Branding Video vs Traditional Ads: Which Works Better?

March 12, 2025

Branding Video vs Traditional Ads: Which Works Better?

When it comes to connecting with an audience, businesses are constantly searching for the most effective approach to marketing. Two popular strategies that often compete for attention are branding video and traditional ads. Which of these methods resonates more with consumers? Which drives better engagement, brand loyalty, and conversions?

This blog dives deep into the advantages and disadvantages of both branding videos and traditional ads, helping you decide which option might work best for your business. Whether you’re a small business owner, a digital marketer, or part of a brand-building team, this article will give you the insight you need to make an informed decision.

What Are Branding Videos and Traditional Ads?

Before we compare these marketing methods, let’s clarify what they entail:

Branding Videos: These are content-driven videos aimed at building an emotional connection with the audience. Instead of directly promoting products or services, these videos focus on storytelling, brand identity, and fostering a sense of trust. Think about Nike’s “Just Do It” campaigns or Coca-Cola’s holiday video ads. They evoke emotions rather than explicitly telling you to buy something.

Traditional Ads: These are more direct, promotional pieces often seen in formats like TV commercials, print ads, or banner ads online. Their goal is often straightforward—to highlight the features of a product/service and convince the consumer to make a purchase. They are typically concise, with an emphasis on sales-driven messaging.

Both forms of marketing have their place, but which one suits your goals better?

The Case for Branding Videos

Emotional Engagement Drives Loyalty

Branding videos have the unique ability to connect with audiences on a deeper level. By incorporating storytelling, visuals, and emotional triggers, businesses can create powerful video content that leaves a lasting impression. When consumers feel connected to your brand, they’re more likely to remain loyal in the long term.

For example, think about the iconic branding videos by Apple. The focus isn’t on specs or prices but rather on innovation, creativity, and lifestyle. These videos spark emotional resonance and keep customers returning year after year.

Higher Engagement Rates Online

On platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok, branding videos tend to receive higher engagement rates compared to traditional ads. Why? Because they’re not screaming “Buy now!” Instead, they entertain, educate, and inspire. This natural engagement helps build trust and forms an organic relationship between the viewer and the brand.

A study by Wyzowl in 2022 found that 88% of people were convinced to purchase a product after watching a brand’s video content. This demonstrates the immense power branding videos hold in driving consumer action over time.

Versatility and Longevity

Branding videos age significantly better than traditional ads. While ads are often tied to time-sensitive sales or promotions, branding videos deliver value for years by continuously showcasing your company’s core purpose and identity.

Take Patagonia’s well-known environmental-focused branding videos, for example. These videos highlight the company’s commitment to sustainability, which keeps pulling in environmentally-conscious customers long after the video’s release.

The Case for Traditional Ads

Direct Call-to-Action (CTA)

If immediate sales or lead generation is your primary goal, traditional ads are built for this purpose. A well-placed television ad with an irresistible discount or an online banner ad linked to a landing page can capture attention and drive traffic right away.

Unlike branding videos, traditional ads tend not to beat around the bush. They present clear, compelling CTAs like “Shop Now,” “Limited Time Offer,” or “Call Today” that can nudge consumers toward instant action.

Higher ROI on Limited Budgets

For businesses with smaller budgets, traditional ads often provide a more cost-effective solution. You can create simple yet catchy digital ads without allocating the larger resources often required to produce a high-quality branding video.

Pay-per-click (PPC) ads, for instance, allow businesses on a budget to strategically target audiences and track conversions. This makes traditional advertising particularly effective for startups and local businesses operating with lean budgets.

Faster Results

One of the biggest advantages of traditional ads is their speed. If you launch a new product or service and need customers quickly, traditional ads quickly spread the message to a targeted audience. While branding videos work best over time, traditional ads are built to generate immediate results.

Take the Black Friday or Cyber Monday sales approach. Brands rely on traditional ads during these peak shopping moments to maximize sales in a short time frame. These campaigns often result in huge spikes in transactions.

Main Differences in Impact

Relatable Emotional Storytelling vs. Transactional Messaging

Branding videos tap into emotions and establish long-term connections, while traditional ads focus on immediate needs like selling a product. Both serve different purposes depending on your goals.

Longevity vs. Short-Term Gains

Branding videos tend to have a long shelf life because their focus is on building a reputation. Meanwhile, traditional ads are often tailored to specific campaigns that have an expiration date.

Platform Suitability

Branding videos shine best on platforms like YouTube and Instagram, where storytelling thrives. Traditional ads, on the other hand, dominate platforms like Google Ads and television where concise messaging is key.

Which Works Better for Your Business?

The simple answer is it depends. Here’s a quick breakdown to help you decide:

Choose branding videos if your primary goal is to create long-term brand awareness, build emotional connections, or grow a loyal community over time.
Choose traditional ads if the focus is on short-term results, such as driving sales for a promotional campaign or attracting leads quickly.

For example, a local coffee shop might use branding videos showcasing the passion behind coffee roasting to foster customer loyalty, while also running Google Ads promoting their holiday specials to create urgency.

Branding Video and Traditional Ads: A Combined Strategy May Be Best

Why choose one when you can combine both to achieve the best results? Many successful brands use branding videos to create a strong brand identity while simultaneously leveraging traditional ads to generate steady conversions. It’s about striking the right balance.

Imagine a luxury skincare brand. Use emotional branding videos on platforms like Instagram to highlight stories about sustainability and self-care. Pair these with targeted traditional ads on platforms like Google for limited-time discounts or product launches. This approach ensures you’re building a loyal audience while meeting immediate sales goals.