These days, with the pandemic and the global recession going on, everything seems unstable. But that’s not an excuse when it comes to starting a company, is it?
Fortunately, there is no “right” time to when you should consider investing in a startup. Startups are supposed to be spontaneous.
Having said that, once you have acquired a startup and know what its purpose is – informing the public should be your next goal, and it’s the most important step.
So, what is the best way to promote your startup? Remember, a company can only succeed if it has an efficient marketing strategy.
With the advent of social media and fast-paced content – you can kick off your marketing efforts by leveraging startup videos.
Once you get a creative outlook on what your company represents, producing high-quality startup videos won’t be an issue.
Producing cool corporate videos should be a prerequisite for any brand looking to make a name for itself right away.
The best youtube videos of all time consist of multiple startup commercials. Consumers watch videos on-the-go, and everywhere.
Whether they’re on a subway, bus, or just walking around town – they never stop scrolling on social media. So, plug your startup animation video into this to ensure that you are right where the conversations are happening.
And promoting your brand with such videos is honestly worth it. Good startup companies started with commercials, delivering their message concisely and engagingly. A startup video can help your business skyrocket! Also, the long-term effect is that consumers will remember that “one” video of your company. It can be a benchmark, a representation of your brand for ages to come.
Why Use a Startup Video?
Why are videos an important aspect of marketing? Well, the best videos of all time have had millions of views and thousands have engaged with them.
Commercials are remembered as classics. People might forget the brand but a thought-provoking video will hold a special place in their hearts for eternity.
The best startup videos have “sentimental” morals – leaving viewers shocked and intrigued. So, apply the following points during production. It’ll help your company succeed in the foreseeable future.
- Keep the video as short as possible. Consumers have a short time span and it’s not easy to grab one’s attention.
- Show a demo of your startup’s main product. Give viewers a glimpse of what they can expect and why it’s the best option.
- Address common everyday problems, and how your startup can help solve them.
- Lastly, end the video with a “CTA” (call to action). Inform viewers on how they can further engage with your brand or the products.
Also, if your startup lacks funding during the initial stage, you can always pitch a proposal at a competition. For that, again, you need a startup video.
Top Startup Video Examples
So, let’s take a look at the top 30 best videos of all time. Hopefully, these will give you an insight into how startups emerge and eventually become top-notch brands. (not in any particular order)
- 1) Dollar Shave Club
- 2) Panorama9
- 3) Airbnb
- 4) Spotify
- 5) Yova
- 6) Be My Eyes
- 7) Slack
- 8) Mobcrush
- 9) Acrons
- 10) MedUX
- 11) Warby Parker
- 12) Zocdoc
- 13) Tracklib
- 14) Nest
- 15) Volterman Smart Wallet
- 16) Boomerang
- 17) Ahrefs
- 18) Sigfox
- 19)Gogoro
- 20) Patreon
- 21) Digitalocean
- 22) Laclary
- 23)Classdojo
- 24) Blue Apron
- 25) Etsy
- 26) Taboola
- 27) ParkWise
- 28) DefinedCrowd
#1) Dollar Shave Club
Dollar Shave Club promos instantly became viral. And this one “edgy” video got a lot of views. Perhaps because of its hilarious setting. The video had quite a casual aura and didn’t even seem like a typical commercial. That’s the beauty of it, though. It garnered 27 million views over a period of 8 years and it is still being promoted by Dollar Shave Club.
And, surprisingly, the ROI was more than anything the brand ever expected. According to Micheal Dublin, the mastermind behind the video – the production cost was just $4,500. That’s a lot for a small-scale startup, considering the views and the cost.
#2) Panorama9
Here, this brand used “nostalgia” to attract consumers. Since everyone feels nostalgic when an 8-bit game is mentioned. Panorama9 used an IT-man in an animated video that shows him fixing mundane IT problems.
Barq Video, an animation startup used creative elements for its commercial. Showcasing a dragon, a mesmerizing soundtrack, and an appealing voiceover.
The video was released over 8 years ago and has more than 100,000 views on YouTube. At the end of the short video, there was a “CTA” as well. Engaging viewers in an instant!
#3) Airbnb
Airbnb is one of the most popular apps known today, but this wasn’t always the case. Even Airbnb started off as a mere startup. Startup videos played a key role in shaping the brand’s image.
This “breaking down walls” video in particular used emotional elements in the right way. It currently has 5.9 million on YouTube, having been loved by everyone.
In the animated video, we see an Airbnb guest named Catherine who takes a trip in Berlin during a historical period. From there, viewers get to see her experience and what role Airbnb played in it.
#4) Spotify
Spotify is a renowned Swedish music-streaming brand that started off like a, well, startup!
From 2006 to today, Spotify emphasized its commercials. Making sure that they stand out and deliver the brand’s message. When Spotify first started off, the commercials were vibrant yet minimalistic – to the point.
Spotify released a lot of animated videos over the years, and each stood out from the rest! The company was consistent with making short videos that ended with a “CTA.”
#5) Yova
Yova used demo videos to an advantage. Efficiently delivering their message across many platforms in a subtle, simple way.
The vector-based animated format helped as well – colorful background, appealing graphics, and an enlightening script made Yova’s video stand out from the rest.
Another thing, Yova’s startup explainer video didn’t just rely on fancy visuals – the voiceover explained every explicit detail of the brand. Combining visuals with a lot of information, Yova used CTAs in the way as well. Making sure that the viewer is not only entertained but engages with the product too.
#6) Be My Eyes
Be My Eyes is a modern-day startup that was founded for an honorable cause. Basically, the startup helps blind people as evident from its name. Volunteers can sign-up and help disabled people through a video call.
The startup video showed exactly this. How volunteers collaborate with visually impaired people, helping them out. The ad was heart-touching and certainly left an emotional impact.
In 1 minute and 30 seconds – Be My Eyes showed sympathetic scenes, CTAs, and the company’s overall message. The app’s ad secured over 600,000 views on Vimeo alone.
#7) Slack
Slack used humor while addressing the startup’s message and realized what problems everyday office-going consumers face.
In their ad, Slack showed how collaboration can help employees relax, be steady, and be more energetic and how Slack, which itself is collaborative business software, can make this happen.
You can learn how Slack used such casual remarks in their video and made it look like an entertaining skit rather than a corporate video.
For a company that was launched just 6 years ago, in 2014, Slack has surely made a name for itself. And it would not have been possible without a strategic marketing plan.
#8) Mobcrush
Mobcrush is one of those few companies that realized the importance of art and animation in their videos. Since Mobcrush has a Gen-Z gaming audience, it goes without saying that their commercials should be as exciting as possible.
In a 30-second video, Mobcrush creativity delivered their message and subtly added CTAs as well.
If your startup has a younger, casual audience – make your videos as creative as you can. No one wants to see “plain” old clichéd ads. It’s 2020, and fast-paced videos are the norm.
#9) Acrons
Acrons is a financial app and obviously, there are a lot of technical aspects to it. So, how did they promote themselves such that a “normal” being understands what the company does?
Well, Acrons set a “calming” aesthetic as their brand’s image. Acrons’ introductory video had a soothing voiceover, gentle music in the background, and overall – a relaxing aura throughout it.
Acrons realized that talking about finances can be difficult for most people since it’s such a personal thing. So, they kept their videos “calm.”
#10) MedUX
MedUX has a very subtle way of showcasing their values. Without wasting any time, the startup video figuratively conveyed the message, “flying with data” in a subtle way. Since MedUX is a telecommunications startup, there are a lot of technical details they could’ve covered.
But MedUX realized that having breathtaking visuals and easy-to-understand facts in their video would be far more convenient from a marketing perspective. And it worked! MedUX is one of the leading telecom services known today!
#11) Warby Parker
In this video, Warby Parker has not had a single thing that lacks perfection. In the video, they introduce their product and make the point that it costs way lesser than the competitors for it.
Then they add in the element of humor and sass and tell you how much can you save and everything extra you can get and that too in just 30 seconds.
Using some props and a few actors against an icy white background was certainly a good choice.
Convincing any company to create a startup video that is fun, simple, and engaging to watch is challenging as each of them has the goal to show everything to their potential customers in under 60 seconds. However, opting for this style can do wonders and your prospects won’t get distracted at all.
#12) Zocdoc
Doctor’s visits can be a stressful and unpleasant experience, compounded by the administrative hassles of making appointments, dealing with insurance paperwork, and endless phone calls.
However, a startup explainer video in this field can be made engaging and watchable by injecting humor into the topic.
This is precisely what has been achieved in this video, which offers a humorous take on the most dreaded aspects of doctor’s visits, all within a concise and entertaining runtime.
The video is particularly noteworthy for its use of a dancing skeleton and the incorporation of the Zocdoc “Z” into the main character’s face, creating a memorable and distinctive visual identity.
It’s essential to strike a balance between humor and sensitivity when tackling uncomfortable topics, ensuring that the video doesn’t overstay its welcome.
#13) Tracklib
The startup video from Tracklib is a standout due to its vibrant visuals, captivating introduction, and catchy soundtrack.
The video hooks the viewer right from the start by showcasing a brief history of music in a fun and engaging way, even if they are not the target audience.
However, for the target audience, the video is particularly effective in presenting a solution to a common problem encountered in media production – obtaining high-quality music at a reasonable cost.
Tracklib does an excellent job of explaining its solution, making it clear that they understand the pain points of producers in the industry. The video hits the nail on the head and presents a solution that every producer dreams of. Overall, the video is an expertly crafted presentation of Tracklib’s innovative solution to a significant problem in media production.
#14) Nest
Although Nest had already established itself as a leading brand in home technology, their video introducing new products designed to work with their system qualifies as a startup explainer video.
The video showcases an evolutionary concept that many people were not aware of – that their Nest system could do more than just control cooling and lights.
By highlighting the many ways in which Nest can enhance a user’s experience, the video aims to dispel the fear and confusion that often arises from complicated technology.
Nest’s promise that the system will do most of the work on its own further eases this concern. The video’s stunning and fluid animation design complements the message perfectly, making it a beautiful and effective startup explainer video.
#15) Volterman Smart Wallet
There are different opinions on whether all PR is good, and the startup pitch video for Volterman Smart Wallet is a prime example of this.
Regardless of whether you like it or not, the video is sure to spark discussion. On the positive side, the video features high-quality visuals demonstrating the wallet in action, creating a professional and polished impression.
However, the video also contains questionable elements, notably an unrelated sex scene at the end. Despite this, the video achieved its goal of drawing attention to the crowdfunding campaign, resulting in tremendous success.
Volterman’s initial goal was exceeded by over 2000%, an astonishing accomplishment, raising over 20 times their target. Therefore, in terms of reaching their crowdfunding target, the video was a massive success, despite its controversial content.
#16) Boomerang
This explainer video for Boomerang provides another excellent example of live-action footage used to effectively communicate the product’s message.
The video cleverly incorporates humor to engage the audience and delivers its message in a concise and straightforward manner. It avoids overwhelming the viewer with excessive information and instead presents a clear challenge and solution to the problem.
Even potential counterarguments are addressed in the video, with a further solution provided. After watching this explainer video, viewers will have a clear understanding of the product’s purpose and function without any confusion.
#17) Ahrefs
Ahrefs’ startup explainer video addresses a common issue businesses face when creating a website: their competitors appear higher in search rankings.
The video outlines how Ahrefs can prevent this from happening and uses vibrant 2D motion graphics and a lively soundtrack to make the information about SEO more entertaining and captivating.
Despite the potentially uninteresting subject matter, the video manages to engage its audience and present its service in an engaging and informative way.
#18) Sigfox
The animated startup video for Sigfox exemplifies the effective use of branding to create a cohesive and memorable video.
The video not only features the Sigfox logo, but also incorporates the brand’s fonts, colors, and designs throughout, creating a cohesive visual experience.
This approach goes beyond simply promoting the brand and instead actively immerses the viewer in the Sigfox personality. The result is a video that effectively communicates the brand’s message and leaves a lasting impression on the viewer.
#19) Gogoro
This startup video for Gogoro effectively uses the art of the tease, as humans tend to respond strongly to it.
The video gives glimpses of the product without fully revealing it, creating intrigue and making us curious.
The scooter is eventually revealed with exciting visuals and music, effectively telling the story without words. The video is well-executed and memorable.
#20) Patreon
Artists have always faced difficulty in convincing people to pay for their work, which is why the phrase “starving artist” is so common. While art is essential to society, many people prioritize their basic needs over supporting artists.
Patreon’s challenge was to make a compelling case for why artists must have the freedom to create and earn some income from their work. The video effectively achieves this goal by using testimonials from actual artists and appealing to emotions.
#21) DigitalOcean
What are the ways through which you can measure the success of a startup promo video? When you watch the whole thing unintentionally just because it’s interesting.
DigitalOcean’s masterpiece is one of the product videos that is filled with humor and sass. The outstanding script and clear voiceover keep you engaged till the end.
#22) Laclary
Laclary’s startup effectively blends technology with warm, relatable visuals to appeal to its target audience of regular grocery shoppers.
Despite the revolutionary nature of Laclary’s technology, the video maintains a down-to-earth and relatable tone.
The design, voiceover, and music all work together to make the idea of using augmented reality to buy groceries feel as familiar and cozy as relaxing on the couch with a cup of tea.
#23) Classdojo
At first, ClassDojo may seem to be using monster characters as a gimmick to capture viewers’ attention in the video.
However, upon closer inspection, it becomes clear that the characters are not merely creative tools but are based on the actual assets of the company. This animated video demonstrates how a brand can effectively utilize its assets to create engaging content.
In this case, ClassDojo’s existing material lends itself well to this approach, contributing to the video’s success.
#24) Blue Apron
The most effective way to market food is to highlight the relationships that are built around it.
Blue Apron does this by showcasing not only the food itself but also the various elements that come together to create a memorable meal shared with loved ones.
By emphasizing the warm and fuzzy feeling of sitting down at the dinner table with family and friends, Blue Apron taps into the emotional connection people have with food and the people they share it with. Ultimately, the quality of the company at a meal is just as important as the quality of the food itself.
#25) Etsy
Do you have any idea what animated videos made by enterprises look like? If not, then take a look at the amazing creation of Etsy.
Each animation is drawn frame-by-frame. The transitions in the video are created painstakingly so each scene in the video flows smoothly.
The sharp details and unique elements took more resources than you can think of. You might think that even you can create work of this level but the truth is it requires not just budget but time to accomplish it.
#26) Taboola
If you think adding fancy shots, non-stop actions, and complicated movements to get a message across is important then you’re wrong. Through using a simple and relaxed beach scene, Taboola gets its message out beautifully. The calm delivery and soothing atmosphere create a very pacifying vibe and make it easier for the audience to digest the content in the crowded digital marketing landscape.
#27) ParkWise
The highly efficacious hook of the ParkWise startup video makes it one of the most engaging examples to watch.
ParkWise effectively grabs viewers’ attention by highlighting the value of time, which is a finite resource we cannot replenish. The company’s message resonates strongly with audiences by emphasizing how much time we waste every year, simply searching for parking spots. This opening hook is so impactful that it compels viewers to continue watching and learn how ParkWise can solve this issue, freeing up more time to devote to meaningful activities.
#28) DefinedCrowd
Discussing “unstructured data” may not be the most thrilling topic, and it’s not a subject that easily lends itself to a startup demo video filled with humor, emotion, or drama.
However, the key to creating a successful video in this situation is to delve deeply into the brand’s identity. By using the company’s brand standards, simplifying complex concepts, and incorporating its colors, a dynamic and easily consumable video can be created. Even though the video appears straightforward, every element, such as the music, voice-over, color, and pacing, has been meticulously crafted to make DefinedCrowd‘s video highly engaging and unforgettable.
Conclusion
Overall, all the mentioned examples marketed their startup after considering various factors; target audience, budget, and goal. There’s not a fixed template for every company, since each has a different purpose.
So, thoroughly research and be sure to use videos as a part of your startup’s marketing campaign.
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Sophiea Ank is an animator, but her passion for reading and writing made her Content Head at BuzzFlick. She loves to educate people through her blogs about technologies, animation, videography, and games. In her free time, she watches "Brooklyn Nine-Nine" and reads Paulo Coelho.
