It’s a Shoot-out! Video Content that Works

The phrase “When you have to shoot, shoot – don’t talk” is a well-known quote from the film “The Good, the Bad and the Ugly.” However, it is not just applicable to shootouts but also to shooting video content.

With the birth of TikTok and its entrance into the social world, we welcomed a new type of ad format, User-Generated Content (UGC).

It did so because it has changed how content is created and shared on various platforms. UGC refers to content created and shared by contributors rather than professional marketers or advertisers. This type of content is often more authentic and relatable, which can be appealing to audiences.

The surge in UGC has brought about a remarkable advantage: a campaign’s budget is no longer a limiting factor. Every form of creative content has found its platform in this era, irrespective of financial resources. Consequently, campaigns possess the incredible potential to captivate a broader audience, fostering a pathway to heightened revenue generation upon successful execution.

However, high-end ads are still around, alive and kicking, and serve a significant portion of the marketing budget. The blog post will analyze the difference between UGC-styled ads and High-End (production) ads.

High-End vs. UGC-Style ads

The contrast between a UGC-styled advertisement and a high-end ad is evident within the opening seconds and even within a single frame. While UGC-styled ads need to feel authentic and natural, high-end ads give a feeling of quality and glamor. It is more planned and directed, while UGC-styled are actual day-to-day actions.

Let’s take this Dior high-end ad, for example. In this mesmerizing visual, we are presented with a captivating snapshot—a moment frozen in time—where the esteemed actress and model Marion Cotillard gracefully hovers above a glistening pool, showcasing Dior’s exquisite Cruise 15 collection in a captivating 5-minute video. This is an artful composition that transcends the realm of TikTok native content, embodying the essence of sophistication and allure.

Full video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UXEbtqU_dHs

And here, in this UGC-styled ad from Tarte Cosmetics’s IG 5-second ad for their Shape Tape concealer. We see a real moment of a woman putting on makeup, demonstrating the product in a natural light with her makeup-less skin. This allows us to feel that what we are seeing is exactly what we will be getting if we purchase the product.

Full video: https://www.instagram.com/reel/ClPwcM4LckM/

Expert Tips

In the ever-evolving world of brand advertising, the opportunities to captivate one’s target audience seem limitless. With this exhilarating landscape, we are thrilled to present you with five invaluable tips from our team of experts. These insights are sure to empower brands to create irresistible ads that resonate deeply with their intended audience:

1. Start with a captivating hook: Grab your audience’s attention immediately with a compelling and intriguing opening. Whether it’s a fascinating question, a visually stunning shot, or an unexpected statement, the hook should directly engage viewers and make them curious to see more.
2. Show, don’t just tell: Utilize the power of visuals to convey your message effectively. Video is a highly visual medium, so leverage it to its fullest potential. Use engaging and relevant imagery, captivating animations, and compelling storytelling techniques to visually communicate the key points and emotions you want to evoke in your audience.
3. Phone camera: An ad can have a more authentic and natural feel by using a phone’s camera and shooting in a real-world environment).
4. Production that performs: If a bigger budget is available and the creative concept calls for it, a high-end production can be filmed.
   
5. Measure and optimize performance: Track the performance of your video content by monitoring key metrics such as views, engagement, click-through rates, and conversions. Use this data to gain insights into what works and can be improved. Continuously iterate and optimize your video content based on the performance data to ensure that you maximize its effectiveness and achieve your desired marketing objectives.

Conclusion

Following these tips, a performance marketing creative team can create impactful video content that captivates audiences, drives engagement, and delivers measurable results.

Whether you have a big or small idea or want to create a UGC-style ad or a scripted high-end production, there is a legitimate place for it now.
So, if you have an idea, don’t hesitate just to start shooting;
As the saying goes, “When you have to shoot, shoot – don’t talk.”

Contact us at yellowHEAD for your next shooting day!