Tell Your Story Through OTT Video Advertising: 6 Tips for a Successful Production

Tip #5 Is Why You Should Consider Hiring a Video Advertising Agency to Helm Your Project

Crafting the right message. Assembling the perfect script. Telling the story the right way to connect with your audience.

To create video ads, there’s a lot to consider. And if you’re unfamiliar with the process, it may feel like a mountain you can’t climb. So why do advertising agencies push video as part of an overall marketing and advertising strategy?

Because over-the-top (OTT) video advertising is sometimes the best way to tell your story, often surpassing what you can accomplish with text and static images alone. Video is the most engaging format with the broadest appeal. More importantly, it injects credibility into your brand and builds the sense of trust customers need to guide them toward making a purchase.

Unlike standard cable TV commercials, OTT video advertising — featured on streaming services like Hulu and Netflix — can be targeted to specific audiences based on demographics, interests, and viewing behavior, making them far more likely to connect with customers.

So, how do you claim the rewards of video display advertising while managing the risks?

Let’s explore the top tips that help foster a successful video production, and how a video advertising agency can help move a concept into a reality that drives results.

Tip #1: Advertising Agencies Invest in Professional Equipment, and So Should You

First impressions matter, and your video’s quality is one of the first things people will notice. Grainy footage, poor lighting, and crackling audio undermines messaging. Professional-grade cameras, lighting equipment, sound recording gear, and editing software gets you the best results.

Even with a small budget, partnering with a production team or video advertising agency that uses the right tools ensures your final product looks sharp, feels polished, and creates a positive perception of your brand. High-quality visuals and crystal-clear audio help build credibility, allowing your audience to focus on the story you’re telling.

Tip #2: Thoroughly Map Out Your Script and Shot List During Pre-Production

Rushing into filming without a clear plan is one of the quickest ways to waste time and money. Improvising and problem-solving on set kills the clock and your video display advertising budget.

Before cameras start rolling, every great video needs a finalized script and a detailed shot list. The script should clearly define your message, the tone of the video, and the emotional beats you want to hit. The shot list outlines every scene and camera angle you need to visually tell your story.

Strong pre-production planning not only keeps your shoot day organized, but it also allows you to identify potential challenges early, saving you headaches during filming and editing.

Tip #3: Invest in Professional Actors

While it may seem tempting to cast employees or friends in your video to save money, professional actors are comfortable in front of the camera and have on-set experience. The performative talent actors possess elevates your story, making it more relatable and emotionally engaging for your audience. When it comes to connecting with customers, the faces on screen matter just as much as the message itself.

Tip #4: Establish a Streamlined Post-Production Process

Post-production is where your story truly comes together. Editing, color correction, sound design, and motion graphics can all enhance your video. But without a clear, organized process, this phase can drag on and hurt your launch timeline.

Before you start filming, establish a post-production workflow. This includes identifying who is responsible for each step (editing, revisions, approvals), setting deadlines, and ensuring file organization is efficient and accessible.

With a streamlined post-production process, your final video meets your creative standards and your project stays on schedule and budget.

Tip #5: Video Placement and Data Tracking Are Just as Important as the Video Itself

Creating a compelling video is only half the battle; you also need a plan for getting it in front of the right audience. Where and how you distribute your video affects the campaign’s success.

Whether you’re placing your ad on YouTube TV, network apps, or connected TV networks, your message should match the medium and your audience. After your video is live, tracking performance metrics like impression volume will help you understand how your video is performing.

A strong distribution and data tracking strategy turns your video into a true business asset, providing measurable ROI instead of just brand awareness.

Tip #6: Work with an Experienced Video Advertising Agency

There’s a lot that goes into producing an effective video ad, including storyboarding, scripting, filming, editing, placement, and tracking. Working with a video advertising agency can streamline the entire process, saving you time, resources, and unnecessary stress.

An experienced agency brings creative expertise, technical skills, and strategic insight to the table. They’ll help you craft a story that resonates with your target audience, produce it with the highest quality standards, and distribute it to drive real business results.

Choosing an agency partner means you can focus on running your business while professionals handle your video project.

Team Up with a Video Advertising Agency to Tell Your Story

Whether you’re building brand awareness, launching a new product, or reaching a new audience, OTT video advertising can help you connect with customers and achieve your business goals.

By investing in professional production, careful planning, experienced talent, and smart distribution strategies, you’ll maximize your chances for a video that drives meaningful results.

Start the conversation with iFOCUS to learn more about how we can help you produce your next successful video ad.