21 Oct Vlogging as a way to create ads, surely not?

In the ever-competitive world of online marketing, standing out on multiple modern media platforms requires creativity, efficiency and commitment. Enter vlogging—a medium once associated with influencers and personal content creators—that is now transforming how businesses generate marketing materials.

What if I told you that creating vlogs not only tells your brand’s story but also provides a wealth of content that can be repurposed into targeted ads? You might think, “Surely not!” But it’s true, and here’s why.

Vlogging creates organic, engaging content that naturally captures the essence of what you’re promoting. By simply documenting the behind-the-scenes process of your business, you’re generating footage that can later be transformed into various types of ads. Not only does this streamline your content creation, but it also humanises your brand in the process.

For example, I recently filmed a vlog about travelling to Leeds to scout event spaces and a second vlog showcasing a venue in Newcastle. These videos allowed me to capture authentic moments and stunning ‘b-roll’ footage that later turned into two highly effective types of content:

(1) A 3-minute behind-the-scenes tour of both venues for YouTube, giving potential clients a full look at what’s on offer.

(2) 30-second ads for Meta featuring the best b-roll and key highlights to entice viewers quickly.

This dual-purpose approach is a game changer for online content creation and promotional activities. Your vlogs don’t just tell a story—they provide the raw material you need for polished, impactful ads.

Example vlog content:

So how can you capture content that serves both your vlog and ad goals? Here are five key tips for vlogging content that can double as ad footage:

1. Film More Than You Think You Need

When vlogging, aim to overfilm. Capture every moment and angle, even the ones you think might be less important. You never know when a simple cutaway shot of someone walking down a corridor or adjusting the lighting could become the perfect b-roll for an ad.

2. Focus on High-Quality B-Roll

B-roll footage is a goldmine for ads. Focus on capturing smooth, high-quality b-roll that can serve as visual highlights later. Simple shots like pans of the venue, close-ups of important details, or even dynamic transitions (doors opening, people moving) can be transformed into powerful visual elements for shorter ads.

3. Narrate Key Points

While vlogging, consider narrating or explaining the significance of what you’re filming. These voiceover segments can later be lifted for ad content, creating more engagement when placed over shorter, impactful footage.

4. Capture Real Reactions and Moments

Nothing resonates with audiences more than authenticity. When you’re filming, make sure to capture real-time reactions or interactions with your product or service. These authentic moments work great in both long-form content (like behind-the-scenes vlogs) and short-form ads, creating a connection with viewers.

5. Shoot for Different Platforms

While you’re vlogging, keep in mind that your content will be repurposed across different platforms. Think about framing shots that could work well in both wide formats for YouTube and vertical formats for Meta ads or Instagram Stories. Being conscious of aspect ratios will save you time in the editing process.

In conclusion, vlogging is no longer just for documenting personal journeys or building a personal brand. It’s an incredibly effective way to gather dynamic, versatile footage for business promotion, whether you’re showcasing a venue, revealing new products, or sharing behind-the-scenes operations. By capturing a wealth of content in a natural, engaging way, you can then slice and dice that footage into purpose-built ads that convert.

So, next time you’re planning an ad campaign, pick up your camera, and vlog the journey. You’ll thank yourself later when you’ve got a library of content ready to repurpose across all your marketing channels.

If you would like to speak to us about creating rich, dynamic content that can be repurposed into ads like this, contact us here. We’d love to chat!