Promotional video vs traditional advertising: which works better today?
For decades, businesses relied on television commercials, radio spots, and print ads to get their message across. These traditional advertising methods worked when audiences had fewer options and longer attention spans. But in 2025, consumer behavior has changed dramatically. People scroll, swipe, and search, expecting quick, engaging, and relevant content. This shift has put promotional video production in direct competition with traditional advertising.
So, which approach delivers better results today? Let’s break down the strengths, weaknesses, and return on investment of each.
The strengths of traditional advertising
Despite the rise of digital, traditional advertising still has some advantages:
Mass reach: Television and radio campaigns can quickly reach large audiences.
Brand authority: A presence in print or TV can enhance credibility in certain markets.
Local impact: Billboards, radio, and regional newspapers can be effective for location-based businesses.
Familiarity: Older demographics may trust traditional formats more than digital ones.
However, these methods often come with high costs and limited ability to track conversions.
The rise of promotional video production
Promotional videos thrive in a digital-first world. They are:
Measurable: Every view, click, and conversion can be tracked in real time.
Flexible: The same video can be used across ads, websites, and social media.
Targeted: Businesses can tailor videos to specific demographics and interests.
Cost-efficient: Production can be scaled to suit budgets without compromising professionalism.
Unlike traditional ads, promotional videos can be adapted quickly and distributed across multiple channels at little extra cost.
Cost comparison
When comparing costs, promotional video production often wins:
Television advertising: A 30-second commercial can cost tens of thousands of dollars to produce and broadcast.
Print advertising: High-profile placements are expensive and often hard to measure.
Promotional video: A professional video can be produced for far less and repurposed across multiple campaigns.
Digital distribution: Paid ads on platforms like YouTube, Facebook, or Instagram are more cost-effective and precise than broadcast media.
For small to medium-sized businesses, promotional video offers a better return on investment.
Audience engagement
Audience behaviour has shifted toward digital platforms:
Younger demographics spend more time streaming and scrolling than watching TV or reading print.
Short-form video is now the dominant content type on social media.
Viewers prefer video over static images for product research and decision-making.
This means promotional videos align better with how people actually consume content in 2025.
The hybrid approach
While promotional video often outperforms traditional advertising, a hybrid strategy can sometimes be effective. For example:
A television ad builds brand awareness, while a promotional video campaign online drives conversions.
A print ad in an industry magazine enhances credibility, while an explainer video provides detailed education.
The strongest results often come from integrating both methods, with video leading the strategy.
Conclusion: The smarter investment for today
Traditional advertising still has a place, but in 2025, promotional video production is the smarter investment for most businesses. It is measurable, adaptable, cost-effective, and better suited to modern consumer behavior.
At Lift Video Production, we help businesses create promotional videos that outperform traditional ads by capturing attention, building trust, and driving measurable results.
👉 Learn more about our promotional video production services.