Think back to the last ad that truly captured your attention—one that made you laugh, feel inspired, or even brought a tear to your eye. That’s the magic of storytelling in advertising.
In a world flooded with ads, crafting messages that resonate deeply with audiences is a real challenge. Marketers know that data alone isn’t enough; it’s the emotional connection that drives engagement.
Here at Vidico, we’ve collaborated with over 450 startups and enterprises like Spotify and TikTok to create compelling storytelling ads. Our blend of creative production and marketing strategy helps brands emotionally connect with their audiences.
In this article, we’ll showcase 15 of the best storytelling ads that highlight how a strong narrative can enhance brand engagement and loyalty.
By exploring these examples, you’ll gain valuable insights on using storytelling to boost your own marketing efforts in 2024 and beyond. Let’s dive in.
Content
Top 15 Video Commercials That Tell A Story
1. Reckon
Average Pricing: Starts at $5000
Quick Description: One of our clients, an accounting software company for small businesses, discovered a crucial customer insight: small business owners often feel overwhelmed when they receive large orders. Scaling up without a robust accounting system can be chaotic and stressful.
Using this insight, we developed the concept: “Stress-free accounting for small businesses. Because we’ve all been there.” This TV ad keeps audiences engaged and eagerly anticipating what will happen next.
Think like your audience, tell stories in their context, and match the energy of the brand through pacing. These principles consistently guide creative decisions in ways that stay true to the project’s goals while keeping the audience engaged.
— Evan Pirone, Creative Director, Vidico
Reckon’s brand refresh, paired with engaging video content, not only captured attention but drove results across multiple channels. Read the full success story here: https://vidico.com/case-studies/reckon/
What Makes It Stand Out:
- Clear demonstration of product function
- Emotional resonance with the viewer
- Nice concept – memorable and impactful
Vidico has been a fantastic long-term partner for Reckon, helping us create some truly standout brand and product videos in that time. Their creativity and innovation, paired with their production capability is unmatched. And they’ve nailed the brief yet again with our latest project. —Brad Stevens, General Marketing Manager, Reckon
Keep your audience engaged with high-impact storytelling ads. Use our [1] VidiFit Quiz for a free estimate in 1-min.
2. Mercedes – Bertha Benz
Quick Description: This ad shows a wide spectrum of emotions, connecting the audiences with powerful messaging that inspires and evokes heartfelt feelings.
Mercedes-Benz excels at entertainingly delivering information with a clear motive, making this the top storytelling ad.
In a time when “car” was not even a word yet, and people relied on horses to pull their wagons, one woman challenged the status quo.
What Makes It Stand Out:
- Emotional resonance with historical significance
- It is a compelling story that leaves the audience captivated
- Inspiring portrayal of determination and innovation
- Clear and engaging storytelling techniques
3. The Force – Volkswagen
Quick Description: The commercial features an ordinary American family and a child who enjoys pretending to be Darth Vader. With recognizable Star Wars music, adorable characters, and an element of mystery, it engages the customers effectively.
The father’s arrival in a Volkswagen Passat showcases a key feature of the vehicle while nurturing the child’s imagination with creativity and emotion.
The scenes are carefully crafted to evoke a sense of warmth and familiarity, inviting the audience to connect with the characters and their simple story but on a personal level.
What Makes It Stand Out:
- Ominous Star Wars music for universal recognition
- Element of mystery to capture the audience’s interest
- Well-choreographed scenes synchronized with music cues for added impact
4. John Lewis Home Insurance
Quick Description: John Lewis, a UK-based department store chain, is renowned for its emotionally resonant commercials, and “Tiny Dancer,” produced in 2015, is no exception. The advertisement effectively communicates the message that the magic of childhood should be cherished and safeguarded.
By showcasing the playful innocence of the little girl’s imagination, the commercial suggests that parents can feel reassured with John Lewis Insurance when protecting their precious belongings.
The tagline, “if it matters to you, it matters to us,” reinforces the brand’s commitment to caring about its ideal customers and their cherished moments.
What Makes It Stand Out:
- Relatable theme
- Evokes nostalgia with classic song choice
- Humanizes insurance with a charming example
5. Nike
Quick Description: Nike aimed to strengthen its emotional connection with the UK market by featuring London youth in a video, a departure from their typical US-centric marketing.
This intense journey through the boroughs of London showcases the athleticism and endurance of these teens, with some celebrity cameos adding to the excitement.
While the story may be challenging for those outside the target demographic, including real-life stories adds authenticity to the video.
By subtly incorporating Nike gear, the ad embodies the brand’s spirit without overtly promoting it, resonating with the viewer on a deeper level.
What Makes It Stand Out:
- Authenticity through customer inclusion
- The captivating portrayal of London’s youth culture
- Subtle promotion of Nike’s brand spirit without direct advertisement
6. Procter & Gamble
Quick Description: The scene unfolds with daily routines featuring moms and their children heading to sports practice. It gradually transforms into a heartwarming journey of future Olympians and the supportive moms who encouraged them.
Viewers witness the children making mistakes and learn from them while their moms wake them up and drive them to practice. The ad culminates in the children’s shared joy of competing and winning, with their moms cheering them on.
What Makes It Stand Out:
- Successful campaign running for over ten years
- Effective promotion of multiple P&G products
- Heartfelt storytelling showcasing the bond between moms and children
7. Charles Schwab – My Journey
Quick Description: This ad also resonated with a broad audience, as Kelly’s real-life journey in Charles Schwab’s “My Journey” captivated audiences on multiple levels.
The narrative was powerful and inspiring, effectively delivering the core principle and brand message to its audience with positive emotions.
What Makes It Stand Out:
- Wide audience appeal
- Powerful and inspiring advertising story
- The message of corporate responsibility resonates
8. Old Spice
Quick Description: With over 61 million views, it has impacted. Why does it work? It’s short—just 32 seconds long—and incredibly snappy, blending humor with absurdity and campiness while maintaining directness.
Even the ending, “I’m on a horse,” adds to its charm. Old Spice doesn’t delve into technical product details or give reasons to purchase; instead, it focuses on the ideal.
Beyond its creative storytelling marketing, the campaign’s viral aspect and social media initiatives further boosted brand success, demonstrating the power of quick and creative storytelling marketing across multiple channels.
What Makes It Stand Out:
- Directness in messaging
- Brevity and humor
- Integration of viral and social media elements
9. Hallmark’s
Quick Description: Hallmark’s ad taps into heartwarming emotions, particularly relevant for Mother’s Day celebrations, establishing the product’s significance while keeping the brand in the collective consciousness of potential customers.
The narrative scores rare by evoking intense, heartfelt feelings, a feat achieved by only a small percentage of ads.
What Makes It Stand Out:
- Evokes heartwarming emotions
- Scores are in narrative storytelling
- Focuses on a single intense emotion
10. Apple
Quick Description: iPhone partnered with Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson in a lengthy video highlighting Siri’s capabilities, leveraging the actor’s universal appeal. Packed with action, the three-and-a-half-minute commercial keeps audiences engaged while showcasing Siri and iPhone 7 features.
The endorsement by a beloved movie personality resonates with audiences, as evidenced by Influencer Marketing Hub’s statistics. Apple’s visual storytelling marketing prowess again shines, demonstrating Siri’s potential to enhance users’ lives.
What Makes It Stand Out:
- Character’s universal appeal
- Action-packed engagement in a lengthy commercial
- Resonance with audiences, supported by statistics
11. Verizon
Quick Description:
Verizon’s 60-second Super Bowl spot features Los Angeles Chargers Head Coach Anthony Lynn meeting and thanking his heroes.
This ad resonates emotionally with customers, evoking feelings of inspiration and warmth with its powerful storytelling and heart-warming life message.
What Makes It Stand Out:
- Evokes emotions of inspiration and warmth
- Heartwarming message delivered through powerful storytelling marketing [2]
- Resonates with viewers on a deep emotional level
12. Budweiser
Quick Description: Budweiser takes a different approach by developing a plotline in this emotional advertisement.
The ad centers on an adorable puppy and a horse forming a deep bond, overcoming obstacles together. Set in a traditional, hardworking atmosphere, the narrative is accompanied by a modern, emotional hit pop song.
Budweiser focuses heavily on brand storytelling, delaying product placement until the last frame. The subtle placement ensures viewers easily remember anything following such a strong emotional brand story.
What Makes It Stand Out:
- Subtle yet memorable product integration
- Strong emphasis on storytelling and emotional resonance
- Successfully delivered a clear and powerful message
13. Jim Beam
Quick Description: Jim Beam’s ad pays tribute to the brand’s heritage through a compelling story narrative enriched with historical context.
By blending brand storytelling advertisements with historical context, the ad offers viewers a deeper understanding of the brand’s legacy, setting it apart from typical liquor advertisements. This approach engages audiences and effectively communicates the brand’s values and identity.
What Makes It Stand Out:
- Tribute to brand heritage:
- Compelling story narrative
- It provides more information than typical liquor ads
Top Storytelling Trends in the Industry
- Interactive storytelling experiences
- User-generated content campaigns
- Immersive and experiential storytelling
- Authentic and relatable storytelling
- Integration of augmented reality and virtual reality
- Collaborations with influencers and creators
- Personalized storytelling tailored to individual preferences
- Serialized storytelling across multiple platforms
- Emphasis on sustainability and social responsibility narratives
- Integration of diverse perspectives and inclusivity in storytelling
Why Work With Vidico
Good creative, means good storytelling. Good storytelling, wins more customers. But there lies a new problem. Good creative doesn’t just appear. It’s tough to come up with. And produce again, and again. To get there, it’s not just about catching “eyes” and getting your hands on more “assets”. It’s about telling your story in a way that drives real results. That’s why we’re here.
— Michael Pirone, CoFounder, Vidico
Proven Track Record in Storytelling Advertising
With a wealth of experience, we’ve earned a reputation for consistently delivering exceptional video content to diverse clients, from established brands to burgeoning startups.
We are industry experts in today’s world, and our extensive portfolio showcases our proficiency in crafting compelling and impactful storytelling in marketing [3].
Innovative Storytelling
We have been telling stories forever, so we know how to add storytelling power to capture attention and foster emotional connection. Creating advertising videos filled with hope, love, emotion, and life will leave a mark on the right audience.
Our team employs cutting-edge techniques and creative approaches to storytelling, ensuring that each video we produce engages viewers and leaves a lasting impression that drives action.
Transparent Pricing
We believe in transparency and fairness when it comes to pricing. Our pricing structure is clear and competitive, with no hidden fees or surprises.
Using our VidiFit Quiz, we can provide upfront and free estimates to accommodate various budgets, allowing our clients to access high-quality video production services without breaking the bank.
“The project steps and all stages of production were so clear and concise, and we felt we continually moved forward.” – Marco Zande, Marketing Executive, WLTH
Also read: Best Banner Ad Examples & Ideas
FAQs
What are commercials that tell a story?
Commercials that tell a story are narrative-driven advertisements that aim to engage audiences by presenting characters, plotlines, and emotional arcs.
These best storytelling ads often focus on storytelling elements to create a memorable and impactful viewing experience.
What is an example of storytelling in digital marketing?
A good storytelling in digital marketing is the Dove Real Beauty campaign.
Through videos and social media content, Dove tells great stories of women embracing their natural beauty, challenging societal beauty standards, and promoting self-confidence and empowerment [4].
You see, video marketing helps consumers get to know different stories that are heart-warming and cut through.
Why do we use storytelling in advertising?
We use storytelling in advertising because it allows brands to connect with consumers on a deeper level, evoke emotions, and build meaningful relationships.
By crafting compelling narratives and emotional storytelling in advertising, companies can capture attention, differentiate their brand, and drive engagement and brand loyalty among their target audience.
Key Takeaways
Storytelling ads have emerged as a powerful tool in advertising, allowing brands to connect with their audiences on a deeper level, evoke emotions, and drive meaningful engagement.
By leveraging narrative techniques, these product advertisement create memorable experiences that resonate with viewers, ultimately influencing their perceptions and behaviors.
Are you ready to harness the power of storytelling in marketing and advertising campaigns? Use our VidiFit Quiz for free and see how we can help elevate your brand’s storytelling to new heights.
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.investopedia.com/terms/m/marketing-campaign.asp
- https://academic.oup.com/advertising-and-corporate-services/pages/the-importance-of-storytelling-in-marketing
- https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/beyond-skin-deep-message-behind-doves-real-beauty-campaign-mupeti
