Reel ’em in! Promo product ideas to make your brand a video star

By Jayne Schneider

Brands large and small use video content to capture attention, creatively engage audiences and spread their message as far as users will take it. From video-only platforms, like YouTube^® and TikTok^®, to other social platforms, like Facebook^® and Instagram^®, nearly nine in 10 businesses use video in their marketing strategy. Among marketers who don’t yet use video, 68% said they planned to start in 2025. Like many marketing strategies, promotional products can take your video work to the next level.

Make a big announcement

Does your organization have big news? A video announcement adds to the excitement more than just text or a photo does. Help spread the word about a business expansion or new hire by inviting viewers to tag a friend who’ll be thrilled to hear the news. Enter both into a drawing for coveted branded prizes, like an outdoor cooler or two-tone tote bag.

Keep in mind that most social networks prefer shorter videos, and 60% of online videos opens in new window are under two minutes long. If need be, you can roll out information bit by bit. Quick teaser videos can build anticipation before the final announcement. Promote an upcoming event with a series of short videos and finish with a bang by giving the first 50 people who register a stainless steel water bottle or commemorative wine glass.

Give a look behind the scenes

Connect with viewers by lifting the curtain. Ask charismatic team members to be representatives and offer behind-the-scenes content. It could be product demos, exclusive tours or day-in-the-life videos. Include a clear call-to-action in every video, for instance, “buy now,” “call for more information” or “apply today.” Provide a promo code to unlock discounts or claim a bonus gift for those who complete the request. A beach towel and picnic blanket are useful social media prize ideas that just about anyone can use.

Most of today’s smartphones are capable of producing nice-quality video. Ring light clips or portable LED lights can give your video added polish. These tools are easy to use and can improve brightness and clarity of your livestreams, demos and Q&As.

Explain and educate your audience

Explainer videos—videos that quickly and simply explain a concept or topic—are an incredibly popular marketing tool. In fact, 73% of video marketers opens in new window have created this type of video, which is far more than video ads, teasers or other types. Demonstrations could include how to navigate a website, assemble a product, apply makeup or craft a mocktail.

If your video has a star, make sure they’re dressed to impress. A mixologist might wear a branded apron and a product engineer may don a performance polo with your logo. Promote engagement by encouraging people to post questions and comments. Enter those who do into a prize drawing for a small gift, like a logoed can cooler or sticker.

Reveal a new product or service

Turn up the hype for a new product or service with an exciting reveal video. Unboxing videos are super trendy, and they work for a variety of industries. When your company has something new to offer, collaborate with loyal customers or influencers to produce an unboxing video. Send them a new product before its release and put their excitement on display.

If you’re doing a more traditional product reveal video, keep the momentum going and drive viewers to action. At the end of the video, let viewers know that a sample is waiting for them at your brick-and-mortar location. Or invite viewers to try out your new product or service and get a gift. Theme the gift to your industry, like a pet-related business gifting a paws and claws drawstring bag or plush toy. Or go for a more general branded prize, like a travel mug or dad cap.

Keep engagement rolling, post after post

Video marketing is a powerful marketing tool, and there are many ways to make it work to boost awareness, deepen storytelling and connect with audiences. Paired with strong promo product ideas, there’s no limit to the audience you can reach.

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