How to Make an Ad Video That Sells: The Complete Method

Before you make your ad video: 4 questions to settle

Most ads fail before the first frame: they try to say everything, to everyone. Take 10 minutes and answer these four questions in writing.

1. Who exactly? Not "everyone," but "busy moms in Lagos who order online" or "New York students grabbing lunch on the go."
2. What problem or desire? Saving time, paying less, looking sharp for Christmas, finding an apartment without the hassle.
3. What single offer? Just one: the sale, the new product, free delivery. Not all three.
4. What action do you want? Order on WhatsApp, call, book, download the app, visit the store.

The 5-step structure of a video ad that converts

High-performing video ads almost all share the same backbone. For a 20 to 30-second ad, here's how to split the time.

For a very short ad (6 to 10 seconds), you can merge steps: hook + offer + action. For a longer video on YouTube or your website, expand the solution and the proof.

The hook: the 3 seconds that decide everything

On TikTok, Reels or in a WhatsApp status, your ad competes with everything else in the feed. If the first seconds don't grab attention, nobody will see your offer. A few proven formulas:

• The pointed question: "Still paying for delivery in Lagos?"
• The shock number: "40% off the entire collection, this weekend only."
• The direct promise: "An apartment in Lekki with no agency fees."
• The before/after: a split screen showing the problem and the result.
• Calling out your audience: "Nairobi shop owners, this video is for you."

Visually, the hook needs to move from the very first frame: punchy kinetic typography, a counter racing up, a product popping in with a sound effect. No static logo for 3 seconds at the start. We've collected dozens of formulas in our article on video hooks.

3 ad video scripts ready to adapt

Here are three complete scripts for three common situations. Keep the structure, swap the details.

In-store sale (fashion, Lagos, 9:16, 20 s)

Screen 1: "30% off embroidered kaftans" (punchy text). Voice: "Christmas is coming and you still don't have your outfit?" Screen 2: 3 photos from the collection with prices in naira. Voice: "Our hand-embroidered kaftans are 30% off, until Sunday." Screen 3: "Delivery anywhere in Lagos within 24 hours". Screen 4: "Order on WhatsApp" + number + logo. Voice: "Message us on WhatsApp and we'll deliver tomorrow."

App launch (fintech, Nairobi, 9:16 and 16:9, 30 s)

Hook: "Send money to your family in 3 taps." Problem: "No more lines, no more hidden fees." Solution: 3 app screenshots in a phone frame, zoom in on the Send button. Proof: "Secure payments, works with M-Pesa." Action: "Download the app for free."

Local service (plumber, Toronto, 1:1, 15 s)

Hook: "Water leak on a Sunday?" Solution: "On-site in under an hour, 7 days a week." Proof: animated list "Free quote, licensed plumber, price confirmed before work starts." Action: phone number in big type + "Call now".

The visual and audio elements that sell

A good ad combines image, text and sound. Each layer has a specific job.

• Your real product: your actual photos or screenshots build more trust than a generic illustration.
• The price or offer in big type: in dollars, naira, shillings or as a percentage. Don't make people hunt for it.
• Subtitles or on-screen text: a large share of videos are watched without sound, especially on Facebook and on public transit.
• A voice-over that speaks like your audience: warm for a neighborhood business, upbeat for a sale, calm for real estate.
• Music that fits the energy you want, plus sound effects timed to each element for extra punch.
• Your brand identity: logo, colors, font, so people recognize your brand even while scrolling fast.

Motion graphics are especially well suited to advertising: they make a price, a list of benefits or a number easy to read, with no filming. If you're new to the topic, start with our motion design guide.

Choosing the right format and length

The same ad often needs to exist in several formats. Vertical dominates mobile, but square and landscape are still useful.

For all up-to-date sizes and resolutions, check our guide to social media video formats.

Make your ad video in one minute with ManyMotion

With ManyMotion, you describe your ad in English in the chat. The ManyMotion AI creates a complete animated video: animated text, counters, lists, logo reveal, call to action, with a natural English voice-over, original music composed for your video and synced sound effects. You upload your logo and product photos, then fine-tune by chatting.

1. Write your request with your audience, offer, tone and the action you want.
2. Upload your logo and 2 or 3 product photos (or screenshots of your app).
3. Watch the preview in your browser in about a minute.
4. Tweak it: "make the hook punchier," "more enthusiastic voice," "make the price bigger."
5. Create 9:16, 1:1 and 16:9 versions, then export as Full HD MP4.

Example request:

Make a 20-second vertical ad for my grill restaurant in Accra. Hook: "The best grilled chicken in Accra?" Show 3 dishes with their prices in cedis, warm and mouthwatering tone, and end with "Evening delivery, order on WhatsApp."

Plans start at $12/month with no watermark, paid by card. See the details on the pricing page, or browse all the examples on the ad video page.

Checklist: is your ad video ready?

• One offer, one audience, one action.
• The hook moves and speaks from the very first second.
• The price or main benefit is easy to read in big type.
• The video makes sense without sound.
• Your real product appears (photo, screenshot).
• Proof builds trust: guarantee, turnaround time, years in business, real reviews if you have them.
• The call to action stays on screen for at least 2 to 3 seconds.
• The format matches the platform you're posting on.
• You've prepared 2 hook variations to test which one works best.

Frequently asked questions