Most ads get ignored. Only a few make people stop and watch.
Every day, people scroll past countless videos—but only the most compelling ads break through the noise. Too often, brands pour resources into slick, polished content that looks great but doesn’t drive action.
At Vidico, we don’t just produce video ads—we craft engaging, high-performance content that helps brands stand out. From attention-grabbing social media spots to strategic product campaigns, our expertise spans every format.
Brands like Amazon, Spotify, and Uber trust us to deliver videos that not only captivate but also convert—driving brand awareness, engagement, and measurable growth.
In this article, we’ll break down the most effective online video commercials, uncovering what makes them work and how you can apply these insights to your next campaign.
Content
Top 15 Online Video Commercials That Work
1. Legalshield x Vidico
Video Type: Animated Commercial Video Ad
Quick Description: LegalShield’s animated commercial for their app release captivates with vibrant animation and a compelling voiceover.
“The best video marketing agencies don’t just deliver videos; they deliver strategies. At Vidico, we design campaigns with longevity in mind, ensuring every frame of your video can be repurposed into engaging, platform-specific assets that amplify your ROI.”
The storyline follows a landlord navigating a tenant dispute, effectively demonstrating LegalShield’s solutions. As a matter of fact, the video’s voiceover adds depth and credibility, enhancing the emotional impact on clients.
What Makes It Stand Out:
- Engaging animation style
- Professional and trustworthy voiceover
- Seamlessly integrates storyline with product benefits
When LegalShield needed a dynamic way to showcase their app release and highlight its real-world impact, they partnered with Vidico.
Our team produced an animated commercial video ad that blends vibrant animation with a compelling voiceover, delivering a clear and engaging message.
Ready to create a remarkable online video for your business? Use our VidiFit Quiz today for a free estimate, and let us help you stand out from the other businesses in the industry [1].
2. Temple & Webster
Video Type: TV Commercial Ad
Quick Description: Temple & Webster’s TV commercial and online campaign seamlessly blend humor and convenience to showcase their wide range of furniture and homewares.
The seamless blend of live-action footage of the creative video ads with engaging acting draws audiences in and enhances the campaign’s effectiveness.
What Makes It Stand Out:
- Humorous and relatable storyline
- Authenticity of real-life actors
- Engaging acting that resonates with audiences
3. Taco Bell – Web of Fries
Video Type: Brand Video Ad
Quick Description: Taco Bell’s faux movie trailer features Josh Duhamel as a regular guy who stumbles upon a hilarious conspiracy involving a global conglomerate of French fry makers.
The ad example combines suspenseful thriller clichés with comedic effects, showcasing Taco Bell’s mouth-watering nacho fries uniquely and unexpectedly.
What Makes It Stand Out:
- Innovative use of a suspenseful movie trailer format for advertising fast food
- Incorporation of humor and thriller clichés to engage audiences
- Celebrity involvement with Josh Duhamel adds star power.
4. Coca-Cola® Masterpiece
Video Type: Brand Video Ad
Quick Description: Coca-Cola’s “Masterpiece” ad is a true masterpiece, showcasing the brand’s iconic status and cultural significance with flair.
Beyond its flashy effects and humorous premise, the ad effortlessly captures the essence of Coca-Cola’s timeless appeal, inviting audiences to have fun while enjoying a Coke simply.
A subtle nod to the picture reinforces Coke’s status as a cultural icon and art piece.
What Makes It Stand Out:
- Captures Coca-Cola’s timeless appeal and cultural significance
- Balances flashy effects with a lighthearted, fun-filled approach
- Incorporates subtle references to art and cultural icons
5. Iceland – Rang-tan
Video Type: Animated Video Ad
Quick Description: The “Rang-tan” video marketing ad features entrancing animation and a poignant voiceover by Emma Thompson. It draws audiences into the emotional story of an orangutan whose habitat is destroyed by the palm oil trade.
This powerful environmental narrative and captivating animation evoke empathy and prompt audiences to reconsider their consumer choices.
What Makes It Stand Out:
- Entrancing animation and voiceover
- Evokes empathy and prompts audiences to reconsider consumer choices
- Contributed to significant brand lift for Iceland and sparked conversation around environmental issues
6. Metro Trains – Dumb Ways to Die
Video Type: Animated Video Ad
Quick Description: The marketing team for Metro Trains’ award-winning ad “Dumb Ways to Die” did a great job, as it is a PSA blockbuster with over 290 million views and counting [2].
With dark humor and adorable animated blobs meeting bizarre demises, the ad cleverly delivers a serious safety message about train safety, reducing accidents by 20% while leaving a memorable tune in audiences’ heads.
What Makes It Stand Out:
- Dark humor combined with a serious safety narrative
- Memorable and entertaining approach to addressing serious issues
- Significant impact on reducing accidents by 20%
7. The new AirPods Pro
Video Type: Sales Video Ad
Quick Description: In this ad, Apple showcases its new headphones by focusing on their noise-canceling features with a brilliant visual metaphor.
By honing in on this key feature, Apple demonstrates a keen understanding of the importance of focus in advertising, highlighting the product’s standout qualities to capture viewer attention effectively.
What Makes It Stand Out:
- Brilliant visual metaphor as if they don’t sell products
- Demonstrates Apple’s understanding of focusing on key product features
- Highlights standout qualities to capture viewer attention effectively
8. Peugeot – The Sculptor
Video Type: Social Video Ad
Quick Description: Peugeot’s “The Sculptor” ad is hailed as one of the best car ads of all time. It features an incredible storyline that showcases the extreme lengths a man goes to for a Peugeot car.
From falling in love with a Peugeot 206 to ingeniously sculpting his old clunker into a Peugeot-shaped car, the ad captivates audiences with its fast-paced narrative and humorous audacity.
What Makes It Stand Out:
- Incredible storyline featuring extreme lengths for a Peugeot car
- Fast-paced and humorous narrative
- Taps into audiences’ aspirations for social recognition and upward mobility
9. Volvo: XC60
Video Type: TV Commercial
Quick Description: In this ad example, Volvo subtly highlights the challenges of parenthood and the importance of ensuring a safe environment for babies.
Through meticulous scenes depicting the process of baby-proofing a home, the ad cleverly conveys the message of safety without overtly showcasing the car’s safety features.
By focusing on the emotional journey of parenthood and the meticulous care required, Volvo effectively communicates the effortless safety provided by the XC60.
What Makes It Stand Out:
- Emotional narrative focused on parenthood challenges
- Meticulous attention to detail in storytelling
- Resonates deeply with audiences through relatable themes
10. Nike – Write the Future
Video Type: Commercial Video
Quick Description: “Write the Future,” a sweeping sports epic produced for the 2010 World Cup, features some of the greatest footballers, including Cristiano Ronaldo. With over 7.8 million views in one week, it broke records for viral marketing videos.
Spanning over 3 minutes, the ad showcases pivotal moments that determine each player’s legacy in the industry, culminating in the unveiling of a colossal statue of Ronaldo.
What Makes It Stand Out:
- Features some of the greatest footballers in the industry
- Fast-paced and witty storytelling
- Amplifies emotional impact through exaggeration, capturing the high stakes of the World Cup
Want an online video ad that converts more customers? 👉 Get a free creative strategy session today.
11. Skillfinity
Video Type: Animated Video
Quick Description: In this comedic and creative video marketing ad for Skillfinity.io, audiences meet John, an accomplished stick figure with various talents thanks to the service.
The quirky voiceover on the video adds humor, keeping the ad engaging and preventing it from becoming dull.
What Makes It Stand Out:
- Utilizes irreverent humor and character-driven storytelling
- Focuses on exaggerated talents and quirky personality of John
- Resonates with audiences by avoiding dry selling points and delivering the message impactfully
12. Google — A CODA Story
Video Type: Live Action Product Video Ad
Quick Description: “A CODA Story” emphasizes its omnipresence and commitment to assisting consumers in every aspect of their journey.
The sentimental ad highlights Google’s wide-ranging offerings to remind viewers of its constant presence and support [3].
What Makes It Stand Out:
- Emphasizes Google’s omnipresence and assistance throughout users’ journeys
- Excellent execution and storyboard that captivates audiences
- Reinforces Google’s commitment to helping users in every aspect of their lives
13. Doosan Infracore: Dream Big
Video Type: Commercial Video
Quick Description: Doosan’s broadcast commercial captures the joy of playing in the sand as a child and parallels it with using their industrial machines.
The ad evokes nostalgia in just over 30 seconds while subtly emphasizing Doosan’s longevity as a business.
What Makes It Stand Out:
- Captures the joy of childhood play and parallels it with industrial machinery use
- When the viewer sees the video, it evokes nostalgia.
- Effective storytelling in just over 30 seconds
14. Nokia Video Ad – Gulp
Video Type: Animated Brand Video
Quick Description: “Gulp,” billed as the world’s largest stop-motion animation shot on a Nokia N8, unfolds on a record-breaking 11,000 sq. ft. set in South Wales.
The captivating short film follows a fisherman’s adventure at sea, culminating in a surprising and delightful twist, showcasing the possibilities of filming with a Nokia camera.
What Makes It Stand Out:
- Utilizes a record-breaking 11,000 sq. ft. set for stop-motion animation
- Captivating storyline with a surprising twist
- Prioritizes captivating content over direct product promotion, driving shares and engagement
15. Pandora – The Unique Connection
Video Type: Brand Video
Quick Description: In this emotionally charged video marketing advertisement by Pandora Jewelry, six women are put in a lineup, and their blindfolded children must identify them by touch alone.
The heartwarming moment when each child connects with their mother showcases the unique bond between mother and child, celebrating the uniqueness of all women.
What Makes It Stand Out:
- Celebrates the uniqueness of women and the emotional bond between mothers and children
- Captures heartwarming moments that resonate with audiences
- Harnesses the power of universal themes to forge emotional connections with diverse audiences
What’s An Online Video Marketing Ad?
An online video marketing ad is a promotional video created and optimized for distribution and viewing on digital platforms, such as websites, social media platforms, and streaming offerings.
These videos are designed to capture audiences’ attention and convey a marketing narrative effectively within a short timeframe.
Unlike traditional TV commercials, online video ads often utilize interactive elements, such as clickable links or embedded calls-to-action, to engage audiences and encourage immediate action, such as visiting a website or purchasing.
Additionally, online video marketing advertisements can be highly targeted based on demographic information, interests, and browsing behavior, allowing advertisers to reach their desired audiences precisely.
With the increasing popularity of online video consumption, these videos have become an integral part of digital marketing strategies, offering brands a dynamic and impactful way to connect with consumers in the digital age.
When Vimeo Enterprise needed a powerful way to showcase its video marketing suite to businesses, they turned to Vidico. Our team crafted an engaging, benefit-driven software demo video that distilled their complex offering into a clear, compelling story.
How Does It Work?
Online videos leverage digital platforms to engage target audiences effectively. They utilize compelling visuals, sound effects, and storytelling to capture audiences’ attention and encourage interaction with the content.
These videos are distributed across various online channels, including social media and video-sharing platforms, reaching audiences wherever they spend time online.
Real-time metrics allow advertisers to track the performance of their videos, providing valuable insights for optimization.
Ready to create a standout online video for your company? Take our VidiFit Quiz today for a complimentary, upfront estimate.
Video Advertising Formats
Choosing the right ad format is key to making an impact. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Pre-Roll Ads: Play before a video starts; great for brand awareness and quick messaging.
- Mid-Roll Ads: Appear during a video; best for long-form content and high engagement.
- Post-Roll Ads: Show up after a video; useful for strong CTAs and retargeting.
- Native Video Ads: Blend into social feeds; work well for storytelling and engagement.
- Outstream Ads: Autoplay within articles or mobile apps; ideal for brand reach outside of video platforms.
Benefits of Video Ads Online
- Enhanced engagement through compelling visuals, sound, and storytelling
- Wide reach across various digital platforms, including social media and video-sharing websites
- Targeted advertising capabilities for reaching specific client segments based on demographics, interests, and behavior
- Measurable results with real-time metrics tracking views, click-through rates, engagement, and industry conversions
- Cost-effectiveness compared to traditional TV advertising, with flexible pricing models like cost-per-view or cost-per-click
- Ability to optimize advertising campaigns for better performance based on data-driven insights and analytics.
Book a Free Creative Strategy Session with Vidico.
Elements of Good Online Video Advertising
- Compelling storytelling that captures audiences’ attention and resonates emotionally
- High-quality visuals and production value that enhance the viewing experience [4]
- Clear and concise messaging that communicates the brand’s value proposition effectively
- Engaging and interactive elements that encourage viewer interaction and participation
- Strategic placement on relevant digital platforms to reach target audiences effectively
Choosing the Right Video Ad Channels
Where you place your ads matters just as much as the content itself.
- Social Media (TikTok, Instagram, LinkedIn): Best for short, engaging ads tailored to specific audiences.
- YouTube & Streaming: Ideal for longer-form content, brand storytelling, and product demos.
- Google Display & Outstream Ads: Expand reach beyond video platforms to websites and mobile apps.
- Email & Websites: Great for driving conversions through embedded video content.
- Paid Search & Programmatic Ads: Use AI and intent-based targeting for efficient reach.
Matching the right format with the right platform ensures your video gets seen by the right people at the right time.
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FAQs
Which platform is best for video ads?
Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube are popular due to their large user base and advanced targeting capabilities.
However, the best platform ultimately depends on where the target audiences spend their time online and which platform offers the most relevant features for achieving campaign goals.
What is a good video ad?
A good video ad effectively captures audiences’ attention, communicates the brand’s narrative clearly and memorably, and prompts them to take action.
It typically features compelling storytelling, high-quality visuals, and engaging content that resonates emotionally with the audience.
Additionally, the video is relevant to the target audience and aligns with the brand’s values and objectives.
Which online advertising is best?
The best online advertising strategy depends on the campaign’s specific goals and target clients. Search engines, social media, display, and video are popular options, each offering unique advantages and targeting capabilities.
Ultimately, the best online advertising approach effectively reaches the audiences, communicates the brand’s narrative, and achieves the desired campaign objectives within the budget.
What platform has the most successful ads?
Social media platforms like Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram are known for their success in hosting videos due to their large user bases, advanced targeting options, and engagement features.
Additionally, search engine platforms like Google Ads can be highly successful for hosting videos, especially for targeting clients who are actively searching for relevant products from different companies.
What is the #1 video platform?
YouTube is often considered the #1 video platform due to its massive spectator reach, diverse content offerings, and powerful advertising capabilities.
With over two billion logged-in monthly consumers, it offers advertisers access to vast spectators of viewers who consume billions of hours of video content daily.
Its sophisticated targeting options, robust analytics, and various ad formats make it a top choice for hosting video ads and effectively reaching target audiences.
Key Takeaways
The best online video ads leverage captivating storytelling, high-quality production, and strategic distribution to effectively engage audiences and achieve marketing objectives.
Whether through emotional resonance, creative innovation, or targeting precision, these videos leave a lasting impact on viewers and drive meaningful results for brands.
Ready to create your standout video ad with a professional advertiser? Use our VidiFit Quiz today for a free estimate on video services.
Let’s take the first step towards creating videos that captivate and convert your audience without compromising your budget.
References:
- https://www.globenewswire.com/en/news-release/2022/08/12/2497652/0/en/Video-Production-Company-Vidico-Launch-Rebrand-To-Offer-Their-Customers-Clarity-Precision-And-An-Even-Higher-Level-Of-Communication.html
- https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbesagencycouncil/2023/11/03/positioning-your-brand-for-your-best-chance-of-going-viral/
- https://blog.google/outreach-initiatives/accessibility/tonys-story-accessibility-features/
- https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/halka-khelna-band-karo-video-ki-quality-par-focus-harkirat-bedi
