10 Top Video Content Types for an Effective Marketing Strategy

You are scrolling through your feed-what catches your eye first? A block of text or an eye-catching video?

Obviously, the video! There is a reason. Video isn’t just a piece of content; it’s an experience. In a matter of seconds, it entertains, educates, and inspires.

It can connect your brand to millions of people with just one click. We aren’t saying this; marketers are. 

[Source: 7 Video Marketing Statistics That Will Blow Your Mind | Wyzowl]

Here are the top 10 video content types that marketers are keeping in their strategies:

→ Brand Storytelling Videos  → Explainer Videos  → Product Demo & How-To Videos → Testimonial & Case Study Videos → Live Streaming Videos

→ Social Media Video Content → Animated Videos → Promotional & Commercial Videos → User-Generated Content Videos → Behind-the-Scenes & Company Culture Videos

Relatable Reads: How to Market a Product Through Video? – Major Strategies to Drive Sales

What Makes Video Content So Powerful?

Most people remember video messages way better than text ones—about 95% of them!

You’re making a video so people will remember you, right? Of course, you’ll want something that grabs attention more than anything else. Using video content is a great way to do that faster and more effectively.

Study says:

• 72% of consumers know more about a product through video
• 80% of conversion comes from landing pages with video

Key Benefits of Video Marketing

• Explainer videos encourage about 86% of people to buy a product
• Social media platform prefers video content than anything else
• 1200% of shares alone come from videos
• Google ranks websites with videos 53 times higher
• The longer audiences stay on the video; the more search engines consider it quality content

Video marketing is seriously taking off! If you own a business, you’ve got to hop on this train to boost your sales. Videos can be anything from social media clips and product demos to behind-the-scenes stuff. Make video part of your strategy starting today!

10 Best Types of Video Content for an Effective Marketing Strategy

There are a bunch of video content types you can add to your list. These videos will surely bring positive results. All you have to do is create quality content and remain consistent.

1. Brand Storytelling Videos

Brand storytelling is one of the most widely used and effective marketing strategies. Why wouldn’t it be? 

This strategy works like magic if a brand wants to build trust, strengthen emotion, and create a deeper connection with its target audience. 

Instead of using a boring, old way to promote a product, how about telling a story to humanize the brand? 

Some key ways businesses use storytelling include:

• Using emotional narratives
• Featuring real characters and stories
• Clear brand values
• Creating memorable messages

Example: Nike’s “Just Do It” Campaign

Nike knows how to use storytelling to get the emotion out of their customer.

Their iconic “Just Do It” campaign doesn’t just sell athletic gear. It kicks people to push their limits. Nike shows real-life athletes, from professionals to aspirants. They motivate everyone to overcome their fear and just do it for all!

What Type of Video Content is the Most Popular?

• Explainer video to educate audiences
• Product demos to showcase product features
• Behind-the-scenes video to provide a glimpse into the process
• User-generated content for authentic testimonials
• Short videos to achieve high engagement on social media

2. Explainer Videos

Short and sweet. That’s all. 

Explanation videos mean they will be concise and easy to understand within a couple of seconds. These videos turn any complex ideas into bite-sized, simple content. 

Your business needs an explainer video because:

• Easy-to-digest visuals and narration for products or services. 
• Audiences engage more when watching explainer videos. 
• Explainer videos on landing pages can boost conversion rates. 
• Explainer videos have higher retention rates.

Example: Dropbox Explainer Video| Life Inside Dropbox

Dropbox created a huge business once they started using explainer videos in marketing.

Dropbox shows how you can make ads without following the traditional rules. They made a quick 2-minute animated explainer video that breaks down all the techy details of their services. Now, their audience can grasp everything easily!

Industries That Benefit from Explainer Videos

Industry	How Explainer Videos Help
Technology & SaaS	Simplify software and complex features for non-tech users.
Healthcare	Educate patients on medical procedures and treatments.
Finance	Explain investment options, loans, and fintech apps.
E-commerce	Showcase product usage and benefits.
Education & E-learning	Enhance learning with visual storytelling.
Startups	Introduce new ideas and innovative solutions.

3. Product Demo & How-To Videos

Product demos are the easiest type of video content to hook customers. Most of the time, this content takes just a minute to showcase the products. With how-to videos, audiences get to see how your product works. 

These videos:

• Provide clarity on how the product functions. 
• Instead of listing features, it highlights the key benefits. 
• Addresses pain points and offers solutions.
• Seeing the product in action boosts consumer confidence to buy.
• Demo videos answer common questions, minimizing post-purchase concerns.

Example: Apple’s Product Launches

Apple is a master of product demo videos.

Apple’s audience always gets excited whenever there is a launch. This happens because Apple creates suspense and anticipation among its audience. They blend storytelling with product demonstrations to generate the most hype. 

Here’s why they are effective:

• Apple’s demos focus on showing real-world applications
•  High-quality visuals showcase sleek product designs
• They explain complex technology simply
• Apple combines live and pre-recorded cinematic product showcase videos

Therefore, businesses should invest in product demo videos to increase sales and improve customer experience. What you can do is:

• Keep it concise (1-3 minutes)
• Focus on benefits, not just features
• Use high-quality visuals and clear narration
• Show real-life use cases
• Include a strong CTA

4. Testimonial & Case Study Videos

It’s totally normal for people to trust other customers more than the brands themselves. They want to see real people interacting with the products. People love checking out feedback, and testimonials or case study videos really serve as social proof.

This is  how testimonials or case study videos build credibility:

• Authentic stories from satisfied customers bring potential buyers
• Case studies provide data-driven evidence of success
• Viewers relate to others with similar problems and solutions

Types of Testimonial & Case Study Videos

• Short clips featuring happy customers sharing their experiences
•  In-depth narratives that detail a problem, solution, and result
• Reviews from industry professionals or social media influencers

Example: Zendesk’s customer success stories

Here is a customer talking about how Zendesk AI helps the Serko. 

Zendesk breaks down ticket threads and makes it easier for those who don’t speak English. 

Here is how you can make an effective Testimonial Video:

• Feature real customers, not actors
• Ask open-ended questions to elicit natural responses
• Showcase measurable results
• Use engaging visuals to enhance storytelling

5. Live Streaming Videos

Live streaming enables real-time interaction. You get to talk with the promoter and ask any questions you have in mind. These types of content are now some of the most engaging forms available.

What it does is:

• Options to ask questions and get immediate responses
• Unedited, real-time content feels more genuine
•  Viewers don’t want to miss exclusive live content
• Hold attention longer than pre-recorded content
• No need for heavy post-production

Example: Instagram & Facebook Live for Real-Time Interactions

Many brands and influencers are going live on Facebook and Instagram to engage their audience.

[Source: Instagram Live Now Supports Up to 4 People | Droidlife]

Common use cases are:

• Product Launches & Announcements
• Q&A Sessions
• Behind-the-Scenes Content
• Live Shopping Events

Here is how you can use Live Streaming smoothly:

• Promote the live event in advance
• Engage with comments and questions during the stream
• Use high-quality audio and lighting 
• Repurpose the recorded live video for future content

6. Social Media Video Content

What’s there really to talk about? Our lives are basically all about social media now. The time we spend on those platforms shows just how popular video content on social media has become.

However, social media has all kinds of audiences. That’s why the platform uses a video format that is welcoming to everyone.

• YouTube for long-form educational, tutorial, and entertainment videos
• Instagram for short-form Reels, Stories, and carousel videos.
• TikTok for highly engaging, short-form content with trending sounds and effects.
• LinkedIn for  Professional and company updates
• Facebook is for a mix of short and long-form videos, live streams, and social ads.
• Twitter/X for quick, concise clips, news highlights, and GIF-like videos.

Best Types of Video Content for Social Media Per Platform

Platform	Best Video Content Type	Ideal Length
YouTube	Tutorials, Vlogs, Product Reviews	10-15min
Instagram	Reels, Stories, IGTV, Behind-the-Scenes	Feed video up to 60 minStories up to 60 secReels up to 90sec
TikTok	Trends, Challenges, UGC, Humor	15-60sec
Facebook	Live Videos, Ads, Viral Clips	5-30sec
LinkedIn	Thought Leadership, Webinars, Corporate Culture	1-3 min
Twitter/X	News Recaps, Short Clips, GIF-like Videos	30-60 sec

FAQ Answered: What Type of Content Gets More Views?

• Short-Form Content (15-60 sec)
• Trending Content
• User-generated and behind-the-scenes videos
• Q&As, interactive polls, and live videos

7. Animated Videos

Animated videos are fun and the most engaging. They have shown that animated characters hold the most viewing time when done correctly. With the help of animated videos, any complex topic can be explained simply. 

The benefits it offers are:

• Suitable for all industries, from tech to healthcare
• No need for actors, locations, or expensive sets
• Easier to explain complex concepts
• Bright visuals and dynamic motion hold the attention

Whiteboard Animations are effective for:

• Educational content 
• Corporate training videos
• Step-by-step product
• Service explanations
• Explainer Videos

8. Promotional & Commercial Videos

Promotional videos are meant to sell the product or services. They convey the brand message to the target audience and serve primarily for commercial purposes. 

They typically include:

• A strong hook 
• A clear problem-solution structure
• Compelling visuals and music
• A strong Call-to-Action (CTA)

Example: Super Bowl Ads as Top-Tier Promo Videos

Super Bowl ads are the gold standard for promotional content.

Most of these ads combine a couple of things, such as:

• High-quality storytelling
• Humor, nostalgia, inspiration
• Celebrity endorsements
• Viral potential

Moreover, businesses should brainstorm their unique angle when creating promotional videos. They should ask themselves:

• What emotion do you want to bring out?
• How can you make your product stand out?
• How can you make your video shareable?

9. User-Generated Content (UGC) Videos

UGC is one of the most effective marketing strategies today because it:

• Feels more authentic than branded content.
• Builds trust and credibility.
• It is cost-effective—customers create the content!
• Offers valuable insights into the audience’s preference
• Convert potential customers into buyers

Brands such as Chipotle, Gymshark, and Apple utilize UGC to create viral campaigns: 

• Chipotle’s #GuacDance challenge resulted in increased sales.
• Gymshark’s fitness challenges bring organic engagement. 
• Apple’s “Shot on iPhone” campaign highlights user-generated photography.

10. Behind-the-Scenes & Company Culture Videos

BTS gives a glimpse into what goes on behind the video creation process. This allows audiences to see the real people who are making the efforts. It connects them with brands on a personal level.

Behind-the-scenes (BTS) and company culture videos:

• Showcase authenticity and real employees.
• Humanize the brand, making it more relatable.
• Improve recruitment efforts by highlighting workplace culture.

Example: Google’s Employee Vlogs

Google’s YouTube channel features:

• A Day in the Life of a Google Engineer
• Inside Google’s Offices
• Meet Our Interns

These videos draw in potential employees and customers by highlighting Google’s innovative culture.

What is the Most Effective Content Marketing?

• Short-Form Videos: TikTok, Reels, Shorts.
• User-Generated Content (UGC): People trust genuine reviews.
• Educational Content: Explainers and tutorials build credibility.
• Behind-the-Scenes Videos: Foster transparency and loyalty.

Check out  15+ Video Marketing Examples: How the Top 10 Brands Went Viral? – LocalEyes

How to Choose the Right Video Type for Your Business?

Here are the factors that will help you choose the right video type. Just define these elements:

What Are the 8 Types of Digital Marketing?

1. Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

What it is: Optimizing content to rank higher on Google and YouTube.
How video helps:
✅ Increases dwell time on websites
✅ YouTube videos appear in Google search results.

2. Content Marketing

What it is: Creating valuable content to attract and retain customers.
How video helps:
✅ Blog posts with videos get 3x more engagement.
✅ Explainer videos simplify complex topics.

3. Social Media Marketing

What it is: Promoting content on social platforms (Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, LinkedIn).
How video helps:
✅ Short-form videos (Reels, Shorts) dominate social media algorithms.
✅ Live streaming builds real-time engagement.

4. Paid Advertising (PPC & Social Ads)

What it is: Running paid campaigns on Google Ads, Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram.
How video helps:
✅ Video ads increase CTR (Click-Through Rate) and conversions.
✅ Storytelling ads create strong emotional connections.

5. Influencer Marketing

What it is: Partnering with influencers to promote products.
How video helps:
✅ Influencers create engaging TikToks, Reels, and YouTube reviews.
✅ Video testimonials build trust and authenticity.

6. Affiliate Marketing

What it is: Paying affiliates (bloggers, YouTubers) commissions for sales.
How video helps:
✅ YouTube reviews & unboxing videos influence purchasing decisions.
✅ Tutorial videos with affiliate product links drive passive income.

7. Email Marketing

What it is: Sending promotional emails to subscribers.
How video helps:
✅ Personalized video messages improve customer engagement.
✅ Product demo videos in emails boost click-through rates.

8. Mobile Marketing

What it is: Marketing via mobile apps, SMS, and push notifications.
How video helps:
✅ Short, engaging ads perform best on mobile screens.
✅ Interactive video ads drive app downloads.

Relatable Reads: Video Production for Small Businesses: Creative Solutions That Drive Results – LocalEyes

Frequently Asked Questions