Brand story videos are one of the most effective ways for companies to connect on a human level. Most people don’t remember a list of features or a polished sales pitch. But a good story stays with them.
A powerful story makes people smile, feel understood, or want to be part of something bigger.
Storytelling turns a brand into something people care about. Instead of pushing products or promos, brand story videos go deeper. They show what your company stands for, why it exists, and how it makes a difference.
This post breaks down some standout storytelling video examples and why they work, so you can find inspiration for telling your own.
What Are Brand Story Videos?
Brand story videos are short, meaningful pieces that share the story behind your company. They aren’t product demos or flashy sales reels. Think of them as your business biography, brought to life through visuals and authentic storytelling.
These videos introduce the people, purpose, and passion that define your brand. They highlight your journey, your core values, and the mission that drives your work. More than a recap, they help your audience see what makes your company different and why it matters.
For many businesses, brand story videos play a key role in a broader corporate video production strategy. They appear on websites, in investor presentations, and across social channels to build trust and strengthen brand identity.
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 Storytelling vs. Traditional Advertising
Traditional ads focus on products. They tell people what to buy. Brand storytelling video focuses on purpose. It shows people who you are and why your company exists.
That difference is powerful. Storytelling builds relationships instead of one-time transactions. It transforms your brand from a logo into something people can connect with and trust.
Research states that 91% of businesses now use video as a marketing tool, and most marketers say storytelling-focused videos are the most effective for building long-term brand awareness. Businesses use these videos to strengthen customer relationships, attract new talent, and communicate their mission to investors and partners.
Brand story videos work because they balance logic and emotion. They help audiences feel something real while reinforcing your message. Instead of saying, “Buy this,” they say, “Here’s what we believe in.” That connection builds loyalty that lasts.
Benefits of Visual Storytelling in Video Marketing
People remember stories more than facts. It’s how we learn, connect, and make decisions. That’s why visual storytelling is one of the most powerful tools in marketing video.
When a story is told through visuals, sound, and emotion, it activates more of the brain than text alone. 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.
For businesses, that means your message lasts longer and feels more personal. A well-crafted video can build trust, boost brand awareness, and spark engagement across different platforms. It helps people understand your brand values and connect with your brand in a way that feels authentic and human.
At Levitate Media, we see this every day. Our corporate storytelling videos help companies explain complex ideas, highlight their mission, and turn information into emotion.
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. Patagonia – “What’s Next?” (2023)
Patagonia has always led with purpose, and its 50th-anniversary film proves that mission-driven storytelling can be timeless. Instead of looking back at past success, the brand looks ahead, urging collective action for the planet. “What’s Next?” isn’t a celebration, it’s a challenge to do more.
- Style: Sweeping outdoor visuals blend with heartfelt moments from athletes, advocates, and community leaders. The tone feels grounded and authentic, using real voices to remind viewers that the brand’s mission extends beyond clothing.
- Why It Works: Patagonia deepens loyalty by focusing on shared values, not products. It shows how a brand story can evolve while staying true to its roots.
- Use It For: Mission films, company milestones, or culture videos that reinforce sustainability and purpose.
2. Diverse: "Who We Are"
- 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. A thoughtful voiceover explains 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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 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.
9. 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.
10. 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.
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
Define what your brand stands for before production begins. Clear goals and a strong message guide every creative choice. Levitate Media helps brands refine this through strategy sessions that align story, audience, and purpose.
2. Lead with Emotion
Make people feel something. The most effective brand story videos inspire curiosity, trust, or pride. Emotion creates connection, and connection builds loyalty.
3. Keep It Real
Show real people and real experiences. Founders, employees, and customers make stories relatable and human. Authenticity builds trust faster than polish ever will.
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
Short, attention-grabbing videos thrive on platforms like LinkedIn, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts. These quick clips capture a single story or emotion in seconds and keep your brand top of mind. They’re ideal for showing company culture, values, and purpose in a fast, relatable way.
Website Homepage Brand Videos
Your homepage video is often the first impression visitors have of your brand. It should immediately communicate who you are, what you do, and why it matters.
Including a video on your homepage can increase conversion rates by up to 80%, proving just how powerful visual storytelling is in driving trust and action.
Strong visuals, concise narration, and a clear tone help make your brand message memorable and authentic.
Campaign-Based Commercial Storytelling
Campaign storytelling brings your biggest brand moments to life, product launches, rebrands, or milestone campaigns that shape how people see your business. These videos mix cinematic visuals, emotional storytelling, and strong narrative arcs to boost awareness and impact.
Recent data from Sprout Social’s 2025 Video Performance Report shows that brands using campaign-based video storytelling see 34% higher audience engagement compared to static content, highlighting how strategy-driven storytelling delivers measurable results.
A strong campaign video not only inspires audiences but also builds long-term brand recall and trust.
How Levitate Media Helps You Tell Your Brand Story
At Levitate Media, we create brand story video that connect with purpose. Our team goes beyond visuals to uncover your message, audience, and values, then turns them into stories that inspire action.
From concept to scripting, filming, and post-production, we handle every stage of video production. Each project is tailored to your goals and brand identity, ensuring your story feels authentic and professionally produced.
Did You Know? Businesses that invest in storytelling see stronger engagement and higher trust with their audiences.
Explore our Brand Story Video Production Services or learn how our Corporate Video Production helps brands communicate with purpose.
Tell Stories That Connect, Not Just Sell
At the end of the day, people remember stories, not slogans. A successful brand story video give your audience a reason to care. In a crowded marketplace, that connection can be the difference between being noticed and being forgotten.
Great storytelling builds trust, sparks emotion, and inspires people to take action. When your video captures what makes your brand unique, it becomes more than marketing, it becomes part of your identity.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do brand story videos help build trust?
They show the people and purpose behind your company, helping audiences connect on a personal level. A clear, authentic story builds credibility and lasting relationships.
Why are brand story videos important for businesses?
They build brand awareness, strengthen emotional connection, and make your company more memorable. Storytelling videos helps audiences understand what you stand for and why your work matters.
What’s the ideal length for a brand story video?
Most brand story videos perform best between one and three minutes. The right length depends on your platform and goals. Our Corporate Video Production Services page explains how we tailor video strategy for impact and engagement.
What’s included in a professional video production process?
A full production covers concept development, scripting, filming, animation, editing, and final delivery. Each stage is designed to bring your story to life with quality and clarity.
How can I make my brand story video stand out?
Feature real people and genuine stories. Focus on emotion, visuals, and a clear brand message that reflects your values. Authentic storytelling always leaves a stronger impression.
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.
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