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In today's fast-paced digital landscape, where content is king, businesses and brands are constantly seeking innovative ways to capture their audience's attention. One such method that has gained immense popularity is the creation of brand story video. This captivating visual narrative not only convey your brand's message effectively but also leave a lasting impression on your target audience.
In this comprehensive guide, we'll delve deep into the world of brand story videos, exploring why they're vital, what they should include, the cost associated, their structure, and how you can create one that resonates with your audience. We'll also showcase remarkable brand story video examples and highlight the popular messages that can elevate your brand messaging game.
What is a Brand Story Video?
A brand story video is not just another marketing gimmick. It is an undeniably powerful narrative that encapsulates your brand's very essence, culture, and values in an indisputably visually engaging format. It's not merely a commercial. It's an unswerving journey that allows your audience to connect with your brand on a profoundly personal level. These videos are not to be taken lightly. They unapologetically blend emotion, authenticity, and storytelling to create a lasting impact.
Why is Brand Storytelling Important?
Brand storytelling video is the lifeblood of effective marketing. It isn't just important; it's an absolute necessity. It humanizes your brand, making it undeniably relatable and unforgettable. In an era where consumers are incessantly bombarded with content, a well-crafted brand video is the only way to cut through the noise and leave an indelible mark. It's not about what you sell, it's about why you sell it. This is the game-changer, and your brand can't afford to ignore it.
A recent study further underscores the critical role of brand storytelling videos in modern marketing strategies. According to a research, 91% of consumers expressed a strong desire to see more online video content from brands. This statistic highlights a clear demand among consumers for engaging video content that resonates with them on a deeper level.
What Should be Included in a Brand Video?
A successful brand story video should include several key elements to effectively convey your brand message and connect with your audience.
1. Clear Brand Identity
Start with a concise introduction that showcases your brand's logo, colors, and any distinctive visual elements that define your identity. This helps viewers recognize your brand instantly.
2. Compelling Story
Craft a compelling narrative that tells the story of your brand, its mission, and values. Engage your audience emotionally by highlighting the problem your brand solves or the impact it makes.
3. Visual Consistency
Maintain a consistent visual style throughout the video. This includes using cohesive graphics, fonts, and imagery that align with your brand's aesthetics.
4. Human Element
Incorporate real people, whether it's your team members, customers, or brand advocates, to add a human touch and build trust.
5. Product or Service Showcase
Showcase your products or services in action. Highlight their features and benefits, demonstrating how they can improve the viewer's life.
6. Call to Action (CTA)
Clearly state what you want the viewer to do next. Whether it's visiting your website, signing up for a newsletter, or making a purchase, a strong CTA guides the viewer's next steps.
7. Testimonials and Reviews
Include snippets of customer testimonials or positive reviews to build credibility and trust in your brand.
8. Music and Sound
Choose appropriate background music or sound effects that enhance the mood and reinforce your brand's personality.
9. Visual Effects
Use engaging visuals, animations, or special effects to maintain viewer interest and reinforce your message.
10. Length and Format
Keep the video concise and optimized for the platform where it will be shared. Shorter videos are generally more effective for social media, while longer ones may work better on your website.
11. Emphasis on Benefits
Highlight how your brand's products or services can solve specific problems or fulfill needs. Focus on the benefits the viewer will gain.
12. Unique Selling Proposition (USP)
Clearly communicate what sets your brand apart from competitors. Explain why viewers should choose your brand over others.
13. Emotional Connection
Use storytelling techniques to create an emotional connection with the audience, making them feel connected to your brand's mission and values.
14. Professional Production
Ensure high production quality with clear visuals and audio. A well-produced brand videos reflects positively on your brand's professionalism.
By incorporating these elements into your brand video, you can create a compelling and memorable piece of video content that resonates with your target audience and reinforces your brand's identity and message.
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How Much Does a Brand Story Video Cost?
The cost of producing a brand story video varies widely depending on factors like video length, complexity, location, and production quality. On average, a brand video production can range from a few thousand dollars to a substantial budget. However, consider it an investment in your brand's future. A well-made video can yield significant returns by boosting brand awareness, engagement, and conversions.
If you're eager to dive deeper into understanding the intricacies of video production costs and how to make the most of your budget, read our comprehensive blog on Exploring the Cost of Video Production.
What is the Structure of a Brand Story?
1. Introduction
Start by setting the stage with an attention-grabbing hook. Introduce the main character, which in this case is your brand.
2. Character Development
Dive into the backstory of your brand. Share its history, values, and mission. Make your audience relate to and care about your brand's journey.
3. Conflict or Challenge
Every good story has a problem to solve or a challenge to overcome. Highlight a specific issue or obstacle your brand faced or aims to address.
4. Resolution
Show how your brand rises to the challenge. Describe the solution or approach your brand takes to tackle the challenge.
5. Emotion and Connection
Connect with your audience on an emotional level. Share stories or testimonials that demonstrate how your brand has positively impacted real people's lives.
6. Closure
Wrap up your brand story video with a memorable conclusion. Leave a lasting impression that reinforces your brand's significance and relevance.
7. Call to Action
Encourage your audience to take action. Whether it's making a purchase, signing up for a newsletter, or spreading the word, guide them on what to do next.
8. Consistency
Maintain a consistent video tone and message throughout your brand story video. Ensure it aligns with your brand's identity and values.
By following this structured approach, you can create a brand story that not only captivates your audience but also effectively communicates your brand's identity and purpose.
Check out these brand video production samples.
How to Create a Brand Story Video?
1. Define Your Brand Story
Begin by clearly defining your brand's story. What values, mission, and purpose does your brand represent? Identify the key elements that make your brand unique and memorable. This step helps you establish a clear foundation for your video.
2. Know Your Audience
Thoroughly research your target audience's demographics, interests, and behaviors. Understanding their needs and preferences is essential for crafting a brand video that connects with them emotionally.
3. Craft a Compelling Narrative
Create a narrative that takes viewers on a journey, showcasing the evolution of your brand and its impact. Your narrative should resonate emotionally with your target audience.
Dive deep into your brand's history, milestones, and the people behind it. Share anecdotes that connect with viewers on a personal level. Make sure your story is relatable and emotionally engaging.
4. Visualize Your Story
Plan the visual elements of your video. Decide on the video style, aesthetics, and imagery that will bring your brand story to life and that aligns with your brand identity. Visual consistency helps reinforce brand recognition.
5. Write a Script
Create a script that outlines the dialogue, voiceover, and key points to convey. Keep your script concise and engaging, focusing on delivering a clear and memorable message.
6. Choose the Right Music
Music sets the tone for your video. Select music that complements the mood, tone, and message of your brand story. Music can enhance emotional connections with your audience. Ensure you have the appropriate licensing for any copyrighted music.
7. Shoot and Edit
Capture high quality video footage or create animations that align with your script and visual plan. During the editing process, refine the story by adding transitions, effects, and graphics.
8. Voiceover and Narration
If your brand story requires voiceover or narration, record it with professional audio equipment and a skilled narrator. Ensure clear and well-paced narration enhances viewer comprehension.
9. Add Branding Elements
Incorporate your brand's logo, colors, and other visual identifiers strategically throughout the video. This reinforces brand recognition and association.
10. Test and Review
Before finalizing your brand video, seek feedback from a diverse group of individuals to ensure it resonates with your target audience. Make necessary adjustments based on their input.
11. Publish and Promote
Share your brand story video on relevant platforms such as your website, social media, and YouTube. Implement SEO strategies to improve its discoverability and reach a wider audience.
12. Engage with Your Audience
Respond to comments, monitor performance metrics, and refine your video strategy based on audience feedback.
6 Popular Messages for Brand Story Videos
When it comes to engaging with your audience, your 'Who We Are' or brand story holds immense significance. This video tells your audience not just what you sell or the services you offer, but how and why and the story behind your brand.
So we're presenting the top six most popular types of 'Who We Are' corporate video messages to help you decide how to present your own brand in video form.
1. We Are the Future
Incorporate a futuristic message into your brand story video to showcase your brand's forward-thinking approach. Highlight innovations, cutting-edge technology, or trends that position your brand as a leader in your industry.
This process is about focusing on the future. Your brand isn't about following the usual rules; instead, it's about leading the way in creating the next level of technology, convenience, and quality that your competitors have never even thought of before.
2. We Are Carrying On a Family Tradition
If your brand has a long and storied history, or if it's been in your family for generations, don't hesitate to showcase it. Emphasize the enduring values and traditions that have been cherished all along. This helps build trust and reliability with your audience. It's important to communicate a sense of the past and a deep respect for the values that gave birth to your business.
If what you offer is something people needed fifty years ago and still need today, like comfy shoes, a dependable locksmith, or trustworthy home services, that's a valuable part of your story too.
3. We Are the Skilled Experts You Need
Show your expertise and authority in your field. Share insights, case studies, or examples that establish your brand as the go-to source for solutions or products.
Whether you're appliance repair technicians, network administrators, or software programmers, your brand is synonymous with delivering the highest quality and most reliable technical services in the industry. Customers can trust you because your focus is solely on technical skills and customer satisfaction.
4. We Are the Hip New Thing
For brands targeting a younger, trend-conscious audience, emphasize your brand's freshness, style, and relevance. Showcase how you're setting new trends and staying ahead of the curve.
Small startups often become the latest sensation because they offer something so new, there might not even be a market for it yet. But once the world catches on, everyone will want it. You're in touch with the latest trends, and your initial customers are the trendsetters in their industries or social circles.
5. We Are Your Neighbors
Your brand offers something locally that other brands try to offer as if local doesn't matter. You know what your customers want and need because you are just like them. You live down the street, your children go to the same schools, and when bad weather hits you're watching the rain just like everyone else.
You may be roofers, on-site technicians, senior living communities, or local store owners. But the one thing that sets you apart from the competition is that you are locally owned and operated so you understand the needs of your customers because you are one of them in every meaningful way.
6. We Are the Essence of Refinement
Elegance, sophistication, and a commitment to excellence define the core of your brand's identity. In your brand story video, convey how your products or services embody the epitome of refinement. Showcase the meticulous craftsmanship, attention to detail, and the premium materials that set your offerings apart.
Share stories of how your brand has consistently delivered a refined experience to your customers, whether through timeless design, exclusive collaborations, or a history of catering to the most discerning clientele. Position your brand as a symbol of refined taste, capturing the essence of luxury and exclusivity that resonates deeply with your audience.
Each of these 'Who We Are' video messages have been used many times by many different types of brands. And each time, the video content itself is honed to represent the true personality, history, and experience that your brand has to offer.
Which one is right for you? Chances are, you already know because you saw your brand reflected in the message and you are already presenting yourself with the right theme in mind.
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What is a Good Example of Brand Storytelling?
Crafting a compelling brand story video is more crucial than ever for businesses and brands. These videos serve as a powerful medium to connect with your audience, convey your brand's essence, and leave a lasting impression. Let's dive into some of the best brand story video examples that have set the gold standard in the world of marketing.
1. Nike - "Dream Crazy" (2018)
Nike's "Dream Crazy" ad featuring Clin Kaepernick was a game-changer. By aligning their brand with a powerful social message, they showed courage and conviction, inspiring countless individuals to chase their dreams, no matter the odds.
The video's emotive storytelling and bold messaging made it a viral sensation, creating waves of brand loyalty.
Brand Story Video Example: Nike - "Dream Crazy" (2018)
2. Apple - "Welcome Home" (2018)
Apple's "Welcome Home" ad for the HomePod is a masterpiece of storytelling. Directed by Spike Jonze, it tells the story of a woman's surreal journey through her apartment, brought to life by music. This captivating brand story video showcases Apple's commitment to innovation and how their products can seamlessly integrate into your life.
Brand Story Video Example: Apple - "Welcome Home" (2018)
3. Coca-Cola - "Share a Coke" (2014)
Coca-Cola's "Share a Coke" campaign personalized their brand like never before. By replacing their logo with people's names, they encouraged consumers to share a Coke with their friends and family. This ingenious brand story video showcased the power of a simple, heartwarming message to create a global connection.
Brand Story Video Example: Coca-Cola - "Share a Coke" (2014)
4. McDonald’s – "The Gift" (2020)
McDonald's "The Gift" ad is a heartwarming story about the gift of family and togetherness during the holiday season. It beautifully encapsulates the essence of sharing moments and creating memories over a meal, solidifying McDonald's place in these cherished moments.
Brand Story Video Example: McDonald’s – "The Gift" (2020)
5. Airbnb - "We Accept" (2017)
"We Accept" was Airbnb's response to social issues, showcasing their commitment to diversity and inclusion. This brand story video presented a compelling narrative, emphasizing acceptance and unity. It showcased Airbnb as more than just a platform but a community that embraces everyone.
Brand Story Video Example: Airbnb - "We Accept" (2017)
6. Google - "Year in Search" (2021)
Google's "Year in Search" videos have become a heartwarming tradition. They encapsulate the year's most significant moments, emphasizing the role Google plays in our lives. These videos connect emotionally with viewers, highlighting Google as a source of knowledge and inspiration.
Brand Story Video Example: Google - "Year in Search" (2021)
7. Audi - "Let It Go" (2020)
Audi's "Let It Go" commercial, which aired during the Super Bowl in 2020, ingeniously fused nostalgia with a message of progress. Featuring actress Maisie Williams from Game of Thrones, the ad invokes the iconic Frozen theme song, "Let It Go," but with a twist. Williams uses her Audi e-tron to effortlessly navigate through traffic and leave behind the frustrations of gridlock.
This video exemplifies Audi's commitment to electric mobility and showcases their innovative approach to transportation. It's a perfect example of how a brand can use pop culture references to convey a powerful message about its products.
Brand Story Video Example: Audi - "Let It Go" (2020)
8. IKEA - "The Wonderful Everyday" (2018)
Ikea's "The Wonderful Everyday" campaign celebrated the beauty of the ordinary. By transforming everyday moments into extraordinary ones, this video showcased Ikea's products as enhancers of daily life, appealing to a broad audience.
Brand Story Video Example: IKEA - "The Wonderful Everyday" (2018)
9. Patagonia - "Don't Buy This Jacket" (2011)
Patagonia's "Don't Buy This Jacket" video was a bold statement against consumerism. It encouraged customers to think twice before making a purchase, reinforcing Patagonia's commitment to sustainability and responsible consumption.
Brand Story Video Example: Patagonia - "Don't Buy This Jacket" (2011)
10. Microsoft - "We All Win" (2019)
Microsoft's "We All Win" campaign promoted inclusive gaming. It showcased their commitment to accessibility and inclusion, positioning Xbox as a platform where everyone can play and enjoy.
Brand Story Video Example: Microsoft - "We All Win" (2019)
11. Red Bull - "Stratos" (2012)
Red Bull's "Stratos" campaign pushed the limits of human possibility. This epic brand story video documented Felix Baumgartner's record-breaking skydive from the stratosphere, solidifying Red Bull's image as a brand that embraces extreme challenges.
Brand Story Video Example: Red Bull - "Stratos" (2012)
12. REI - "Opt Outside" (2015)
REI's "Opt Outside" campaign encouraged people to spend Black Friday outdoors rather than in stores. This powerful message reinforced their brand as one that values outdoor experiences over consumerism.
Brand Story Video Example: REI - "Opt Outside" (2015)
13. Adidas - "Here to Create" (2018)
Adidas' "Here to Create" video celebrated creativity in sports. It positioned Adidas as a brand that empowers athletes to express themselves through their gear, tapping into the essence of self-expression.
Brand Story Video Example: Adidas - "Here to Create" (2018)
14. Oreo - "Wonderfilled Anthem" (2013)
Oreo's "Wonderfilled Anthem" video brought out the child in everyone. It showcased the simple joy of eating an Oreo cookie, making it a memorable and heartwarming brand story.
Brand Story Video Example: Oreo - "Wonderfilled Anthem" (2013)
15. Samsung - "The Next Big Thing is Already Here" (2012)
Samsung's "The Next Big Thing is Already Here" campaign took a playful jab at their competitor. By highlighting their innovative features, it positioned Samsung as a forward-thinking brand.
Brand Story Video Example: Samsung - "The Next Big Thing is Already Here" (2012)
These brand story video examples not only captivated their audiences but also showcased the power of storytelling and emotional connection in marketing. Businesses and brands can learn valuable lessons from these campaigns, understanding that a well-crafted brand story video can shape their identity, foster loyalty, and leave an indelible mark on the world.
Conclusion
A Brand Story Video is a powerful tool that allows brands and businesses to convey their unique identity, values, and mission through a compelling visual narrative. It serves as a vehicle for connecting with the audience on a deeper level, fostering trust, and leaving a lasting impression.
In today's fast-paced digital world, the importance of brand storytelling video cannot be overstated. It not only helps in differentiating a brand from its competitors but also resonates with consumers on an emotional level, creating a strong and lasting bond.
One exceptional resource for creating impactful Brand Story Videos is Social Motion Film, a renowned video production company. Specializing in the art of crafting brand videos, we understand the urgency in the digital landscape and offer a swift video turnaround in weeks, not months. By collaborating with us, you can effectively translate your brand story into a visual masterpiece that captivates your target audience.
Contact us today and let's talk about how we can help you create a brand story video that elevates your brand to new heights and engages your audience like never before.
About the Author
Michael Arking is the President and Co-founder of Social Motion, a leading video agency working with global brands including MARS, Nestle Sciences, and Panasonic. Contact Michael to learn more about how to leverage your video content for maximum impact.