Video content has rapidly become the king of social media marketing. Whether it’s short-form, behind-the-scenes content, product demos, or live streams, videos help you engage your audience in ways other content formats simply can’t. But, with so many options available, what kind of video should you create? To spark some ideas, here are 16 social media video examples from different brands that can inspire your next video marketing campaign. We’ll also discuss why these videos work so well and what makes them effective.
Short-Form Videos: Quick Engagement at its Best
Short-form videos are ideal for grabbing attention quickly. These videos typically range from 15 to 60 seconds, perfect for platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts. Their short length encourages viewers to watch to the end, making them great for engagement.
TikTok’s Viral Magic – Chipotle’s #GuacDance Challenge
Chipotle is one brand that has nailed short-form video content on TikTok. Their #GuacDance challenge encouraged fans to post short videos of themselves dancing in celebration of National Avocado Day. The result? More than 250,000 video submissions in just six days and a 68% boost in avocado sales.
What I Like: The simplicity of this video campaign is what makes it so effective. Chipotle didn't rely on fancy production, but instead capitalized on user-generated content and viral dance trends. It felt organic and fun, which is what TikTok users crave.
Instagram Reels – Sephora’s Makeup Tutorials
Sephora leverages Instagram Reels to share makeup tutorials that are quick, visually engaging, and educational. These tutorials typically range from 15 to 30 seconds and highlight Sephora’s products in action. The videos are highly polished but still feel approachable, which makes them perfect for Instagram’s audience.
What I Like: I appreciate how Sephora balances education and product promotion. The videos don’t feel overly salesy but still manage to showcase the product’s value by demonstrating how to use it effectively.
Brand | Platform | Video Type | Key Features | What I Like |
Chipotle | TikTok | Short-Form Viral Challenge | User-generated content, fun, engaging | Organic and community-driven |
Sephora | Instagram Reels | Makeup Tutorials | Educational, product-focused | Balance of education and subtle promotion |
H1: Behind-the-Scenes Content
Behind-the-scenes (BTS) videos allow your audience to see the human side of your brand. These videos build authenticity and trust by showing how your product is made or giving a glimpse into your company's culture.
Tesla's Product Development Process
Tesla uses behind-the-scenes videos to showcase their engineering and product development. One of their most popular videos featured the development and testing process of the Cybertruck, highlighting everything from design sketches to real-world testing on rough terrains.
What I Like: What stands out about Tesla's BTS content is the sense of transparency and innovation. The video not only showcases Tesla’s cutting-edge technology but also reassures the audience that they are constantly striving to improve.
GoPro's Action-Packed Behind-the-Scenes Footage
GoPro frequently uses behind-the-scenes footage from its user base, showcasing the product’s ability to capture high-quality, action-packed footage. A popular video, shot by extreme sports athlete Kilian Bron, takes the viewer along on a cliffside dirt bike ride. The POV angle immerses viewers, giving them the sense of riding the bike themselves.
What I Like: I’m a fan of social media videos that showcase the product in action. This GoPro video does exactly that—it subtly promotes the camera’s portability and ease of use while showing just how rugged and high-quality the footage can be. The immersive POV angle creates a thrilling experience for viewers, making them feel like they’re the ones riding along the cliff.
Brand | Platform | Video Type | Key Features | What I Like |
Tesla | YouTube | BTS Product Development | Technical, transparent, product-focused | Sense of innovation and transparency |
GoPro | Instagram, YouTube | Action BTS Footage | Immersive, high-quality, action-packed | Immersive experience and subtle product showcase |
Product Demos and Explainer Videos
Explainer and demo videos are perfect for breaking down complicated concepts or showing how your product works. They’re especially effective for tech products or anything that requires more in-depth understanding.
Apple’s Sleek Product Demos
Apple is well known for its simple and effective product demo videos. One standout example is their iPhone demo videos, which are minimalistic but highly informative. These videos often show the phone being used in real-world scenarios, focusing on new features like camera quality, speed, and design.
What I Like: Apple’s product demos are always incredibly polished and concise. They don’t overwhelm you with information but instead focus on the most important aspects of the product, making it easier for potential customers to understand why they should buy it.
Dropbox’s Explainer Videos
Dropbox uses explainer videos to showcase the simplicity and convenience of their service. One of their best-known videos walks users through how to set up and use Dropbox, simplifying what might otherwise seem like a complicated process.
What I Like: Dropbox’s videos break down potentially complex information in a clear, easy-to-follow format. The animation is clean, and the instructions are clear, which makes the service feel accessible to anyone, even if they aren’t tech-savvy.
Brand | Platform | Video Type | Key Features | What I Like |
Apple | YouTube | Product Demo | Polished, feature-focused | Clear focus on essential product features |
Dropbox | Website, YouTube | Explainer Video | Simple, instructional, easy-to-follow | Simplifies complex information with clear visuals |
Live Streaming Videos
Live streaming videos are great for building real-time engagement with your audience. Whether it’s a product launch or a Q&A session, live streaming adds urgency and excitement, drawing in viewers to experience the event as it unfolds.
Facebook Live – Samsung's Product Launch
Samsung has mastered the use of Facebook Live for product launches. A notable example is the Galaxy S21 launch, where viewers could tune in to watch the new phone's features being unveiled in real-time. Samsung kept the event engaging with live Q&A sessions, interactive polls, and even product giveaways.
What I Like: Live streaming product launches offer a sense of exclusivity and excitement. Samsung's use of live Q&A during the event created an interactive atmosphere, making viewers feel like active participants rather than just spectators.
Instagram Live – Glossier’s Q&A Sessions
Beauty brand Glossier often hosts Q&A sessions on Instagram Live, where their founders or influencers answer questions from followers. These sessions are informal and feel like a personal conversation between the brand and its audience.
What I Like: The interactive nature of these live sessions is what I love most. Glossier uses live streaming to build a community, making followers feel like they are having a direct conversation with the brand.
Brand | Platform | Video Type | Key Features | What I Like |
Samsung | Facebook Live | Product Launch | Real-time interaction, giveaways, Q&A | Interactivity and excitement during live events |
Glossier | Instagram Live | Q&A Sessions | Personal, interactive, community-focused | Builds direct engagement with the audience |
User-Generated Content (UGC) Videos
User-generated content (UGC) is an extremely powerful tool for brands. These videos are created by real customers, which provides social proof and builds trust with your audience.
GoPro's Thrilling UGC Videos
GoPro frequently encourages its customers to share their adventures using the hashtag #GoPro. One popular UGC video features extreme sports enthusiasts using GoPro cameras while skydiving, surfing, or mountain climbing. These videos capture the thrill of adventure while showcasing the camera’s durability and versatility.
What I Like: I love how GoPro leans into their community for video content. These videos are not only exciting to watch but also make you feel like you could capture those same moments if you had a GoPro in hand.
Starbucks’ Red Cup Challenge
Starbucks runs the "Red Cup Challenge" during the holiday season, encouraging customers to create and share videos with their red holiday cups. The challenge not only boosts user engagement but also spreads holiday cheer.
What I Like: The simplicity of the campaign is key. Starbucks allows customers to get creative with their videos, and in return, they get free, authentic promotion from happy customers.
Brand | Platform | Video Type | Key Features | What I Like |
GoPro | Instagram, YouTube | UGC Thrill Videos | Adventure-focused, community-driven | Exciting content driven by real users |
Starbucks | UGC Challenge | Fun, seasonal, community participation | Simple and creative customer engagement |
Conclusion
Social media video marketing offers endless possibilities for creativity and connection. Whether it’s short-form videos, live streams, or UGC campaigns, the key is to tailor your content to your audience and platform. These examples from top brands should inspire you to create engaging, innovative videos that not only entertain your audience but also strengthen your brand’s presence.
FAQs
1. Why are product demo videos so important?
Product demo videos help potential customers understand the benefits of a product by showing it in action, making them more likely to make a purchase.
2. How can behind-the-scenes videos help my brand?
Behind-the-scenes videos build transparency and trust by giving customers a peek into your process or company culture, making your brand feel more authentic.
3. What platforms are best for short-form videos?
Platforms like Tezda, TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts are ideal for short-form videos due to their focus on bite-sized, engaging content.
4. How do I encourage more user-generated content?
You can encourage UGC by creating challenges, using branded hashtags, and offering incentives like giveaways or featured spots on your brand’s page.
5. What equipment do I need to create professional videos?
A good smartphone, basic lighting, and free editing software are enough to start creating high-quality videos for social media.