How to Make a Commercial Video in 2025

A commercial video is basically a short film that helps promote a brand, service, or product. These videos are everywhere, be it on Instagram, YouTube, or TV. In fact, you can even find these videos while scrolling TikTok. That's because these videos are meant to grab attention, elevate your brand, and convince people to purchase your products.

It wouldn't be wrong to say that commercial videos help with brand promotion and convert more customers. However, not everyone knows the right way to make a commercial video. For this reason, we are sharing how to make a commercial video while sending out the right message to the right people.

Part 1: How to Make a Commercial Video

Creating a high-quality commercial video is not as hard as it may seem, but it does require planning and attention to detail. Here are the essential steps you need to follow:

Step 1: Define Your Goals and Audience

Before you even pick up a camera, you need to answer two questions:

What do I want this video to do?

• Do you want more sales?
• Do you want people to know about your brand?
• Are you promoting an event or a special offer?

Who am I trying to reach?

• What is the age group?
• What are their interests?
• What are their spending habits?

If your audience is teenagers, your commercial video might need to be fast-paced, fun, and short. If your audience is professionals, the video may need to be more polished and informative. Knowing your goals and your audience makes every other step much easier.

Step 2: Write a Script and Storyboard

Once you know your goal and audience, the next step is writing a script.

• Keep the script short and powerful. Commercials are usually between 30 seconds and 2 minutes long.
• Focus on the core message, the one thing you want people to remember.
• Use simple, clear words that anyone can understand.

After the script, make a storyboard. This is a series of drawings or sketches that show each scene of the video. It doesn't have to be artistic; it just helps you imagine how the video will look before you shoot it. With a storyboard, you can plan camera angles, backgrounds, and where text or logos will appear.

Step 3: Prepare Your Equipment and Team

1. Camera

When creating a commercial video, high-quality video is essential. Poor framing or blurred shots can instantly make your videos look unprofessional. For this reason, you should choose the right camera, and OBSBOT Tail 2 Live Production Camera is a solid choice. It combines advanced imaging technology with smart design to capture polished, professional-looking footage from the start, ensuring your commercial stands out without requiring a large production team.

Key Features of OBSBOT Tail 2:

• 4K@60fps Recording: Commercials need crisp, detailed visuals to grab attention. The Tail 2's 4K sensor keeps products and people sharp, even after editing and effects.
• 5x Optical Zoom (12x Hybrid Zoom): Commercials often need wide shots for settings and close-ups for product details. The flexible zoom makes capturing both easy without swapping lenses.
• 90° Rotation: Commercials are shared on YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok, so both horizontal and vertical footage are needed. Tail 2 switches formats instantly and keeps horizons straight, reducing post-production fixes.
• AI Tracking 2.0: Whether filming models, a demo, or multiple people, AI tracking keeps subjects framed automatically. Means fewer reshoots and smoother takes for commercials with a small crew.
• Pro Connectivity: With HDMI, SDI, USB-C, and Ethernet, Tail 2 links directly to professional systems for live streaming or quick editing, making commercial footage easy to deliver for ads and events.

2. Lighting

Good lighting sets the mood. LED panels or softboxes help create balanced, natural-looking shots that highlight your subject.

3. Monitor

An external monitor ensures you can check focus, framing, and exposure more accurately than with a camera's small built-in screen.

4. Other Essentials

Tripods for stability, microphones for clear audio, and extra batteries, memory cards, or storage drives to keep production running smoothly.

5. Team Roles

• Director: Makes creative decisions and oversees the shoot.
• Cinematographer: Operates the camera.
• Actors/Presenters: Appear in the video.
• Post-Production Editor: Puts everything together in editing.

If you're just starting, one person might take on many of these roles, but knowing them helps you stay organized.

Step 4: Shoot the Video

Now comes the exciting part, filming!

• Set up the scene: Make sure the background is clean and uncluttered. If using a green screen, ensure it is evenly lit.
• Lighting matters: Position lights in front of the subject (not behind) to avoid shadows. A three-point lighting system, key light, fill light, and backlight, works best.
• Angles and shots: Use a mix of wide shots, medium shots, and close-ups to keep things interesting.
• Sound check: Record in a quiet place. Use headphones to check for background noise.
• Do multiple takes: It's better to have extra footage than not enough.

Step 5: Edit and Add Branding Elements

Editing is where your raw footage turns into a polished commercial video.

• Choose editing software: Beginner options include iMovie and Filmora. Professional options include Adobe Premiere Pro and Final Cut Pro.
• Trim unnecessary clips: Keep the video short and engaging.
• Control the rhythm: Switch scenes at the right pace to keep viewers interested.
• Add branding elements:
  
  • Subtitles for accessibility.
  • Music that matches your brand's mood.
  • Your company logo, watermarks, and slogans.
  • Smooth transitions and effects, but don't overdo them.

This step is where your video really starts to look professional.

Step 6: Publish and Promote Your Commercial Video

Once your video is complete, it's time to share it with the world.

• Choose the right file format: MP4 is the most common and works on most platforms. MOV is also widely supported.
• Pick your distribution channels:
• • YouTube for a broad reach.
  • Instagram and TikTok for younger audiences.
  • Facebook for local communities and wider demographics.
  • Your website for visitors who already know your brand.
• Promote with ads: Paid ads help push your video to more people, especially your target audience.
• Track performance: Look at views, likes, shares, and comments to see how people respond.

Part 2: FAQs About Commercial Video

1. What is the difference between commercial and non-commercial video?

A commercial video is created to sell or promote something. A non-commercial video may be educational, personal, or artistic and doesn't try to make money directly.

2. Is a commercial a promotional video?

Yes, but with a slight difference. All commercials are promotional videos, but not all promotional videos are commercials. For example, a tutorial that promotes a product is promotional, but not always a commercial.

3. What is the most popular commercial?

Famous commercials include Apple's "1984" ad and Coca-Cola's holiday ads. Today, viral commercials often spread online, like Super Bowl ads or funny TikTok campaigns.

4. What is the meaning of commercials?

Commercials are short videos designed to advertise products or services. Their main purpose is to inform, persuade, and remind viewers about a brand.

Conclusion

Making a commercial video may seem complicated at first, but with the right steps, anyone can do it. Define your goals and audience, write a clear script and storyboard so your video has a strong foundation. Prepare your equipment, such as the OBSBOT Tail 2 recording camera, lights, and microphone. A well-made commercial video is more than just a piece of advertising; it's a powerful way to connect with people, share your story, and encourage action. Whether it's your first video or an effort to improve your skills, remember that practice makes perfect. So, grab your camera, plan your story, and start creating today!