Video advertising is one of the most powerful ways to reach people today. When you understand the different types of video advertising, you can create campaigns that really connect with your audience. The various types of video advertising available let you tell your brand's story in many ways. From quick social media clips to detailed product demos, each of these types of video advertising serves a specific purpose. Learning about all the types of video advertising will help you pick the right format for your marketing goals. In this article, we will dig in to the top 12 types of video advertising that can help your business grow.
1. In-Stream Video Ads
In-stream video ads are those short commercials that play before, during, or after other video content. You've probably seen them on YouTube and other streaming platforms. They're a common choice for marketers because they reach people who are already watching videos.
Pre-Roll Ads
Pre-roll ads appear before the video you want to watch begins. They're usually skippable after 5 seconds, which means you need to grab attention quickly. According to Google Ads documentation, these ads can be 15-30 seconds long and are great for building brand awareness.
Mid-Roll Ads
Mid-roll ads show up in the middle of longer video content, similar to TV commercial breaks. They work well because viewers are already invested in the content. Vidico's research shows that strategic selection of video ad types can increase engagement by up to 300% compared to random format choices.
Post-Roll Ads
Post-roll ads play after the main video has finished. While some viewers may click away, those who stay are often more interested in related content. These ads can be good for calls to action since the viewer has already consumed the content they came for.
2. Social Media Video Ads
Social media platforms have become hotspots for video advertising. Each platform offers unique formats that blend into users' feeds and stories. Understanding these differences can help you create content that feels natural on each platform.
In-Feed Video Ads
These ads appear as users scroll through their social media feeds. They autoplay silently but can capture attention with strong visuals. Reddit's advertising team notes that campaigns combining image and video creatives saw 10x higher lifts in memorability.
Stories Ads
Stories ads appear between user stories on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Snapchat. They're full-screen and vertical, making them perfect for mobile viewing. Since they disappear after 24 hours, they create a sense of urgency that can drive action.
Live Stream Ads
Live streaming has become a popular way to connect with audiences in real-time. Brands can sponsor live streams or host their own. Shopify used live video to host a virtual panel, creating excitement through real-time interaction.
3. Explainer Videos
Explainer videos break down complex ideas into simple, easy-to-understand formats. They're perfect for introducing new products or services and showing how they work. These videos often use animation or clear visuals to make complicated topics accessible.
Animated Explainer Videos
Animation lets you visualize concepts that might be difficult to show with live action. You can create characters, diagrams, and metaphors that make your message stick. Okta's explainer video successfully breaks down their technical identity management service with clarity and humor.
Live-Action Explainer Videos
Live-action explainers use real people and settings to demonstrate products or services. This approach can feel more authentic and relatable. According to Lemonlight, explainer videos have become increasingly popular because they allow companies to provide detailed descriptions of what makes them unique.
Whiteboard Explainer Videos
Whiteboard videos simulate the process of drawing concepts on a whiteboard. This style keeps viewers focused on the key points as they appear. The gradual revelation of information helps with understanding and retention.
4. Brand Story Videos
Brand story videos focus on your company's identity, values, and mission rather than just selling products. They aim to build emotional connections with viewers by sharing what makes your brand special.
Company Culture Videos
These videos show what it's like to work at your company. They might feature employee interviews, office tours, or team activities. Dropbox created a fun culture video using puppets instead of traditional interviews, showing their creative side.
Origin Story Videos
Every company has a beginning. Sharing your startup journey can humanize your brand and make it more relatable. These stories often highlight challenges overcome and lessons learned along the way.
Value Demonstration Videos
Instead of talking about your values, these videos show them in action. This might include community involvement, sustainability efforts, or ethical business practices. According to Vidico, brand videos are designed to amplify brand identity and resonate emotionally with viewers.
5. Testimonial and Case Study Videos
Testimonial and case study videos feature real customers sharing their experiences with your product or service. This social proof can be very convincing for potential buyers who are on the fence.
Customer Testimonial Videos
These videos show satisfied customers talking about how your product helped them. Seeing real people share genuine experiences builds trust. Magic Flask uses testimonial videos that capture customer emotions and authenticity.
Case Study Videos
Case studies go deeper than testimonials by showing measurable results. They typically follow a problem-solution-results structure. Flixel Photos created a case study video that includes beautiful product shots and infographics to highlight their impact.
Comparison Videos
Comparison videos pit your product against competitors or alternative solutions. They highlight your unique advantages in a direct way. Lemonlight notes that comparison videos provide valuable information to viewers while building trust in a brand.
6. How-To and Tutorial Videos
How-to and tutorial videos teach viewers how to do something related to your product or industry. They position your brand as a helpful resource while demonstrating your expertise.
Product Tutorial Videos
These videos show customers how to use your product effectively. They can reduce support calls and increase customer satisfaction. HubSpot created an IGTV video that walks viewers through turning website traffic into leads with clear step-by-step instructions.
Industry Education Videos
Instead of focusing directly on your product, these videos teach skills or knowledge related to your industry. This approach builds authority and trust. Looka took their existing blog content about creative business names and turned it into a successful educational video.
Troubleshooting Videos
When customers have problems with your product, troubleshooting videos can provide quick solutions. These videos show you care about customer success beyond the initial sale.
7. Product Demonstration Videos
Product demonstration videos focus specifically on showing your product in action. They highlight features, benefits, and real-world applications to help potential customers understand what they're buying.
Feature Highlight Videos
These videos zoom in on specific product features that set you apart from competitors. They're usually short and focused on one key benefit at a time. Salesforce uses feature videos to showcase their Workplace Command Center with professional editing and voice-over.
Use Case Videos
Use case videos show your product solving specific problems in different scenarios. They help viewers imagine how the product would work in their own lives or businesses.
Unboxing Videos
Unboxing videos capture the experience of opening your product for the first time. They build excitement and show attention to detail in packaging and presentation. According to Superside, user-generated unboxing content can be highly authentic and relatable.
8. Live Video Content
Live video creates immediate connection with your audience through real-time interaction. The unscripted nature makes it feel authentic and builds excitement through spontaneity.
Live Q&A Sessions
Hosting live question-and-answer sessions lets you address audience concerns directly. Dubsado created 'Tea Time with Becca' interview series on Instagram Live, then posted the recordings to IGTV for later viewing.
Event Live Streaming
Stream company events, product launches, or industry conferences to include remote viewers. Shopify used live video to host a virtual panel with Black professionals, bringing excitement through real-time interaction.
Behind-the-Scenes Live Videos
Show what happens backstage at your company or during product development. These videos satisfy curiosity and build transparency that strengthens customer relationships.
9. Short-Form Video Ads
Short-form video ads are brief, attention-grabbing clips designed for platforms where users consume content quickly. They're perfect for mobile viewing and social media scrolling.
Bumper Ads
Bumper ads are ultra-short videos of 6 seconds or less that deliver a quick, memorable message. According to Google Ads help, these non-skippable ads are great for building brand awareness with a concise message.
Instagram Reels and TikTok Videos
These vertical videos use music, effects, and trends to capture attention quickly. WeWork created a Reel with rotating transitions and a popular song to showcase their coworking space and staff.
YouTube Shorts Ads
Shorts ads appear between organic Shorts in the YouTube app. They have a similar user experience to organic Shorts, making them feel native to the platform. Google notes that Shorts ads reach a large audience of engaged viewers in a mobile-optimized experience.
10. Interactive Video Ads
Interactive video ads let viewers engage with your content through clicks, choices, or other interactions. This active participation makes the experience more memorable and can provide valuable data about viewer preferences.
Shoppable Video Ads
Shoppable videos allow viewers to purchase products directly from the video through clickable hotspots. This shortens the customer journey from discovery to purchase. Storyly explains that interactive video ads encourage viewer participation, increasing engagement and memorability.
Branching Narrative Videos
These videos let viewers choose what happens next in the story. Different choices lead to different outcomes, creating a personalized experience. This format works well for storytelling and product exploration.
Quiz and Poll Videos
Interactive quizzes and polls within videos gather feedback while keeping viewers involved. The data collected can inform future marketing strategies and product development.
11. Outstream Video Ads
Outstream video ads appear in places where users aren't necessarily expecting video content, like within articles or on webpage sidebars. They start playing automatically when they come into view.
In-Article Video Ads
These ads appear between paragraphs of text content on websites and blogs. They expand to play when visible, then minimize when scrolled past. AdPushup notes that outstream ads are deployed on pages with no video content, making them suitable for text-heavy websites.
In-Banner Video Ads
In-banner video ads replace traditional static banner ads with video content. They appear in standard banner ad spaces but play video instead of showing still images.
Floating Video Ads
Floating video ads appear as small players that stay visible as users scroll down a page. They're less intrusive than full-screen ads but still capture attention through motion.
12. Native Video Ads
Native video ads match the look and feel of the platform where they appear. They blend in with organic content, making them less disruptive to the user experience.
Social Media Native Ads
These ads appear in social feeds with the same format as organic posts. They might be labeled as 'sponsored' but otherwise look like regular content. AdPushup explains that native ads differ from standard ads by integrating seamlessly into the user's path across a website or app.
In-Feed Native Video Ads
In-feed native videos appear in content streams on websites and apps. They match the surrounding content in style and format while delivering promotional messages.
Recommended Video Ads
These ads appear as suggested content alongside related articles or videos. They feel less like advertising and more like relevant recommendations, which can increase viewership.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the different types of video advertising available can help you create more effective marketing campaigns. Each format serves different purposes and works best in specific contexts. From quick bumper ads to detailed case studies, the right video type depends on your goals, audience, and platform.
No matter if you're just starting with video advertising or looking to expand your existing efforts, testing different formats can reveal what resonates with your audience. The key is to match your video type to your marketing objectives and viewer preferences.
As video continues to dominate digital marketing, staying informed about the latest formats and best practices will help your business stand out. Start experimenting with these video advertising types to find what works best for connecting with your customers and growing your brand.