Social media and video content are an essential part of any marketing strategy in 2024. 91% of companies use video as a marketing tool and 35% have committed to creating more social media videos in 2024.
If you want to use social media videos in your marketing efforts but aren’t sure how you found the right blog. I’ve put together 16 social media video examples from various platforms to inspire and motivate you to create your own videos.
After you’ve read and are ready to create your own video, check out HubSpot’s free, AI-powered video maker. Clip creatorthat can convert text into professional videos.
Without further ado, let’s dive in.
4 examples of Instagram Reels
1. Cecred
One of my favorite Instagram Reels that came out recently features my favorite icon – Beyoncé!
Beyonce recently launched a hair care line called Cecred, and to prove to critics that the brand’s products work, she walked viewers through her usual hair-washing day.
The video shows her using the Cecred products in her hair as her voiceover explains her process.
Videos are a great opportunity to show your product at work. So think about how you can film people using your products. And involve some employees or founders and show your audience that you also trust your products.
What I like: I love that Beyoncé, founder of Cecred, uses her own products. It gives their brand legitimacy. I also like the friendly, confident and conversational tone she uses to make the video more likeable.
2. Nike
Nike’s video marketing almost always includes aspects of emotional storytelling, and the Instagram reel “When I’m Hit, I Always Get Up” is no different.
“The Reel” follows professional basketball player Ja Morant through a normal day off the court. Morant can be seen playing streetball with his friends, planning family dinners, getting haircuts at the local barbershop, and hanging out with neighborhood kids.
He shares his story of being competitive and resilient since childhood. Throughout the video, everyone is wearing Nike shoes, showing that the brand offers pairs for adults and children for exercise and play.
What I like: Nike is very good at what I like to call “I don’t sell to you” marketing. I’m sure there’s an appropriate term for it, but what I mean is that despite the Nike products shown throughout the video, it doesn’t feel like Nike is trying to sell them to me.
Instead, it speaks to my feelings by showing a motivated individual surrounded by the community he loves and supports him.
It tells a story while letting me know that Nike shoes are designed for every part of the human journey, from childhood gaming to professional sports.
3. Victoria’s Secret
Tyra Mail! If you’ve ever binged “America’s Next Top Model” like I did, then you know the reference. Reality show contestants were always thrilled when supermodel Tyra Banks left them a letter with a detailed challenge.
And the same excitement was captured when Victoria’s Secret asked its models what they thought of Tyra Banks’ return to the Victoria’s Secret runway.
What I like: Victoria’s Secret interviewed models who attended this year’s fashion show and got their real reaction. Consider sharing important news about your brand by offering a behind-the-scenes look and real reactions to important news surrounding your company.
4. GoPro
The following video was recorded with a GoPro camera and is from Kilian Bron’s perspective. The video shows how clear and high-quality GoPro videos can be, while subtly showing that they are incredibly portable and easy to use.
I mean, think about it: How many cameras are so easy to use that you can film while riding a dirt bike along the edge of a cliff?
What I like: I’m always a fan of social media videos that show the product in action, so this video gets high praise from me. However, I also like this video because the angle and perspective provide an immersive experience.
If I wiggle back and forth a bit, I feel like I’m the only one riding my bike along the cliff.
4 TikTok video examples
1. Golloria
I’m a huge fan of Golloria and her videos that address inclusivity (or lack thereof) in the makeup industry. In her videos, Golloria tests products from popular makeup brands to see if they are suitable for women with darker complexions.
Some brands fail the test, others pass with flying colors. Although Golloria isn’t a brand itself, your brand can be inspired by how it quickly and easily shows how its products work on real people.
Brands also specifically send their products to Golloria for evaluation.
Think of an influencer or YouTuber whose content aligns with your brand and consider sending them samples to test. Just make sure they are of the right quality because knowledgeable developers like Golloria will be very honest if your product does not meet standards.
What I like: Golloria is a trusted influencer in the makeup space. When brands pass their test, it proves the legitimacy and trust in the products.
2. DuoLingo
If there’s one brand that dominates TikTok, it’s DuoLingo. The language learning app knows how to market itself by jumping on the latest trends and giving them its own twist.
For example, the song “MAPS” by Yeah Yeah Yeahs is seeing a resurgence on the app thanks to a new dance trend. The trend has only been around for a few days at the time of publication, but DuoLingo has already created a short animation featuring the Green Owl mascot dancing along.
The video’s caption refers to how Duolinger users often slack off in their language learning habit.
What I like: The video is short, humorous, and perfectly captures the latest TikTok trend while tying it into the app’s mission to get people excited about learning new languages.
3. Namely media
Viz Media recently launched a weekly series that provides a quick recap and recap of the latest chapters in the series it distributes. It was a hit among fans who may read multiple Viz Media titles and barely remember what’s coming out and what’s next.
What I like: I included this video in my list because of its simplicity. It’s not an expensive TikTok with a lot of bells and whistles. It’s straightforward, inexpensive, and can be created in minutes.
4. Scrub daddy
In some of Scrub Daddy’s most popular TikTok videos, a narrator explains new products in a straightforward, open manner with a touch of dry humor. The fall sponge collection video is a good example.
What I like: Similar to Viz Media’s, the video is simple and no-frills, proving that you don’t need to have a big budget or high production value to create a great video that captivates your audience.
4 Examples of YouTube Shorts Videos
1. Beard burn
Beardbrand is a men’s grooming company that sells various beard and hair care products. The company promotes its products through YouTube Shorts by showing how drastically a consumer’s appearance can change through using the products.
What I like: Beardbrand brings real consumers to participate in its videos, giving viewers a look at their hair before and after using the products. I also think it’s great that they pack real, open reactions and moments into such short videos.
2. Tiffany & Co
This YouTube short from Tiffany and Co is the perfect example of “show and don’t tell.” There is no narrator and hardly any words on the screen. Only actress Elaine Zhong tries on Tiffany jewelry and marvels at how the bracelets, necklaces and rings sparkle in the light.
What I like: I think it’s great that the products speak for themselves. Sometimes less is more and you just have to let your products and services shine.
3. REM beauty
This YouTube short from REM Beauty behind the scenes of the launch of the brand’s collaboration with the film “Wicked,” which stars the brand’s founder, pop star Ariana Grande.
What I like: The short film is very open and shows the work that goes into advertising shots. It also shows raw, unedited footage of what the models’ makeup looks like.
4. UCLA
UCLA promoted its institution by interviewing its graduating class and asking students what they will miss about their time at the university.
What I like: As you can probably tell by now, I love videos that capture honest, real reactions and moments.
4 examples of Facebook Reels videos
1. Netflix
This Facebook Reel from Netflix announces the return of their live-action adaptation of Avatar: The Last Airbender. The video shows cast members passing around a phone while filming their on-set reunion.
What I like: I love this video because it’s simple and shows the actors filming it themselves. It seems real and funny and is also a great way to get fans excited.
2. Red Bull
Red Bull’s famous slogan is “Red Bull gives you wings!” And they took this quote to a new level (pun intended) by posting the reel on Facebook. The reel shows a Red Bull helicopter lifting someone out of the water and that person falling out of the helicopter and doing a flip back into the sea.
What I like: To be honest, there isn’t much in this video that can be reproduced (unless you have the budget for a custom helicopter), which makes this video unique.
3. Ultimate Ears
Ultimate Ears is a brand that specializes in in-ear monitors. In this reel, a representative explains how to insert them.
What I like: The brand explains how to use the product and how others like it, establishing itself as an authority in the field.
4. Adobe
This Facebook Reel features an interview with actor, director and producer Daniel Dae Kim, who discusses his company 3AD’s mission to provide mentorship opportunities for marginalized communities in the film industry.
What I like: The full interview with Kim is longer, but the reel highlights the most compelling quote. If you have a great interview with someone associated with your brand, turn the most interesting parts into short videos.
Pretty inspiring, right? Many of these videos show that you don’t need a particularly large budget to create engaging content that highlights your brand’s products and services. Sometimes less is more.