How to make a video ad in 3 steps

It’s hard to think of a better way to elevate your business’s online presence than with video advertising.

Video content has become a dominant force in digital marketing. It’s engaging, shareable, and effective at capturing attention. Many businesses find that video ads boost brand awareness, drive traffic, and increase sales. By incorporating video marketing content on platforms like Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, and your website, you can convert viewer interest into tangible results and grow your brand. 

With that in mind, it’s worth knowing how to make a video ad. And that’s exactly what this article covers. 

 

What is a video ad and why is it important?

Video ads are short video clips businesses use to promote their products or services. Marketers strategically place them across various digital platforms, including social media, websites, and streaming services, to capture the attention of potential customers. They range from just a few seconds to several minutes and can appear before, during, or after online video content.

 

 

The versatility and engaging nature of video ads make them a powerful tool for marketing. Here’s why:

• Higher engagement. Video ads combine visuals, audio, and motion to create a captivating experience that text or image ads can’t match. This multimedia approach helps convey complex messages quickly and makes a lasting impression on viewers.
• Emotional connection. Videos have a unique ability to evoke emotions. They can tell a story or convey a message that resonates with the audience, building a stronger bond between the brand and its customers. This emotional connection can influence brand loyalty and purchasing decisions.
• Wider reach. The appealing nature of videos encourages viewers to share them with their network, expanding the ad’s reach beyond its original audience. Social media platforms also tend to prioritize video content, giving it more visibility.
• Higher conversion rates. Videos are effective in driving conversions. They can showcase a product in action, explain its benefits, and persuade viewers to take action, whether it’s making a purchase, signing up for a newsletter, or visiting a website.
• Better metrics. Video ads provide detailed analytics, allowing businesses to track their performance. Metrics such as view counts, engagement rates, and click-through rates help marketers understand the effectiveness of their campaigns and make data-driven decisions.

 

 

How to make an advertisement video in 3 steps

Creating a video ad with Renderforest’s online video ad maker—along with video ad templates—is a simple and enjoyable experience. 

 

Select a template 

Take your pick from the wide variety of templates and start editing

 

The first step in creating your video advertisement is to pick the template you want to work with. For this guide, let’s use our Online Marketing and SEO Promotion template as an example. It provides all the tools you need to create a compelling video. 

 

Customize

Use the intuitive tools to personalize the visuals, text, colors, audio, and branding 

 

With your scenes ready, it’s time to personalize your content. Our video editor offers a wide range of customization options to end up with on-brand video ads.

• Add or create media. Upload your logo, images, or other media to give your video a personal touch. This is key to brand recognition and making your video stand out. 
• Edit text. Adjust the text in each scene to match your message. You can choose from a variety of fonts to fit your brand’s style. Remember to keep the text clear and concise. 
• Colors and theme. Customize the colors to align with your brand’s palette. This helps maintain brand consistency and makes your video visually appealing.
• Add music or voiceover. Enhance your video with background music or a voiceover. You can choose from our selection of high-quality music tracks or upload your own. And if you’re looking to add narration to your video, you can do so using the text-to-speech AI tool.
• Add a watermark. Protect your content by adding a watermark with your brand’s logo. This helps prevent unauthorized use of your video and reinforces brand identity.
• Preview. Once you’re happy with the edits, preview your video to see how it looks before finalizing it. This step ensures everything is perfect and ready for export.

 

Export and share

Save your video ad in your preferred resolution or share it directly from Renderforest

 

After you’ve customized your video to your liking, you can show it to the world.

• Export. Choose the resolution that best suits your needs. Higher resolutions allow your video to look professional and crisp on any device.
• Download. Save the video file to your device. This way, you can use the video across multiple platforms and share it with ease.
• Share. Instantly share your video on social media platforms, embed it on your website, or send it via email. Renderforest makes it easy to get your video in front of your audience quickly and effectively.

 

 

Tips for making a good video ad

Creating a compelling video ad can seem challenging, but with a few tips in mind, you can make your ad stand out and generate leads. Here are some pointers to help you create video ads that drive conversions:

 

Capture attention quickly

The first few seconds of your video are crucial. Start with something that grabs attention right away. This can be an intriguing question, a bold statement, or a visually striking image—anything to encourage viewers to keep watching. Keep in mind that many people watch videos on mute, so make sure your visuals are catchy enough to draw them in, even without sound.

 

Keep it short and sweet

Video ads should be concise and to the point—long enough to convey your message but short enough to maintain viewer interest. Generally, 15 to 30 seconds is ideal. Focus on one main idea or message per video to avoid overwhelming your audience.

 

Showcase your brand’s unique value

Highlight what makes your brand special. Is it your innovative products, exceptional customer service, or maybe your unique company story? Make sure your audience knows why they should choose you. You can include customer testimonials or showcase your brand’s achievements to build credibility and trust.

 

Use strong visuals and clear text

Since video ads are often viewed on mobile devices, make sure your visuals are clear and catchy. Use bright colors, bold text, and high-quality images to make your ad visually appealing. Any text in your ad should be easy to read while complementing the visuals. To create the most compelling video ads, remember to keep the text short and emphasize key points.

 

Include a clear call to action

Every great video ad should end with a clear call to action (CTA). Whether you want viewers to visit your website, sign up for a newsletter, or make a purchase, make sure to tell them exactly what to do next. Use actionable language and create a sense of urgency—such as a limited-time offer for subscribing—to encourage immediate response.

 

 

Examples of great video ads 

Successful video ads can be a great source of- inspiration and insights for creating your own. Let’s take a look at some standout examples and what makes them so effective.

 

Coca-Cola’s “Masterpiece” Ad

 

In this ad titled “Masterpiece,” a young man sits in the middle of a bustling museum, feeling uninspired and unable to start drawing. As he looks around, something magical happens: the pictures on the walls come to life. The entire museum is suddenly filled with motion and vibrant activity. Amid this lively scene, someone hands the man a Coca-Cola. With one sip, everything changes. He is instantly rejuvenated and brimming with creativity, ready to create his masterpiece.

 

Our insight: This ad tells a story that fits perfectly with Coca-Cola’s message of refreshment and inspiration. The boy’s transformation from uninspired to creatively energized shows the product’s impact in a unique way.

Expert tip: Think about how you can include a surprise or transformation in your ads. Showing a dramatic change can highlight the benefits of your product in a way that captures and holds your audience’s attention. Get creative with your team and come up with unique scenarios where your product is the hero.

 

Ed’s Heinz Ad

 

In this ad, Ed Sheeran takes center stage. He walks into a fancy restaurant, dressed casually in his signature shirt. As he looks at the dish, he realizes something is missing: his favorite ingredient, Heinz Ketchup. Ed pulls out a bottle of Heinz from his backpack and starts pouring it over his gourmet meal, much to the surprise and shock of the restaurant staff. The ad humorously concludes with the message that Heinz Ketchup makes everything better, no matter where you are.

 

Our insight: This ad perfectly combines humor with a celebrity collaboration in a way that feels genuine and relatable. Ed Sheeran’s casual behavior and love for Heinz Ketchup make the ad memorable and entertaining, highlighting the product’s versatility and universal appeal.

Expert tip: Consider how you can use humor and relatable scenarios in your ads. Featuring a well-known personality who genuinely loves your product can also result in an effective video ad. Think about how you can create a fun story that highlights your product’s best features.

 

Starbucks’ “Every Table Has a Story” Ad

 

In Starbucks’ cozy ad “Every Table Has a Story,” we see different customers sitting at tables in a Starbucks shop, each living their unique moments. The ad highlights how every table holds its own story. 

Some stories are filled with many chapters, while others are just starting their first. Some moments are inspiring, some are cozy and heartwarming, and others might even bring a tear to your eye. Ultimately, each has the power to inspire the next. The ad wraps up by asking, “What’s your story?”

 

Our insight: This ad stands out because it captures the everyday magic that happens at Starbucks. It shows that Starbucks is more than just a place to grab a coffee; it’s a place where special moments and memories can be made. The ad invites viewers to think about their own stories and how Starbucks plays a part in them.

Expert tip: Focus on the emotional connections your product creates. Share stories that your audience can relate to on a personal level. By highlighting real-life moments and the feelings tied to them, you can create an ad that relates and sticks with your viewers.

 

 

To wrap up

Creating your own video ads can be a piece of cake, be it Facebook video ads or maybe Instagram promos. At this point, you’re well on your way to making ads that truly stand out. Remember—the key is to connect with your audience, tell a compelling story, and have fun with the process. Experiment with different ideas, and don’t be afraid to think outside the box. With the right approach, your advertisement videos can make a huge impact and help you engage with your audience in meaningful ways. 

 

Related reading:

• 21 promo video templates for effective marketing
• Animated videos for business
• How to make videos for Instagram

 

How to make video ad FAQ 

What is a video ad?

A video ad is a short video created to promote a product, service, or brand. It is designed to capture the audience’s attention quickly and deliver a message. Video ads can be used across various platforms, including social media, websites, and streaming services, and can range from a quick 15-second teaser to a more detailed 60-second story. 

 

How long should a video ad be?

The ideal length of a video ad depends on where it will be shown and what its purpose is.

• Social media ads. For platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter, keep your ads between 15 and 30 seconds. Shorter ads tend to perform better, matching users’ quick-scroll behavior.
• YouTube ads. YouTube allows for longer ads, but the most effective ones are typically between 15 to 60 seconds. For skippable ads, try to hook viewers in the first five seconds.
• TV ads. Traditional TV ads usually run between 30 to 60 seconds, providing enough time to tell a more detailed story.

 

Ultimately, the length should be long enough to convey your message but short enough to maintain the viewer’s interest.

 

How much does it cost to make a video ad?

The cost of making a video ad can vary widely depending on the approach you choose. If you decide to go the traditional route by hiring a team of professionals, renting equipment, and securing a location, you may be looking at anywhere from $1,000 to $10,000. This includes costs for a director, camera crew, actors, editing, and post-production. It’s a great option if you have a substantial budget and want a highly polished, custom video.

On the other hand, if you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option without compromising on quality, Renderforest’s video ad creator has got you covered. With Renderforest’s ad maker, you can create a good video ad for as little as $10 to $30, depending on the features and video templates you choose. You can easily customize your video with text, images, and music, making it perfect for small businesses, startups, or anyone looking to create high-quality ads without breaking the bank. And if you’re taking your ads to social media, tools like our Facebook video templates can come in handy.

 

How do you plan a video ad?

Planning a video ad can be straightforward and enjoyable if you follow these simple steps:

1. Set your goal. Decide what you want to achieve with your ad. Is it to increase brand awareness, drive sales, or promote a new product through Google Ads? Having a clear goal will guide your entire process.
2. Know your audience. Think about who you’re trying to reach. What are their interests? Where do they spend their time online? Understanding your audience helps you tailor your message and choose the right platform for your ad.
3. Craft a clear message. Focus on one main idea or benefit. Your message should be simple, clear, and compelling. Make sure it resonates with your audience and aligns with your goal.
4. Storyboard your ideas. Sketch out a simple storyboard of your ad. This helps you visualize the flow, ensuring your message is easy to follow. Think of it as a comic strip version of your video.
5. Gather your materials. Collect everything you need for your ad, such as images, videos, logos, and music. If you’re using a tool like Renderforest, explore the available templates and customization options.
6. Create and edit. Put together your video using high-quality visuals and clear audio. Edit your footage so that it’s smooth and professional. Adding a combination of text, music, and special effects enhances your message.
7. Review and adjust. Before sharing your ad, review it to make sure everything looks and sounds great. Get feedback from others and make any necessary tweaks to boost the video’s potential.