Types of promotional videos can quickly capture the audience’s attention and help your brand succeed in a competitive marketing landscape. These videos are powerful tools for introducing products, services, or even ideas. To thrive in today’s market, brands need to identify the right type of promotional video and choose wisely.
In this article, we’ll explore the different types of promotional videos; from live-action and animated videos to hybrid and TV commercials. We’ll also guide you on how to choose the best type for your needs and how to get the most impact from your video content.
Before choosing the best type of promotional video, it’s important to understand the different options available. Each type comes with its own features, use cases, and unique appeal; and depending on your brand’s goals, they can deliver very different results. Below, we’ll introduce the main categories you should know.
Live-action promotional videos are created using real footage; featuring actual people, locations, or physical products. This type of video is ideal for brands that want to showcase authentic emotions, real stories, or the tangible quality of their products in a compelling and relatable way.
Understanding the benefits of live-action promotional videos helps explain why many brands choose this style and how they can use real visuals to attract and connect with their audience.
Live-action videos can be expensive to produce due to the need for professional filming, location rentals, and talent fees. They also take more time, requiring coordination between production and editing teams. Additionally, they may have creative limitations, as some ideas simply can’t be executed without special effects or animation.
Café promotional videos are a great example of live-action style. These videos often feature real environments, warm and intimate moments between customers, and a strong focus on décor, drinks, and the overall sensory experience. By using a live-action format, cafés can create an emotional connection with viewers and showcase the authentic atmosphere of the space in a tangible and engaging way.
Animated promotional videos are among the most popular types of promotional video, created using motion graphics and animated visuals. This format is perfect for brands that want to communicate complex ideas in a simple and engaging way. Before diving into different animation styles, let’s first explore the main benefits and use cases of animated videos.
Understanding the advantages of animated promotional videos can help clarify why many brands choose this style and when it's the most effective choice.
| Benefits | Use Cases |
|---|---|
| Unlimited creativity and ability to present abstract ideas | Introducing tech-based or complex products |
| Lower production cost compared to live-action (for some projects) | Creating brand characters and storytelling |
| Easy to edit during and after production | Educational and explainer advertisements |
| No need for real locations or actors | Online campaigns and social media content |
This classic and widely-used style is created with flat, simple illustrations. It’s ideal for light storytelling, educational content, or cartoon-style videos. Brands often choose 2D animation to create basic characters or explain processes in a straightforward, engaging way.
3D animation involves more realistic and dimensional visuals, offering a richer visual experience. It’s a great choice for brands that want to showcase their products from multiple angles; especially in industries like industrial design, architecture, or manufacturing.
This style focuses on animating text, icons, and shapes, and is commonly used to present data, insights, or short messages. Motion graphics are especially popular in digital marketing campaigns due to their clarity and visual appeal.
In this style, real objects are photographed frame by frame to create the illusion of movement. Stop motion has a handcrafted, nostalgic feel, making it a great choice for brands that want to evoke creativity, artistry, or a vintage atmosphere.
Hybrid promotional videos combine two or more styles; such as live-action and animation; into one cohesive piece. This approach allows brands to enjoy the benefits of both formats, making it an ideal choice for those who want to balance realism with visual creativity. Key advantages of hybrid promotional videos include:
This common hybrid format typically begins with real-life footage and integrates animated elements to explain or decorate certain parts. For example, in a tech commercial, animated visuals are often used to explain complex or technical features in a more engaging and understandable way.
TV commercials are one of the oldest and most impactful forms of advertising, used by brands to introduce their products or services to a wide audience. These videos are typically produced with high-quality visuals and often follow a narrative or conceptual format to create a lasting impression on viewers.
Television and digital platforms are two completely different environments, each with its own rules and target audiences. To save time and budget, it’s important to understand their differences before choosing the right format for your campaign. The table below highlights the main distinctions:
| Feature | TV Commercial | Digital Promotional Video |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | 15 to 60 seconds | 10 to 30 seconds |
| Production Quality | Highly professional, big budget | Creative and tailored for digital audiences |
| Purpose | Broad brand awareness | Quick engagement and interaction |
| Distribution Format | Aired on TV networks during peak times | Shared on social media and websites |
| Cost | Generally high (production + airtime) | Generally lower and more flexible |
Television commercials incur high costs due to the need for professional teams, expensive equipment, actors, and diverse locations. Additionally, constraints such as airtime restrictions, strict advertising regulations, and broadcasting rules impact the structure and content of the commercials.
To create a successful television promotional video, it’s essential to follow several key points. These tips help ensure that the advertising message is delivered effectively and that the audience’s attention is captured from start to finish.
Choosing the type of promotional video depends on various factors, including the advertising goal, budget, target audience, and distribution platform. Each style of video has its own features and applications that should align with your needs. In this section, we will help you select the best type of promotional video for your brand and product.
Choosing which type of promotional video to use for your business depends on several factors. Below, we review these factors:
If you want realism and to build audience trust:
A real promotional video is the best choice. This style conveys a sense of honesty and authenticity to the audience by showing real scenes and professional actors.
If you want to present complex concepts simply and attractively:
An animated promotional video is a suitable choice. Animation helps make technical and intangible messages visually easy to understand.
If you want a combination of reality and visual creativity:
Hybrid promotional videos, such as real footage combined with animation, are an ideal choice. This style allows you to benefit from the advantages of both.
If you have a large budget and want to be seen on a wide scale:
A television commercial is a suitable option that can quickly increase brand awareness.
Your business type plays a key role in selecting the style of your promotional video. For example, if your brand operates in the luxury products sector, a real promotional video with professional filming and elegant locations is an attractive choice. However, if you are a tech startup or educational business, an animated promotional video can creatively and simply convey your message. Businesses seeking innovation are better off choosing hybrid videos that combine real footage with special effects.
Budget is one of the most important decision factors. If you have a large budget and want broad advertising, a television commercial is suitable because it requires high-quality production and wide broadcast.
For medium budgets, you can turn to social media productions that go viral on platforms like Instagram and Aparat with high creativity and lower cost. If your budget is limited, simple animated videos or even short, creative clips can be your solution.
With years of experience in producing promotional videos and using creative tools and artificial intelligence, Raikamah is by your side to help you choose the most suitable style and method for your brand. Raikamah’s professional team supports you from consultation to production and distribution, providing the best solutions with a full understanding of the Iranian market and media.
Understanding the different types of promotional videos and the characteristics of each helps you make the right decision for your brand’s advertising. Each style has its own advantages and challenges; however, when you clearly identify your needs, budget, and target audience, you can choose the best option. Remember, content quality and creativity are the most important factors for success in any type of promotional video you select. If you need guidance, the Raikamah team is always ready to provide expert consultation and professional execution to help you achieve your desired results.
Real promotional videos are made with actual filming, while animated videos are entirely created through design and visual effects, offering more creativity.
No, even small brands can use a combination of live-action and animation, as long as they have a clear goal and a suitable budget.
TV commercials are generally more expensive than social media videos due to higher production quality and the need for nationwide broadcasting.
Raikamah professionally handles all stages from consultation and ideation to production and distribution of various types of promotional videos.
No. 18, Unit 3, Sarvati-E-Sharqi Alley, Golha Square, Fatemi Square, Tehran, Iran
copyright ©2024