Social media and video content are integral to any marketing strategy in 2024. 91% of businesses use video as a marketing tool, and 35% are committed to making more social media videos in 2024.
If you want to leverage social media videos in your marketing efforts but are unsure how you've reached the right blog. I gathered 16 social media video examples from different platforms to help inspire you and motivate you to create your own.
After reading and you‘re ready to create your own, check out HubSpot’s free AI-powers video maker, Clip Creator, which can convert text into professional videos.
Without further ado, let's dive in.
4 Instagram Reels Examples
1. Cecred
One of my favorite Instagram Reels to come out recently features my favorite icon — Beyonce!
Beyonce recently started a hair care line called Cecred, and to prove to the naysayers that the brand's products work, she walked viewers through her usual hair wash day.
The video shows her using the Cecred products in her hair while her voiceover explains her process.
Video is a great opportunity to show you product at work, so think of ways to film people using your products. And get some employees or founders involved, showing your audience that you also trust your products.
What I like: I love that Beyonce, founder of Cecred, is using her own products. It adds legitimacy to her brand. I also enjoy the friendly, confident, and conversational tone she uses to make the video more personable.
2. Nike
Nike‘s video marketing almost always incorporates aspects of emotional storytelling, and its Instagram Reel "When I’m Hit, I Always Get Up," is no different.
The Reel features professional basketball player Ja Morant through a normal day off the court. Morant can be seen playing street ball with his friends, planning dinners with family, getting his hair retwisted at the local salon, and hanging with neighborhood kids.
He narrates his story of being competitive and resilient since childhood. Throughout the video, everyone wears Nike shoes, showing that the brand has pairs for adults and children for sports and playtime.
What I like: Nike‘s very good at what I like to call "I’m-not-selling-to-you" marketing. I‘m sure there’s a proper term for it, but I mean that despite the Nike products displayed throughout the video, it doesn't feel like Nike is trying to sell to me.
Instead, it appeals to my emotions by showing a driven person surrounded by the community he loves and who supports him.
It tells a story while also letting me know that Nike shoes are built for every part of the human journey, from childhood playtime to professional athleticism.
3. Victoria‘s Secret
Tyra Mail! If you‘ve ever binged America’s Next Top Model like I have, then you know the reference. Contestants on the reality show would always buzz with excitement when super model Tyra Banks left letter for them detailing a challenge.
And that same level of excitement was captured when Victoria‘s Secret asked it’s models how they felt about the return of Tyra Banks to the Victoria's Secret runway.
What I like: Victoria‘s Secret interviewed models participating in this year’s fashion show and got their genuine reaction. Consider sharing big news about your brand via a peek behind the curtain and genuine reactions to big news involving your company.
4. GoPro
The video below was shot using a GoPro camera and is from the perspective of Kilian Bron. The video shows how clear and high-quality GoPro videos can be, and subtly shows they're incredibly portable and easy to use.
I mean, think about it: how many cameras out there are so easy to use that you can film with them 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 use, so this video gets major praise from me for that reason. However, I also enjoy this video because the angle and POV provide an immersive experience.
If I wobble around a bit, I’ll feel like I'm the one bike riding along the cliff.
4 TikTok Video Examples
1. Golloria
I am a huge fan of Golloria and her videos that tackle inclusivity (or the lack thereof) in the makeup industry. In her videos, Golloria tests products from popular makeup brands to see if they're suitable for women with darker complexions.
Some brands fail the test and some pass with flying colors. Though Golloria herself isn't a brand, your brand can take inspiration with how she quickly and simply demonstrates how the products work with real people.
Brand's also send Golloria their products specifically for her to review.
Think about an influencer or creator whose content aligns with your brand, and consider sending them samples to test. Just make sure they're of the right quality because knowledgeable creators like Golloria will be very honest if your product isn't up to standards.
What I like: Golloria is a trusted influencer in the makeup space, so when brand's pass her test it establishes legitimacy and trust in the products.
2. DuoLingo
If there is one brand that rules TikTok, it‘s DuoLingo. The language learning app knows how to market itself by hopping onto the latest trends and adding its own flare.
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 going on for a few days at the time of publishing, but DuoLingo already made a short animation of its green owl mascot dancing along.
The caption of the video is a reference to Duolinger users often falling off and on their language learning habit.
What I like: The video is short, humorous, and perfectly captures the latest TikTok trend while tying it back to the app's mission, which is to get people committed to learning new languages.
3. Viz Media
Viz Media recently started a weekly series that provides a brief recap and roundup of the latest chapters of the series it distributes. It‘s been a hit among fans who may read multiple Viz Media titles and have a hard time remembering what’s out and what's next.
What I like: I included this video in my list due to its simplicity. It‘s not a high budget TikTok with a lot of bells and whistles. It’s straightforward, cost effective, and can be made in minutes.
4. Scrub Daddy
Some of Scrub Daddy's most popular TikTok videos feature a narrator explaining new products in a straightforward, candid way with a sprinkle of dry humor. The video featuring its fall lineup of sponges is a great example.
What I like: Similar to Viz Media‘s, the video is simple and has no frills, proving that you don’t have to have a heavy budget or high production value to create a great video that engages your audience.
4 YouTube Shorts Video Examples
1. Beardbrand
Beardbrand is a men's grooming company that sells various products for beard and hair care. The company promotes its products via YouTube Shorts by showing how drastically a consumers look can change by using the products.
What I like: Beardbrand gets real consumers to participate in its videos and gives viewers a look at their hair before and after using the products. I also love that they pack genuine, candic 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 words on the screen. Just actress Elaine Zhong trying on Tiffany jewelry and marveling as the bracelets, necklaces, and rings sparkle in the light.
What I like: I love that the products speak for themselves. Sometimes, less is more, and you just need to allow your products and services to shine.
3. R.E.M. Beauty
This YouTube Short from R.E.M. 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 is very candid and shows the work that goes into promotion shoots. It also shows raw, unedited footage of how the makeup looks on the models.
4. UCLA
UCLA promoted its institution by interviewing its graduating class and asking students what they'll miss about their time at the university.
What I like: As you can probably tell by now, I love videos that capture candid, genuine reactions and moments.
4 Facebook Reels Video Examples
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 as they film their reunion on set.
What I like: I love this video because it's simple and shows the cast members filming it themselves. It seems genuine and fun and is a great way to get fans excited, too.
2. Red Bull
Red Bull's famous slogan is “Red Bull gives you wings!” And they took that quote to new heights (pun intended) with the Reel posted to Facebook. The Reel shows a Red Bull helicopter lifting someone from the water and that person dropping from the helicopter and doing a flip back into the ocean.
What I like: To be honest, there isn't much in this video that can be replicated (unless you have the budget for a customized helicopter), making this video unique.
3. Ultimate Ears
Ultimate Ears is a brand specializing 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 others like it, establishing it as an authority on the subject.
4. Adobe
This Facebook Reel features an interview with actor, director, and producer Daniel Dae Kim, who discusses the mission of his company, 3AD, 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 affiliated with your brand, convert the most interesting parts into short-form videos.
Pretty inspiring, right? Many of these videos show that you don‘t need a super high budget to create exciting content that shines a light on your brand’s products and services. Sometimes, less is more.
