Most branded videos feel like homework. They’re overproduced and about as exciting as an unseasoned salad. Meanwhile, some random person on TikTok films a five-second clip, and boom — millions in sales! What gives? Well, it all comes down to strategy.

You can have the best product in the world, but if your video doesn’t hook people instantly, consider it invisible. 

Consumers today crave videos that feel natural and human. And no, that doesn’t mean jumping on trends because they’re winning. You’ve got to figure out why certain videos convert while others go completely unnoticed. 

This guide discusses the most effective video content for conversions in 2025.

Convert More Customers With These Video Content Strategies

It might be a bitter pill to swallow, but most videos don’t sell. They entertain and get likes, sure, but when it comes to conversions, it’s crickets. 

Below, we break down the video content strategies that, beyond racking up views, will help you drive sales in 2025. 

Real-Time Shoppable Livestreams 

There was a time when shopping meant strolling through malls and impulsively grabbing something off the shelf. 

Today, people are making those same snap decisions, except instead of store aisles, they’re scrolling through video feeds.

Real-time shoppable live streams are entertaining and very likely to drive sales. It’s where a brand demos a product live, answering real-time questions. Then, right there on your screen, a button pops up to buy instantly. 

Seeing a product used in real-time builds credibility, and limited-time offers create a buy now or regret it later mindset. 

Platforms like TikTok Shop and Instagram Live Shopping are making this even more accessible. 

If you want to make the most of shoppable live streams, here are some ideas to consider.

• Live unboxings with exclusive drops. Build anticipation by revealing a new product only during a livestream. You can also offer a special discount or early access to viewers who buy on the spot.
• Interactive challenges and demos. Challenge viewers to participate. If you run a fitness brand, you could have trainers demo exercises with their gear and invite viewers to try along. You can also offer discounts to those who send in their clips.
• Influencer takeovers with behind-the-senes access. Instead of a standard product showcase, let influencers or brand ambassadors take over your livestream. Have them share personal experiences and engage in unfiltered Q&As to build trust with the audience.

Silent Short-Form Videos

If you’ve noticed the quiet intensity before a big reveal or the unspoken weight of a glance exchanged across a crowded room, you’ll agree that silence has a way of commanding attention.

It is, in fact, a language of its own. There’s a reason why fashion brands use slow-motion shots of fabric flowing in the wind or why food creators lean into visually hypnotic recipe videos. Because sometimes, letting people feel a moment is more persuasive than telling them about it.

Of course, there’s a practical side, too. Research reveals that 82%-94% of social media users watch videos with their sound off. This might be because they’re in public, at work, or simply avoiding the sensory overload of endless autoplay videos. 

If you want to make silent short-form videos work for your brand, here’s what you can try. 

• Storytelling through text and visuals. Use fast-cut clips and expressive imagery to tell a compelling micro-story. For example, a coffee brand could show someone’s chaotic morning instantly improving with the first sip of their brew. Likewise, instead of describing a product as refreshing, show it: condensation dripping down a cold bottle, a crisp apple splitting in slow motion, a breeze lifting someone’s hair. Let the visuals do the talking! 
• Loopable how-to clips. Create text-guided tutorials that people want to watch on repeat. A skincare brand could show a step-by-step nighttime routine with quick cuts and captions like “Step 1: Cleanse” and “Step 2: Hydrate” to make it easy to follow even on mute.
• Facial expressions. Sometimes, a raised eyebrow or a dramatic eye-roll says way more than words. Brands can use silent reaction videos to create relatability. 

Here’s an example silent animated video:

Augmented Reality (AR) Try-On Videos

Shopping, especially online, comes with a thousand tiny uncertainties. Will those sneakers suit your style? Does that lipstick shade work with your skin tone? 

AR try-on videos allow you to take the guesswork out of shopping by letting customers see the product on themselves before they click “add to cart.”

These videos use augmented reality to overlay digital versions of products onto real-world images. It could be someone’s face or even your living room. 

Warby Parker, for instance, offers virtual eyeglass fittings.

 Likewise, IKEA helps you visualize that new couch in your space before you commit. 

Here are some ideas to consider for AR videos. 

• Influencer-led AR try-on challenges. Partner with creators who can use AR filters to “try on” multiple products in a single video. A beauty brand could, for example, create a “7 Lipsticks in 7 Seconds” challenge where influencers rapidly switch shades using AR.
• Before & after interactive comparisons. Let customers toggle between “before” and “after” views within a video. This way, they can see how the product works in real time.
• Personalized shopping experiences. Use AR to offer customized product recommendations. A clothing brand could create an interactive video where users select their body type, and the AR filter adjusts the fit accordingly.

Gamified Video Ads

Gamified video ads are shaking up the way brands engage with audiences. Games trigger dopamine, the brain’s reward chemical. 

Whether it’s completing a challenge or beating a high score, gamified ads make interacting with a brand feel like a win. And when people associate your brand with excitement, they’re far more likely to convert.

• Swipe-to-win challenges. Create a TikTok or Instagram ad where users swipe between different products to “match” their perfect fit. A shoe brand could let users swipe between colorways until they land on their ideal pair. Then, they could offer an exclusive discount for their choice.
• Tap-to-reveal discounts. This is where users tap mystery boxes to reveal different discount codes. A beauty brand could use this format, letting customers “scratch off” virtual panels to reveal limited-time deals.
• Leaderboard-driven giveaways. A fitness brand could design a quick reaction-based mini-game. Users can tap into as many virtual dumbbells as possible in 10 seconds. Top scorers could win discounts or even free products, incentivizing repeat engagement.

Live Q&A’s

There’s something about a live conversation that makes people lean in. Maybe it’s the rawness or the thrill of being heard. 

Unlike pre-recorded content, live Q&As offer a rare form of interactivity among the otherwise overly edited marketing. 

However, generic live Q&A’s won’t work well. You need to create an experience that makes viewers feel like they’re part of something worthwhile. Here’s how. 

• “Ask Me Anything” (But make it actionable). Structure your Q&A around real-time decision-making. A skincare brand, for instance, could have a dermatologist live-analyze viewers’ skin concerns and recommend products on the spot. This way, viewers get personalized solutions, making it far more likely they’ll buy. You can take things a step further by offering exclusive discounts for those who participate live.

• Live product demos with audience control. Ditch standard product showcases and let viewers decide what they want to see. A tech brand could run a “You Decide the Test” session where users vote on challenges (like dropping a new smartphone from different heights to test durability). The suspense alone keeps people watching, and the interactive nature ensures they stay invested. Plus, seeing a product’s quality proven in real-time eliminates hesitation and makes clicking “buy” feel like a no-brainer.

AI-Generated Personalized Videos

Nobody wants to feel like just another name on an email list. People want brands to know them and speak to them. That’s where personalized videos come in. 

However, doing so manually can be a hassle since filming and customizing content for each individual can take hours. Therefore, you can use AI to automate the process at scale (and without blowing your marketing budget). 

• Personalized welcome videos. First impressions matter. So, avoid the standard “Thanks for signing up” email and create a video that greets the new customer by name, acknowledges their specific interest, and suggests their next step. For instance, a fitness app could generate a video saying, “Hey [Name], welcome! Since you picked weight loss as your goal, here’s your first customized workout plan.” This makes customers feel valued immediately.
• AI-powered product recommendations. Create an AI-generated video that walks customers through a handpicked selection of products based on their browsing history. Seeing their favorite items in action makes the buying decision smoother.
• Customized retargeting videos. Abandoned carts are the ghosts of lost conversions. AI-generated retargeting videos can bring them back. A short video saying, “Hey [Name], we noticed you left these running shoes in your cart. Here’s a quick look at them in action! And just for you, here’s 10% off if you complete your order today” can re-engage lost shoppers, and make them far more likely to complete their purchase.

UGC Testimonials

People trust people, especially when they’re not being paid to promote something. That’s why User-Generated Content (UGC) testimonials work like a charm. They’re way more convincing than any scripted brand message. 

Here’s how you may use this strategy for maximum impact:

• Story-driven testimonials. Encourage customers to share their journey including what problem they had and how your product changed their life. A skincare brand, for example, could feature a customer saying, “I struggled with acne for years. I tried everything, but nothing worked until I found [your product]. Now, my skin is clear, and I finally feel confident again.” This emotional connection makes the testimonial more persuasive.
• Before-and-after UGC campaigns. Nothing proves value better than visible transformation. Challenge customers to document their progress using your product and turn it into a series of before-and-after videos. A fitness brand could run a 30-day challenge, where users submit clips showing their transformation. When people see others achieving results, they want in. Plus, these testimonials double as social proof and a built-in marketing campaign.

Video Marketing With Personality 

If your brand is still stuck in “corporate mode,” delivering stiff messages, it’s time to loosen up. Today’s audience prefers content that feels real. 

Look at brands like Wendy’s or even fashion labels like Gymshark. They make their audience laugh and enjoy their content. And when people like your content, they like your brand, which means they’re more likely to buy.

So, how do you bring this energy into your videos? Drop the corporate jargon. Talk like you would to a friend. Show behind-the-scenes moments, slip in a witty comment, and do not hesitate to use trending memes in videos.

But remember, casual doesn’t mean careless. You have to play smart. Edgy humor might get attention, but cross the line, and you’re in PR disaster mode. The best brands find the sweet spot between approachable and universally enjoyable storytelling. 

Get that right, and your content will be remembered. 

Your Story, Cinematically Told, Strategically Solid With INDIRAP

The internet is drowning in video content, yet most of it fades into the background. That’s because it’s expected. The same try-hard content that screams “we are a brand” rather than we get you.

To truly stand out and grab attention, you need to let go of the usual. And you can achieve it by trying bold, unique content angles. 

So, before you hit upload, ask yourself: Would I stop and watch this? If the answer is no, it’s time to rethink the script. 

And if you’re tired of videos that get overlooked and ready for content that actually sells, feel free to reach out to INDIRAP, a leading video marketing agency in Chicago. Your audience is watching; let’s make sure they remember you. 

‍Book a free, no obligation Discovery Call today to learn more about how we can help you create stellar video content for conversions in 2025. From UGC to short-form videos, we have got you covered!