The Difference Between a Brand Video and a Promo Video (And Why It Matters)
You know your business needs video. But when it comes to deciding what kind — “promo” or “brand” — it gets confusing fast. Some creators use the terms interchangeably. Others price them wildly differently.
So… what’s the actual difference between a brand video and a promo video?
Let’s break it down clearly — so you can make the right decision for your business and your goals.
🎬 What Is a Promo Video?
Promo videos are short, punchy clips designed to sell something specific. Think:
An upcoming event
A new product or offer
A seasonal discount
A quick intro to one of your services
They’re usually fast-paced, attention-grabbing, and short-lived — created to push a single message at a specific time.
✅ Good for:
Ads
Social media campaigns
Email marketing
Limited-time launches
⚠️ But:
Promo videos often lack depth. They’re effective in short bursts, but once the promotion ends, the content is often no longer relevant.
🎥 What Is a Brand Video?
A brand video is your business story told through visuals, voice and emotion. It’s not trying to sell a product — it’s selling you.
It focuses on:
Why you do what you do
Who you help
What makes your approach different
How you work (and why people trust you)
This is the video you pin to the top of your website or LinkedIn profile. It’s the one people remember long after the sale is made.
✅ Good for:
Homepage hero section
Introducing yourself to cold leads
Pitch decks and proposals
Raising brand awareness
Positioning yourself as premium, personal or purpose-led
⚠️ Just be aware:
Brand videos don’t usually show pricing or promote a limited-time deal. They’re about connection, not conversion — and that’s what makes them powerful.
🤔 So, Which One Do You Need?
Goal:
Best ChoiceBuild long-term trust ✅ Brand video
Sell a new product or event✅ Promo video
Stand out in your market✅ Brand video
Increase short-term sales✅ Promo video
Introduce your business professionally✅ Brand video
Grab attention on social✅ Promo or teaser cutdown
🛠️ Can You Have Both?
Absolutely. In fact, my Hero Brand Video package (from £799) includes:
A cinematic brand story film (2–3 mins)
1–2 teaser cut-downs for social media (which can double as promos)
A small bank of B-roll for future use
That means you get the trust-building depth and short-form content that sells. You don’t have to choose.
📍What Lincoln Businesses Often Get Wrong
If you're a small business in Lincoln or the East Midlands, you might think a promo video is all you need. Something quick and affordable.
But here’s the truth: without a strong brand identity, promo videos fall flat. People won’t care about what you’re selling until they trust who’s behind it.
That’s where a hero brand video changes the game — it gives context to every other bit of content you share.
In Summary
Brand VideoPromo VideoLong-term, evergreenShort-term, campaign-basedTells your storySells your offerBuilds trustDrives urgencyLives on your site & socialsUsed in ads, emails, launchesGreat for first impressionsGreat for calls-to-action
If you want to stop blending in and start building deeper client relationships — start with a brand video. Then build your promos on top of it.
Want Help Creating the Right Video Strategy?
At Capture the Curious, I help small businesses craft brand videos that feel real, look cinematic, and actually drive results. Based in Lincoln, I work locally and remotely with service-based brands, creative venues and purpose-led businesses across the UK.