In a world overflowing with ads, capturing attention and building trust with consumers is no easy feat.
But what if the most effective way to win them over isn’t through flashy claims or celebrity endorsements but through real people sharing their genuine experiences? Testimonial advertising has become a game-changer, offering an authentic voice that cuts through the noise and resonates on a personal level.
In this article, we’ll dive into some of the most powerful examples of testimonial ads, revealing why they work so well and how they can transform the way brands connect with their audience.
Curious to see which campaigns made the list and what makes them so effective? Keep reading to find out.
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Top 10 Testimonial Advertising Examples to Check Out
1. Cascade
Average Pricing: Starts at $5000
Quick Description: Cascade teamed up with Vidico to create a testimonial video aimed at enhancing their brand messaging and increasing conversion rates for potential clients. Using an interview-based approach filmed in a professional studio, the video offers a clear and structured narrative. By combining on-screen talent with dynamic product UI visuals from a user’s perspective, the video effectively communicates Cascade’s value in an engaging and authentic way.
What Makes It Stand Out:
- Engaging user-perspective UI visuals
- Authentic and relatable storytelling
- Aligned with core brand messaging
2. Airwallex
Average Pricing: Starts at $5000
Quick Description: Airwallex partnered with Celle Skin to produce a remote case study video, highlighting how the brand leverages Airwallex’s platform to streamline global transactions. Through a combination of real-world examples and product demonstrations, the video effectively showcases the impact of Airwallex on Celle Skin’s international operations, making it engaging and informative for potential clients.
What Makes It Stand Out:
- Seamless integration of product demonstrations
- Clear focus on global transaction efficiency
- Authentic storytelling through a customer lens
3. Dove
Quick Description: Dove’s testimonial video for their deodorant product effectively uses multiple real people sharing their experiences in one ad. While staged in a controlled setting, the video claims that the participants are not actors, which helps build trust and authenticity. The added layer of credibility comes from having the participants try the product on camera and share their thoughts in real time, making the testimonials feel more genuine.
What Makes It Stand Out:
- Multiple testimonials packed into one ad
- Real customers for added credibility
- Real-time product use and feedback
4. Glossier
Quick Description: Glossier leverages its strong branding and minimalist design to create impactful testimonial ads, like this Instagram ad. By showcasing an authentic customer review in the brand’s signature millennial pink and custom font, the ad lets the testimonial take center stage, reinforcing the product’s quality through the post of a real customer.
What Makes It Stand Out:
- Authentic customer feedback as the focal point
- Simple yet effective visual style
- Builds trust through real customer experiences
5. Grammarly
Quick Description: Grammarly’s testimonial video featuring Kaz Matsune draws a compelling parallel between the precision of sushi-making and writing.
Through visually captivating scenes of him perfecting sushi rolls while typing sentences, the testimonial ad highlights how Grammarly empowers non-native English speakers like Kaz to write, post content, and publish books confidently in English.
What Makes It Stand Out:
- Visually captivating storytelling
- Emphasis on precision and skill in both crafts
- Personal story of overcoming language barriers
6. Calm
Quick Description: Calm’s testimonial ad on LinkedIn effectively targets a busy, professional audience by showcasing an anonymous employee review. The simplicity and brevity of the testimonial resonate with the working individuals viewing the ad, offering a solution employers can provide to enhance their well-being during a hectic workday.
What Makes It Stand Out:
- Targets a professional, work-focused audience
- Solution-oriented messaging tailored to the workplace
- Visual use of quotation marks adds interest and credibility
7. Headspace
Quick Description: Headspace’s testimonial ad cleverly uses bright colors and eye-catching visuals to appeal to both runners and non-runners alike. The testimonial ad features a quote from a customer, Knox, who highlights the peace of mind he gains from guided meditation while running. This expands the app’s appeal by suggesting that Headspace can offer mental clarity in various everyday situations, not just during exercise.
What Makes It Stand Out:
- Bright colors and varied font sizes for visual impact
- Customer quote tied to a relatable activity (running)
- Appeals to both runners and non-runners
8. Secret
Quick Description: Secret’s TV commercial testimonial focuses on strong women, using personal, emotionally charged questions to connect with viewers on a deeper level. While it contrasts with Dove’s multi-perspective approach, this testimonial ad uses its time to evoke a powerful emotional response, making the message memorable and impactful.
What Makes It Stand Out:
- Emotional, personal storytelling
- Focus on strong, relatable women
- Deep, introspective questions to engage viewers
9. SharpSpring
Quick Description: SharpSpring’s testimonial ad on LinkedIn takes a casual, low-production approach, using what appears to be a Zoom-style video featuring a customer delivering their testimonial directly.
The simple, unpolished format fits well with LinkedIn’s professional atmosphere, making the recommendation feel authentic and relatable.
What Makes It Stand Out:
- Direct customer delivery, adding personal touch
- Captions included for viewers watching without sound
- Aligns with LinkedIn’s professional tone
10. Notion
Quick Description: Notion’s testimonial ads take a unique approach by showcasing “day in the life” videos, highlighting how various users incorporate the versatile product into their daily routines. By demonstrating different use cases—whether as a CRM, workspace, or personal organizer—these ads make the product’s adaptability relatable and engaging to a broad audience.
What Makes It Stand Out:
- Real users showcasing Notion in action
- Interactive CTA (“Request demo”) for immediate engagement
- Demonstrates the product’s versatility in a natural context
What’s Testimonial Advertising?
Testimonial advertising is a marketing strategy where real customers or users share their personal experiences with a product or service.
Instead of brands promoting their offerings through traditional messaging, these ads feature authentic stories from satisfied customers, showcasing how a product or service has benefited them.
Testimonial ads can take many forms, from written reviews to video testimonials, but the core idea is the same: using real voices to build credibility and trust with potential buyers.
Why Does Testimonial Ad Works?
Testimonial advertising works because it taps into the power of social proof. Consumers are more likely to trust the experiences of real people than brand-driven messaging.
When potential customers see others like them sharing positive results, it creates an emotional connection and reassures them that the product or service delivers on its promises.
This authenticity and relatability make testimonial ads more believable and persuasive, leading to higher engagement and conversion rates.
Common Types of Testimonial Ads
UGC
UGC testimonial ads are created directly by customers or users of a product or service, typically shared on social media. These can include social posts, stories, or reviews that brands repurpose into ads.
Since UGC is often spontaneous and organic, it feels authentic and relatable to other consumers, making it a powerful form of testimonial advertising.
Text Customer Testimonials
These are written endorsements from customers, often featured on websites, landing pages, or in printed ads.
Text testimonials can highlight specific features or benefits that the customer appreciated, offering clear and concise social proof.
While simple, they can be effective when paired with the customer’s name, job title, or location for added credibility.
Video
Video testimonials allow customers to share their experiences visually and audibly, creating a stronger emotional connection. These can range from professionally produced videos to casual, user-shot clips.
Video testimonials are highly engaging because they convey tone, expression, and authenticity in a way that written testimonials cannot.
Image
Image testimonials combine visuals with a short text endorsement, often showing the customer using the product or showcasing results. This type of ad is ideal for platforms like Instagram and Facebook, where visuals are key.
A compelling image paired with a brief testimonial creates a powerful combination of proof and appeal, drawing attention and encouraging trust.
Things To Consider
What & When to Ask
Timing is crucial when requesting testimonials. The best time to ask for a testimonial is after a customer has had a positive experience or achieved significant results.
Be clear about what you’re asking for—whether it’s a detailed review, a quick comment, or a video—so that customers feel confident in sharing their thoughts.
Length of the Ad
The length of your testimonial ad should align with the platform and audience. Short and punchy ads work well on social media, while longer, more detailed testimonials can be effective on websites or YouTube.
Keep in mind that the ad should maintain attention without dragging on—brevity with impact is key.
Unique Selling Point
Every testimonial ad should subtly reinforce your brand’s unique selling point. Whether it’s product quality, customer service, or specific results, ensure that the testimonial highlights what sets your brand apart from the competition. This will help potential customers connect the testimonial with your brand’s strengths.
Graphics & Videos
Visuals are essential for capturing attention in testimonial ads. Whether using video or static images, make sure they are high-quality, visually engaging, and aligned with your brand’s aesthetic. Bright, clear graphics and videos that immediately grab the viewer’s attention will make your testimonial ads stand out in a crowded digital space.
FAQs
How do advertisers use testimonials?
Advertisers use testimonials by incorporating real customer experiences and feedback to promote their products or services. These testimonials are showcased in various formats, such as video, text, or user-generated content, to build trust and authenticity. By sharing positive stories, advertisers leverage social proof to influence potential customers, making the brand or product more relatable and credible.
Are testimonial ads effective?
Yes, testimonial ads are highly effective. They work by tapping into the power of social proof and authenticity, which consumers find more trustworthy than traditional advertising.
When potential buyers see real people sharing their success stories or satisfaction through testimonial advertising, it creates an emotional connection, increasing engagement and conversion rates.
What does testimonial mean in marketing?
In marketing, a testimonial refers to an endorsement or recommendation from a satisfied customer who shares their positive experience with a product or service. Testimonials are used to build credibility and trust, providing potential customers with real-life evidence that the brand delivers on its promises.
Final Thoughts
Testimonial video advertising is a powerful tool for brands looking to build trust, connect emotionally, and stand out in a competitive market.
By showcasing authentic customer experiences, these ads provide the social proof that potential buyers need to make informed decisions. Whether it’s a candid story or a well-produced video, testimonial ads can significantly boost engagement, brand loyalty, and conversions.
Ready to harness the power of testimonial videos for your business? At Vidico, we make it easy—get a free upfront estimate and try our VidiFit Quiz to see how video can elevate your brand. Connect with us today!
