Because of the proliferation of several non-video social networking sites and media platforms, there are schools of thought that say, “Video is dead.” Well, is it really?
This website argues that video is part of traditional marketing—let’s do a bit of philosophy at this point—and that all traditional marketing is dead. In conclusion, video is dead, too
There are several reasons why a consumer may believe suddenly. First, why would you watch a 30-minute video of a dish being cooked when you could read about the ingredients and how to make the recipe in a short Instagram caption? Second, the time that people spend creating a full-length video, such as video ads, may not justify the revenue, plus conversions, that you are trying to make.
But no, video isn’t dead. Why? The capabilities of video in modern advertising is just getting started. The best clips are short, sweet, and engaging. Here’s a breakdown of those points.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
8 Reasons Video Advertising Is Advantageous
In today’s digital world, catching a potential customer’s attention is more challenging than ever. As marketers and business owners seek more impactful ways to deliver their message, many entrepreneurs are turning to advanced video programmatic advertising for small businesses and corporations to cut through the noise.
Only emerging in 1994, programmatic advertising pertains to the automated purchasing and selling of digital advertising space using software platforms combined with algorithms, versus traditional manual approaches.
It involves using data plus algorithms to target specific audiences and optimize ad placements in real-time, often via a bidding process.
To digest those things, these data-driven video campaigns are not only grabbing attention but are also driving meaningful results across platforms where traditional ads often fall flat.
So, why does video advertising continue to dominate? Simple. Video has become the most consumed form of content online. Whether it’s short clips on social media or pre-roll ads on streaming platforms, video engages users faster and more emotionally than static images or text. Its combination of motion, sound, and storytelling creates a sensory experience that’s hard to ignore. For advertisers, this means an opportunity to connect with audiences in more memorable ways.
Statistics continue to reinforce video’s dominance. According to recent industry reports, video ads lead to higher click-through rates, better retention, and greater conversions compared to other formats. When paired with smart targeting and personalization, the impact multiplies.
You know why video advertising keeps leading the various types of promotional media, and you could imagine how it synergizes with programmatic advertising. But why does it really leave us cut through? Read on.
1. The Emotional Advantage
One of the unique strengths of video is its ability to evoke emotion. Emotions drive decision-making, whether it’s trust, excitement, joy, or even urgency. A heartfelt customer testimonial, a humorous skit, or a behind-the-scenes look at a company’s values can resonate more deeply than any written description.
Business owners and marketers who understand the emotional pull of video can use it to build stronger brand connections. A well-crafted video tells a story that sticks with viewers long after they’ve scrolled past it, increasing the likelihood of engagement or conversion.
The website ClickInsights Asia has revealed what they think is the most emotional video ad ever produced. The answer isn’t Coca-Cola or Nike or McDonald’s, but the British store John Lewis.
This store is known for producing holiday ads that are longer than typical ads, almost like short movies. Over a decade ago, in 2014, they released the “Monty the Penguin” campaign, which became relatively popular worldwide. Not very popular amongst all, but to a specific audience.
The ad centers around the touching relationship between a young boy and his closest friend, Monty, a stuffed penguin. As the Christmas season approaches, the boy notices that Monty seems lonely and yearns for companionship.
Then, on the morning after Christmas Eve, he surprises Monty with a girl penguin, then the ad ends, but in a different way. The ending is a touching scene of the two penguins happily together, like Cinderella and Prince Charming just got married. However, the camera reveals they are still stuffed toys brought to life by the child’s imagination.
These are one of those ads that would garner comments from people saying, “I cried,” something like this. The emotional depth of this “Monty the Penguin” video ad is in its portrayal of friendship, love, and the magic of childhood.
2. Short Videos, Big Impact
But, sometimes, it’s the other way around. For a video to be emotional, tear-jerking, and impactful, it doesn’t have to be long, like the ad in the sample above. There are instances when the best video ads are short, offering a bigger impact.
The website Eskimi has declared that for them, the most impactful video ad is the “I WANT SUMO” campaign by Doritos, the famous chips brand. Spanning only 30 seconds, it was able to attract consumers into trying the snack pack of chips via the culture of sumo wrestling with a funny twist.
To analyze, the average consumer’s attention span continues to shrink. Platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts have proven that even videos under a minute long can go viral and create brand visibility. These bite-sized clips can deliver messages quickly while still offering room for creativity and personality.
For brands, the takeaway is clear: You don’t need a blockbuster film budget or a 60-second spot to make an impact. A concise, high-quality video can outperform longer content by delivering the right message to the right audience at the right moment.
3. Cross-Platform Versatility
Modern video content isn’t limited to one platform. From YouTube and Facebook to niche platforms like LinkedIn or programmatic OTT (over-the-top) channels, marketers can repurpose the same video in multiple formats to suit different audience behaviors. This versatility not only extends the lifespan of video assets but also ensures consistent brand messaging across touchpoints.
For example, a brand introduction video used on a company website can also serve as a paid social ad or be broken down into clips for stories and reels. Repurposing content strategically saves both time and production costs while expanding reach.
4. Targeting with Precision
This time, get to know advertising from behind the scenes. Programmatic advertising has revolutionized how video ads are served. Rather than relying on broad demographics or guesswork, advertisers can now use real-time data to target users based on behavior, interests, location, and more. The result is better performance and less wasted budget.
For business owners, this means no more one-size-fits-all messaging. Personalized video ads tailored to individual audience segments can significantly boost engagement and drive better ROI. Whether you’re a local boutique targeting customers within a ten-mile radius or an online service aiming at tech-savvy professionals, programmatic tools let you be precise and efficient.
5. Highlighting Success in Video Advertising
A significant advantage of digital video is its measurability. Marketers can track key performance indicators like view rates, watch time, click-through rates, and conversions. This level of visibility enables continuous optimization. If a video underperforms, it can be revised, retargeted, or replaced based on data insights.
A/B testing is another valuable tactic. By running multiple versions of the same ad with slight variations, marketers can identify which elements perform best, whether it’s the first five seconds, the background music, or the call-to-action placement.
6. Video Humanizes Brands
In a digital landscape often dominated by faceless brands, video can humanize a business. Featuring real people, including employees, founders, or satisfied customers, helps foster authenticity and relatability. In B2B contexts, thought-leadership videos and educational content
can position a brand as a trustworthy authority.
When customers see the faces behind a product or service, they are more likely to feel connected and invested. It’s a simple but powerful way to build loyalty and stand out from competitors who rely solely on polished graphics or salesy copy.
Get down to the basics by knowing the best personalized video types that can humanize your brand, as outlined by experts:
● Biography video ads
● The 80 percent video or those that end with questions for the audience
● Personalized videos for product, service, and event pages
● Landing page videos
● Fee and pricing videos
● The hero’s journey ad
● Claims-based videos (remember those soap ads?)
● Short-form video streaming, and so much more
Japan’s official tourism campaign is a fine sample of how clever words could attract the audience’s attention. The campaign was satirical, alluding to pop culture, featuring gastronomic battles between which is original, such as those who fancy ramen and those who fancy sushi, and those which are apologetic since offensive. Humor, creativity, and relatability are their middle names.
7. The Personality for the Future
Incorporating videos for your business, then your brand, according to the Trax Retail website, creates a touch of personality for them. This way, customers could connect with humans, then with situations, instead of just images, helping humanize those.
There’s this ad for a popular actress from the United Kingdom who portrayed this role for The Walt Disney Studios, particularly Disney Channel, that became really, really trending across the globe. Personality is always adding this shine for your business, but never directed just to take names from the real thing.
8. Connecting With the Markets
Clips respond to queries prior to asking them, with teams showing their gratitudes for how these videos have helped companies develop their products and services for the benefit of mankind, which are incredibly of immense help to free up the resources for other crucial and vital tasks.
The best samples are quick how-to videos responding to the most common questions. This initially saves sales and support teams, then unveiling which is better for their interests.
For instance, speaking of organizations producing clips for the business, a co-worker asks the other co-worker to check images of their products – images of perfectly laid out spaces – when the former has already seen those images. Such a scenario is usual for digital websites that are promoting those businesses’ products. Videos understand the woes of the markets, then never utilize them for their personal platforms.
Tips + Best Practices for Making Video Ads Work for You
For marketers and business owners looking to start or optimize their video advertising efforts, here are a few best practices:
● Hook viewers early: Capture attention within the first three to five seconds to reduce drop-off. It couldn’t be denied how videos could hook, then convince viewers to purchase the products or services that businesses provide.
● Add captions: Many viewers watch without sound, so captions ensure your message gets across. These clips must be designed to expound on what it is about, cut through the start, the end, or conversely.
● Use a clear call to action: Tell viewers what to do next—visit, buy, learn more, and convince them to really believe the product, its features, and the outcomes to administer those pain points.
● Match tones with your brand: Whether it’s fun and casual or serious and educational, stay consistent. As a video creator or producer, your brand’s tones should match with your brand, your business, and your products, too. This is made possible with angling and finding new stories, so your videos could compete well with better control.
● Test and refine: Use tracking to understand which is working and adjust accordingly. Those clips must resonate with what your audience plus markets need. No hacks, the best videos are intelligently impactful.
Videos, Your Future
Video advertising isn’t just a trend—it’s the new foundation of modern marketing. With short, engaging content and smarter targeting tools, businesses of all sizes can capture attention, tell compelling stories, and drive results. This time, in 2025, 2026, then beyond, a well-executed video could be the difference from getting noticed then also being ignored in the crowded digital space.
Whether you’re just starting or looking to step up your approaches in recent memory, one thing is clear: video is real and pretty.