With nearly 2 billion users active on the platform daily, Facebook is one of the most sought-after digital marketing channels in the world. From local businesses to international brands like Walmart, businesses are turning to Facebook to reach new and existing consumers.
The popularity of Facebook comes with the added challenge of competing ads, user-generated posts, and more to gain the attention of consumers – all of which you’re up against.
That’s why creating engaging video ads is so important – it’s your chance to stand out on the digital social giant that is Facebook.
Are Video Ads on Facebook Worth It?
Before we dive into how to make successful Facebook video ads, you’re probably wondering whether or not it’s even worth it.
Reaching nearly 3 billion users each month, Facebook is the most popular social media platform in the world. With that said, Facebook is an obvious choice when looking to channel digital marketing efforts.
But are Facebook video ads an effective way to reach consumers?
Although advertising success is usually contingent on a number of factors other than platform, Facebook ads tend to yield results.
Tips For Creating Successful Video Ads on Facebook
While Facebook video ads can be a highly effective marketing tool, implementing them needs to be done with care, creativity, logic, and precision. Otherwise, you risk not getting the most out of your video ad efforts.
Tip #1: Make Your Video Mobile-Friendly
Almost all Facebook users are accessing the platform exclusively through their smartphones – which means most people who see your ad campaign will be looking at a screen that’s arranged vertically.
Your video should be optimized for playability on mobile devices. Not only will that make it easier for your viewers, but opting for a square or vertical video allows you to take up more screen space, which optimizes your advertising efforts.
Tip #2: Content Matters
Creative, original content goes a long way in sparking a consumer’s imagination and convincing them that they need your product or service. Content can either make or break your Facebook ad campaign because, at the end of the day, your video needs to speak directly to your viewers and pull at their heartstrings. This is how you turn a viewer into a customer time and time again.
Tip #3: Keep It Short & Sweet
This one shouldn’t be surprising when you consider the attention spans of your social media audience. Even if your video thumbnail gets you a click, their focus typically wanes after 10 or 15 seconds.
A high hook rate is what makes the difference here. A hook rate is being able to gain the attention of a viewer within the first few seconds of a video. Facebook allows post ads up to 10 minutes in length, but the most successful video ads are short and sweet. In fact, Facebook itself only recommends 15 seconds as the maximum length for videos.
A short, creative video ad that packs a punch will go a long way with your viewers.
Tip #4: Know Your Options
Knowing your options means knowing all the places you could place your ad. Facebook gives you the option to choose where on the platform you run your ad campaign. These options include:
- Feed – The news feed section allows consumers to engage with your video as it appears while scrolling through their feed.
- In-stream – This option allows ads to play within other videos.
- Stories – The stories feature appears at the top of the page on both the web and mobile versions of Facebook.
You’ll want to figure out your target audience’s Facebook usage habits to determine which ad option is best for you.
Tip #5: Don’t Forget About Muting
Getting your ad seen by consumers isn’t the only hurdle you’ll have when advertising on Facebook. More often than not, you can expect your video to play on mute. In fact, according to Digiday, there’s an 85% chance your video will play muted.
Facebook runs most videos on auto-play, which means they start playing as soon as they appear on a user’s screen. This is good in terms of not needing to find a way to get a consumer to manually play your ad.
However, the auto-play function allows users the option to pre-mute videos. You’re going to have to find a way to gain their interest enough to turn up the volume. Something as simple as “tap for sound” reminders in your video ad can help. Other things you can do:
- Bold titles
- Automatic subtitles
- Eye-catching graphics
Needless to say – don’t sleep on Facebook video ads!
While video ads give you a creative, exciting, and potentially lucrative way to reach consumers, producing video content that performs isn’t always a straightforward endeavor. That’s what you have us for.
Our digital marketing agency stays at the forefront of the digital ad universe. Our expertise combined with the most innovative marketing tools allows us to create highly customized, effective marketing campaigns.
If you’re interested in learning more about Facebook video ads, we’re only one call away. Thanks for stopping by today!