The Art Of Short Video Advertising: How To Make Sales With TikTok, IG Stories & Reels, And YouTube Shorts [Real Examples]

Do you surf social media all the time? So Do I! There is tons of entertaining content that not only improves the mood and lets us kill some time, but sometimes it really brings good to the world and each of us: we found something useful there to buy! The time has come: stop spending money on social media, start earning big! Today we’re going to teach you the art of short video marketing. Forget about annoying ads – only mind-blowing ad examples that none of the customers dares to skip!

Short video marketing & content creation: a game-changer?

In today’s fast-paced digital era, the saying “less is more” rings truer than ever. With people’s attention spans dwindling and screen times shooting up, a new hero emerges in the realm of online content — the short video.

Quick, captivating, and oh-so-clickable, these tiny tales are the showstoppers of the social media stage. Think about it. Haven’t you found yourself engrossed in a 15-second TikTok video or a quick Reel on Instagram? In a blink, you’re taken on a journey – be it fun, emotional, or informative.

Now, imagine mixing this potent tool with ecommerce. Sounds like a dream? It’s reality! The ecommerce landscape is undergoing a significant shift, and short video content is right at the heart of it. No longer is it just about text descriptions or even picture reviews.

If pictures spoke a thousand words, short videos are now telling entire sagas. They are indeed game-changers, revolutionizing how we view, choose, and buy products online.

The emotional drive: 5 reasons to sell through short video marketing

1. Instant connection

Remember the last time you watched a short video and felt a rush of emotions? Maybe it was a heartwarming story or a funny snippet that made your day. These short videos have a unique knack for forging an immediate bond with viewers. Within mere seconds, they touch our hearts, make us laugh, or even get us thinking. For sellers, this is gold! When you manage to evoke emotions, you create a pathway straight into a viewer’s memory, making your product unforgettable. It’s not just about selling a product; it’s about selling an emotion tied to it.

2. Story in a snap

Stories are powerful. They’re relatable, compelling, and most importantly, memorable. With short video marketing, brands can narrate their tales in a snap. A swift storyline showcasing the journey of a handmade product or the magic behind an eco-friendly item can captivate audiences. The beauty? It’s quick! In the time it takes to brew a cup of coffee, your story can touch a heart, encouraging the viewer to be a part of it by purchasing your product.

3. Authenticity amplified

Today’s consumers are smart. They crave genuine connections and authentic products. A short video showcasing real people, genuine reviews, or the actual making of a product amplifies its authenticity tenfold. It’s a peek behind the scenes, a glimpse into what goes into making your product special. And when viewers see this, their trust in your brand grows, and so does their desire to own a piece of that authenticity.

4. Engagement explosion

It’s no secret; short videos are engagement magnets. They’re easy to consume, share, and interact with. A well-crafted short video marketing campaign can spark conversations, inspire shares, and even lead to virality. Think about the number of times you’ve shared a catchy TikTok video or tagged friends in a funny Reel. That’s the power of engagement in play! For sellers, higher engagement means broader reach, more eyeballs, and ultimately, increased sales.

5. ‘Buy now’ impulse

Ever stumbled upon a product video and thought, “I need this now!”? That’s the magic of the ‘Buy Now Impulse’. Short videos, with their crisp content and engaging visuals, can ignite the spontaneous urge to purchase. It’s an art, really. Crafting a video that not only showcases a product but also makes viewers feel they absolutely must have it. And in the world of ecommerce, this impulse is everything. When viewers feel the need to own a product right then and there, conversions skyrocket.

Short video marketing is not just a trend; it’s a tidal wave transforming the ecommerce horizon. And if you’ve ever felt the power of these bite-sized videos, now’s the time to harness it for your brand. Up next, we dive deep into the platforms making waves in this domain, so stick around!

What platforms are perfect for short video marketing? [Solved]

Before we dive into the specifics of each platform, let’s take a moment to reflect. Chances are, you’re already familiar with these platforms, having scrolled, watched, and even purchased through them.

They’re part of your daily digital life. But while their entertainment value is clear, have you ever considered the potential they hold from a seller’s perspective? We’re about to shed light on key factors and insights that might surprise you. Factors that make these platforms not just fun but crucial for ecommerce success.

1. TikTok & TikTok Shop

• Audience Insight: TikTok boasts over 800 million active users worldwide, predominantly consisting of Gen Z and Millennials. This youthful audience is a goldmine for trend-based products and innovative offerings.
• Key Benefit: With TikTok Shop’s seamless integration, users can shop without leaving the platform. For sellers, this direct link reduces the steps to purchase, maximizing conversion potential.
• Simplicity in Action: The intuitive design of TikTok ensures even novice users can craft engaging content. With product tags directly in videos, the path from viewing to buying is straightforward and efficient.

2. Reels and Stories on Instagram & Instagram Shopping

• Audience Insight: Instagram’s vast community exceeds 1 billion active users. With Reels, brands can tap into an audience that values visual aesthetics and quick, engaging content.
• Key Benefit: The merger of Reels with Instagram Shopping transforms content from being just ‘watchable’ to ‘shoppable’. This fusion ensures that sellers can monetize their content effectively.
• Simplicity in Action: The user-friendly nature of Instagram ensures that even those new to ecommerce can craft content that resonates. With direct product tags in Reels, viewers can effortlessly transition from admiring to acquiring.

3. Shorts on YouTube & YouTube Shopping

• Audience Insight: YouTube is a giant with over 2 billion logged-in monthly users. Shorts aim to captivate those seeking quick, bite-sized content, widening the potential audience for sellers.
• Key Benefit: YouTube Shopping’s integration with Shorts is a game-changer. It couples the platform’s vast viewership with tangible shopping opportunities, turning passive watching into active purchasing.
• Simplicity in Action: YouTube’s familiar interface makes content creation accessible. With clickable product pins in Shorts, sellers can directly guide viewers to purchase pages, simplifying the shopping journey.

In today’s digital landscape, these platforms are not just entertainment hubs but potent marketplaces. The future of ecommerce lies in harnessing the power of short video marketing. And as this future unfolds, having a trusted platform like Sellvia by your side can make all the difference. Stay with us as we delve deeper into this exciting world.

The art of short video marketing from big players

You should always learn from the best. Here’s a curated list of 10 remarkable short video ads from TikTok, Instagram Stories & Reels, and YouTube Shorts that resonated deeply with audiences, driving conversions and leaving lasting impressions.

1. Nike’s “Just Do It” TikTok Challenge

• Background: Nike, a global athletic brand, always seeks innovative methods to engage with their audience, especially the younger demographic.
• Ad Activities: Launching the “Just Do It” challenge on TikTok, they invited users to display their athletic feats and challenges. Participants got creative, from complex gymnastics routines to simple backyard challenges.
• Result: This campaign skyrocketed, with millions participating and sharing. The user-generated content was not only entertaining but also aligned with Nike’s brand ethos, thereby boosting product interest and sales.

2. Glossier’s Seamless Skincare Routine on Instagram Stories

• Background: Glossier, known for its minimalist and effective skincare products, wanted to exhibit the ease and effectiveness of their line.
• Ad Activities: Using Instagram Stories, they demonstrated quick skincare routines, emphasizing the results. The swipe-up feature directly led viewers to the product page.
• Result: The simplicity of the routine coupled with immediate product access led to a surge in sales, with many wanting to replicate the showcased skincare regime.

3. Ben & Jerry’s Flavor Reveal on YouTube Shorts

• Background: Ben & Jerry’s frequently introduces new ice cream flavors and looks for impactful methods to announce them.
• Ad Activities: They employed YouTube Shorts to give a brief, mysterious glimpse of a new flavor. The video gradually unveiled the tub, building suspense.
• Result: The teaser approach combined with the brand’s popularity had fans intrigued and eager to taste, leading to increased store visits and sales.

4. ASOS’s “Outfit of the Day” TikTok Series

• Background: ASOS, an online fashion retailer, wanted to showcase the variety and style of its collection.
• Ad Activities: On TikTok, models presented daily outfit inspirations featuring ASOS products, accentuated by dynamic transitions and music.
• Result: Viewers, captivated by the trendy styles and ease of purchase, flocked to the ASOS website to replicate the showcased looks.

5. Starbucks’ #CloudMacchiato on Instagram Stories

• Background: Starbucks, always innovating its drink menu, introduced the Cloud Macchiato.
• Ad Activities: Through a serene and visually appealing Instagram Story, they showcased the drink’s creamy texture, topped with a click-to-buy option.
• Result: The combined allure of the drink’s aesthetics and the discount saw fans thronging outlets, elevating the drink’s launch to an instant hit.

6. GoPro’s Adventurous Snippets on YouTube Shorts

• Background: GoPro, renowned for its durable cameras, aims to sell not just a product, but an experience.
• Ad Activities: Using YouTube Shorts, they displayed adrenaline-pumping moments captured on their devices, from skydiving to underwater explorations.
• Result: Adventure enthusiasts, swayed by the quality of footage and the thrill of capturing their own, were motivated to invest in GoPro.

7. Lush Cosmetics’ Bath Bomb Dissolve on TikTok

• Background: Lush Cosmetics, with its handmade and ethical products, wanted to emphasize the sensory appeal of their bath bombs.
• Ad Activities: They shared TikTok videos displaying bath bombs dissolving in water, releasing vibrant colors and fragrances.
• Result: The visual spectacle, combined with the promise of a relaxing bath, led to increased interest and sales of their bath bombs.

8. Airbnb’s “Stay Here” Instagram Stories

• Background: Airbnb, bridging travelers with unique stay options, wanted to display some of their premium listings.
• Ad Activities: Through Instagram Reels, they spotlighted stunning properties in picturesque settings, paired with a ‘Book Now’ swipe-up feature.
• Result: Viewers, imagining themselves in those locales, quickly converted their wanderlust into actual bookings.

9. Lego’s Quick Builds on YouTube Shorts

• Background: Lego, catering to both kids and adults, aimed to display the satisfaction of completing a build.
• Ad Activities: YouTube Shorts were used to show sped-up building processes, from start to finish.
• Result: The swift transformation and the end product’s allure intrigued many, leading to purchases of the showcased Lego sets.

10. Sephora’s Makeup Tutorials on TikTok

• Background: Sephora, a global beauty retailer, frequently educates its customers on makeup applications.
• Ad Activities: On TikTok, they posted rapid makeup transformations using their products, often achieving stunning looks in under a minute.
• Result: Viewers, inspired by the showcased beauty looks and the ease of achieving them, visited Sephora outlets or their website to buy the featured products.

Each of these examples leverages the strengths of short video content: they’re concise, engaging, visually appealing, and most importantly, they evoke an emotional response, prompting viewers to take action. Whether you’re a consumer or a business owner, the power of short videos in today’s digital age is undeniable.

Ordinary entrepreneurs give masterclass

Smaller entrepreneurs often tend to display remarkable creativity and adaptability in their advertising methods. Here are 10 examples of ordinary entrepreneurs who struck gold with their customer-focused approach using short video marketing.

1. Ella’s Handmade Jewelry on TikTok

• Background: Ella, a budding entrepreneur, started making unique handcrafted jewelry pieces from recycled materials.
• Ad Activities: On TikTok, Ella shared behind-the-scenes clips of her crafting process. These videos highlighted her intricate work and the beauty of repurposing materials.
• Result: Her artistic process drew admiration and her sustainable approach resonated with eco-conscious users. As viewers got attached to particular jewelry pieces, they visited her online store, leading to a boost in sales.

2. Max’s Fresh Farm Produce on Instagram Stories

• Background: Max, a local farmer, wanted to promote his organic farm produce directly to consumers.
• Ad Activities: Using Instagram Stories, Max took viewers on daily tours of his farm, showing freshly harvested vegetables and fruits.
• Result: Consumers loved seeing where their food came from and, compelled by the freshness and authenticity, started ordering from him directly.

3. Sophie’s Artistic Tees on YouTube Shorts

• Background: Sophie, a young artist, combined her love for art with fashion by designing artistic t-shirts.
• Ad Activities: She posted YouTube Shorts wearing her designs in diverse settings, making the tees part of a story or scenario.
• Result: People enjoyed the narratives, grew fond of the designs, and flocked to her website to purchase their favorites.

4. Omar’s Exotic Spice Blends on TikTok

• Background: Omar decided to sell spice blends sourced from his grandmother’s ancient recipes.
• Ad Activities: On TikTok, Omar crafted engaging short videos detailing the origin of each spice and quick recipes.
• Result: The rich stories and the tempting dishes attracted a lot of home cooks and food enthusiasts, driving them to his online spice store.

5. Lily’s Vintage Treasures on Instagram Stories

• Background: Lily, a passionate vintage collector, decided to sell curated vintage items.
• Ad Activities: Through Instagram stories, she shared heartwarming tales of each item’s history, interwoven with its previous owner’s stories.
• Result: These emotional and nostalgic narratives created an attachment, prompting many vintage lovers to buy and continue the story.

6. Chris’ DIY Woodcraft Kits on YouTube Shorts

• Background: Chris, a woodworking enthusiast, introduced DIY woodcraft kits for beginners.
• Ad Activities: His YouTube Shorts showed the transformation from plain wood to beautiful items in fast-forward, revealing the kit’s potential.
• Result: Viewers, inspired by the end results and the do-it-yourself approach, eagerly purchased kits to try their hand at crafting.

7. Nina’s Yoga Wear on Instagram Reels

• Background: Nina, a yoga teacher, launched her line of eco-friendly yoga wear.
• Ad Activities: Through Instagram Reels, Nina showcased quick yoga sequences wearing her line, highlighting the wear’s comfort and flexibility.
• Result: The visual appeal combined with functionality drew fellow yoga enthusiasts to her online store.

8. Alex’s Gourmet Coffee Beans on Instagram Reels

• Background: Alex, a coffee aficionado, began selling exotic coffee beans sourced from sustainable farms.
• Ad Activities: On Instagram Reels, Alex showcased the bean-to-brew process, emphasizing the aroma and flavor.
• Result: Coffee lovers, enticed by the rich sensory experience and the sustainability angle, were eager to buy and brew.

9. Grace’s Upcycled Décor on YouTube Shorts

• Background: Grace started an upcycling initiative, turning discarded items into beautiful home décor.
• Ad Activities: She used YouTube Shorts to showcase fast transformation clips of trash-to-treasure projects.
• Result: The eco-friendly angle, combined with the beauty of the final products, garnered a lot of interest and sales from eco-conscious home enthusiasts.

10. Aaron’s Plant-Based Snacks on TikTok

• Background: Aaron, a chef, created a line of delicious plant-based snacks.
• Ad Activities: On TikTok, he showcased quick recipes using his snacks, proving plant-based can be delectable.
• Result: Health-conscious and curious eaters, tempted by the mouth-watering visuals, tried and subsequently raved about his products.

The ultimate ecommerce solution: team up with Sellvia

In an ever-competitive ecommerce landscape, efficiency, automation, and speed are the keys to success. Sellvia offers an unparalleled advantage, ensuring you not only stay ahead of your competition but flourish exponentially.

 A full-scale ecommerce ecosystem for you

• Ecommerce platform: Manage orders, products, and engage with your customers effortlessly from anywhere in the world. Sellvia centralizes your operations, offering you everything at your fingertips.
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You’re not alone on your way to success

• Unwavering technical support: Dive into the ecommerce realm confidently, knowing Sellvia’s dedicated managers are always at your beck and call. From setting up to scaling, get expert assistance every step of the way.
• Expert marketing guidance: Leverage the expertise of our Forbes-level consulting team. Through one-on-one strategy sessions, we equip you with tailored strategies, ensuring your business witnesses continuous growth.
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• Free learning resources: Why pay for courses when you can learn from the best for free? Access comprehensive courses and roadmaps, arming yourself with knowledge and strategies that guarantee success.

Become a turnkey business owner in minutes

Starting with Sellvia is a breeze.

• Subscribe to Sellvia Pro: Click on the “Get my store for free” button and proceed with your Sellvia subscription, inclusive of a free trial.
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The art of short video marketing: final takeaway

The digital marketplace is ripe with opportunities, but only for those equipped with the right tools and support.

With Sellvia’s robust ecosystem, not only do you get an operational advantage, but you also receive unwavering support and expert insights – all of this for a whopping price of $0 for your ecommerce store.

Why settle for the ordinary when you can achieve the extraordinary with the art of short video marketing? Team up with Sellvia and transform your ecommerce dreams into a thriving reality — get a turnkey ecommerce store fully equipped with all the necessary tools FOR FREE!