When was the last time you didn't watch a video while scrolling, shopping, or researching something new? Exactly. Today's buyers expect more than a few product photos or a clever headline- they want to see the story behind your brand. That's why commercial videography has become one of the most effective tools for businesses looking to promote their products, build trust, and make an impression in a crowded market.
From ad campaigns to drone flyovers and customer testimonials, commercial video is a powerhouse tool that helps companies get noticed, sell more, and stay top-of-mind.
What is Commercial Videography?
At its core, commercial videography refers to any video created with the purpose of promoting a product, service, or brand. It's a broad category, but the focus is always the same: marketing your business in a clear, compelling, and visually polished way.
Unlike event videography (weddings, conferences) or documentary-style storytelling, commercial videography is strategy-driven and targeted. It's designed to reach your ideal customer and move them toward taking action- whether that's buying a product, signing up for a service, or simply remembering your brand.
Commercial Videography vs. Corporate Video: What's the Difference?
They may overlap stylistically, but their goals are different. Commercial = customer-focused. Corporate = company-focused. It's easy to confuse the two, but here's a quick way to tell them apart:
- Commercial videos are made for the public to promote, advertise, or sell. Think: a 30-second product ad or a launch video on your homepage.
- Corporate videos are often internal-facing or informational. Think: training videos, internal communications, or investor updates.
What Counts as A Commercial Video?
Think of commercial videography as the umbrella. Underneath, you've got all kinds of brand-building formats. Each serves a slightly different purpose, but they all work to promote your business, tell your story, and connect with your audience in a visual, memorable way. Basically, if the goal is to promote your business, these videos fit the bill.:
- Product videos
- Brand story videos
- Video testimonials
- Explainers
- Social media ads
- TV or digital commercials
- Trade show loop videos
- And yes, even high-flying drone footage
4 Types of Commercial Videography
Let's break down a few of the most common and impactful formats businesses are using today.
1. Product and Service Videos
Whether you're selling software or shampoo, video can help bring your product or service to life. These types of videos highlight features, demonstrate use cases, and show value in action. This makes them ideal for your website, product pages, and sales outreach.
72% of customers say they would rather learn about a product or service by video.
2. Testimonial and Case Study Videos
Want to build trust fast? Let your happy customers do the talking. A well-produced testimonial video adds authenticity to your marketing, and case study videos go even further by walking prospects through real-world results.
Explore how and why testimonials and case studies can strengthen your credibility.
3. Social Media and Ad Videos
These are short, attention-grabbing pieces tailored for platforms like Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, and LinkedIn. The goal? Stop the scroll, deliver your message fast, and spark curiosity.
Learn more about Levitate's social media video production options.
4. Commercial Drone Videography
Need to show scale, location, or a truly cinematic perspective? Drone videography adds a visual wow factor, especially for industries like real estate, travel, construction, and outdoor brands.*
*More on that below...
The Role of Drone Videography in Commercial Projects
Drone footage has moved from novelty to necessity, especially in real estate, tourism, and outdoor branding. Commercial drone videography works especially well in highlighting location, movement, and scope- whether it's a resort, a commercial complex, or a large-scale product in action. It offers sweeping views, adds visual drama, and makes your video look instantly cinematic.
That said, there are some important considerations:
- Legal requirements: Make sure your drone operator is licensed and insured.
- Planning is key: Weather, location permits, and FAA regulations can affect your shoot.
- Creative strategy: Use drones intentionally to support your message, not just for eye candy.
2 Big Reasons to Invest in Commercial Videography
You're not just paying for a video. You're investing in engagement, conversions, and long-term brand growth. A well-produced commercial video can stop the scroll, drive clicks, and stay in your audience's memory far longer than static content. Why?
1. Impact Buyer Decision-Making
Video influences purchase behavior in a big way. It's a great way to build understanding, reduce hesitation, and speed up the buyer journey. In fact, according to Wyzowl's 2024 survey, 87% of people say watching a video convinced them to buy a product or service.
2. Visual Storytelling Sells
People connect with stories, not specs. Commercial videography doesn't just show what you do- it shows why you matter. With the right visuals, script, and emotional impact, your brand becomes more than a logo. It becomes memorable. And according to research, memorable brands sell more.
How Much Does Commercial Videography Cost?
You can create a great video on most budgets- the trick is scaling the creative approach to your goals and being clear on what matters most. Pricing varies, but a few key factors include:
- Length and complexity of the video
- Crew size and shoot days
- Equipment (especially drone or specialty gear)
- Location and travel
- Post-production needs (animation, voiceover, revisions)
What Makes a Great Commercial Video?
Whether you're filming in a studio, on a beach, or from the sky, standout commercial videos all have some essential elements in common.
Key Ingredients:
- Clear, concise scripting
A strong script keeps your message focused and your audience engaged. It's not just about what you say, but how simply and clearly you say it. - High production value (lighting, sound, editing)
Quality matters. Clear, bright visuals, clean audio, and smooth editing give your brand a polished, professional look that builds trust from the first frame. - On-brand visuals and messaging
Every shot, color, song, and word should reflect your brand's personality. Consistency here helps reinforce who you are and what you stand for. - Strategic calls-to-action
A great video doesn't leave viewers wondering what to do next. Whether it's "Shop Now" or "Learn More," the right CTA moves your audience toward your goal. - A format tailored to your audience and goals
Different platforms and audiences call for different approaches. A 60-second YouTube pre-roll ad will look very different from a homepage explainer or a vertical Instagram reel- and that's exactly how it should be.
Tips for High-Impact Commercial Videography:
- Know your goal (brand awareness vs. sales)
Before the cameras roll, get clear on what you want the video to achieve. A video meant to drive conversions will look and feel different than one designed to build buzz or boost visibility. - Choose the right format for your platform
Different channels call for different styles. What works on LinkedIn might not translate on TikTok. Tailor your content to fit the format, aspect ratio, and user behavior of each platform. - Don't skip pre-production (scripting and planning are everything)
The most impressive videos start long before the shoot. A solid plan and tight script keep production smooth and help avoid costly do-overs later. - Keep it short, sharp, and visually engaging
Attention spans are short. Make every second count with strong visuals, a quick pace, and a message that gets to the point fast. - Work with a team that knows how to balance creativity with strategy
Great commercial videos aren't just pretty- they're purposeful. The right video production company will bring fresh ideas while keeping your business goals front and center.
How Levitate Media Can Help You Elevate Your Brand
At Levitate Media, we help businesses bring their vision to life through thoughtful, expertly crafted video. Whether you need a polished commercial videography service, compelling product videos, or fast-paced social media clips, our team handles every step of the process- from scripting and storyboarding to shooting and post-production.
We've worked with companies across tech, finance, healthcare, real estate, and more. Our mission is simple: to help you grow your business through the power of storytelling and strategic video marketing.
Conclusion- Harness the Power of Commercial Video
Are you launching a new product, running an ad campaign, or building your brand? Commercial videography is one of the most strategic and effective tools you can use. A well-crafted commercial video not only promotes your business, but it also tells a story that sticks. Whether it's through sweeping drone footage, real customer voices, or sleek product visuals, the result is a stronger connection with your audience and a measurable impact on your bottom line.
Ready to capture attention, build trust, and turn viewers into customers? Contact Levitate Media to start planning your next commercial video project.
