Let's be candid here – we’re living in a golden age of content, and if you're not putting your best foot forward, you're probably fading into the noise. So, need some promotional video inspiration? Look no further. We've done the task of diving deep into the world of promotional videos to bring you some sterling examples that are nothing short of remarkable. Let's dive in, shall we?
1. Apple - iPhone Introduction (2007)
Alright, starting with an oldie but a goodie. Apple’s original iPhone introduction video with Steve Jobs isn’t just about a product; it's about heralding a new era. With a simple backdrop and Jobs' signature style, the video showcased how the iPhone would reinvent the phone. It was direct, visionary, and made everyone feel like they were witnessing the future. Apple didn't just sell a product; they sold a revolution.
2. Dollar Shave Club - “Our Blades Are F*ing Great!”
Bold, hilarious, and impossible to ignore – this video from Dollar Shave Club is a masterclass in understanding your audience. By using humour, a clear value proposition, and some unforgettable one-liners, the brand managed to go viral and gain a significant market share in a saturated industry. Plus, it's just fun to watch!
3. GoPro: Be a Hero
When you think of GoPro, you think of immersive, thrilling, adrenaline-packed adventures, right? The "Be a Hero" series truly embodies the brand essence by showcasing real-life footage captured using their cameras. It's not just about a camera; it's about the experiences you can immortalize with it. By placing their product in various adrenaline-charged scenarios – from deep-sea diving to cliff jumping – they showcase its durability and quality.
4. Always - #LikeAGirl
Promotional videos can be powerful societal commentaries. Always broke the mold with its #LikeAGirl campaign, challenging societal norms and redefining the phrase to mean something positive. The product? Sanitary pads. The message? Empowerment and redefining societal norms. A masterclass in aligning a product with a larger, impactful message.
5. Tullamore D.E.W. - The Parting Glass
For a whiskey brand, you might expect something traditional. Tullamore D.E.W. went for the heartstrings with a video about friendship, legacy, and the Irish goodbyes. By the end, when the product finally makes an appearance, you’re already invested in the brand's story and the emotions it evokes.
6. Slack – “So Yeah, We Tried Slack…”
Relatable and humorous! Slack uses real testimonials in a quirky, offbeat way to showcase how their product makes workplace communication efficient and fun. By addressing common workplace frustrations, they position their product as the perfect solution in a way that's fresh and engaging.
7. Spotify - Let the Song Play
Ever had a song that just resonates with a specific moment in your life? Spotify tapped into this emotion with various scenarios where characters defy norms to let a song play out. It's heartwarming, memorable, and makes you want to open the app and play that one song you can't get out of your head.
8. Hillarys - Your Home, Your Way
Now for a Skeleton job. The main concept behind this campaign for Hillarys was to encourage people to freely express their personal style and creativity. The tagline 'Your Home, Your Way' aimed to inspire individuals to be proud of their unique tastes.
The campaign had a fun and energetic vibe, and showcased a range of different styles that catered to different audiences. We made sure to include the latest interior design trends, like biophilic design, sustainable furnishings, and mindful spaces, to keep everything fresh and relevant.
The entire creative direction of this campaign relied on us having a deep understanding of Hillarys' target customers. That means everything from character development to room styling and product choices was informed by the beliefs, values, and typical lifestyles of their target audiences.
Using key trends, psychographic profiling, and social listening, we built each character their own story and unique style to tap into the things they care about when building their home space.
After all, we wanted their target customers to see themselves reflected in this campaign. To look at these beautiful spaces and think: "yeah, that's a bit of me."
Closing thoughts...
These videos stand as a testament to the fact that promotional content, when done right, can inspire, motivate, and resonate on a deeply emotional level. They go beyond just selling a product and venture into telling a compelling story, evoking emotions, or even challenging societal norms.
In the realm of video content, it's clear that there's a fine line between 'ordinary' and 'stellar'. And with the right insight, craft, and a dash of creativity, your brand can truly shine brilliantly. Remember, it's not about selling a product but connecting with your audience.
So, the next time you think promotional video, think big, think bold, and most importantly, think remarkable.
Written by Emily Malone Marketing Manager for Venture — a full-service video production agency that specialises in producing creative videos & campaigns that get real results.
