Brand videos are a bit of a passion of ours at Notepad. They represent the height of creativity and production, whilst also acting as one of the most effective ways to resonate with audiences, and here we’re going to share some of our favourites with you. But just so we’re all singing from the same sheet, let’s properly explain what defines a true brand video.
A brand video is a powerful tool used by organisations to communicate a brand’s identity, values, and message to their target audience through a visually engaging format.
Unlike advertisements, which try to encourage immediate action, whilst focusing on promoting specific products or services directly, brand videos focus more on the overall brand image, values, and storytelling to create an emotional connection and long-term relationship with the audience. They are broader and more narrative-driven.
Here are the key characteristics and purposes of a brand video in more detail:
- Storytelling: It often tells a story that reflects the brand’s core values, mission, and vision. This can be through a narrative that resonates with the audience emotionally.
- Brand Identity: It showcases the brand’s personality, culture, and unique attributes. This can include elements like the brand’s logo, colours, fonts, and other visual cues that represent the brand.
- Engagement: It is designed to capture and hold the viewer’s attention. This can be achieved through high-quality visuals, compelling music, and a strong narrative.
- Awareness: It aims to increase brand awareness by making the brand more recognisable and memorable to the audience. This can help in differentiating the brand from its competitors.
- Connection: It fosters a connection between the brand and its audience by aligning with their values, interests, and emotions.
- Promotion: While the primary goal may not always be direct promotion of products or services, it can indirectly promote the brand’s offerings by creating a positive brand image and association.
Now we’re all up to speed, it’s time for the main course, and the reason you’re reading this blog after seeing its title, our 5 favourite brand videos. And yes, some brand videos might appear on television, in between adverts… But if they are narrative-focused and boldly state what the brand stands for, then they’re still brand videos!
Right, glad we got that clear, let’s get into the 5
#1 Slack – “So Yeah, We Tried Slack …” –
The “So Yeah, We Tried Slack” video stands out for its fun, relatable approach to showcasing the productivity tool Slack.
It highlights the challenges of workplace communication and demonstrates how Slack simplifies and streamlines team interactions. The characters and scenarios depicted are relatable to many office environments, also making the solution appear practical and accessible.
The video’s lighthearted tone and clear messaging contribute to its effectiveness. Taking audiences on a journey that goes from challenge, to solution, helping to form deeper emotional connections whilst showing that Slack is the answer to all of their communication and collaboration needs. Honestly, what did we do before Slack?
#2 Honda – Impossible Dream –
This classic brand video from 2005 takes the audiences on an enthralling journey, celebrating classic Honda vehicles spanning the decades whilst racing through breathtaking landscapes. The emotion, the excitement, the sense of wonder, the epic plot twist, the Andy Williams score. It’s all just perfect.
This ad effectively communicates Honda’s spirit of perseverance and innovation, inspiring viewers to pursue their own impossible dreams and reinforcing the brand’s commitment to pushing boundaries and achieving excellence.
If an organisation can make you associate their brand with powerful feelings and sentiments then they have truly succeeded with a campaign. That being said, we might not all have £5m to produce a 2 minute video!
#3 Dollar Shave Club – Our Blades Are F***ing Great –
This legendary video released in 2012 is widely regarded as one of the most effective campaign examples out there, and we wholeheartedly agree. Whilst displaying heavy ad elements, given the product-focus, we’ll claim it as a brand video for this list thanks to its storytelling and brand building.
The video, which cost just $4500 to make in a one-day shoot, stands out due to its engaging humour, clear value proposition, and strong brand personality. The funny, relatable approach makes it far more entertaining and memorable than a typical ad, resonating with its target audiences who are largely younger, cost-conscious men. Michael Dubin, the founder in the video, also adds dollops of charisma and enhances the brand’s authenticity.
After watching this video you are aware of the product, but more importantly you understand that Dollar Shave Club are disruptors, unlike any other competitor on the market, and you have become emotionally invested in their brand.
#4 Adobe – Creativity for all –
Adobe’s “Creativity for All” campaign celebrates the democratisation of creativity through its suite of tools in Creative Cloud. It emphasises inclusivity by showcasing how Adobe’s software empowers individuals of all skill levels and backgrounds to express their ideas visually.
The video targets the full range of its users, not just professionals, including hobbyists, educators, and students worldwide. Through visually compelling narratives, it illustrates the transformative impact of Adobe’s tools whilst also highlighting features that facilitate collaboration and community engagement.
Adobe also promotes accessibility and education through tutorials and resources, helping everyone to understand that creativity is not exclusive, or a special gift endowed only upon a lucky few. It belongs to everyone, it’s everywhere and ultimately, creativity is what connects us all. All in all a powerful message and excellent brand building.
#5 LEGO – The LEGO® Story –
The LEGO® Story brand video, released in 2012, chronicles the journey of LEGO from its inception to becoming a global phenomenon. It portrays the company’s origins in 1932 as a small Danish carpentry workshop and its evolution into a pioneer of plastic toy manufacturing.
Through a combination of animation and storytelling, the video captures LEGO’s commitment to creativity, quality, and innovation. Showcasing how LEGO sets have inspired people of all ages worldwide to build, imagine, and explore.
The video also effectively reinforces the brand’s heritage and enduring appeal, resonating with audiences by celebrating LEGO’s rich history and its ongoing mission to inspire creativity and imagination. Whilst most brands don’t have a history like LEGO, we firmly believe that all brands have a story to tell, and a brand video is an excellent way to connect with audiences.
We hope you’ve enjoyed reading this blog, and if you’re looking for more inspiration, or simply want to see some more creative excellence, why not check out our downloadable deck, 100 Great Campaigns.
