blog, we’re exploring some video advertising examples and what makes them a success.

From automotive brands such as Volvo and their cinematic advert, to Spotify and their blend of real life and animation, we’re looking at some of the best and what you can learn for your own video advertising campaign.

Volvo

Volvo has broken all of the rules with their new video advert which spans over three minutes long.

Promoting their EX90, with a key focus being safety, the ad was shot by Hoyte Van Hoytema, the cinematographer behind Oppenheimer and Interstellar.

The ad tells a heartfelt and emotional story of two expecting parents who are anxious about their new arrival. What’s most interesting about this Volvo ad is that the car is actually not featured at all for the first 10-20 seconds.

This is unusual for a brand as you want to promote your offering and hook viewers straight away. However this focuses on building the story and creating an emotional connection that emphasises, very subtly, the safety features on the EX90 model.

There is a dramatic scene in the video where a woman driving the Volvo relies on advanced safety systems to intervene in a near-miss situation when the expecting mother is crossing the road.

The ad aims to convey the message of protecting what matters most, using Hoytema’s cinematic style to create a thought-provoking feel.

Nike: Write the Future

This ad released during the 2010 FIFA World Cup is an iconic video advertising example.

Featuring high-profile footballers including Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo, it shows how a single moment can have great consequences.

The story shows how a player’s performance in a game, whether it’s positive or negative, has an impact on their future and their fame.

For example, one scene shows Ronaldo missing a penalty, and as a result, he experiences a major career downfall. The same can be said for Wayne Rooney who can be seen painting the lines on the pitch – a step down from his usual position on the field.

This ad was celebrated for its cinematic style, and engaging storytelling as it combines real and imaginative scenarios. It was also commended for its visual effects, and fast-paced approach which shows the ripple effect of each moment in the game.

Spotify: Your Music, Your World

Music is a huge part of our lives and can change the way we feel for the bad or good. We don’t always even realise the influence it has on our mood, but so many of us listen to music every single day.

With Spotify’s ad ‘Your Music, Your World’ it emphasises just how personal music is to use, and the way it can shape our experiences.

It created an emotional connection between the music platform and users by showing how the music we listen to can help us express our emotions and live our lives, becoming an important part of our identity.

It also cleverly promoted the brand and its vast range of music, but tied it back to the individual which is what makes the ad so relatable. What I love most about this campaign is how it shows the way music reflects our personal taste and preferences which is reflected in our music choices.

By focusing on personal stories and putting people at the forefront, it humanises Spotify, and makes the brand feel much more than just a platform. Instead, it becomes part of our everyday lives.

Other brands can learn from this video advertising example, by making their own campaigns more personal to them. audience. By tailoring your message to appeal to the end user, you’re helping viewers picture themselves in the scene which is very powerful.

The Dollar Shave Club

If you’ve not already seen this video advertising example, I’d be surprised!

This ad for The Dollar Shave Club, a razor subscription service, does everything right.

From the moment you start watching the CEO Michael Dubin introduce himself, through to his clumsy journey through the factory floor, it grabs your attention.

It’s not polished or super professional, it’s rough around the edges but captivating. It plays on the fact that we’re all spending too much money on razors which promise us the earth, when really, we just need one that does the job. And by subscribing to The
Dollar Shave Club for $1 a month, that’s what you get.

You almost feel a bit silly after watching it, as it’s direct and to the point. Their product is everything you need without any of the fluffy extras.

While the ad focuses on the CEO telling the story, it also features other employees in the background who appear to be genuinely working. Their lack of camera readiness adds to the ad’s authenticity and raw, unpolished feel.

It’s funny, different, and makes you interested in a product that’s actually quite dull!

Heinz: AI Ketchup

AI is the topic on everyone’s lips, and no brand can get away from it! Instead, you’re better off leaning into it instead of fighting the inevitable wave. And what’s more, AI can actually help elevate your brand.

One of the biggest concerns for brands is that AI blurs the line between what’s real and what’s fake, making authenticity difficult.
Heinz tackled this in their video advertising campaign, reinforcing their iconic brand message: It has to be Heinz – even when it comes to AI.

The campaign cleverly capitalised on AI’s ability to generate images from text, with prompts such as:

• Ketchup renaissance
• Ketchup impressionism
• Ketchup street art

And in response to each prompt, is Heinz.

By embracing AI rather than steering away from it, Heinz demonstrated the strength of their brand. The campaign shows that even in a world of AI-generated content, no substitute can compete with the real deal.

It’s clever, memorable, and leans into industry trends while reinforcing the power of the Heinz brand.

Aldi: Like Brands Cake

Aldi’s “Like Brands Cake” campaign cleverly leans into the famous and playful rivalry between M&S’s Colin the Caterpillar and Aldi’s Cuthbert the Caterpillar cakes.

The ad starts with two men and a woman discussing how delicious the cake is, with the screen displaying the two caterpillar cakes side-by-side – one being M&S and the other being Aldi. Everyone at the party is dressed as caterpillars, adding to the ad’s lighthearted, humorous feel.

The juxtaposition of the two cakes, combined with labels showing only the brand, emphasises how similar the products are, reinforcing Aldi’s message that quality doesn’t have to come at a premium.

Towards the end of the ad, the playful rivalry is taken up a notch as Colin himself makes a discontented yet humorous appearance, crashing the caterpillar-themed party. The ad finishes with the strapline, “Like M&S – only cheaper,” driving home the point that the key difference is Aldi’s competitive price point.

This ad grabs viewers’ attention instantly and the side-by-side comparison of the cakes is so impactful in video format, clearly illustrating Aldi’s key message. Combine this with the entertaining cameo of Colin and a memorable strapline, and the ad leaves a lasting impression while maintaining a fun, playful tone.

Video Advertising Examples And What Makes Them Work

These video advertising examples should highlight how much you can do when it comes to engaging your audience.

While static images and text are great, video has the power to tell a story and connect with viewers on a deeper level. From pulling on their heart strings, to being humorous and unique (like Dollar Shave Club) video advertising can make people feel something.

There’s also no set rules as seen with the example of Volvo, as the brand took a back seat whilst the story of the people was the key focus. You need to hook audiences into what you’re saying without purely pushing your offering.

If you need any help with your video advertising get in touch with our team. We’ve worked with brands across different industries, helping them tell their story and increase engagement and sales as a result.