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How to Make Video Ads: The Full Guide

How to Make Video Ads: The Full Guide

Learn how to make video ads that captivate audiences and drive results. Get tips for every stage, from planning to execution.

30 sec summary icon
30 Second Summary
  • Video ads drive higher engagement and ROI than static ads, making them essential for marketing.
  • Pre-roll, in-stream, and social media ads offer different benefits depending on your goals.
  • Effective video ads begin with a targeted audience profile and clear campaign objectives.
  • Crafting a compelling script and visuals keeps viewers engaged and enhances brand recall.
  • Optimizing for silent viewing with captions and text overlays boosts ad accessibility.
  • Continuous testing and A/B comparisons help refine and improve video ad performance.

According to a recent survey from Wyzowl, 91% of businesses use video as a marketing tool, and an astounding 90% of all video marketers say that video has given them a positive ROI. 

Marketers see great success largely because video ads engage their audience like no other format can. As a marketer or business owner, video advertising is a strategy you should take advantage of to increase brand awareness, website traffic, and sales.

According to that same survey, as many as 82% of people have bought a product or service because of a video ad, and 77% were convinced to download an app after watching a video about it. 

Video ads have massive potential, and you don't need a huge budget to make effective ones. With the right tools and approach, you can produce professional-quality videos that convert viewers into customers.

Today, we will provide you with an in-depth guide on how to make video ads that resonate with your audience, cut through the competition, and drive those sales. 

What are video ads?

Video ads are a powerful form of online advertising designed to convey promotional messages through engaging, visually appealing content. These ads play across various digital platforms, such as social media, websites, and streaming services, where users will likely be actively watching or browsing. 

Video ads capture audiences' attention more effectively than static images, using sound, visuals, and storytelling to make a strong impression. A recent Lemonlight survey found that 69% of respondents prefer to learn about a new service or product through a short video ad. 

With their dynamic nature, video ads are particularly effective in driving sales, traffic, and engagement. They can evoke emotions, showcase products, and explain services in a way that’s easy for viewers to absorb and remember.

Marketers can use several types of video ads, including pre-roll, in-stream, and auto-playing social media ads. Let’s take a closer look at each.

If you’re looking for some video ad inspiration, the millions of ad examples available on Foreplay’s Discovery library could be just what you need to get started. 

Pre-roll ads

Pre-roll ads are video advertisements that play before the viewer's intended content. Often short and compelling, they quickly capture the audience's attention in the first few seconds, making a strong impression before the main video content begins. 

Pre-roll ads are particularly effective for building brand awareness and generating leads, as they reach viewers when they are most focused and receptive. 

This format is ideal for driving sales because it can introduce or remind viewers of products or services right at the moment of engagement. Pre-roll ads increase the likelihood of conversions by ensuring that viewers see the message before their chosen content.

In-stream ads

In-stream ads are video advertisements that play between other content, such as series episodes, or between user-uploaded videos on social media or streaming sites. 

These ads benefit from being placed within a flow of video content, reaching viewers who are already engaged with a certain video. 

This format can be particularly effective for increasing traffic and sales because the ads feel like a natural part of the viewing experience, leading to less resistance and higher completion rates. 

In-stream ads also allow advertisers to target users based on the type of content they’re watching, making it more likely that the ads will resonate with their interests and needs.

Auto-playing social media ads

Auto-playing social media ads are short video ads that automatically play without sound as users scroll through their feeds. These ads are highly effective at capturing users' attention quickly, as the motion in their feeds stands out among static images and text. 

Auto-play ads are beneficial for driving website traffic or increasing brand visibility, as the low effort required for viewing makes it more likely that users will engage with the ad. 

With eye-catching visuals, brands can attract curious viewers who might click to learn more, ultimately leading to higher engagement and potential sales.

Advantages of video ads

Video ads provide an impactful way to capture attention and deliver messages far more effectively than static ads. 

Using video, brands can showcase products, tell compelling stories, and engage audiences on a deeper level. Here are some of the primary advantages that video ads bring to the table:

Higher engagement

Video ads drive significantly higher engagement compared to static ads. They utilize sight, sound, and motion to create an immersive experience. These ads can quickly convey complex messages while making a lasting impression on viewers. 

This immersive quality of video ads captures attention and sustains it, making it more likely that audiences will interact with your brand. Studies have shown that video ads receive up to six times the engagement of static content, highlighting their potential to boost visibility and interaction.

Increased brand visibility and organic reach

Video ads are excellent for increasing brand visibility and expanding reach. Social media platforms like YouTube and Instagram prioritize video content in their algorithms, making it easier for brands to gain additional exposure and interaction opportunities. 

Engaging video ads can also go viral, extending reach organically as audiences share the content. This organic growth helps brands connect with broader audiences without needing continuous paid promotion, amplifying brand awareness and recognition.

Emotional investment

Video is one of the most powerful formats for evoking emotional responses, helping brands connect with audiences more personally. 

Studies show that video ads can strengthen the bond between brands and viewers, influencing brand loyalty and purchasing decisions. 

By crafting emotionally resonant stories or showing relatable scenarios, video ads encourage viewers to form connections with the brand, ultimately strengthening loyalty and increasing the likelihood of repeat purchases.

Increased traffic, leads, and sales

Video ads are also highly effective at driving traffic, generating leads, and boosting sales. By providing an engaging and informative format, video ads attract viewers who are likelier to click through, learn more, and ultimately make purchases. 

This conversion potential makes video one of the top content types for driving tangible marketing results, reinforcing its value in any marketing strategy. According to a recent study, video ads lead to a 48% higher sales rate than static ads. 

Below, we can see a perfect example of an engaging video ad that can drive sales. It uses a variety of elements to capture the viewer's attention, including lighthearted music, quick-cut visuals, and the immediate addressing of several pain points, including puffy skin. 

All the while, the presenter, a satisfied user of the skin care product, talks about its benefits and how they are scientifically proven, therefore offering both social and scientific proof simultaneously. 

The video also ends with an effective CTA, indicating that there’s a 30-day money-back guarantee for anyone who isn’t satisfied. 

▶️ View Full Video Ad

RYZE Facebook Ad

Now that we know why video ads are so important for businesses, let’s discuss in detail how to make effective video ads that drive conversions and sales. 

How to make effective video ads

Creating video ads that resonate with your target audience and drive results requires a strategic approach. This includes defining your target audience and goals, choosing the right platform, creating a compelling script, and using attention-grabbing visuals. 

Follow these steps to craft compelling video ads:

1. Define your target audience and goals

To create effective video ads, start by gaining a deep understanding of your ideal customer. Dive into their interests, challenges, and online behavior to build a clear picture of who you’re trying to reach. 

This knowledge shapes your entire approach and allows you to tailor your message to truly resonate with your audience.

To better understand your customer, ask yourself questions like: 

  • What are their pain points? 
  • What motivates them? 
  • Which platforms do they use most? 
  • What type of content engages them? 

If you’re not sure how to answer these questions, use Foreplay’s Spyder Ad Spy tool to see what the competition is doing and how you can do it better. 

Then, create an ideal customer profile that includes key demographics like age, income, gender, and location. Don’t stop at surface-level data; explore their values, lifestyle, and how your product or service fits into their daily lives.

Next, set clear, measurable goals for your video ad campaign. Define what you want to achieve, whether it’s increasing brand awareness, driving website traffic, generating leads, or boosting sales. 

Quantify these objectives with specific targets. For example, aim for a particular number of views, shares, or conversions, or set a percentage increase in website traffic if that’s your goal. 

Well-defined goals guide your creative decisions and provide a benchmark to measure success, ensuring that your video ads stay focused and effective.

For example, this Under Armour ad is very short and simple. It starts with an alarm sound to grab attention, followed by a single word: WARNING! 

It’s a six-second video with a compelling visual of a running shoe and text that reads, “Caution! Run-forever feel. Side effects include smashed PBs, endorphin spikes, and eating miles for breakfast.”

Based on the length of the video, its flashy nature, and the text, it’s clearly targeting a younger demographic, particularly athletes. These people are always on the move and looking for running shoes to improve their performance. One can assume that the goal here is to sell the shoe. 

▶️ View Full Video Ad

Under Armour ad

2. Choose the right platform

Choosing the right platform for your video ads is essential to reaching your target audience and achieving your campaign goals. Each platform offers unique ad formats, user demographics, and targeting options, making some more effective for specific audiences than others. Here’s a look at some popular platforms and their strengths for video advertising.

TikTok: Reaching Gen Z

If you aim to engage with Gen Z, TikTok is an ideal choice, with 60% of its user base aged 16-24. 

TikTok offers a variety of ad formats, from in-feed videos that blend seamlessly into users' feeds to branded hashtag challenges that encourage user participation and can quickly go viral. 

The platform’s fun, fast-paced environment allows for creative, informal video ads that resonate well with younger audiences. 

Tools like Foreplay let you download and save TikTok video ads, providing inspiration and ideas for your campaigns.

LinkedIn: Targeting professionals

LinkedIn is highly effective for brands looking to reach an older, professional audience. LinkedIn video ads appear directly in users' feeds and can run up to 30 minutes, making them perfect for thought leadership and informative content. 

This platform is ideal for B2B marketing. It allows you to target users based on job title, industry, and professional interests, making it easier to reach decision-makers and those likely to engage with professional-focused content.

Facebook and Instagram: Advanced targeting options

Facebook and Instagram offer some of the most advanced targeting capabilities, allowing you to reach audiences based on specific interests, behaviors, and demographics. 

Facebook video ads can be placed in various formats, including in-stream, in-feed, and in Stories, giving you flexibility in how and where your ads are displayed. 

Instagram Stories ads create immersive, full-screen experiences that capture users’ attention as they scroll through stories, providing an excellent opportunity for brands to make memorable impressions.

Below, we see an ad that runs on Facebook and Instagram, reaching a wide audience. This Hume Health advertisement immediately begins by offering a solution to a pain point; “This body pod will help you reach your weight and health goals 12x faster”. 

It then proceeds to explain how it does so while showing an extremely fit and healthy-looking woman using the product, thereby implying that it works for weight loss goals. 

▶️ View Full Video Ad

Hume Health ad

YouTube: Leveraging search capabilities

As the world’s second-largest search engine, YouTube is a powerful platform for video ads, offering a range of formats such as skippable and non-skippable in-stream ads, bumper ads, and overlay ads. 

With YouTube, you can target people based on search history, viewed videos, and interests, giving your brand access to audiences actively searching for related content. 

YouTube’s variety of ad options allows you to reach viewers at different stages of engagement, from brief bumper ads to longer, skippable videos that dive into more detail.

Balancing budget and platform reach

When choosing a video advertising platform, you must consider the associated costs.

The cost of advertising on social media varies by platform, with different rates for CPC (cost per click), CPM (cost per 1,000 impressions), and CPV (cost per view on YouTube). 

Here’s a breakdown of these costs for popular platforms:

Instagram

Advertisers can expect a CPC range of $0.00 to $0.25 on Instagram, making it relatively affordable. The CPM, or cost per 1,000 impressions, ranges from $0.00 to $4.00, allowing for broad visibility at a lower cost.

Facebook

Facebook’s advertising costs are slightly higher, with a CPC range of $0.26 to $0.50. The CPM on Facebook is between $1.01 and $3.00, making it a good option for reaching a wide audience while staying cost-effective.

LinkedIn

LinkedIn tends to be the most expensive platform, particularly for targeting a professional audience. The CPC ranges from $2.00 to $3.00, while the CPM is between $5.01 and $8.00. This higher cost reflects LinkedIn’s more specialized audience and premium ad placements.

Pinterest

Pinterest offers very low CPC rates, ranging from $0.00 to $0.10, making it an affordable option for brands. Its CPM ranges from $0.00 to $1.50, allowing advertisers to reach audiences cost-effectively, especially for visual or lifestyle content.

YouTube

YouTube’s ads are measured by CPV (cost per view), which ranges from $0.31 to $0.40. This makes YouTube ideal for brands focused on video content that aims to capture viewers’ attention through engaging video ads.

Twitter

Lastly, Twitter’s CPC for promoted tweets is similar to Facebook's, ranging from $0.26 to $0.50. Additionally, promoting accounts on Twitter costs $1.01 to $2.00 per follow, providing a targeted way to grow an engaged follower base.

3. Craft a compelling script

Crafting a compelling script is essential for creating an effective video ad. Your script forms the foundation of your message and should tell a story that resonates with your target audience by focusing on the benefits and value your product or service offers. 

Here’s how to create a compelling script: 

Identify pain points and offer a solution

Start by identifying the main pain points or desires of your ideal customer. Consider what problem your product solves and how it makes their life better. Weave these insights into a narrative that unfolds naturally. 

For instance, if you’re promoting a productivity app, your script might follow a character struggling with time management, showing how your app helps them take control of their schedule and reach their goals. Highlight specific features and how they make a difference.

Keep it engaging

Keep your script concise and engaging, as attention spans are short, especially on mobile devices. Although the ideal video length varies by platform, shorter scripts between 15 and 60 seconds are often more effective. 

Use simple, conversational language that's easy to understand, avoiding jargon and complex terms. Moreover, write as if you’re explaining your product to a friend, ensuring you don’t alienate any particular demographic.

A solid CTA

Make sure to include a clear call-to-action (CTA) at the end. What action do you want viewers to take next? Whether it’s visiting your website, making a purchase, or signing up for a free trial, the CTA should be specific and actionable.

Consider the visuals

As you write, consider the visuals that will accompany each line. Think about images, graphics, or text overlays that can enhance the message and create a cohesive experience. A great script should seamlessly blend spoken words with on-screen elements for maximum impact.

Remember, your script is just the starting point. Be open to feedback and revisions, and read it aloud to check for flow and clarity. Refine it until it effectively memorably communicates your message. With a compelling script, you’ll be well on your way to creating a video ad that engages and converts your target audience.

In the video ad example shown below, we see a paint point immediately addressed: “boring educational tools.” Then, it offers a solution: “Say hello to the TinyMate Kids Educational Tablet.” 

It’s not too long, at 36 seconds, and it uses quick-cut visuals, engaging music, and striking imagery to keep the audience engaged. It ends with a solid CTA: " Click shop now to order yours today.” As we can see, this video ad perfectly follows all of the points explained above. 

▶️ View Full Video Ad

OneTap wireless video ad

4. Use attention-grabbing visuals

Creating visually appealing video ads is crucial for capturing your audience’s interest and keeping them engaged. A well-executed visual strategy can make your ad memorable, impactful, and effective. 

Below are several key aspects to focus on when crafting the visuals for your video ad, including starting with a strong visual, making sure all visuals are high-quality, and incorporating consistent brand elements.

Start with a strong visual

Capturing your audience’s interest from the first frame is essential for a successful video ad. Start with a striking visual that immediately grabs the viewer's attention. A compelling opening sets the tone for the rest of your ad and helps draw viewers in.

Use high-quality visuals

High-quality visuals reflect positively on your brand and build credibility. Avoid blurry or pixelated images, as they can make your ad appear unprofessional and turn viewers away. 

Invest in a good camera, proper lighting, and reliable editing software to ensure crisp and clear visuals. 

Maintaining high-quality footage, images, and graphics throughout your ad reinforces a polished and professional image.

Incorporate consistent brand elements

Consistency is key when it comes to branding in video ads. Throughout the ad, incorporate your brand elements, such as your logo, colors, fonts, and overall aesthetic. 

This consistent use of branding helps viewers recognize and remember your company, creating a cohesive experience that aligns with your other marketing channels. Consistent brand visuals help build trust and familiarity with your audience.

Use eye-catching visuals and effects

To make your ad stand out, incorporate eye-catching visuals like motion graphics, animations, and special effects

These elements add visual interest and help illustrate complex ideas in an engaging way. Use effects thoughtfully to highlight key points and maintain viewer engagement without overwhelming them.

Choose visuals that resonate with your audience

When selecting visuals, consider your target audience and the emotions you want to evoke. Use images and footage relevant to your message and relatable to your ideal customer. 

For instance, if you’re targeting busy moms, showing scenes of family life and everyday challenges can create an emotional connection, making your message more meaningful and impactful.

Optimize for mobile viewing

Since over 70% of digital video viewing happens on mobile devices, it’s important to design your visuals with mobile users in mind. 

Ensure your text and graphics are large enough to be readable on small screens. Consider using vertical or square formats for your footage to optimize the viewing experience on mobile devices, helping you reach your audience effectively wherever they watch.

Maintain engaging pacing

Pacing is essential for keeping viewers engaged without overwhelming them. Your visuals should move at a steady, engaging pace, using techniques like cutting on action, varying shot lengths, and adding visual transitions. 

These techniques create a dynamic flow that maintains interest while seamlessly guiding viewers through the story or message.

To illustrate these concepts, here is an ad from Kelsey Robinson Design that kicks off with striking and bright visuals combined with fast-paced animation, upbeat music, and an artistic style that is consistent with the artistic nature of the product or service itself. The highly visual nature of the ad serves to grab and hold the viewer's attention. 

▶️ View Full Video Ad

kelseyrobinsondesign ad

5. Edit and fine-tune your video ad

Once you've created the initial version of your video ad, the next step is to refine it for maximum impact. Editing and fine-tuning ensure that every element, from visuals to audio, works together to deliver a polished, professional message. 

Below, we’ll cover important steps in the editing process, including trimming for optimal length, ensuring smooth transitions, and gathering feedback through test screenings.

Trim for optimal length

The ideal length for a video ad depends on the platform and audience preferences. Shorter videos perform better on social media, capturing viewers' attention quickly and holding it without overstaying. 

To maintain engagement, aim for a length of 15 to 60 seconds on most platforms. However, slightly longer videos can work well for YouTube, as viewers are generally open to more in-depth content on this platform. Tailoring the length to suit each platform will help your ad resonate with its intended audience.

Ensure smooth transitions

Transitions between scenes or shots should feel natural and engaging to maintain a seamless flow. 

Use techniques like cutting on action, varying shot lengths, and adding visual transitions to create a dynamic viewing experience that keeps the audience’s interest. 

A well-paced video ad with smooth transitions feels cohesive and polished, helping to communicate your message without distractions.

Review visual and audio quality

High-quality visuals and clear audio are essential for a professional video ad. Check that the footage is well-lit, sharp, and visually appealing. 

Pay close attention to audio levels, ensuring they are balanced and free of background noise or other distractions. Crisp visuals and audio help reinforce the professionalism of your ad, making it more effective and enjoyable for viewers.

Conduct test screenings and gather feedback

Before finalizing your video ad, conducting test screenings is important to gather feedback on its effectiveness. 

Monitor viewer engagement and note any points where attention might wane. Use this feedback to identify areas for improvement, making adjustments as needed before publishing. 

This feedback loop is valuable in fine-tuning your video ad to ensure it resonates with your audience and achieves its intended goals.

If you’re looking for a great example of a finely-tuned video ad, the one below from Craft Club is perfect. The visuals are as crisp and clear as humanly possible, they are engaging, and the transitions from one shot to another, albeit quick, are smooth. 

▶️ View Full Video Ad

Craft Club ad

6. Optimize for silent viewing

With the rise in mobile video consumption, many users now watch videos without sound. Optimizing your video ad for silent viewing is essential to ensuring your message is communicated effectively. 

Below, we’ll explore key strategies, such as using captions, text overlays, and strong visuals, to create an engaging experience for viewers watching without sound.

Use captions or subtitles

Captions or subtitles allow viewers to follow your message even when the sound is off. 

Adding captions helps convey the content and makes your video accessible to a wider audience, including those who are hard of hearing or non-native speakers. 

Clear and accurate captions ensure that all viewers can understand your ad’s message, regardless of audio.

Incorporate text overlays

Text overlays are an effective way to highlight key points in your ad. Use bold, easy-to-read fonts and place the text strategically on the screen for maximum visibility. 

Keep text short and impactful, limiting it to two to three lines at a time to avoid overwhelming viewers. Text overlays provide an additional layer of communication that helps reinforce the message visually.

Focus on strong visuals

Visuals play an even more crucial role in silent viewing. Use high-quality footage and images that can tell a story on their own. 

Incorporate graphics, animations, and other visually engaging elements to capture attention and keep viewers interested. By relying on strong visuals, you create a narrative that doesn’t depend on sound to be effective.

Use an expressive thumbnail image

A clear, expressive thumbnail image can entice viewers to click on your video ad. This static image appears before the video plays, so choose a thumbnail that accurately represents the content and includes a compelling title or text overlay. 

A well-chosen thumbnail sets expectations and encourages viewers to engage with your ad.

By optimizing your video ad for silent viewing, you can ensure that it effectively communicates your message, even without sound. These strategies will help capture the attention of mobile users and increase your ad’s overall impact.

Although the ad displayed here is not silent per se, a viewer can easily determine what it is about thanks to the included captions that narrate the entire ad; a special nasal strip to assist with breathing. It also includes clear visuals of the product in use by various people, mainly athletes. 

▶️ View Full Video Ad

Airify ad

7. Include a clear call-to-action

Although we touched on calls-to-action above, this is one of the most important aspects of any advertisement, and therefore deserves some extra attention. 

A well-crafted call-to-action (CTA) is essential for guiding viewers to the next step after watching your video ad. 

Your CTA should clearly direct viewers on what to do next, whether it’s visiting your website, signing up for a free trial, or making a purchase. Below are key strategies for creating an effective CTA that drives conversions.

Make your CTA specific and actionable

To capture viewers' attention, make your CTA stand out visually. Use bold text and contrasting colors, or place it in the center of the screen for maximum impact. You can also add a clickable button or link that takes viewers directly to your desired destination. A visually prominent CTA draws the eye and reinforces the action you want viewers to take.

Make your CTA visually prominent

To capture viewers' attention, make your CTA stand out visually. Use bold text, contrasting colors, or place it in the center of the screen for maximum impact. You can also add a clickable button or link that takes viewers directly to your desired destination. A visually prominent CTA draws the eye and reinforces the action you want viewers to take.

Use a verbal CTA for added reinforcement

Consider including a verbal CTA in addition to on-screen text. If your video has a narrator or on-screen talent, have them clearly state the desired action, such as “Visit our website to learn more” or “Click the link below to get started.” This reinforces the CTA and makes it more likely that viewers will follow through, as they’re hearing and seeing the instruction.

Keep your CTA simple and focused

A successful CTA is simple and focused, with one clear action for viewers to take. Avoid overwhelming viewers with multiple options or complicated steps. The easier it is for them to follow through, the higher your conversion rates will be. A streamlined CTA reduces friction and keeps the next steps straightforward.

Align your CTA with your video’s message and goal

Ensure that your CTA aligns with your video ad's overall message and goal. If you’re promoting a specific product, direct viewers to that product page. 

To build your email list, guide them to a sign-up form. Consistency between your message and CTA reinforces your ad’s purpose and makes the transition seamless for viewers.

The below example for a back pain relief product ends by saying, “FlexBuddy is backed by a 60-day guarantee. You’ll either fix your back pain or get your money back.” It also includes a large “ORDER NOW” visual, and the text overlay reads, “Try the all-new FlexBuddy® and save 33% OFF today!” 

As we can see, there are several calls-to-action here, with the text overlay being particularly effective as it also offers an extra incentive to purchase, a good deal. 

▶️ View Full Video Ad

FeetUp ad

8. Test and refine your video ads

Once your video ad is live, it is essential to track its performance and make adjustments as needed. By continuously testing and refining it, you can optimize your ad for maximum impact and engagement. Below are key steps in testing and improving your video ads.

Monitor performance metrics

Begin by closely monitoring key performance metrics, such as views, engagement rate, click-through rate, and conversions. 

Most ad platforms provide analytics tools that allow you to track these numbers, giving you valuable insights into how well your ad resonates with your target audience. 

This data helps you identify areas for improvement and gives you a clear picture of your ad’s effectiveness.

Conduct A/B testing for comparison

A/B testing is a powerful way to experiment with different elements of your video ad. You can determine which performs better by creating two versions of your ad with slight variations. 

You might test different hooks, visuals, CTAs, or video lengths to see which elements engage your audience more effectively. This method allows you to make data-driven decisions that enhance the ad’s overall performance.

Set up and analyze A/B test results

To set up an A/B test, create two ad versions with one changed element, such as a different thumbnail image or CTA phrase. Run both versions simultaneously to gather impressions and clicks. 

After a set period, compare their performance based on click-through and conversion rates. The version that performs better provides valuable insights into what resonates with your audience, guiding you in future ad iterations.

Continuously refine based on data

Testing should be an ongoing process rather than a one-time event. Monitor your video ads' performance regularly and make data-driven improvements. 

As you gather insights into what works best for your audience, you can refine your approach and adjust elements to create even more effective ads. This commitment to continuous optimization ensures that your ads stay relevant and impactful.

Embrace small tweaks for big impact

Remember, even small changes can significantly affect your video ad’s performance. Don’t hesitate to try new things and let data guide your decisions. 

By making incremental improvements based on real-world results, you can create video ads that engage your audience and drive meaningful business outcomes.

Making video ads: Final thoughts

Video ads offer businesses a highly effective way to connect with audiences, build brand awareness, and drive conversions. Every detail counts in producing an impactful video ad, from choosing the right platform to crafting compelling visuals and optimizing for silent viewing. 

Each type of ad, whether pre-roll, in-stream, or auto-playing social media ads, has unique advantages and is suited to different goals. 

With the right planning, a clear understanding of your target audience, and a solid call-to-action, you can create ads that captivate viewers and inspire them to take action. 

Remember, refining your approach through testing and continuous optimization will maximize the effectiveness of your video ad campaigns. With these steps, you're well-equipped to harness the power of video advertising and take your marketing strategy to new heights.

Start your free trial with Foreplay to craft the most compelling video ads. 

Frequently asked questions

What video format can I use for Facebook ads?

Facebook supports video formats like MP4 and MOV for ads. Stick to these for optimal playback and compatibility across devices.

How long should a Facebook ad video be?

Facebook ad videos perform best at 15 seconds or less, as shorter videos tend to hold viewer attention and improve engagement.

Can I create a video LinkedIn ad?

Yes, LinkedIn offers video ad options for both sponsored content and carousel ads. These ads are ideal for sharing brand stories, product features, and generating engagement among professionals.

How do I make a TikTok ad video?

Start with engaging visuals, a clear message, and use TikTok's in-app tools to add effects or music. Keep the ad fun and dynamic to capture the short attention span of TikTok viewers.

What are the recommended Facebook video ad specs?

Facebook recommends 1080p resolution, a 4:5 aspect ratio for in-feed ads, and a file size under 4GB. Videos should include captions for accessibility.

What are the recommended LinkedIn video ad specs?

LinkedIn suggests an MP4 format, with a minimum resolution of 720p and an aspect ratio of 1:1 or 16:9. Keep videos between 3 seconds and 30 minutes.

What are the recommended TikTok video ad specs?

TikTok ads should be in MP4 or MOV format, in a vertical 9:16 aspect ratio, and ideally under 500 MB. Aim for a video length of 5-60 seconds for best engagement.

What are the best practices for video ads?

Start with a strong hook, keep your message simple, and include a clear call-to-action. Use high-quality visuals, optimize for silent viewing, and test different versions for effectiveness.

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Foreplay Team