Marketing cars has come a long way over the past 120 years.
What began with simple black-and-white ads has evolved into dynamic video content.
Even someone living under a rock knows that video marketing is now one of the top ways to attract and close customers across all sectors, and the automotive industry is no exception.
You’ve probably used video marketing in your sales efforts, too.
If you’re wondering how to up your game, you’re in the right place.
In this blog, we’ll cover the basics of automotive video marketing and share some fantastic examples to spark your creativity.
So, dive in and make sure your next video ad is your best one yet!
Source: Dribble
Automotive video marketing is all about car companies using videos to show off their brand, products, and services.
These videos give customers a 360-degree virtual tour of vehicles, highlighting features, performance, and design.
They bring cars to life in a way that photos or text just can’t.
They’re super engaging, boost your website’s SEO, and shine on social media.
Plus, they keep customers informed and give them detailed analytics.
In today’s digital age, this video approach checks all the boxes for a great marketing strategy.
It captivates, informs, and turns potential buyers into actual buyers.
Ask anyone how they discovered the new car they’re buying, and they’ll probably say, “Oh, I saw its video ad.”
Video ads are truly living up to the hype!
And when executed strategically, video marketing delivers exceptional results.
To highlight just how effective this marketing tool can be, let’s dive into the specific benefits of automotive video marketing in the next section.
Besides bringing the experience of cars to life on screen, here are the other benefits of automotive video marketing-
Source: Dribble
Video is hands down the best tool for storytelling.
Texts miss the voice and visuals, and sound ads miss the graphics, but video brings everything together perfectly.
With video, you get sight and sound working together.
They let you tell your brand’s story, share your values, and showcase what you offer in a way that really connects with your audience.
For automotive companies, this means crafting compelling stories that stick with viewers.
After all, it’s the story that sells.
Videos are incredibly dynamic and make a huge impact on audience engagement.
They draw viewers' attention faster than a magnet and keep them hooked in ways no other medium can
In fact, a Forbes study revealed that adding video to your content can boost email click-through rates by 300% and increase conversion rates on landing pages by 80%.
That’s pretty impressive!
In the automotive industry, where visuals are everything, videos are perfect for showcasing vehicle design, performance, and features.
Being seen is crucial in this field, and videos are the best way to make that happen.
Simply put, if customers don’t trust you, they won’t do business with you.
This is especially true in the automotive sector, where consumers need reassurance when making big purchases.
Luckily, videos are a fantastic way to build trust and nurture relationships.
Transparency and authenticity in video content can foster that trust.
Show real people sharing their experiences through video testimonials or have industry experts provide insights to establish credibility.
Source: Freepik
Automotive video marketing enables virtual test drives.
It gives potential customers a taste of the driving experience without needing to visit the dealership.
They can virtually experience a vehicle’s performance, handling, and comfort.
This helps them decide if a specific model fits their preferences or not.
Nothing showcases a vehicle’s features and benefits as thoroughly as a video (except for a physical visit, of course).
Whether it’s highlighting advanced safety technology, demonstrating fuel efficiency, or showcasing innovative infotainment systems, videos give a complete understanding of what ‘exactly’ a car has to offer.
This helps buyers make well-informed decisions.
Videos are easy to share across different digital platforms, helping automotive brands reach a wide and diverse audience.
There's YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and many more, each with its own unique audience.
In today’s digital age, where consumers look online for information, video marketing offers accessibility and global reach.
This approach boosts brand visibility and attracts a broader customer base.
Source: Freepik
Ultimately, the goal of any marketing practice is to boost sales.
And guess what?
87% of marketers say video has directly helped them do just that.
With engaging and informative videos, car companies can guide potential customers through their buying journey.
By highlighting unique selling points, benefits, and real-life testimonials, videos play a crucial role in turning leads into satisfied customers.
Now that you know what automotive video marketing is and what all it can help with, it’s only wise for you to learn how to start with it-
Start by figuring out what you want to achieve with personalized videos.
Are you aiming for follow-ups with leads, appointment confirmations, or vehicle previews?
Decide on your focus and go from there.
Choose user-friendly tools or apps for creating and sharing your videos.
Look at where your potential buyers are and tailor your videos to those platforms.
Why?
Because one approach doesn’t fit all.
YouTube, LinkedIn, Instagram, and other social media platforms each have their own nuances.
To attract leads effectively on different platforms, you'll need tailored strategies for each.
We’ve covered detailed social media strategies for various platforms in our blogs—feel free to check them out for more insights!
Personalized video editing is all about tailoring each video to the recipient’s interests and addressing them directly.
This makes a big difference in user engagement.
People are more likely to notice and connect with products when they’re presented in a way that’s engaging and relatable.
There’s no hard and fast rule for how long automotive video ads should be.
But keeping them to 1-2 minutes usually results in better engagement.
Just making a video isn't enough to grab your viewers’ attention.
Content is key!
So, make sure it's engaging.
Focus on highlighting vehicle features and benefits that match your target audience’s needs.
Always include a clear call-to-action (CTA) at the end of your video.
Let viewers know exactly what you want them to do next, like scheduling a test drive or visiting your website.
Since most people use their phones to access the internet, make sure your videos look great on mobile devices.
This helps you target specific demographics, interests, and behaviors, which boosts engagement and conversions.
Did you know that adding video to an email can boost open rates by 6%?
Now you do!
So, make sure to include videos in your email campaigns with eye-catching thumbnails and engaging captions.
Use videos in your follow-up sequences to keep nurturing your leads.
Keep track of how your videos perform and gather feedback to improve.
Stick with what works, and if something doesn’t, try a new approach.
Keep your video messaging style consistent.
This helps build a recognizable brand identity and ensures your audience knows what to expect.
Follow privacy regulations and get the necessary consent.
It prevents legal issues down the line.
Automotive videos don’t have to be complex or pricey.
They just need to capture the right audience’s attention fast.
Here are some fantastic automotive video marketing ideas you can try out–
Today's vehicles are way more advanced than they were just five years ago.
They come with complex dashboard displays and software that lets you control all sorts of features.
But here’s the catch—many of these features go unused because people either don’t know they exist or aren’t sure how to use them.
That’s where tutorial videos come in.
They’re a great way to show customers how to make the most of their vehicles.
Plus, these kinds of videos are super popular on YouTube because people often search for them and share them with others.
Here are a few tutorial ideas to get you started–
These videos can help your customers use their cars more effectively and keep them coming back for more helpful tips!
Here’s a tutorial video you can take inspiration from before getting started.
Let’s be honest—people can be skeptical about a brand that's all about self-praise.
But if another customer shares their positive experience, that skepticism may fade away.
Having a customer share their positive experience on camera builds trust.
It's not a direct sales pitch or some anonymous review; it's a real person vouching for your brand.
This is crucial since buying a car is usually one of the biggest purchases people make.
To get the most impactful testimonials, ask your customers specific questions like:
This approach encourages customers to provide meaningful feedback that can sway potential buyers who might be uncertain about where to shop or what to choose for their next vehicle.
For inspiration, check out this customer testimonial video.
It’s a great example of how to capture impactful feedback–
Photos of your cars are great for showcasing your inventory online, but videos take it up a notch.
They show customers that you’re willing to go the extra mile.
Moreover, videos leave a more lasting impression than just photos alone.
Here’s a great car video tour example-
Got a special event or sale?
A video is the perfect way to spread the word.
People remember video content much better than just plain text.
Check out this Nissan year-end sales event video.
Many people shy away from visiting dealerships in person because they’re not comfortable with face-to-face interactions.
Help ease their nerves by letting them get to know your staff ahead of time.
While “Meet the Staff” pages are useful, videos offer an even better introduction.
They give customers a chance to get familiar with your team before they even step through the door.
Here’s a good example you can check out-
Creating valuable content for your dealership not only keeps customers coming back to your website but also boosts your SEO.
It demonstrates to both customers and search engines that you're a trusted automotive expert.
Here are some video ideas to help you get started:
Check out this example to see how it’s done—
Give your customers a glimpse of your dealership with a video tour.
It helps them feel more at ease when they visit in person and offers a fun way to highlight your brand's personality and creativity!
Check out this impressive drone fly-through of a Lexus dealership for some inspiration:
Now that you have the ideas, see how other brands have successfully used these marketing strategies to inspire your own approach.
Now that you've got the hang of the basics of automotive marketing,
Let's dive deeper with some real-life examples from brands that are nailing it with their videos.
Cars getting invited to a dance party—we don’t see that every day, do we?
In this video, we do.
This animated ad from Volkswagen takes a fun approach to show off their cars' top-notch performance with Volkswagen’s service.
We see different Volkswagen cars in various settings—some on the beach, some playing ball in Brazil, some in China—all getting a message to get ready to party.
Then, they all rush to the Volkswagen service station, where they’re cleaned and spruced up to look brand new.
They make it to the dance floor, and wow, the synchronized breakdance they all do is amazing.
As the Volkswagen cars hit the dance floor, other cars back off, just staring from the shadows—it's a clever nod to their competitors.
Witty!
The best part about the video is its freshness and how it effortlessly conveys the quality of Volkswagen service without uttering a single word, all in such a fun and quirky way.
In a sea of conventional video marketing strategies, Toyota stood out by creating an anime series.
In this futuristic anime, we see characters passionate about racing, with Toyota vehicles at the forefront.
It features intense racing scenes, and camaraderie among racers, and showcases the vehicles’ performance and reliability.
In the very first episode, we’re introduced to our main character, who’s being chased by a bunch of identical, gray cars with no distinguishing features.
Driving his Toyota, he takes a dig, saying, “Look at these stupid metal sheep everywhere.”
It’s a clever line, highlighting how other car companies produce vehicles that all look and feel the same.
But driving a Toyota makes you stand out from the crowd.
It makes you feel like the protagonist of this anime!
In this series, the high-speed racing sequences highlight the cars' speed and handling, emphasizing their performance and reliability without explicitly stating it.
The anime format appeals greatly to a younger audience and car enthusiasts.
And Toyota’s strategy seems to be working—the first episode has already gathered over 145k views in just 5 months.
Who doesn’t remember the COVID era?
It felt like yesterday when leaving the house was a task.
Selling cars during that time was a challenge—COVID was at its peak, and people were apprehensive about visiting dealerships, test driving, or even getting their cars serviced.
The only way to get people to buy cars was to make them feel safe.
This 2D animated video from Nissan did just that.
It showed all the safety measures they were implementing when reopening for business.
The video explained how all technicians would wear the necessary PPE, all cars and keys would be fully sanitized before being returned, contactless car deliveries would be made, and dealerships would be redesigned to meet social distancing guidelines.
This video is a great example of how companies can build trust and make customers feel safe with even a small video.
Car enthusiasts don’t just choose any brand; they pick one with a history to admire.
This stop-motion animation from Honda taps into that sentiment perfectly.
It chronicles the evolution of Honda vehicles, from motorcycles to modern cars, all animated with paper.
The storyline showcases Honda's innovation and legacy, highlighting how long and rich the brand's history is.
By doing so, it fosters a sense of trust and credibility in potential buyers' minds.
It’s more than just a video ad; it’s a creative marvel—one of those rare gems you see after many years.
It's even Emmy-nominated, so it truly deserves all the praise.
Guess what?
Toyota isn’t the only one diving into animation series.
Acura has also made a splash with its high-quality 3D animation series that has a real cinematic feel.
In this video ad, we follow Chiaki, a young driver on her quest to become a racing champion, with the Acura Type S as her ride.
The storyline highlights her challenges and victories, with the car playing a crucial role in her journey.
The dramatic racing sequences are a standout, showcasing both the car's performance and Chiaki's driving skills.
To top that, the engaging narrative and top-notch animation make this series feel like a cinematic experience.
It’s a product promo, but viewers still love it.
They appreciate a company that knows how to grab attention and do it well.
While other car companies stick to the basics—“This is hot, it’s safe and capable”—Acura went with, “People love anime, so let’s make an anime and win them over.”
And the response shows they definitely nailed it.
This simple sketch-like animation takes you on a nostalgic journey.
It starts with getting your first toy car, then moving on to a ride-on toy, and finally, buying your first real car—a Swift.
The minimalist style, with its lack of color except for the striking red car, actually packs more emotional punch than any vibrant video could.
It takes you through the shared feeling of buying your first car, a moment we all know and cherish.
This 2D animation video uses just 30 seconds to show how General Motors is making hybrids for everyone and every need.
It starts by pointing out that while everyone wants to enjoy the benefits of a hybrid, there’s a problem: there isn’t a hybrid for everyone.
So, General Motors decided to change that.
They’re creating hybrids for work, for play, for families, and for anyone else who wants one.
The video highlights how General Motors stands out by listening to its customers and building exactly what they need.
The animation is clear and informative, delivering the message concisely.
And, that’s what makes this video really stand out!
This stop-motion animation uses paper models to bring a unique touch to the story.
It starts with a Honda Odyssey car as it drives through a paper town.
At first, it’s just a paper car, but once it enters the showroom, it transforms into a real Honda.
Inside the showroom, the car gets various accessories for its tires, body, roof, and interior—like mats and more.
The video wraps up with a clear call to action: “Make your Honda happy and get genuine accessories from your local Honda dealer.”
All in all this one is a good automotive video marketing example.
This ad is a great blend of live-action and animation.
It's designed to showcase a specific feature of Volkswagen cars—the Active Blind Spot Monitor.
The video does an excellent job of visually and verbally explaining how this feature works, combining animated diagrams with real-life scenarios.
The storyline follows a driver navigating busy roads with the help of this safety feature.
The mix of realistic animation and clear demonstrations makes the ad both informative and reassuring for potential buyers.
Mercedes ads always have a way of surprising us with something unexpected.
Take this one, for example—it features a lion-headed businessman who’s having a really rough day.
Even his stress ball is stressed out because he’s so frustrated.
But then, he takes his Mercedes-Benz S-Class for a spin.
Just when things seem to get worse with traffic, he switches on the car’s mood-changing technology.
Suddenly, his vibe shifts, and he starts feeling relaxed.
Meanwhile, other passengers stuck in traffic are pulling their hair out in frustration, while he’s chilling in his car.
Only BMW could pull off scaring a ghost with one of their cars!
The video ad kicks off with a BMW cruising down a spooky road in the heart of the woods.
The scene looks straight out of a horror film—think dark night, eerie fog, and a witchy thing hanging from a tree.
Out of nowhere, a ghost appears in front of the car, causing it to screech to a halt.
We see a classic ghostly handprint slowly dragging down the window as the ghost opens the door.
But here’s the twist—turns out, the ghost got a fright herself!
The driverless BMW was an autonomous vehicle, and the ghost, who was really just a scaredy-cat, freaked out and ran back into the woods.
BMW cleverly used this ad to showcase its cutting-edge autonomous driving technology.
It’s a fun way to highlight how they’re driving the future forward!
So, we’ve covered the key points of automotive video marketing.
Here’s the gist—while it’s a type of video marketing, it comes with its own strategies.
Essentially, selling cars is all about trust.
To make an effective automotive video, you need to highlight that trust factor.
Get creative—tell engaging stories, highlight your product’s unique features, and break away from the usual approach.
You can keep it simple yet impactful, or take a cue from Toyota’s inventive anime series.
Ultimately, it’s about what works best for you.
Just remember, buying a car is a big decision and a major life event.
Your video should make viewers feel confident that they’re choosing the right brand.
Build that connection and trust, and your automotive video will drive results!