In a world where consumers are bombarded by marketing content, video stands out as a powerful medium for shaping how your brand is perceived. With preference for visual storytelling at an all-time high, smart brands are turning to video to communicate identity, values, and emotion. This article explores the strategy and execution, from foundations to format, in order to create video brand messaging that resonates.
Viewers recall 95% of what they see in a video versus just 10% from text (videospan.com). On mobile and social platforms, video captures attention faster and holds it longer. Not only do videos increase view count and watch time—they boost engagement, site rankings, and conversions by impressive margins (skybluecreative.com).
Corporate and brand videos humanise businesses by showcasing culture, people, and mission. Between behind‑the‑scenes footage and testimonials, companies can reveal authenticity and character; cornerstones of emotional connection (Vogue Business).
A coherent brand message in video relies on Clarity, Consistency, and Character (charterandcompany.com):
Without these C’s, even well-produced content can feel hollow.
Different messaging goals require different formats. Below are the most impactful:
A 1–2 minute video that presents your mission, history, and why your brand exists. These form the emotional foundation for all other content (WolfPack).
Short, clear demonstrations that highlight key benefits and how the product solves problems; ideal for B2B or complex offerings (WolfPack).
First‑hand experiences from real users add credibility and proof. When customers speak to camera about their positive outcomes, it builds social proof (videospan.com).
These serve to humanise your brand, showcase employees, processes, and highlight the human story behind the brand (Venture Videos).
For TikTok, Instagram Reels, or YouTube Shorts; micro‑videos (<1 min) that spark interest, highlight quick insights, or entice audiences to learn more (WolfPack, videospan.com, Brand24).
Longer videos (3–10 minutes) with documentary style, narrative arcs, and emotional storytelling. Ideal for values-forward storytelling, examples include beauty brands creating mini‑films (Vogue Business).
Tailor tone, style, and content to audience demographics, values, interests, and pain points (skybluecreative.com).
Don’t just say what you do, explain why. Share your mission and beliefs to cultivate deeper emotional bonds (charterandcompany.com).
Emotion drives engagement. Use narrative structure, conflict, resolution and transformation all to pull viewers in (JMP).
Infuse humour, music, or animation to align mood with brand voice. Just make sure it fits audience expectations (Creative TRND).
Ensure good lighting, crisp audio, and polished visuals. But authenticity matters most, smartphone footage can work, if genuine and presented authentically like UGC.
80–85% of viewers watch without sound. Use subtitles, visual cues, and text overlays for clarity (Brand24).
Adapt video length, dimensions, and opening pace for each channel; LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, and others (videospan.com).
Whether it’s “learn more”, “shop now”, or “subscribe”, your video should guide viewers toward one next step.
Use targeted SEO for titles, descriptions, and transcripts; promote via e‑mail and paid social ads; consider engaging influencers if relevant to your industry.
Track watch time, engagement, click-throughs, and conversions and ensure you optimise future content based on this data. Refresh outdated videos and repurpose them into shorter snippets.
Major brands are now launching internal studios to craft long-format narrative content; mini‑films that align with brand values.
Examples:
These approaches enhance authenticity because they come from within the brand, not just agencies, and demonstrate values instead of merely claiming them.
In today’s immersive digital landscape, video is essential for making brand messaging human, memorable, and actionable. Whether through heartfelt storytelling, engaging product demos, or snackable social clips, video provides unique emotional resonance and reach.
By applying the 3 C’s framework, selecting the right video formats, and emphasising storytelling with production discipline, businesses can craft video messaging that builds trust, differentiates brand identity, and drives true connection with audiences.
Get in touch to find out more about how video content can help enhance your brand online.
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