10 Great Examples of Brand Story Video

​Brand story videos have become the go-to way for companies to connect on a human level. Let's be real, most people don't remember a list of features or a polished sales pitch. But a good story? That sticks.

Whether it makes you smile, feel seen, or want to be part of something bigger, storytelling is what turns a brand into something people actually care about. Instead of pitching products or pushing promos, brand story videos dive deeper. They connect with viewers on a personal level, showing what a brand stands for and why it exists in the first place.

This article breaks down some standout brand story video examples and why they work, so you can find inspiration for telling your own.

What Are Brand Story Videos?

Brand story videos are exactly what they sound like, short, compelling videos that tell the story of your brand. It's not a product demo or a flashy sales reel. Think of it as your business biography, brought to life on screen.

It's about the who, what, and most importantly, the why behind your business. These videos often dive into the origins of the company, highlight key milestones, and showcase what you've achieved along the way.

But they're not just a recap. They're also an opportunity to spotlight your core values, share client experiences, feature team voices, and give people a glimpse of where you're headed next. It all comes together to tell a story that feels personal and powerful. Done right, it gives people a reason to care, trust, and remember you.

For example, a healthcare organization might use a brand story video to show its patient-first mission, while a tech company could focus on innovation, collaboration, and culture.

Done right, a brand story video gives people a reason to care, remember, and believe in your brand. It connects your message to your audience in a way that feels human and real.

​Brand Video Storytelling vs. Traditional Advertising

Here's the difference: traditional ads scream "Buy now!" Brand stories whisper, "Here's who we are, and here's why we care."

A storytelling video can humanize your brand and foster trust by connecting with viewers on an emotional level, unlike traditional ads that focus solely on selling. Instead of pushing a product, you're pulling people in with a mission, a moment, or a message they relate to. It's marketing without the hard sell. And it works.

​Key Elements of a Brand Story Video

A successful brand story video is an intentional, strategic experience designed to make your target audience connect deeply while highlighting what makes your brand unique.

The foundation is your brand message: what you stand for, what makes you different, and why your audience should care. That message should be woven throughout the narrative from the very first frame.

Emotional connection is the real driver: Whether you’re aiming for heartwarming, empowering, or deeply relatable, your story has to spark a reaction. When viewers feel something, it leaves a lasting impression -and that’s where brand storytelling earns its ROI.

Next come the visuals: cinematic footage that elevates your story, animation that clarifies complex ideas rather than distracting from them, and interviews that feel human and unscripted. Every element should use powerful visual storytelling to reinforce your brand identity and highlight your value proposition without feeling forced.

When these pieces align - you end up with more than a video. You create a video strategy that sticks, boosts brand awareness, and motivates your audience to engage or take action.

Types of Brand Videos

Brand storytelling videos come in many formats, and choosing the right one is key to making your message land.

Explainer videos break down complex products or ideas with clarity and ease. Clean visuals and thoughtful narration turn confusing concepts into “aha” moments - keeping viewers engaged instead of overwhelmed.

Culture videos shine a light on your company’s personality, values, and people. They highlight the real humans behind the logo and help audiences connect with your brand on a deeper level.

Origin story videos walk viewers through your history, challenges, the wins, and the mission - giving context to who you are today.

Testimonial videos are authenticity machines. Real customers or employees sharing real experiences builds instant trust and credibility, especially in competitive markets.

By using a mix of these formats, brands can tailor their story to different audiences, simplify challenging topics, and create emotional connections that drive engagement, loyalty, and long-term brand growth.

​Benefits of Visual Storytelling in Video Marketing

People are wired for stories. It's how we learn, connect, and make decisions. That's why brand storytelling works so well in video marketing. It boosts engagement, builds trust, and makes your brand way more shareable.

Stanford research shows that people are 22 times more likely to remember a story than a fact, which is why great brand videos tend to stick around in your mind long after the screen fades to black.

Quick Insight: People remember stories that make them feel something. Focus on emotion first, and the message will follow.

10 Creative Brand Story Video Examples That Work

1. Diverse: "Who We Are"

Created by Levitate

• The Story & Purpose: This brand video highlights Diverse's mission to provide news, information, and commentary on diversity, equity, and inclusion in higher education. The video underscores the publication's history and commitment to amplifying underrepresented voices and fostering inclusive academic environments.
  
• Visual & Narrative Style: Motion graphics are combined with compelling visuals, including archival footage and contemporary scenes from various educational settings. These elements are seamlessly connected to illustrate the organization's history and impact, complemented by stirring music that enhances the emotional tone.
  
• Why It Works: By weaving together historical context with present-day relevance, the video effectively conveys the organization's longstanding dedication to diversity in academia. The engaging narrative appeals to educators, students, and policymakers alike, reinforcing the publication's role as a trusted resource in higher education.

​See more examples of brand videos in Levitate's portfolio

2. Airbnb: "Wall and Chain"

• The Story & Purpose: Based on a true story, this animated video tells the tale of a former Berlin Wall guard who unknowingly hosts a man he once turned away at the border. Years later, they reconnect through Airbnb. The purpose is to show how travel and shared spaces can help heal old divides and foster human connection.
  
• Visual & Narrative Style: Hand-drawn-style animation with muted colors and expressive character design. The story unfolds gradually, using gentle narration, emotional pacing, and cinematic transitions to reveal the powerful connection between the two characters.
  
• Why It Works: This deeply human story brings history to life in a surprisingly personal way. The animation pulls you in, but it's the emotional payoff that really lands. Airbnb isn't just promoting travel here. It's showing how opening your door can change lives, and how Airbnb connects people in meaningful ways.

3. Google: "Loretta"

• The Story & Purpose: An elderly man uses Google Assistant to remember details about his late wife, Loretta, from her favorite activities to the little quirks that made her who she was. The video serves as a tender reminder that technology can help us in very personal ways, like holding on to the memories that matter most.
  
• Visual & Narrative Style: The video is simple and stripped down: a black screen with text and images as if you're inside the Google interface. But the narrative is anything but simple. Authentic and emotional voice recordings of the elderly gentleman guide the viewer through a heartfelt, highly personal journey.
  
• Why It Works: It's incredibly moving without trying too hard. By grounding the product in real and raw human emotion, Google shows its tech as helpful and empathetic. You're not just watching an ad- you're witnessing a love story. And the outcome is an understanding of Google's goal to connect people.

4. Nike: "You Can't Stop Us"

• The Story & Purpose: Nike's 2020 "You Can't Stop Us" celebrates unity and resilience in sports during times of adversity. The ad showcases athletes from diverse backgrounds, emphasizing the unifying power of sport. It was created to inspire hope and demonstrate how sports can bring people together, even in challenging times.
  
• Visual & Narrative Style: A dynamic split-screen montage of athletes performing similar movements, seamlessly edited to highlight synchronicity and connection. The high production quality, with clear visuals and crisp audio, enhances the video's impact and professionalism. Narrated by Megan Rapinoe, it combines powerful visuals with compelling storytelling.
  
• Why It Works: By focusing on shared experiences and collective strength, the ad resonates emotionally with viewers. Its innovative editing and inclusive message reinforce Nike's commitment to social unity and perseverance. It's visually jaw-dropping, emotionally stirring, and 100% on brand.

5. Mailchimp: "Big Change Starts Small"

• The Story & Purpose: Mailchimp's video showcases how the company empowers the underdog- small organizations and local changemakers with big ideas. It highlights how betting on these small companies has created meaningful impact in communities that often get overlooked. The video reflects Mailchimp's core purpose: supporting grassroots efforts that transform the world in big ways.
  
• Visual & Narrative Style: The video uses colorful, engaging animation that flows smoothly from scene to scene, creating a bright and optimistic story of the company's values. The fresh style matches Mailchimp's playful brand personality, while the clear narration keeps the focus on community impact and empowerment.
  
• Why It Works: The animation brings to life the story of celebrating small organizations making big changes. The messaging stays clear and focused on Mailchimp's unique mission to support underdogs, making the brand feel genuinely invested in meaningful social impact. It's both inspiring and memorable without ever feeling preachy.

6. Warby Parker: "Buy A Pair- Give A Pair"

• The Story & Purpose: This company started with a simple mission: to serve people by offering affordable eyewear. The video highlights a commitment to social impact through "Buy a Pair, Give a Pair," which ensures that for every pair of glasses you buy, another is distributed to someone in need. The purpose is to show how they empower people by improving access to better eyesight and offering opportunities to customers and underprivileged communities alike.
  
• Visual & Narrative Style: The video features a warm, human-centered approach with images of a real community benefitting from (and wearing) their glasses. The founders create an authentic, approachable vibe by narrating their journey with touching stories and genuine moments.
  
• Why It Works: By focusing on real stories and the founder's vision, it builds trust and connection without being salesy. The simple, direct style keeps the message clear. Warby Parker is about more than just glasses; it's also about making a positive difference. It's memorable because it feels personal and sincere, inviting viewers to be part of the mission.

7. Netflix: "The Story of Netflix"

• The Story & Purpose: Created for its 25th anniversary, "The Story of Netflix" is a heartfelt journey through the company's evolution- from DVD mailers to global streaming giant. But rather than just listing milestones, the video leans into nostalgia, creativity, and a sense of play. It shows how far Netflix has come while celebrating the people and ideas that fueled its rise. Its job is to inspire loyalty, reminding viewers of the emotional connection they've built with Netflix over the years.
  
• Visual & Narrative Style: A mixed-media style that blends stop motion, collage, still photography, and 2D animation. This scrapbook-like approach gives the story a personal, handmade feel, setting it apart from the typical aesthetic of most corporate videos. The narrator speaks directly to the viewer with warmth and humility, which adds to the human tone.
  
• Why It Works: It feels like a love letter rather than a corporate retrospective. The video creates a deep sense of connection and loyalty with the audience, making viewers feel truly seen and valued. The creative and memorable format keeps things visually engaging while underscoring Netflix's reputation for bold storytelling. It's also a great example of how a brand can reflect on its journey in a way that inspires both customers and internal teams.

8. IKEA: "What If?"

• The Story & Purpose: IKEA asks a series of thought-provoking questions that go beyond furniture: "What if we designed new behaviors, not just products?" It's an intro to the brand's deeper mission and beliefs that challenge conventional norms and inspire innovation. It's an invitation to rethink how design can shape a better world.
  
• Visual & Narrative Style: Beautiful and diverse visuals, powerful music, and a poetic voiceover guide viewers through people-centered moments. Its inclusive and personal tone feels more like a film than a commercial, reflecting various aspects of everyday life and the global community IKEA serves.
  
• Why It Works: Instead of selling, this video invites viewers into a conversation. By inspiring self-reflection, IKEA effectively positions itself as a brand that thinks bigger and cares more. Presenting purpose instead of a product lets the message connect emotionally with viewers. It strengthens brand loyalty and encourages them to envision a better future through collective action and thoughtful design.

9. Apttus: "Roots"

• The Story & Purpose: Narrated by the company's founder, this brand story pulls back the curtain on the personal journey that led to Apttus. Through emotional reflections on childhood tragedy, grit, and passion, we learn how his early challenges and hard work motivated him to create something different. The goal here isn't to sell a product- it's to humanize the brand by showing the drive, purpose, and experience that built the company.
  
• Visual & Narrative Style: This longer form video employs a mix of personal home movie footage, candid interviews, and behind-the-scenes workplace footage. The narrative is driven by personal anecdotes and testimonials, creating an authentic and relatable portrayal of the company's culture and impact.
  
• Why It Works: Focusing on real stories and experiences, the video helps build trust and credibility with viewers. The combination of technical insights and human elements makes the content appeal to a broad audience, from potential clients to prospective employees. This approach effectively communicates Apttus's commitment to innovation and success.

10. Apple

• The Story & Purpose: Apple's "The Whole Working-from-Home Thing" follows a quirky team of employees-"The Underdogs"-as they navigate the challenges of remote work during the pandemic. The story humanizes the experience of adapting to new routines, collaboration hurdles, and home distractions, while subtly showcasing how Apple products empower creativity, efficiency, and teamwork from anywhere.
  
• Visual & Narrative Style: The video blends cinematic storytelling with comedic realism. Each scene feels like a mini sitcom, using quick cuts, expressive close-ups, and dynamic pacing to mirror the frantic rhythm of remote work life. The production design highlights everyday home settings filled with Apple devices - MacBooks, iPads, and iPhones - subtly reinforcing their integration into both personal and professional spaces
  
• Why It Works: It strikes the perfect balance between relatable storytelling and brand showcase. By focusing on the human side of remote work rather than the technology itself, Apple builds emotional resonance and authenticity. The humor, high-quality production, and strong character continuity make the message memorable, reinforcing Apple's image as both innovative and empathetic to real-world challenges.

​Pro Tip: When you create videos like these, plan the full video strategy upfront. Build a master brand story video, then cut short versions for social, partner decks, recruiting, and sales. That expands reach and ROI without diluting your message.

Tips for Creating an Effective Brand Story Video

1. Know Your Message and Values

Before you hit record, get crystal clear on what your brand stands for. This is the foundation for everything else- from visuals to voiceover. When your message is aligned from the start, it's much easier to tell a story that feels authentic and cohesive.

2. Focus on Emotion and Relatability

If it doesn't make people feel something, it's just noise. Emotional storytelling is what separates memorable brand story videos from forgettable ones. Research shows that customers with an emotional connection to a brand are twice as likely to spend more on that brand. Tap into shared experiences or challenges your audience understands, and you'll build a connection that sticks.

3. Use Real People and Real Stories

Whether it's your founder, a longtime customer, or a passionate employee, authenticity is key. People connect with people, not polished brand scripts. Real voices and real experiences create the kind of trust and credibility no staged performance can match.

4. Focus on Quality and Clarity

Short or long doesn’t matter. What matters is focus. Maintain professional production quality, clear pacing, and a message that stays true to your brand.

Pro Insight: Levitate Media helps businesses turn strategy into story. From concept to final cut, our video production services make it easy to create brand story videos that inspire, engage, and drive results.

Brand Storytelling Across Different Formats

Short-Form Social Media Videos: Think Reels, TikToks, and YouTube Shorts. These social media videos are quick-hit, personality-driven clips that tease your story or highlight a single moment.

Website Homepage Brand Videos: A website video is often a visitor's first impression. Make it count with a polished, welcoming piece that introduces your brand's purpose.

Campaign-Based Commercial Storytelling: These are your big moments- a launch, rebrand, or mission push. They're often cinematic, emotional, and part of a larger content strategy.

How Levitate Media Helps You Tell Your Brand Story

At Levitate Media, we specialize in crafting brand story videos that actually mean something. We're not just here to make things look good. We dive into your values, your message, and the emotion behind your brand to create content that resonates.

From concept to scripting, filming, editing, and final delivery, our team helps bring your story to life in a way that feels authentic, intentional, and beautifully produced. Whether you're launching a brand, highlighting your culture, or sharing your journey, we've got your back. Want a deeper look? Check out our brand story video production services to learn more.

Did You Know? Businesses that invest in storytelling see stronger engagement and higher trust with their audiences.

Tell Stories That Connect, Not Just Sell

At the end of the day, people remember stories, not slogans. Brand story videos give your audience a reason to care, and in a crowded marketplace, that's everything.

They build trust, stir emotion, and move people to action. When done well, a story doesn't just introduce your brand, it makes people feel like they're part of it.

So if you're looking to grow a brand people believe in, start by telling a story they'll never forget!

Ready to create a video that connects with your audience and drives results? Our team is ready to help you craft a video that inspires action.

Contact us today to start your next brand story video project.