How to Make Snapchat Ad Videos That Drive Engagement

If your business targets Gen Z and millennials, making Snapchat ad videos should be a key part of your marketing strategy. With over 400 million daily active users worldwide, notably, 38.5% of Snapchat users fall within the 18-24 age range. This demographic is known for spending significant time on their phones and actively consuming video content.

But to make a good Snapchat ad, you'll need to know how to execute it well. Below, we'll show you how to create Snapchat ad videos that actually drive engagement. We'll cover the basics of Snapchat ad requirements, walk you through the steps of making a winning video ad, and share some inspiring examples to get your creative juices flowing.

Part 1. Snapchat Ad Videos Guide and Requirements

Making video ads is one of the best ways to make money on Snapchat. But before you start, there are some important guidelines and requirements you'll need to know and follow to ensure your ads are compliant with Snapchat's standards.

Snapchat Ad Formats

First, let's get into the basics. There are actually different ways to make advertising on Snapchat:

• Snap Ads: These are full-screen, vertical video ads that appear in between user content. Snap Ads can include a swipe-up action that leads viewers to a website, app, or video.
• Story Ads: Found in the Discover section, Story Ads appear as a branded tile and open into a series of full-screen videos or images. They're perfect for telling a longer story or showcasing multiple products.
• Collection Ads: These ads feature a main video or image with a series of tappable product tiles beneath it. Collection Ads are ideal for e-commerce. Users can quickly browse and shop for your products without leaving Snapchat.
• Sponsored Lenses and Filters: These interactive ads let users apply branded filters or augmented reality (AR) effects to their Snaps. They're a fun way to boost engagement and brand awareness, especially for product launches or special events.

For this article, we will focus more on how to create Snap video ads, which are the most common type of ad on Snapchat. However, you can also apply these tips to Story Ads, as they share many of the same features and best practices.

Snapchat Ad Video Specs and Requirements

Part 2. How to Make Effective Snapchat Ad Videos

Next, let's walk you through the process of making Snapchat video ads. There are several key strategies to keep in mind if you want your ads to be effective:

• Focus on strong visuals and compelling storytelling. Use bold colors, eye-catching graphics, and quick cuts to create video ads that grab attention from the start.
• Your audience values authenticity. Avoid overly polished, corporate-looking ads and opt for a more casual, relatable tone that feels like native Snapchat content.
• Make sure your branding feels natural and integrated into the ad. Find subtle ways to weave in your brand identity, like using your brand's colors, style, or a recognizable product in action.

Since Snapchat's built-in tools might not be enough for creating polished ads, you'll need video editing software that can help you execute your vision quickly and efficiently. Look for tools that support quick edits, effects, and vertical video formats.

One of the best options out there is Wondershare Filmora. Filmora's rich video editing suite is designed to simplify video editing tasks. What might usually take hours can be completed in minutes.

Some of Filmora's features that can help you create Snapchat ad videos are:

• 5000+ Customizable Templates: Get access to thousands of pre-made templates designed for various styles and themes.
• Auto Reframe: Got a video in a horizontal format you want to use for a Snapchat ad video? The Auto Reframe feature automatically adjusts the aspect ratio and ensures your key content stays visible.
• Integrated Stock Library: Use a wide range of royalty-free media assets within the software to enrich your content.

Not to mention that Filmora also has various video effects, transitions, and filters that you can use to create attractive Snapchat video ads that capture attention instantly.

How to Create Snapchat Ad Videos

Step 1Download Filmora and Start a New Project

Begin by installing Filmora on your computer if you haven't already. Once the installation is complete, launch the software and select ""New Project"" to get started.

Step 2Navigate to the Template Tab

For quick Snapchat video ad creation, you can use the video templates available in Filmora. You can narrow down your options by searching keywords like "sale," "marketing," or a specific theme related to your campaign. Find the one with a Portrait format. Once you've found a suitable template, download and add it to the timeline.

Step 3Edit the Ads Video Template

Filmora's templates are packed with pre-designed elements like video clips, images, music, text, transitions, and animations. However, you can swap out these assets with your own content. To replace them, select Click to Replace Material on the timeline.

A pop-up window will appear. Click "Import" to upload your own footage, then drag it into the designated clip area. You can adjust its position in the preview window to get the perfect fit.

Need more images or video clips to complement your video ad? Open the ""Stock Media"" tab and browse the Library for royalty-free content.

To modify text, go to the "Text" section and click on the text field you wish to change. Edit it to reflect your brand's messaging. Once all customizations are complete, click "Save."

Step 4Make More Adjustments in the Editing Workspace

Now that you've replaced the materials from the template, you can further adjust it by clicking "Expand Template." This option will direct you back to the editing workspace and let you modify each element within the template.

These include transitions, animations, and effects. You can also adjust the duration of clips, swap out music, and fine-tune any visual elements to fit your brand's style. You can check the Filmora user guide for detailed guidance on each feature.

Part 3. Snapchat Ad Examples for Inspirations

With features like Stories, Spotlight, and Discover, Snapchat is the perfect playground for brands to share creative video ads. But if you feel like you're hitting a creative block, that's okay. Even the most seasoned marketers need a little inspiration sometimes.

Take a look at some successful Snapchat ad examples below to get inspired:

1. Domino's

Who doesn't love a good laugh? Domino's "New Bigger Better" ad was an example of a Snapchat ad that harnesses that harness the power of humor. Domino's ran this creative campaign in Europe to promote their "New Bigger Better" pizzas. The ads humorously showed oversized pizzas that were tricky to handle, making viewers laugh. Plus, they added a Domino's filter for users to decorate their Snaps and share with friends.

Results: Using Snap Ads and non-skippable video commercials, Domino's reached over 800,000 Snapchat users in Norway.

2. Pit Viper

Sunglasses company Pit Viper's ads were a blast from the past with a modern twist. Their retro-themed, humorous ads on Snapchat were boldly different. This strategy not only entertained but also highlighted the brand's laid-back, fun-loving nature, making their sunglasses the hero of winter sports fashion.

Results: Achieved a $0.15 cost-per-swipe up and a return on ad spend (ROAS) of $30.07.

3. Tophatter

Tophatter turned the spotlight on their customers with user-generated content style ads that felt personal and genuine. These ads effectively conveyed the joys and benefits of using their shopping app, making the viewer feel like they're getting recommendations from a friend. This Snapchat ad example is incredibly effective for apps looking to boost installs and engagement.

Results: Drove +125% ROAS, exceeding the goal by +32%.

4. Shipt

Shipt's use of animations to explain its grocery delivery service was both informative and delightful. During a time when people were looking for safe shopping alternatives, Shipt's ads offered a timely solution that was easy to understand and visually appealing.

Results: Achieved a +9pt lift in brand awareness and a cost per view of $0.21.

5. Subway

Subway's Snapchat ad hit all the right notes to grab attention and spark excitement. It started strong with a close-up zoom on their new sandwich menu, showcasing all the mouthwatering details. Then, they amped up the fun with a playful reaction emoji followed by a bold, catchy copy: "It's an out-of-sandwich experience."

Results: Boosted Subway's reach by 25.2%.

Conclusion

So, what kind of video ad content will you share on Snapchat? You're now well on your way to creating Snapchat video ads that capture attention and drive engagement. With the help of Filmora, you wouldn't have to worry about creating and editing your videos to be used for Snapchat ads.

Try to find some inspiration from the Snapchat ad examples above. Don't be afraid to experiment with different styles and strategies. Some of the most memorable ads come from trying something unexpected!