HubSpot recently conducted a video marketing survey and found that 73% of respondents agreed that video marketing was effective in achieving their marketing goals.
However, over a third of respondents (34%) say the lack of content ideas is the biggest challenge in video marketing.
Luckily, I have 15 video content ideas to help you achieve your business goals. But before we get to that, I’ll tell you my secret to finding video marketing ideas and what type of video content is popular with consumers.
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How do I find video content ideas?
My method for finding video content ideas is pretty simple. I usually go to YouTube and social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels and Facebook and follow accounts that are in my niche or similar.
For example, I recently started making TikToks for a new dance studio in my neighborhood to attract more students.
To figure out what type of video content I should create, I started following other dance studios on TikTok and watching their videos.
I bookmarked the videos that seemed to get the most views and started looking for ways to create similar videos for the dance studio. I found the following videos to be well received:
- Videos of dancers performing complicated choreography
- Beginner-friendly breakdowns and tutorials on how to perform specific moves
- Information about which exercises can improve strength and endurance when dancing
This is the manual and, in my opinion, “old” way of finding video content ideas. You can also combine this method with AI by asking tools like ChatGPT to generate video ideas for you in your niche.
I’ve done this for a blog post and a YouTube channel, but the same thing can be applied to individual videos too.
What video content is most popular?
Accordingly Statista (and Statista hasn’t disappointed me yet), the world’s most popular types of videos are:
- Music videos (48.2%)
- Comedy, meme or viral videos (35%)
- Video live stream (27.7%)
- Instructional videos (26%)
- Tutorial or how-to videos (25.8%)
So, what should your takeaway meal be? Think about how you can incorporate music, comedy, or trending memes into your video marketing. Duolingo is a company that does this well.
I often point out his video marketing skills and wonder if the company is tired of me yet.
Whenever there’s a viral trend or song, you best believe Duolingo will find a way to incorporate it into its TikTok content, and the videos almost always go viral.
You can also opt for how-to tutorials, which Fenty Beauty does very well on its accounts. In most Fenty Beauty videos, a person demonstrates what products they use and how to apply them to achieve a certain look.
How-to videos are a great way to show the quality of your products and how they work.
If you’re looking for inspiration for educational videos, Girl With The Dogs is a great account to follow.
Girl with the Dogs is run by zookeeper Vanessa De Prophetis. She describes her experiences caring for different breeds of dogs and cats in YouTube and TikTok videos.
In each video, she explains her process, shares grooming tips, and provides detailed information about each breed, their temperament, and their care needs.
This allows her to establish herself as a trusted expert in her field, so future clients know their animals are in good hands.
15 business video ideas
Now let’s discuss some business video ideas. Most of the videos listed below are pretty easy to create, but if you want to make videos even easier, check out HubSpot’s Clip creator.
Clip Creator is a free AI-powered video maker that can convert text into professional videos for your business. All you have to do is describe your video and preferred sound. Click here to find out more.
Okay, I’m done stalling. Here is my list.
1. Demonstration video
Like I said, Fenty Beauty offers science-backed guides and demonstration videos.
Whether it’s a simple 60-second clip of the products being swiped onto someone’s lips, or an in-depth long-form video of its founder Rihanna using the products to create a red carpet look , Fenty Beauty’s tutorials and demonstration videos give audiences a detailed look at the function and quality of the products.
2. Customer testimonials
Do you have customers who have been buying your products and services since your company was founded? Or naysayers turned believers? Present your experiences in your next video!
Real customer opinions and feedback create trust among potential customers. So next time a consumer sings your praises, ask them if they’re ready to go on camera or if they’re comfortable with quotes.
3. User Generated Content
I’m not sure if other marketers share this opinion, but I view user-generated content (UGC) as another form of customer testimonials.
Think about it: Customers sharing videos of your products are almost a sales boost, if not better, than going on camera and talking about what your company is like.
One of my favorite ads with UGC is Ring LLC’s commercial, which features a compilation of videos captured by consumers using their door cameras.
The video showcases everything a Ring camera can capture, from special family moments to heartwarming interactions with neighbors to chaotic pet pranks and attempted thieves.
Pro tip: Encourage consumers to tag your brand on social media whenever they post a video or other content. Or you can simply search for your brand on video platforms like TikTok to see what you can find.
4. Behind the scenes
Would you like to show your audience the care and craftsmanship with which our products are made? A look behind the scenes of the products is a good option.
I’ve mentioned her in a few posts, but Gibson is a great example of behind-the-scenes video content. Videos like the ones below showcase the time and quality materials that go into crafting his legendary guitars.
If your customers value craftsmanship, create something similar for your brand.
5. Product comparison
While I prefer hotels over Airbnbs (I’m not on vacation to do chores, unfortunately), I have to give credit to the company’s current video marketing tactic of comparing Airbnb experiences to hotels.
The video below, although animated, clearly shows that travelers looking for a specific experience are more likely to find it at Airbnb than at a traditional hotel.
6. Trend/current event
Yes, I’m bringing up Duolingo again. How can I not?
Most of their TikTok strategy is based on leveraging the latest trends and discussions on the app. I don’t need to go into too much detail again because I think you get the idea by now.
7. Interviews
Crunchyroll is a streaming platform known for its variety of anime programming. Crunchroll’s video strategy has long consisted primarily of compelling clips from their catalog, which is a great strategy in itself.
Recently, however, the platform has expanded into offering interviews with big names and faces in the anime industry, from musicians to voice actors to directors.
The result is excellent video content that showcases the catalog and offers viewers new information about their favorite shows.
8. Offbeat comedy videos
As I said, comedy videos are very popular among viewers. So don’t be afraid to add a little humor to your video content.
I love this TikTok from Scrub Daddy because it’s a perfect combination of humor and topicality since we’re in election season as I write this post.
9. GRWM
I don’t know why, but I find “Get Ready with Me” videos (often abbreviated to GRWM) fascinating. Maybe it’s because it makes me feel like I’m with a friend while we talk about a topic.
My favorite GRWM comes from my colleague Ramona Sukhraj. In the following Instagram reel, Ramona puts on makeup and casually explains how brands can go viral.
10. Announcements
Do you have a highly anticipated announcement to make? Why not share via video? Let’s say you’re restocking a beloved product or finally collaborating with an influencer your audience is raving about.
A funny video is a great way to announce the big news.
It doesn’t even have to be complicated. For example, content creator Amelia Dimoldenberg and actor Andrew Garfield have been begging for a collaboration since they met on the red carpet.
The video below announced the collaboration with a simple shot of them saying “hi” to each other.
11. Follow me / Walk with me
Similar to GRWM videos, Follow Me/Walk with Me videos (I don’t know if there’s a real name for this) give the impression that you’re talking to a friend while they complete a task.
This video from my HubSpotter colleague Alana Chinn is a great example. In it, Alana explains working from home Statistics while walking your adorable dog.
12. Listicle
Listicle videos can be pretty easy to create. You can choose a list of reasons why people should choose your brand over others, a list of ways you use your products, or key features.
13. Unpack
An unboxing video is where a content creator (usually an influencer) unboxes items they received from a brand. If you want to work with an influencer, consider sending them a PR package so they can unpack it on their platform.
14. Live Shopping
We’re in the age of live shopping, which has essentially become the new QVC. With live shopping, a brand or seller presents products via live stream and viewers can shop directly in the live stream.
It is most popular on TikTok and is a great way to achieve multiple goals at once: increase brand awareness, showcase your products or services, and generate direct sales.
15. Person on the street
A “person on the street” video consists of someone on the street or at an event randomly interviewing people. These videos are fun and easy to create because they require minimal production and you never know how someone might respond honestly.
Crunchyroll created a “People on the Street” video while attending a convention, providing an opportunity to engage with consumers while showcasing its catalog of programming.
I told you I was here for you, didn’t I? Now you have my secret recipe for finding business video ideas and 15 video content ideas to choose from for your campaign.
Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in June 2015 and has been updated for relevance, accuracy and comprehensiveness.