This isn’t news to anyone, but capturing and retaining the interest of your online audience is more crucial than ever. Even if you’re used to producing videos, you most probably learned one way or another that the first few seconds of a video are often the only chance to hook your viewers.
Effective marketing videos engage viewers from the very beginning and hold their attention throughout, leaving a lasting impact. This is the difference between mediocre content and a compelling marketing video that actually inspires action or decision!
If you are unsure about how to bring the art of captivating your audience to life, take a look at our curated list that might give you some inspiration! We’re sure you’re going to get some ideas on how to make your message resonate, and your brand linger in your viewers’ minds.
1. Nike – “Dream Crazier”
Nike’s “Dream Crazier” ad highlights what good storytelling can do for your brand. It begins with Serena Williams’ voice delivering an inspiring message, instantly grabbing viewers’ attention. This video features remarkable women in real life breaking barriers in various sports, showcasing their strength, resilience, and accomplishments. Whether it’s winning a grand slam, delivering a baby, coaching an NBA team, changing a sport, and more – these are all considered crazy to people because women are doing it.
The captivating storytelling and powerful visuals make it a compelling marketing video. Serena ends the video with “If they wanna call you crazy. Fine. Show them what crazy can do.”
2. Apple – “Welcome Home”
Apple’s “Welcome Home” video, directed by Spike Jonze, is a visually stunning masterpiece. The video starts with a woman feeling disconnected in her everyday life and then shifts into a surreal world of dancing furniture and colorful animations. The next thing you know, there are matching rooms, cameras, and dance movements! The engaging narrative and unique visuals instantly captivate the audience’s imagination.
3. Always – “Like a Girl”
Always’ “Like a Girl” campaign is a thought-provoking and empowering marketing video. The question is simple: “What does it mean to do something ‘like a girl’?” Anyone who has heard this before knows that this an insult – it’s a phrase that makes you think you’re not good enough. It makes you question what you’re really capable of, and that’s exactly the question that the ad focused on!
The video challenges stereotypes and empowers young girls, aiming to change perceptions and inspire confidence. The lesson is all about embracing the movement to redefine ‘like a girl’ into a positive affirmation, and not make it into a phrase of humiliation or an insult.
4. Red Bull – “Stratos”
First off, this may seem like a made-up story, but it’s not. Red Bull’s “Stratos” project begins with Felix Baumgartner stepping onto the platform of a helium balloon, preparing for his record-breaking jump from the stratosphere. You heard it right. He jumped from freaking space! The heart-pounding excitement from the outset draws viewers in and keeps them glued to the screen, more so because he broke the speed of sound whilst in freefall!
5. Dove – “Real Beauty Sketches”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XpaOjMXyJGk
Dove’s “Real Beauty Sketches” is a touching marketing video that addresses self-esteem and beauty. It starts with a forensic artist sketching women based on their self-descriptions and later sketches them based on descriptions from strangers. The stark difference in self-perception and external perception makes the video emotionally resonant. Dove was successful in sharing its affirmation of “You are more beautiful than you think!”
6. Old Spice – “The Man Your Man Could Smell Like”
Humor and creativity? We have to give it to Old Spice’s “The Man Your Man Could Smell Like” video because it’s a perfect blend of both! It opens with a shirtless Isaiah Mustafa in a luxurious bathroom, confidently speaking to the camera. The humor and unexpected scenarios that follow throughout the video instantly capture the audience’s attention. This just proves that in marketing – you can stick to a script that is catchy, quick, and funny – and make it a success!
7. Google – “Year in Search”
If there’s anything the online audience is looking forward to each year, it’s probably Google’s “Year in Search”! After all, this has become a yearly tradition. This showcases the year’s most significant events and moments featuring real people and their experiences. The emotional journey through the video connects viewers with the past year’s experiences and touches hearts. Many viewers felt that this was such an amazing way to remember life and remember the times!
8. Coca-Cola – “Share a Coke”
Coca-Cola’s “Share a Coke” campaign is a great example of audience engagement, and features the moment of joy and surprise when they find their names printed on the Coke bottle.
9. Airbnb – “Is Mankind?”
Who would have thought that such a simple video could give such a thought-provoking question: “Is mankind?” This video talks about the idea that people are inherently good.
10. P&G – “Thank You, Mom”
It truly takes someone strong to make someone strong. P&G’s “Thank You, Mom” campaign perfectly captures that! The emotionally charged video celebrates the support of mothers, and how they influenced the journey of young athletes from childhood to the Olympics. It effectively tugs at heartstrings and resonates with viewers who have experienced a mother’s love and sacrifice.
11. John Lewis – “The Long Wait”
John Lewis’ “The Long Wait” Christmas campaign features a young boy who can’t wait for Christmas. The anticipation builds as the boy watches the clock, and the emotional payoff is both heartwarming and powerful. It beautifully captured the spirit of the season when the boy showed up with a gift in hand for his parents. Apparently, he cannot wait to give his parents his lovely gift!
12. Volkswagen – “The Force”
Volkswagen’s “The Force” Super Bowl ad starts with a young boy trying to use the Force on various objects in his home, culminating in a heartwarming surprise. The video’s humor and pop culture references make it highly engaging and relevant too!
The success of marketing videos lies in their ability to capture the audience’s interest right from the beginning
These 12 inspiring marketing videos have demonstrated the power of compelling storytelling, emotional resonance, and creativity in engaging viewers. As a result, the brands are loved and patronized even more.
Applying this to a smaller scale – you don’t need a million-dollar budget to create such impactful videos. Sometimes, all it takes is an eye for content, a creative mind, and the openness to put out something different or unique!
Take a page from these brands’ playbook and understand what makes videos captivating
Or if you need help, you can always count on KamelBPO to bring you a reliable, and professional team who are passionate about delivering your brand story.
We have a pool of amazing content marketers, animators, graphic designers, and social media managers who can facilitate the creation of videos that not only capture attention but also leave a lasting impression in your audience!