In just a few years, video content has gone from being optional to becoming the core of social media. It’s no surprise that 93% of marketers say social media videos are the secret to more customers and they’re not wrong.
Short videos, in particular, deliver an impressive impact. They capture twice the engagement of longer content and keep viewers watching, with videos under 90 seconds holding onto 50% of their audience. Even more telling, 73% of consumers now turn to short videos for product research.
So, whether you’re a brand or a content creator, staying updated on what’s working in the video world is important. Trends shift quickly, and inspiration is everywhere.
As a company that built one of the most popular video editors in the world, we’re obsessed with what moves the needle for videos.
Why do some perform better than others? What transforms a simple idea into a viral sensation?
To truly understand it on the ground level, we researched for hours to pick the best video marketing examples. Instead of picking the flashiest or most viral clips, we dug deep to figure out what drives engagement, sparks creativity, and tells a great story.
Let’s take a closer look at what makes these social media videos impactful and how you can create them too.
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[#TOC1]What makes a great social media video?[#TOC1]
“You don’t need the most expensive video equipment to produce a great social media video”, successful video makers swear by this. So then, what matters when it comes to increasing brand awareness or driving conversions for a brand?
Clear purpose and target audience
A great video kicks off with a purpose, not just flashy visuals. What’s the reason behind making this video? Is it to get more sign-ups, make some sales, or just to entertain? When your video has a clear goal, it really helps connect with the right audience.
Think about who’s watching. A busy professional scrolling through LinkedIn at lunch has different expectations and brain space compared to a teenager secretly checking out TikTok in school (we’re opposed to this idea, by the way).
Take a fitness influencer, for instance. If they're trying to get people to sign up for their workout plan, an engaging video that shows easy, beginner-friendly exercises, along with a link to their program, will hit the mark way better than a random motivational clip.
Also, the length, pacing, music, and filming style should match what your audience likes. In other words, the video should be catered to the unique preferences of your audience, while staying true to your personal brand.
Strong storytelling
People may forget stats and features, but they’ll always remember a good story. A captivating narrative tugs at our heartstrings, making what you share stick in people's minds. But storytelling doesn’t have to be anything epic or dramatic; sometimes it's all about the little moments—like transformations, victories, or even a fun day-in-the-life.
For example, think about someone’s journey from struggling with spreadsheets to confidently running their finances because of a product. Instead of just listing features, show the real impact it had on their life.
These stories work because they follow a familiar path: there's a challenge, some struggle, a solution, and then triumph. Each part gets people emotionally invested, making them cheer for the main character while naturally highlighting how great your product is.
Platform optimization
Not all videos fit every platform. Each social media platform has its unique characteristics, audience behavior, and technical requirements. Understanding these nuances is critical to making your content shine.
- TikTok thrives on quick, vertical videos with trending audio.
- Instagram Reels embrace visually engaging, vertical clips that are easy to swipe through.
- YouTube favors wide-format videos perfect for in-depth storytelling or cinematic productions.
And it’s not just about format. Features like captions on Facebook for sound-off viewing or catchy music on TikTok can make or break your video’s engagement. Take the time to tailor your video for each platform’s quirks—you’ll see the results in likes, shares, and views.
[#TOC2]Inspiring social media video examples[#TOC2]
In this roundup of the best social media video examples, we’re breaking down why these videos worked—how they used storytelling, platform optimization, and emotional resonance to stand out.
Nike’s “You Can’t Stop Us” Campaign
Type: Brand awareness
Nike’s iconic “You Can’t Stop Us” campaign is a masterclass in storytelling. Since it dropped on July 30th, 2020, the short film has racked up over 58 million views. It uses split-screen editing juxtaposing athletes from different sports and backgrounds, highlighting unity and resilience.
The impact of the campaign was huge, resonating with people around the globe. It pulled in $8.95 million in Media Impact Value (MIV®) from 1,067 placements, averaging nearly $8.4K per placement across online and social platforms.
But what’s most interesting is that 46% of viewers said they were more likely to buy Nike products after watching the short film. Overall, "You Can't Stop Us" showed that Nike isn't just about sportswear; they’re also nailing impactful storytelling in advertising.
Introducing iPhone 16 by Apple
Type: Product launch
Apple’s product launch videos are an event in themselves. The “Introducing iPhone 16” video has everything you’d expect from Apple—sleek designs, immersive visuals, and suspenseful pacing.
Each feature is presented in a way that feels both inspiring and relatable. The sharp transitions, close-up shots, and simple backgrounds just scream sophistication. It’s classic Apple and shows how to create buzz.
One of the highlights was The Weeknd’s music video for "Dancing in the Flames,” which was shot entirely on the iPhone 16 Pro. This release was perfectly timed with the iPhone 16 Pro launch, showcasing the device’s killer camera features like 4K slow-mo at 120 frames per second and Apple ProRes Log for better editing options.
As for how people reacted, the music video racked up over 1.1 million views on YouTube just two days after dropping, showing that it definitely caught viewers' attention. Overall, Apple’s focus on detail in their launch videos and their effort to connect with consumers right from the start is something every brand should take notes on.
“The Most Beautiful Powder Run Ever?” by GoPro
Type: User-generated content
GoPro’s video of a skier carving through powdery snow is pure adventure magic. Shot entirely with a GoPro, it’s raw, real, and utterly immersive—everything GoPro stands for. You can see the tiny, yet important, details about the camera’s performance.
For example, the smooth camera movements, high-quality footage, and natural sound capture—all from the user’s POV.
This video is a brilliant example of how UGC videos can help brands connect with their target customers effectively. For GoPro, that’s sports/adventure enthusiasts, travel content creators, and professional videographers.
By focusing on community, GoPro turns its users into natural brand ambassadors. Encouraging them to share their experiences creates a cycle of engagement and authentic promotion. This strategy not only boosts the brand’s image but also sparks sales by highlighting real-life uses of their products.
Fenty Beauty x Arcane showcase by Sephora
Type: Campaign video
If you want a crash course in brand video collaboration, check out the Fenty Beauty x Arcane video from Sephora.
It’s a masterstroke in targeting the right audience. Imagine if you were to draw a Venn diagram, the overlapping section between Fenty Beauty's customer base and Arcane's audience would prominently feature individuals aged 18 to 34.
This demographic is highly active on social media and deeply engaged with contemporary cultural trends. And so, the collaboration video is more than just another marketing tool; it creates a powerful cultural blend that deeply connects with its audience.
The visuals blend the show’s edgy vibe with Fenty’s bold products, creating an engaging experience that boosts both interest and sales.
“This is VEED Social” by VEED
Type: BTS/Meet the team
VEED's behind-the-scenes reel gives a fun and authentic look at the awesome team that powers our video editing platform. This cute montage captures all kinds of candid moments and showcases the unique personalities and quirks of our crew.
So why does this resonate so much? Because people appreciate real human interactions instead of stiff, corporate jargon-filled videos. By letting our team’s true selves shine, we create a sense of relatability and trust. When brands show their human side, it creates stronger emotional bonds with customers. This helps build loyalty and engagement since people feel a connection to the folks behind the product.
“What’s new?” by Slack
Type: Product overview/news
Slack’s short reel effectively highlights new features without feeling like a hard sell. Instead of drowning viewers in technical jargon, it uses simple language, quick visuals, and clear benefits. This approach informs and excites users, making them eager to explore what’s new.
Slack's social media game is all about creating content that's fun and educational, fitting perfectly with each platform's needs. On Instagram, they mix things up with posts and stories to show off app features, share what customers have to say, and give a peek behind the scenes. And they do this all while keeping a consistent look and feel.
By tapping into Instagram's visually-driven style, Slack connects with professionals and teams looking for solid communication tools. Plus, their short and snappy videos match what users love on the platform, boosting engagement and solidifying Slack's spot as a go-to in workplace collaboration.
“Korean or get eaten” by Duolingo
Type: Collaboration campaign
Duolingo's "Korean or Get Eaten" campaign teamed up with Netflix's Squid Game is a super fun way to mix humor and pop culture while promoting language learning. They've got a catchy K-pop remix called "Korean or Get Eaten," which playfully pushes you to learn Korean.
The lyrics are in both English and Korean, and they reference that famous Red Light, Green Light game from Squid Game. It also has some cheeky "hidden" threats in Korean that only make sense if you’ve been keeping up with your Korean lessons.
To make things even cooler, Duolingo added over 40 keywords and phrases from Squid Game to its Korean course, so you can connect with the show. There’s also an interactive game filter on TikTok where you can test your Korean skills while playing the "Red Light, Green Light" game, plus some eye-catching stunts happening in Los Angeles and New York City.
This creative approach is not just entertaining; it seriously gets people excited about learning Korean, making it fun and relatable.
Ending note
Social media videos are more than just quick clips; they’re powerful tools for making connections and sparking action. By telling a great story, tweaking your content for each platform, and setting clear goals, you can create videos that really hit home with your audience.
Here are some final tips to help you create impactful videos that drive success for your brand:
- Whether you're creating how-to videos, explainer videos, product demos, or animated videos, incorporate a clear call to action to improve engagement and drive results.
- Bring your tutorials and step-by-step guides to life with a dash of creativity using live-action, or animated scenes.
- For social media marketing, short-form videos and live videos can amplify your content strategy, while customer testimonials and case studies build trust in your marketing campaign.
- Use user-generated content (UGC) in your video marketing strategy to add authenticity and generate word of mouth.
- Tailor the video format to each platform to maximize impact and align with the algorithms.
- Optimize your YouTube video titles and descriptions for SEO to ensure your content reaches the widest possible audience.
- Pair these with a professional voiceover and strategic video production to craft the best video for your audience and elevate your digital marketing efforts.
Combine these with VEED's intuitive online video editor and you can effortlessly craft engaging content that resonates with your audience. Whether you are an established brand or just starting, VEED offers the tools you need to enhance your video content and grow your audience.
