10 Tips for Creating Compelling Short-Form Video Ads

Reviewed by:  Karan Bhasin

Written by:  Aquib Nawab

Credits: FLUX-schnell

Credits: FLUX-schnell

Start with something exciting, surprising, or visually bold in the first 3 seconds. A strong opening keeps viewers hooked and increases the chances they’ll stay and watch your ad till the very end.

1. Grab Attention Fast

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Stick to one main message and keep your video between 15–30 seconds. Short ads work best when you avoid unnecessary details, keeping your content focused, clear, and easy to understand for all viewers.

2. Keep It Short

Use vibrant visuals, quick edits, and bold colors to tell your story. Minimize text and let the images and actions deliver your message in a way that feels dynamic, engaging, and fun for your audience.

Credits: FLUX-schnell

3. Show, Don’t Tell

Add clear, easy-to-read subtitles because many people watch videos without sound. Subtitles make sure your message is accessible to everyone, no matter how or where they’re watching your video ad.

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4. Use Subtitles

Include your brand logo, colors, or tagline early in the video. This helps viewers immediately connect your message with your brand and ensures they remember who made the ad, even if it’s short.

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5. Show Your Brand

Incorporate trending music, memes, or popular video styles that your audience enjoys. Align your ad with these trends to stay relatable, but keep the focus on your message and overall brand goal.

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6. Follow Trends

7. Tell People What to Do

Be sure to close your ad with an easy "Buy Now", "Shop Today," or "Subscribe" so the viewer can take the next simple step which in turn gets more clicks, sales, or sign-ups.

Credits: FLUX-schnell

Feel like you are touching your reader’s soul with a joke, memory or smile. – Emotional ads are also in people’s minds for longer and are more likely to be shared, so you can get your ad seen more.

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8. Make Them Feel

Make several versions of your ad with different hooks, visuals, or CTAs. Test them on your audience to see which one gets the best results and adjust your future ads based on the winning format.

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9. Try Different Versions

Track views, clicks, and shares on your ad to see what works. Take this feedback and tweak your ads in the future and produce even more interesting content for people.

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10. Learn and Improve

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Thanks for Reading

Credits: FLUX-schnell