Promotional Video or Advert? How to Choose the Right Format for Your Brand
In the world of video marketing, terms like “adverts” and “promotional videos” are often used interchangeably. But while they may seem similar, they serve very different purposes — and understanding those differences can help you make smarter decisions for your brand.
At Bristol Video Company, we produce both formats — and we know when each one works best. Here's your guide to choosing the right type of video for your business goals.
What is an Advert?
Adverts are short, punchy, and created for paid campaigns. Whether it’s a YouTube pre-roll, a Facebook video ad, or an Instagram story promotion — adverts are designed to grab attention fast and drive immediate action.
📌 Typical Characteristics:
15–60 seconds long
Includes a strong call to action
Optimised for specific platforms
Used in targeted marketing campaigns
When to Choose an Advert
Choose an advert when your goal is:
Immediate conversions or sign-ups
Promoting a sale, launch, or limited-time offer
Driving traffic to a specific webpage
Running targeted campaigns on social media or Google Ads
Ads are ideal for direct marketing campaigns and fast results.
When to Choose a Promotional Video
Choose a promo video when your goal is:
Introducing your business or team
Building credibility and trust with new clients
Showcasing a product or service in more depth
Creating a long-term brand asset
Promo videos are perfect for the awareness and consideration stages of the customer journey.
Best of Both Worlds? Yes, Please.
In most cases, using both formats together delivers the best results. For example:
Create a professional promotional video for your homepage
Cut it into short adverts to run across social platforms
This way, you're reaching both warm and cold audiences, guiding them from discovery to decision.
Need Help Planning Your Video Strategy?
At Bristol Video Company, we don’t just shoot great footage — we help you create a video strategy that works. Whether you need a high-converting advert or a polished promo video, we’ve got the expertise to bring your brand to life.
Ready to make your next video the right one? Let’s chat.
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