Stop! Are You Making these Common Video Ad Blunders?

Gone are the days when video ads were the privilege of big-name companies with thick wallets. With Waymark, your local bakery or bookshop can get watch-worthy ads that would make Madison Avenue green with envy. Our AI tool has helped countless novices to craft engaging and effective video ads. 

We've seen and analyzed thousands of ads in our generator. Along the way, we've picked up a few gems around what makes an ad successful and where some tend to falter. 

This handy blog is our way of saving you from falling into the same traps. The best part? You don't need a film school degree – just a few rules of thumb and a dash of creativity. 

So, sit back, relax and allow us to navigate you through the minefield of the most avoidable mistakes in video ads. 

1.   No clear message

Where people go wrong: The "throw everything on the wall and see what sticks" method is a no-go in video advertising. An ad jumbled with multiple themes and messages leaves viewers feeling overwhelmed and, cruelly, uninterested.

How to avoid: Keep it simple, silly. Take a quiet moment before creating your video to identify the main takeaway. What do you want your audience to remember after the ad ends? Find that golden ticket and design your ad around it. 

2.   Too many words on screen

Where people go wrong: Just because you can technically fit it, it doesn't mean every syllable has to be squeezed into your 30-second ad! Crowding the screen with text only distracts viewers from the central visual elements of the ad.

How to avoid: Edit ruthlessly. We're not making a PowerPoint presentation, people. The mantra is short, punchy, and to the point. Keep on-screen text between one to three words per frame – maximum.

3.   Stuffy stock visuals

Where people go wrong: Sterile, lifeless stock visuals are about as compelling as watching paint dry. 

How to avoid: If you see a generic visual, close the tab and walk away. If it screams “stock,” skip it. An adept use of dynamic and unconventional visuals, candid human shots, rich color patterns, and evocative mood imagery will increase viewer engagement. 

4.   Mismatched music

Where people go wrong: Music in an ad isn't as expendable as you might think. Pasting any old tune as a background score and undermining its importance is a common pitfall.

How to avoid: Wait. Listen. Ask, does this evoke feelings that complement the visuals? Sample your ad with multiple tracks, be it folksy acoustics for a laid-back vibe or pulsating electronica for that high-energy feel. Remember, music is as much a character in your ad as the visuals. 

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There you have it, folks, our roundup of common mistakes to avoid when concocting your next killer video ad. With Waymark at your side, you're already ahead of the pack. Now go out there and make that memorable ad!

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