In 2025, we launched the Business Video Playbook, asking professionals across industries how they drive real business results with video. We explored emerging AI tools for workflow efficiency, compared leading video editing platforms, and published practical guides on secure video sharing, player customization, video in email, and more.

From that work, we’ve pulled ten practical ways businesses are using video heading into 2026, based on the articles our audience found most valuable.

Here are the ten most popular SproutVideo blog posts of 2025.

10 Ways to Use Video, Based On Your Favorite Articles of 2025

10. Create High-Converting Videos for Landing Pages

Videos on landing pages enhance conversion rates when they guide decisions and educate potential customers. In this way, video landing pages help strategically reinforce value, build trust, and prompt conversion. 

Based on expert insights, effective landing-page videos often:

• Trigger the CTA early (first 15 seconds) to drive an average 18% lift in conversions
• Hook viewers with product benefits and unique selling points to increase watch time
• Remove doubt with social proof, including client logos and customer testimonials

From full-screen background videos to customer testimonials, see high-performing video examples in action and explore more tips in the guide.

9. Write Your Brand Narrative with Video Marketing

When perception matters as much as the product, video can be a powerful way to shape a brand’s narrative.

Kalene Griffith, CEO of Visit Bentonville, and her team used online video to reframe Bentonville, Arkansas, from a small corporate town into a destination that fuels the local economy.

Through cinematic visuals and authentic local voices, Griffith’s experience demonstrates how people-first storytelling shifts perception and creates lasting impact.

Watch the Interview: How Destination Storytelling Drives Local Tourism Economies

8. Create A Seamless, Custom Video Experience

Want more control over how viewers experience your content? Video player customization goes far beyond appearance.

Custom Video Player Example

Rather than treating the player as a passive container, you can decide how viewers interact and direct their attention to additional resources or links during and after playback.

• Collect viewer contact information with a lead capture screen.
• Add quizzes or links to relevant resources through custom end screens.
• Remove specific playback controls, such as full-screen or scrubbing.

A customizable video player enables you to create a viewing experience that aligns with your business goals, whether that’s lead generation, learning outcomes, or brand consistency.

Read Now: 11 Ways To Boost Branding & Conversions

7. Increase Video Discoverability Across Search Engines

The landscape of video discoverability has shifted with the introduction of AI search. One practical way to adapt is by adding video schema: a form of metadata that helps search engines and AI systems understand what a video contains and when to surface the content. 

For example, when adding video to a landing page, you can include schema that’s invisible to visitors, such as the video title, thumbnail image source, and transcript. This schema markup enables search engines to more easily locate, reference, and surface the content across both traditional and AI-driven search results.

Learn How: Enhance Video Visibility with Structured Data

6. Share Videos Publicly & Keep Them Protected

Public video doesn’t have to mean unprotected video.

Many platforms recommend sharing videos via direct links for convenience, but this approach leaves content vulnerable to downloading and redistribution. Instead, we recommend using embed codes to keep videos publicly viewable on your website, while retaining control over how and where someone accesses your videos.

Embed codes also make it easier to customize the player (such as play button colors) and update videos without manually replacing them across pages.

Read Now: How to Embed Videos on Your Website Without Risking Downloads

5. Improve Click-Through with Video in Email

Adding video to email has the potential to significantly increase click-through rates. But embedding video files is one of the fastest ways to break the email experience across clients. Instead, you can include a video thumbnail with a play button to entice clicks.

When a reader presses play, a webpage opens with the embedded video. This workflow offers the best of both worlds, delivering the value of video while preserving email performance and the viewing experience.

Read the Guide: 3 Ways To Add Video to Email Campaigns

4. Build Profitable Connections with Authentic Videos

Businesses commonly use video (91% in 2025!) to build trust and nurture long-term relationships. With 30 years of experience in real estate, Joe Siciliano knows firsthand how human-centered video can transform cold prospects into repeat clients. His approach focuses on consistently showing up, communicating sincerely, and compounding trust over time.

Grab the Free Downloadable Episode Overview for Actionable Tips

The first interview in our Business Video Playbook series, this episode is packed with practical guidance you can apply immediately. With a focus on sustainable, relationship-driven strategies, Joe shares what makes authenticity effective and profitable.

Watch Now: How to Connect with Video from A 30-Year Real Estate Veteran

3. Expand Content Distribution with AI Video Tools

We’ve found that AI video tools (so far) are most effective when applied selectively within an existing workflow. Rather than relying on one-click prompt-to-video generators, you can apply AI across individual steps (such as graphics, music, and voiceover) to maintain quality while increasing speed.

This approach enabled us to convert blog content into an AI-generated video in under two hours. For higher-impact pieces that require additional time and polish, such as our gift guide video, this AI-enhanced video workflow takes one to two days, compared to about a week prior.

Learn How: 5 Steps from Blog to Video in Under 2 Hours

2. Choose the Best Video Software for Your Workflow

The right video software for your workflow should depend on how your team actually works.

For example, while both DaVinci Resolve and Adobe Premiere Pro are industry standards, they are designed for different production models. Premiere Pro supports traditional workflows, where various professionals often handle editing, color grading, and finishing. DaVinci Resolve, by contrast, is built around a more integrated approach, making it easier to move between every stage of post-production within a single tool.

Even with decades of experience in Premiere, our Creative Director, Nick LaClair, switched to Resolve last year while producing this series. Furthermore, his breakdown of the tradeoffs became our most-watched YouTube video of 2025.

Watch Now: Premiere Pro vs. DaVinci Resolve: Should You Switch?

1. Craft Engaging Videos for Modern Learners

When you design videos around how people actually learn, it can drive real, measurable outcomes.

For Ethan Anderson, Director of Product Management at NOLA Education’s Star Academy, success is measured by students who graduate. His research-backed approach to video learning helps learners advance quickly and confidently, resulting in a 92% video success rate.

Our most popular Business Video Playbook episode of the year, Anderson helps you understand your learners and design video experiences that support progress, rather than merely completion.

Watch Now: Video-Based Learning: A Playbook for Student Success

What Will Video Do for Your Business in 2026?

These ten articles reflect what resonated most with readers in 2025. Each highlights a practical way businesses are using video today, informed by how we build, test, and use video at SproutVideo. We’re excited to continue learning alongside you in 2026!

The post Top 10 SproutVideo Articles of 2025 appeared first on SproutVideo.

“The future of video is deeply human, even when powered by tech. Learners want authenticity. Teams want flexibility. And everyone wants content that feels made for them.”

— Max Shak, Founder/CEO, nerD AI

We asked experts in learning and development (L&D), corporate communications, and marketing what video trends they predict and how their strategies are evolving. Here’s a look at the top video trends for 2026, grounded in insights from industry leaders.

2026 Video Trends: Scaling Authentic, Personalized, and Interactive Content with AI

Cross-Industry Video Trends for 2026

1. AI-Assisted Video Workflows Gain a Role

We don’t expect AI video tools to replace video production workflows in 2026; however, AI tools are poised to become common additions in tech stacks. Businesses will increasingly turn to AI tools to enable small teams to make bigger contributions with greater workflow efficiency. 

“Most organizations aren’t replacing humans; they’re building workflows where AI drafts scripts, auto-generates multiple versions, and creates rapid voiceovers so teams can iterate instantly. It’s becoming the default for internal training videos, especially when policies or product knowledge change weekly.”

— Albert Richer, Founder & Editor, What Are The Best.com

For example, we recently experimented with AI tools for repurposing a blog post into a video. From the experiment, a five-step workflow emerged that allows us to produce a video in as little as two hours. We then expanded this process, incorporating in-person cutaways in our gift guide for filmmakers to add polish and a cozy vibe. 

2. Authentic, Casual Video Continues to Win Engagement

The theme of authentic video emerged repeatedly in our Business Video Playbook interviews in 2025. From real estate and tourism to product marketing and video-based learning, authenticity has become shorthand for content that feels true-to-life and requires minimal production value. 

“The biggest shift I’m seeing is away from the ‘corporate polish’ look. The content that actually builds trust now? A founder talking directly to the camera about a real challenge they faced, shot on their phone, with zero editing.”

— William DiAntonio, CEO, Brand911

Unpolished videos were hugely popular on social media in 2025, with viewers seeking genuine glimpses into a brand or person’s life over staged ads. This video trend is expected to expand in 2026 and become increasingly common in corporate environments. Learn why and how to ditch the script with Alex Hoff, CEO of CoverStory. 

Video Trends in L&D and Corporate Comms

3. AI Video Personalization & Avatars Build Momentum 

Businesses are using AI tools to generate personalized videos from core content. This cost-effective trend is gaining popularity in corporate training, communications, and even marketing. For example, a company can create multiple onboarding videos tailored to specific employees from a single video or script.

“We created thousands of sports highlights for different fan segments from one game. Corporate comms teams will do this in 2026: one CEO town hall becomes 50 department-specific versions with relevant examples spliced in. The tech finally works reliably.”

— Maria Consuelo Gonima, Founder, Big Smile Co.

AI Avatars are also expected to become more common, especially as executive stand-ins for corporate communications: “[Imagine] your VP of Sales records themselves once, then L&D teams generate dozens of personalized sales training videos using that avatar without ever booking their calendar again,” said Ariel Coro, Tech Expert & Keynote Speaker. 

4. Language Localization Becomes Table Stakes

Speaking of video personalization, AI video tools already enable companies to create multi-language voice overs, making it easier for global companies to localize content. But in 2026, more businesses are expected to generate videos in multiple languages from a single script, producing content that’s truly customized to each viewer. 

“When I demonstrated Sora (OpenAI’s text-to-video model) earlier this year, the immediate reaction was, ‘We can finally create Spanish-language training videos without flying crews or hiring translators.’ For L&D teams serving diverse workforces, this means you’ll be able to type scenario-based training prompts in English and generate localized video content in Spanish, Mandarin, or Portuguese within minutes. The cost savings are huge compared to traditional dubbing.”

— Ariel Coro, Tech Expert & Keynote Speaker

We recently interviewed Kevin Alster, Strategic Advisor at Synthesia, for his perspective on how AI is transforming L&D and corporate learning in 2026: “The real challenge is keeping every version of your content up to date as the product evolves. AI lets small teams scale creation, localization, and updates at the pace of product change.” Watch the full interview for more.

5. Branching Scenarios Move Into the Mainstream

Branching scenarios provide a choose-your-own-path learning approach with videos structured into short, highly specific snippets. Instead of a static video playlist, learners can watch videos in an order that will best support their learning or company role.

Branching Scenarios May Use Quizzes to Determine the Next Video

“We built a library of over 30 expert-taught seminars that faculty can drop into their curriculum based on specific gaps. For corporate training, this means building non-linear video modules employees can sequence based on role or project need, rather than forcing everyone through the same timeline.”

— Cheryl Cassaly, Chief Marketing Officer, Rehab Essentials

In 2026, branching scenarios for video training are expected to become increasingly common. One-pagers, quizzes, AI-generated feedback, and other interactive elements may be included alongside videos to encourage applied learning. 

Video Trend Predictions in Media & Marketing

6. Long-Form Video Makes a Comeback

Short-form video content delivered reliable ROI in 2025, and that isn’t expected to change in 2026. However, long-form videos and livestreams are gaining momentum on social media once again as AI fatigue grows and people crave content that’s unmistakably based in the real world. 

“People are tired of performance. They crave reality in the spaces they once used to escape it. This is why user-generated storytelling, behind-the-scenes transparency, and community-driven reviews dominate engagement metrics.”

— Armel Dussol, Founder & Creative Director, MDM Media

Aligned with the trend of authentic videos, long-form content typically uses fewer cuts, minimal graphics or b-roll, and soft background music, if any at all. “I see a shift towards ‘slow content.’ This is the opposite of the high-energy videos we see everywhere today,” shared JoAnne Loftus, President and Owner of Archival Designs. 

Long-form B2B Video Example

For businesses, one strategy is to use strategic short-form content that is repurposed from longer-form content, which is more likely to build trust and drive conversions. 

7. GEO Video Optimization Becomes the Competitive Edge 

Generative engine optimization (GEO) is the new evolution of SEO for AI-driven search engines. Traditional SEO still helps you rank in link-based search results, while GEO helps large language models (LLMs) understand and cite your brand within generated answers.

“Generative AI (GenAI) solutions are replacing user queries that previously may have been executed in traditional search engines. This will force companies to rethink their marketing channels strategy…Content should continue to demonstrate search quality-rater elements such as expertise, experience, authoritativeness, and trustworthiness.”

— Alan Antin, Vice President Analyst at Gartner

Since AI search engines retrieve and synthesize information, video content with strong metadata (especially when paired with accessible transcripts) becomes surfaceble in AI search. AI tools like ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Google AI Overviews can reference the content, cite your brand, or even directly share your video with the person searching. 

In 2026, well-structured content about your product offerings (ideally in both video and text), distributed across your channels, becomes valuable input for both GEO and SEO.

8. Decentralized Discovery Makes Video Even More Valuable 

Modern buyers rarely move through the sales funnel in a linear fashion. The days of someone searching Google, landing on a webpage, and then buying a product are largely behind us. Over the last few years, consumers have shifted toward gathering information across multiple channels. 

The average buyer might start with a quick Google search, refine their understanding in ChatGPT, look for user experiences on TikTok or YouTube, and check Reddit for opinions. By the time the buyer encounters your brand, they’ve done their homework. They want to understand why your specific solution is the right one. 

“The pattern I’m seeing for 2026 is that video is moving away from ‘content marketing’ and toward ‘decision acceleration’. People want to see the actual person they’ll be working with, hear how they think, and make a decision faster. When the right person explains the right thing in under two minutes, it eliminates weeks of back-and-forth.”

— Hooman Bahrani, Founder, Birch Stream Digital

In 2026, video increasingly serves as a decision-stage asset, helping buyers consolidate what they’ve learned across channels and move to purchase with confidence.

What Are Your 2026 Video Trend Predictions?

As AI-generated content floods every channel, a key question arises: Will video prioritize speed and scale, or will authenticity become the differentiator audiences seek out?

In 2026, businesses are moving from experimenting with AI to using it in practical, day-to-day ways that support how teams operate. However, as technology evolves, authenticity and personalization remain valuable because they deepen engagement and build loyalty.

AI won’t replace authenticity and personalization. But long-term success will depend on how deliberately teams balance these qualities with automation.

The post Top 2026 Video Trends and Predictions: What Business Leaders Are Prioritizing Now appeared first on SproutVideo.

Product marketing bridges the gap between product development and customer success. Savvy product marketing managers (PMMs) know how to build a video marketing buyer’s journey that turns customer needs into product adoption.

In Episode 9 of the Business Video Playbook, we spoke with Jeff Rezabek, a PMM with experience working for both resource-limited startups and enterprises with big expectations. He offers insights that companies of all sizes can use to strengthen their product storytelling with video marketing.

Rezabek shares how to connect with buyers using impactful videos, even with a small team. He explains his framework for using video in product marketing, including the use of AI tools when working solo.

In addition to working closely with customers to understand the buyer’s journey, Jeff covers a range of PMM topics, including how to:

• Integrate video into go-to-market strategies.
• Utilize video for sales enablement and training.
• Leverage AI for video production efficiency.
• Repurpose content for maximum ROI.
• Capture authentic customer stories.

Mapping the Buyer’s Journey: Videos for Every Stage of the Funnel  

In a new twist to our interview format, we introduced a “rapid-fire” segment as a framework for understanding how and when product marketing can build a video marketing buyer’s journey. Here’s a summary of the product marketing video use cases pulled from the interview:

Stage 1: Awareness (Top of Funnel):

At the initial stage of the marketing funnel, the goal is to attract attention and generate interest. A mix of video types plays a key role in building awareness for product marketing.

Video types:

• Video podcasts (like the Business Video Playbook!)
• Case study videos
• Testimonial videos
• Webinar snippets

Rezabek mentions webinars in the context of a launch but also suggests repurposing them for social media, which is often a top-of-funnel channel. These formats are crucial for building initial brand recognition and establishing thought leadership in a crowded market.

“The webinar is the meat of an asset because you can chop it up in many different ways and use it as a blog post, use small pieces and sound bites for social, and more.”

— Jeff Rezabek, Director of Product Marketing

Stage 2: Consideration (Middle of Funnel):

The goal of the consideration stage is to educate and nurture prospects who are evaluating their options. A brand needs to differentiate itself from the rest of the pack, and Rezabek explains how to do it with video.

Video types:

• Product videos
• Case study videos (note their versatility across stages)
• Webinar recordings (especially industry reports)

In the interview, Jeff highlights how product marketing uses video and customer insights to showcase product strengths, validate messaging, and effectively position the product against competitors, all of which are crucial for standing out during the consideration phase.

“There are competitive intelligence types of videos where you record using a competitor’s tool and share your product’s strengths and weaknesses against it. Additionally, you can also include a feature breakdown. I like to discuss three things that they’re good at, three things that we’re good at.”

— Jeff Rezabek, Director of Product Marketing

Customer Interviews Are Your Product Marketing Goldmine

Watch the Full Episode Now

Stage 3: Decision (Bottom of Funnel):

The goal with video content during the buyer decision stage is to overcome objections and drive the final purchase decision. It’s the ultimate stage in the video marketing buyer’s journey.

Video types:

• Detailed “how-to” videos (often based on technical documentation)
• Videos created by Customer Success Managers (CSMs) or technical writers

Jeff recommends including videos within your technical documentation or help sites.  

“I like when customer success managers create videos with their floating head on the bottom showing users how to do X, Y, Z. So if viewers know it’s a CSM, there’s a little bit more trust there.”

— Jeff Rezabek, Director of Product Marketing

Beyond the Video Marketing Buyer’s Journey: Key Insights from PMM, Jeff Rezabek

Watch the full interview for more insights from Jeff Rezabek on topics, including:

• AI for Video Production: Learn how Rezabek, a self-proclaimed video novice, leverages AI tools to create effective video content, challenging the notion that you need a huge production budget.
• Sales Enablement: Discover Jeff’s unconventional customer interviews that don’t just validate messaging, but transform your sales team’s confidence and closing rates.  
• Content Repurposing: Gain a simple, repeatable framework for repurposing a single 30-minute customer interview into five distinct, high-impact content pieces. It’s like a masterclass in efficiency.

“If you’ve done your messaging correctly and you’re actually talking to your ICP [Ideal Customer Profile], they’re using your messaging in their own words. Everything lines up, and product marketing can get their wheels turning.”

— Jeff Rezabek, Director of Product Marketing

Video is a versatile tool for PMMs across the entire buyer’s journey and beyond. Watch the full episode now for more PMM advice.

The post Mapping Video to the Buyer’s Journey: A Product Marketer’s Framework appeared first on SproutVideo.

Whether they’re a filmmaker, corporate video professional, or content creator, our list includes gifts for people from all industries and walks of life.

We also asked video professionals, including our own Creative Director, Nick LaClair, to provide first-hand insights.

Gear for filmmakers and content creators can vary widely in price, so we’ve included a range of gifts under and over $500, as well as stocking stuffers for $100 or less. 

Here’s our 2025 gift guide for filmmakers and content creators. Don’t worry; we won’t judge if you get inspired to do a little personal shopping.

Gifts for Filmmakers Over $500

We’re starting with the highest-ticket items, which include a lot of essential equipment professional filmmakers need. Discover the greatest, latest, and most classic gear.

SproutVideo participates in the Amazon Associates program and earns from qualifying purchases, at no additional cost to you. Our recommendations are based solely on genuine opinions, and we only endorse products we believe will benefit our readers.

1. Digital Cinema Camera

For the filmmaker capturing movie-quality footage, a digital cinema camera is essential. This type of camera captures color-rich, ultra-high resolution footage, providing flexibility in post-production editing. For anyone creating full-scale productions, from Hollywood movie studios to content production houses, these are the standard cameras for cinematic video.

RED DIGITAL CINEMA KOMODO 6K Digital Cinema Camera ($2,995.00)

A RED camera makes our list for the first time, “because it’s cheaper than a lot of DSLRs,” said Nick LaClair of SproutVideo, which makes it a steal at $3,000 (from $5,000) for a digital cinema camera.

This price drop is exciting news for any filmmaker who’s been waiting to invest in a RED camera. However, shoppers should be aware that the necessary accessories (such as a lens) for the camera will significantly increase the actual investment.

2. Premium Lens

There are a few workhorse lenses that can provide everything a filmmaker needs. A premium lens can be that workhorse if you choose the right one. In contrast to purchasing niche or budget lenses, a video professional can buy a single lens and be well-equipped for most scenarios. 

Note that for full-frame cameras, a 24-70mm lens covers the entire focal range, while an 18-55mm lens is required for APS-C cameras. 

Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8 L IS USM Lens ($2299)

“This is the standard photojournalist lens,” shared LaClair of SproutVideo, “If you go into a war zone, you take this lens with you. It covers your wide shots, your mediums, and your coverage. Outside of wildlife photography or sports, you’re covered for anything you might need for storytelling. The Canon, specifically, is known to be bomb-proof. 

“I still own one that I bought in 2006. It’s almost 20 years old, and it functions perfectly. I beat the crap out of it on horseback once. I had to shoot, then throw it over my back and go, like I was in the Kentucky Derby, to get in front of the people to then grab it and shoot again. The whole time, it was just bouncing on the saddle,” said LaClair.

3. Tripod System

Video tripods are generally more expensive than photo tripods. The reason? Smoothness. It’s costly to produce a tripod so smooth you won’t notice when watching the footage back. This challenge is also why tripods made for photography generally don’t translate to video. 

Sachtler Flowtech75 MS Tripod System ($1950)

“Sachtler is the best tripod brand, and they have been forever,” shared LaClair of SproutVideo. “The Flowtech is a carbon fiber tripod that is super lightweight and quick to adjust. Until Flowtech came out, all professional video tripod systems were time-consuming to set up and adjust. 

“You would unscrew the legs, let them come down, and screw them all back in. It took forever, and it was clunky. This Flowtech75 system made my life much easier. The one caveat is you have to put it in a rugged case because it’s carbon fiber,” said LaClair.

4. Smartphone with Quality Camera

Smartphone cameras are downright impressive. They help ensure you can capture magical moments wherever and whenever they happen. In many instances, a smartphone camera doesn’t replace a professional one, but that might be changing as cameras continue to improve.  

iPhone 17 Pro ($1099+)

“The iPhone 17 Pro could finally be the device that makes content creators’ other video cameras collect dust,” claims TechCrunch. So what new features justify such a claim? Namely, the camera sensor is 56% larger than that of the iPhone 16 Pro, which improves low-light performance, depth of field, and resolution. 

Additionally, all of the lenses are 48MP fusion cameras, allowing the iPhone to mimic a multi-lens setup. The selfie camera leaped from 12MP to 18MP.  And finally, the phone can simultaneously record both front and back cameras (dual-cam recording) or in horizontal and vertical orientations (Center Stage). Now that is an iPhone perfectly positioned for creators.

5. Pocket-Sized 4K Drone

Capture scenic views and creative angles with a flying drone. If you’ve ever wondered how your favorite YouTuber got that incredible bird’s-eye shot, here’s the answer. 

Drones can be expensive, but the shots they capture are priceless and would require significantly more resources to capture otherwise. A small drone is a great way to reduce costs while getting the unique shots you (or your filmmaker) want. 

DJI Mini 4 Pro (DJI RC-N2) ($759) 

Clocking in at an ultra-light 249 grams, this little guy can record in 4K and fly for 45 minutes. “The DJI Mini 4 Pro’s camera quality and stability make it an asset. We often deal with breezy conditions as we’re super close to the beach, and this drone handles it with ease, ensuring smooth, cinematic shots that draw viewers into the experience we offer,” shared Jonathan Pickard, Head of Marketing for Holiday Resort Unity.

“It’s quiet enough not to interrupt guest experiences. I personally recommend it because, for its price, it has enhanced camera capabilities, including a 1/1.3-inch sensor capable of shooting 4K video at 60 frames per second. It also has an obstacle-sensing system, which is very useful when navigating various environments,” shared Pickard. 

Shopping outside the United States? Check out the DJI Mini 5 Pro ($769), which promises to offer cinematic-quality with longer battery life and improved handling in the same tiny package.

6. Mobile Production Kit

For many video professionals, a high-quality mobile production kit is all they need, whether they’re filming on the go or in their office. The goal is to significantly increase the convenience of filming without sacrificing video or audio quality. 

DJI Osmo Pocket 3 Creator Combo ($695) 

The DJI Pocket is a fantastic video solution for anyone who needs to capture quality footage easily without carrying a full-frame camera. “The Osmo Pocket 3’s features, specifically the 4K/60 FPS recording, are amazing for slow-motion. It can also shoot in different aspect ratios, making it easier to edit for Instagram and YouTube,” said Oleksiy Torokhtiy, Founder of Torokhtiy Weightlifting.

“Thanks to its small size, I can move around the gym and lift weights while capturing close-up form checks without being intrusive. The Pocket 3 performs remarkably well even in low-light conditions and is ideal for travel. I throw it in my gym bag and carry it along,” shared Torokhtiy.

The Creator Combo Kit includes everything you need to start filming stable footage with minimal noise. You can even use your phone as a wireless video monitor and to customize film settings.

The Best Gift Ideas Under $500

Video equipment can quickly become expensive. While $500 is still a significant investment, filmmakers and those who love them can get a lot of great equipment in this pricing tier. 

7. Gimbal System

A gimbal system is essential for reliably smooth shots. Whether the camera moves to tell the story or the filmmaker stands in one place, gimbals eliminate the shake in a camera’s shot. You can walk around with it or use it on a tripod, then tilt and pan with the little button. It makes almost everything you need to do a lot easier.

DJI RS 4 Mini ($369) 

Gimbals are a must-have item for filmmakers, but the truly useful ones were not affordable until now. The DJI RS 4 Mini puts the functionality of the DJI RS 4 Pro Gimbal Stabilizer (last year’s item in this category) into a lighter-weight package for a fraction of the price.

“It’s bonkers that this tech is under $500. There isn’t a filmmaker out there who shouldn’t have a gimbal now. It used to be a specialized kit; now it’s table stakes,” said LaClair of SproutVideo.

8. Field Monitor with LUT Support

Cameras often need to be positioned in specific or unusual locations. They might be up high or super low. One could be in a corner, shoved behind a bunch of books. A video monitor makes it really easy to see what the camera sees and review it with multiple people. It also allows the filmmaker to see the shot while they’re in it. 

Atomos Shinobi 2 5″ Touchscreen HDR Video Monitor ($375) 

The small and relatively affordable Atomos Shinobi 2 video monitor is ideal for a wide range of video professionals. “The 1500-nit screen makes it perfect for outdoor shoots, where visibility in sunlight is crucial,” shared Ryan Stone, Founder and Creative Director of Lambda Video Production. “The Shinobi 2 stands out for its USB-C camera control for Canon, Sony, Panasonic, and Z CAM cameras, a feature usually found in more expensive models.” 

Note that camera control is compatible with supported mirrorless and cinema cameras via a direct USB-C connection. Therefore, ensure that you choose a video monitor that works with your filmmaker’s camera.

9. Rugged Hard Drive

Every video professional needs to back up footage. And External SSDs have become the standard. They’re compact and pretty foolproof. Plus, it doesn’t hurt to use one that’s rugged enough to protect your footage from life’s various hazards.  

Samsung T7 Shield 2TB Portable SSD ($229.99)

“In the past, everyone had to carry 15 pounds of hard drives. That’s not a problem with external SSDs,” recalled LaClair of SproutVideo.

This industry-standard option from Samsung protects your footage with an IP65 rating, ensuring it is both dust-proof and resistant to rain. Plus, it features a three-meter drop rating, super-fast transfer speeds, and a range of storage sizes (1TB to 4TB), making it a thoughtful gift for creators and filmmakers alike.

10. Editing Software

Video editing software enables professionals to transform raw footage into a cohesive and visually engaging experience. Video post-production often involves much more than editing clips and scenes together. It’s for this reason that many filmmaker workflows include multiple software programs. 

DaVinci Resolve Studio ($325)

DaVinci Resolve Studio is the only all-in-one video solution that truly competes with Premiere Pro. With 95% of its functionality freely available to anyone, gifting the paid version to your filmmaker is a great way to unlock their next level of creativity.

“There are some very powerful tools in the paid version, like noise reduction, lens correction, and face detection. Especially the noise reduction: you can stick any footage into DaVinci and make it look as cinematic as possible,” said LaClair of SproutVideo.

“Another good thing about Davinci Resolve is you don’t have to keep paying for upgrades, which future-proofs your investment in the software. They frequently update it to make it better,” shared Senthil M, Founder and Cinematographer with T-Eight.

11. Durable Carry-On Gear Case

For video professionals who travel down the road or across the globe, a rugged gear case is essential. Hardshell cases are waterproof, dust-proof, and crush-proof to protect the expensive gear within. Outside of the film world, many professionals in other industries use these cases for the same reason. 

Pelican 1510 Protector Carry-On Case ($224.95) 

“Unless you’re on a little puddle jumper, you don’t want to check your luggage with your camera and other expensive stuff. The 1510 allows you to keep your equipment with you while traveling,” shared LaClair of SproutVideo. “The Pelican 1510 is always at my side at airports. And it fits in the overhead compartment instead of having to check it.”

12. Professional Lavalier Microphone

Wireless lavaliers are the easiest way to get professional audio quality. Your subject can move around without any wires, and there’s no need for boom mics. Overall, wireless lavaliers offer a comparable sound quality to wired lavaliers while being easier to use and less expensive.

Hollyland LARK MAX 2 Ultimate Combo Wireless Lavalier ($279) 

Introduced in 2025, the Hollyland LARK MAX 2 offers significant upgrades over its predecessor, making it even easier for creators and filmmakers to capture high-quality audio.

Featuring 32-bit float recording, the LARK MAX 2 captures a wider dynamic range without distortion. In other words, filmmakers can worry less about audio being too quiet or too loud during filming. This update also features super-low latency at just 20ms and includes built-in timecode sync, ensuring footage and audio are aligned before you ever hit post production. 

13. All-in-One Smartphone Video Kit

Most people already have a fancy camera in their pocket. Therefore, a smartphone video kit is an ideal way to support someone’s burgeoning passion without breaking your budget. A quality video kit can bridge the gap between your (or your filmmakers’) dreams and getting started.  

SmallRig All-in-One Universal Video Kit ($189.99)

Many creators and filmmakers start their careers with a smartphone, and this all-in-one video kit is the perfect upgrade for beginners. It features a universal stability cage with wireless control handles for smoother shots. An included microphone, pop-on light, and portable tripod round out the list for a practical setup that’s less than $200. 

14. Studio Key Light

A key light is the heart of any studio lighting kit. Key lighting illuminates the main subject, while other hard and soft sources support the key light. It’s a versatile gift that’s ideal for filmmakers or creators who are building or upgrading their studio space.

Elgato Key Light ($179.99)

The Elgato Key Light features 2800 lumens of adjustable brightness and a range of color temperatures for adjusting warmth. The included mount with desk clamp makes it an easy addition for creators; however, its lightweight portability also makes it a good choice for traveling professionals. Pair a key light with a couple of RGB light wands (below) for an easy, minimalist setup that’s ideal for live streamers and content creators.

15. A Portable RGB Light

A portable light (or multiple) is a practical choice for filmmakers who need to travel with minimal gear or quickly shoot a video at home. These lights offer a full range of RGB colors, as well as regular white light with percentage dimming for extreme precision. 

Nanlite PavoTube II 6XR (RGB Tube Light) ($149)

Debuted at the 2025 National Association of Broadcasters Show (NAB), the Nanlite PavoTube II 6XR dazzles with its “Pixel Effect Mode,” which features eight RGBWW full-color lights that blend for a splash. Add a rainbow glow or touch of warmth to any set, all with a single 10-inch light wand.

The PavoTube II 6XR is also available as an 8-light kit (which includes accessories and a rugged charging case), advertised as a full solution for production teams on the go. 

Looking for a lower-cost option? Check out the NEEWER 10cm RGB Light Wand ($21.59). Last year’s pick, these 23cm lights are extremely versatile. The lights are magnetized, making them perfect for quick setups and creative lighting. You can even snap them together to craft dynamic color splashes.

16. Flexible Travel Tripod

In some situations, a standard tripod simply won’t cut it. That’s where flexible tripods come into play. These extremely durable and bendy tripods are designed for use almost anywhere. The tripods’ rubberized legs help them grip and hold onto nearly any surface. The impossible shot becomes possible with one of these handy tripods.

Joby GorillaPod® 5K Kit ($204.95)

“Joby GorillaPod is the industry standard. The 5K carries five kilograms of weight [11 pounds], which is amazing because it can carry a big lens on a full-frame camera,” shared LaClair of SproutVideo.

“So the 5K is the sweet spot for those using a full-frame camera while also being able to use it for everything else. I always have one in my camera kit or wedged into my luggage. And I almost always regret when I don’t have one,” shared LaClair. 

17. Online Classes

Knowledge is the gift that keeps on giving. Websites like Udemy, Skillshare, Coursera, and MasterClass are popular platforms for learning or developing skills. Independent creators and small businesses (like One Peak Creative) also offer classes or mentorships that provide opportunities to build video knowledge.  

MasterClass Subscription ($120/year)

MasterClass provides a variety of content. “Jodi Foster teaches my current favorite class for filmmakers. She provides a practical walkthrough of creating a short film, sharing the real process from building the story through choosing music for the final cut,” said Conner Carey, Marketing Manager at SproutVideo.

“She takes a daunting process and guides viewers through the director’s process, which she calls a series of choices and compromises,” shared Carey. Featuring insights on the challenges and rewards of being both director and actor, this MasterClass provides especially relevant advice for content creators and independent filmmakers.

Beyond classes, MasterClass offers full-length documentaries worthy of a movie night and playlists featuring short clips ideal for a lunch break. There are countless helpful subjects to explore with a MasterClass subscription. 

Stocking Stuffers for Filmmakers Under $100

Thoughtful gifts are always appreciated. This list of stocking stuffers under $100 features items that will improve your filmmaker’s daily life and help them gain new inspiration.

18. Color Checker

A color chart is essential for matching colors when filming with multiple cameras. In DaVinci Resolve and other software, there are automatic processes that read the color charts from various cameras and color grade based on them.

Datacolor SpyderCHECKR 24 Color Chart ($69)

“A color chart’s colors are an absolute, exact known color. They don’t shift from one color chart to the next. So when you stick that in front of a camera, the software will determine, based on what it looks like, how to correct the footage,” said LaClair of SproutVideo.  

19. Reflectors Kit

Reflectors allow filmmakers to carry less equipment while controlling light to their advantage. You can bounce lights off of them, so you don’t have to bring a ton of lighting equipment other than the light itself. Reflector kits are versatile because they come in different types of reflectors, including gold, silver, and white. Each of those colors creates a different reflection. 

Westcott Illuminator QuickGrip 5-in-1 Reflectors ($49.90)

“It’s versatile for a thousand reasons. If you have to create a shadow where there isn’t one, there’s a blackout reflector. And inside that, if you take the cover off, you can use it for diffusion too,” LaClair of SproutVideo discussed. “Instead of carrying a light and a light modifier, like a soft box and a fill and all these other things, you can just have one of these that you throw a light through.”

20. Gaffer Tape

You can never have too much gaffer tape. It’s the go-to solution for just about any problem on set. It makes a great gift because it goes fast, and filmmakers are constantly buying it. Grab a range of colors to provide more options for its use.

Gaffer Power Professional Grade Gaffer Tape ($19.88)

“I’ve used gaffer tape for labeling equipment, marking floors to remember tripod positioning, securing cables, attaching camera accessories, and securing filters to lights,“ said Tim Ryan, Head of Marketing at SproutVideo.

“At $20 a roll, you need gaffer tape all the time, and you hate buying it—there’s another $20 and another $20,” laughed LaClair of SproutVideo, “If you love someone, get them a six-pack roll of gaffer tape in various colors so they always have some. It’s useful for absolutely everything. There’s nothing it can’t do, but you go through it quickly.”

21. Videography Apps

Gifts don’t have to come in a box to have a big impact. Filmmakers use various types of apps, some of which are made for video (like the shot-planning app featured below), while others are also useful (like the Sun Seeker app for determining how sunlight will impact a shot). 

Cadrage Director’s Viewfinder ($19.99)

“The Cadrage Director’s viewfinder comes in handy when I visit a location before filming to scout it (known as recce). I want to travel light and don’t want to lug around camera gear for these outings,” said Senthil M, Founder and Cinematographer with T-Eight. 

“The app has a library of presets, which allows me to set up the cameras and lenses I plan to use for a shoot. I can take videos and stills with the lens frame line markings. This is handy to share with the production team, especially with the art department, as they will know how wide a shot will be so they can prep before the shoot,” said Senthil.

22. Pocket-Sized Notebook

Inspiration can strike at any moment, so having a dedicated place to jot down ideas is always helpful. There are endless options for pocket-sized notebooks. Look for a high-quality brand or independent maker. Consider getting a notebook with graph dots for maximum versatility. 

Field Notes Pocket-Sized Notebook ($14.95)

“Field Notes creates a classic-feeling notebook that’s just plain enjoyable to use. They come in packs of three, which immediately encourages you to assign specific uses to each. Available in dot graph or lined, I find the dot graph provides the flexibility to write or sketch out ideas quickly,” shared Carey of SproutVideo. 

Smaller than the average smartphone, its size makes it easy to keep the notebook close so you’re always prepared to capture inspiration and game plans alike. “I hadn’t used Field Notes before this review, and I am entirely hooked on the brand now,” said Carey.

We hope we made it tough to choose with our list of the best gear for filmmakers available this holiday season. Check our other holiday content below.

Happy Holidays from the SproutVideo crew! 

• 10 Best Holiday Marketing Videos (and Why They Went Viral)
• Competitive Holiday Spirit (Video)
• What Makes John Lewis Holiday Videos So Successful?

The post 22 Gifts for Filmmakers & Content Creators in 2025 appeared first on SproutVideo.

It’s a compelling promise: thought leadership already drives value, and adding video can provide even greater engagement and organic traffic.

Furthermore, traditional video production is notoriously resource-heavy, so the risk-benefit of using AI comes down to one key question:

Can AI streamline video production and deliver content worth sharing—or churn out AI slop that could undermine your brand?

Step into the lab with us!

Here’s what worked, what flopped, and the final result (with cost). Plus, create your own video in under two hours with our AI content repurposing workflow. 

Testing “One-Click” AI Video Tools

We researched and chose a handful of the most popular AI content repurposing tools for creating thought leadership videos.

Then, we tested each AI video tool with the same prompt: “Make a 90-second video summary of the following blog post,” and shared the URL. 

Invideo Example; Cost: $30

Each tool provides a different level of customization, such as aspect ratio, tone of the script (casual vs professional), audience type, AI voiceover, and b-roll theme. 

Here’s what we discovered:

• Pictory: Quickly assembled videos using stock footage, but the results felt generic and lacked engagement. Branding options were a plus.
• Synthesia: Created presentation-style videos and offered AI avatars, which worked better for thought leadership content. Synthesia is known for its avatars, so there are significant options for including a talking head. Branding options were also a plus.
• Veed and Adori: Leaned on generative AI for visuals instead of stock. Unfortunately, outputs often included glaring AI artifacts like nonsensical text and awkward motion.
• Invideo: Known more for commercials and AI-generated UGC. (You can also “hire” a virtual actor, but that’s beyond the scope of our simple AI workflow.) Stock footage looked out of place, while generative visuals were costly and unusable.
• NotebookLM: Surprisingly strong slide deck results; the best job creating informative visuals. However, the lack of customization means every output looks the same, and the video runs too long.

Keep in mind: these tools serve different audiences. Synthesia is tailored to internal communications, training, and sales enablement, while InVideo focuses on marketing teams and creators looking to produce promotional or social content. 

For our use case, none of these tools delivered something we’d feel confident publishing externally.

That being said, many of these tools include additional pricing tiers and features. Our use case required direct control over the final product, whereas most are built for automation. Results may vary, and we’ll continue to share our findings as we explore these emerging AI tools.

How to Turn Blog Posts into Videos with AI in 5 Easy Steps

With one-click solutions in the rearview mirror, we pivoted to a workflow that uses AI tools at each step of video production while still leaving room for human oversight.

The result? A polished video made in just under two hours. Here’s how we did it. 

1. Use ChatGPT for the Script (<35 minutes)

We fed the blog URL into ChatGPT and asked it to create a 90-second video summary script. After a quick edit pass, we had a workable draft. The key here is speed: instead of staring at a blank page, we had a foundation in minutes.

Learn More: 3 Best AI Script Writers for Making High-Quality Videos

2. Build Slides in Gamma (20 minutes)

Next, we used Gamma, an AI tool designed for presentation decks. After setting up our brand guidelines, we pasted the script card by card to control what appeared on each slide. This workflow kept the visuals aligned with the narration. 

Then our graphic designer did a quick pass on that output to make it really sing. This additional pass is optional; however, it elevated the overall video.

3. Generate a Voiceover with ElevenLabs (10 minutes)

One of ElevenLabs’ most impressive features is the ability to clone a person’s voice. We used 60 minutes of existing recording to do just this. The result was a natural-sounding voiceover (very similar to the source) without stepping into a recording booth.

Creating your voice clone will require additional time, but thereafter, generating your sound-alike voiceover takes less than ten minutes. 

4. Add Music with Suno (5 minutes)

Background music is essential for video engagement. In just a few minutes, we generated a custom track in Suno. Stock libraries offer similarly efficient options.

5. Assemble in DaVinci Resolve (20 minutes)

Finally, we edited these elements together using DaVinci Resolve.

The edit was straightforward, since AI did most of the heavy lifting. Therefore, basic editing skills are sufficient.

What We Made

Here’s the result: a short​​ video summarizing the blog, matching our branding, and delivering a professional polish.

Overall, this video took about two hours to create, with quick editing from our in-house copywriter and graphic designer. Without this additional work, it would take an hour.

What It Costs to Make

• ChatGPT: Free 
• Gamma: $8 per month for each team member
• ElevenLabs: $11 per month 
• Suno: $6 per month
• DaVinci Resolve: Free 

Cost of AI Video Generation: $25 (per month)

With that $25 a month investment, we can repurpose an endless amount of content into brand-worthy videos by strategically using AI tools at every step of production. 

What do you think? Do AI tools live up to the hype? Would you share a video using this five-step process in your business?

Key Takeaways: Repurposing Blog Content into Video with AI

Returning to our original questions: can AI create brand-worthy content? Is an AI workflow more efficient when producing short-form videos from blog content?

The short answer is yes! 

• One-click AI tools (for our use case) aren’t there yet. Simple AI wrappers are fast, but they didn’t repurpose content into videos we feel confident publishing.
• AI accelerates the right parts of the workflow. Tools like ChatGPT, Gamma, ElevenLabs, and Suno cut down on writing, design, and audio production time, while still leaving room for human control.
• The process is flexible. Want to swap in different tools? Go for it. The workflow is modular; you can easily adjust it based on your team’s preferences.
• The results feel professional. With light human editing, the output looks like content a team created, not a robot.  

A video production that would have taken days or up to a week of collaboration and coordination was produced in under two hours while maintaining brand standards. 

This AI-optimized workflow is just the beginning. With new tools and features rolling out constantly, we expect this workflow to evolve quickly.

For now, it’s an efficient, scalable way to add video to your content strategy while boosting the reach of your thought leadership.

The post AI Content Repurposing: 5 Steps from Blog to Video in Under 2 Hours appeared first on SproutVideo.

Millions of tourists arrive annually in Chicago, drawn by its world-class architecture, museums, restaurants, sports, and entertainment. The city ranks among the top five U.S. destinations for culture and is home to the second-highest number of Fortune 500 headquarters in the country.

Tourism in Chicago is a multi-billion-dollar industry where local businesses and cultural institutions compete for attention. Nearly half of all visitor activity bookings happen after travelers arrive, which means valuable marketing moments occur in many ways: at the concierge desk, online, or on the streets when people ask, “What should I do right now?”

A Conversation with Tim O’Malley, Founder of Ateema Media

In Episode Six of the Business Video Playbook, Tim O’Malley, CEO of Ateema Media (a Tourism Marketing Agency), explained how he created the Chicago Does Interactive Video Map. O’Malley has years of experience working within the Chicago tourism industry and the use of engaging, often viral, video storytelling. For example, a behind-the-scenes video of the band Oasis testing a drone show the night before their concert went viral overnight, racking 225,000 views. Tim shares how authentic storytelling video content can turn small moments into massive engagement. 

The Chicago Does Interactive Video Map is a hybrid print and digital product that leverages multiple visitor touchpoints throughout their travel journey. It connects visitors directly to restaurants, venues, and attractions through video storytelling, interactive mapping, and traditional print and digital advertising. The map serves as a visitor media platform, an acquisition tool for local businesses, and an example of exceptional marketing for hospitality and tourism.

We’re trying to take the advertising dollars that would normally be spent on brochures and fold them into something that’s more useful for the visitor.

—Tim O’Malley, CEO, Ateema Media and Marketing

Watch the full interview now to see how Chicago Does combines video, maps, and real-time discovery to drive engagement and foot traffic. In the video, you’ll see the map come alive with real examples of restaurants, attractions, and events. Watch how these videos turn curiosity into real-world visits.

Why the Interactive Video Map Works

The Chicago Does Interactive Video Map succeeds because it delivers value on both sides:

• For visitors, it’s a simple, mobile-first way to explore the city, see what’s nearby, and quickly decide what to do. The videos are short, authentic, and engaging, giving travelers a feel for an experience before they commit.
  
• For partners, it’s the principal element within a multi-touch referral, print, and digital platform. Backed by storytelling rather than just logos or listings, businesses and venues reach visitors in a way that drives real-world outcomes like foot traffic, reservations, and ticket sales

O’Malley also explains why some videos achieve viral success and others don’t; a lesson every tourism marketer should learn.

“If we’re going to do it, we’re going to do it through storytelling and video, not just putting up logos.”

—Tim O’Malley, CEO, Ateema Media and Marketing

Lessons for Building a Video-First Tourism Platform

1. Balance Ads with Authentic Storytelling

A common trap for city guides is feeling like one long commercial. O’Malley emphasized that content must stay rooted in story, not just sales. Restaurants, museums, and events shine when presented by authentic voices, real visuals, and unique stories about the city. “The point isn’t a slick ad. It’s showing real people, real food, real spaces in a way that feels authentic,” said O’Malley. 

Sometimes, overlooked parts of a city make the most powerful stories. Take the Chicago Pedway, for example. It’s an underground tunnel system that helps pedestrians during the cold Chicago winters. Most locals have heard of it but don’t really understand it. One of Ateema’s video creators shot a short video describing the Pedway and how to use it. 

“People in Chicago had always heard of the Pedway but didn’t really know what it was. When our creator explained it with a clear hook and visuals, it gave them closure.”

—Tim O’Malley, CEO, Ateema Media and Marketing

This type of nuanced storytelling tapped into a curiosity gap. The result? The video exploded to 1.4 million views on TikTok and Instagram, proving that authentic storytelling can drive massive engagement.

The lesson is to treat video first as helpful and engaging media, and advertising second.

2. Design for Short, On-the-Go Engagement

Travelers aren’t sitting down for two-minute ads. They want quick hits of authentically local inspiration.

“If a visitor is standing in a hotel lobby with their phone, they’re not going to watch a two-minute video. They’ll give you 20 or 30 seconds.”

—Tim O’Malley, CEO, Ateema Media and Marketing

Videos should be long enough to capture initial interest and short enough to respect attention spans. Each mobile-first video matches each stage of the visitor’s decision-making journey. O’Malley demonstrates how to structure these quick-hit clips in the video.

3. Build in Easy Updates

Cities move fast. In Chi-Town, menus change, events rotate, exhibits close. Guides quickly become outdated without an easy way to update videos and listings.

“Events come and go. You need a system where updates are simple and low-cost, otherwise the content gets stale.”

—Tim O’Malley, CEO, Ateema Media and Marketing

A scalable product requires workflows for ongoing updates: whether that’s templated video formats, content tiers, or collaborative tools for partners. “The idea is to create recognizable formats. Whether it’s a 30-second hook on an attraction or a deeper dive into a neighborhood, partners know what to expect,” said O’Malley

Episode 6: Video Strategies for Visitor Engagement with Tim O’Malley

See how video storytelling, real-time mapping, and partnerships drive engagement: watch the full episode to uncover all the strategies that helped Chicago Does go viral.

Watch The Full Interview

4. Sell Foot Traffic, Not Ad Space

Ultimately, restaurants and venues don’t care about video views and ad impressions. They measure ROI by people walking through the door. Positioning the Interactive Video Map as a direct driver of customers proved more compelling than selling “visibility.”

“For restaurants, we weren’t selling ads; we were selling foot traffic. That’s what they care about.”

—Tim O’Malley, CEO, Ateema Media and Marketing

This shift reframes the platform as performance-driven, which helps secure buy-in and reduce churn. In the full interview, O’Malley walks through how he measures ROI for every campaign, turning video views into real-world customers.

5. Lean on Partnerships for Distribution

Discoverability is everything. Hotels and the concierge community became critical partners because they wanted to offer guests a richer experience without producing their own guides.

“Hotels love it because it gives them something valuable to hand guests without spending their own money on guides.”

—Tim O’Malley, CEO, Ateema Media and Marketing

Working with tourism boards, chambers of commerce, and hospitality partners gave the Interactive Video Map credibility and ensured travelers could find and use it. “Our map must meet visitors where they are, in the hotel lobby, in their hands. That’s why hotels and tourism boards are essential partners,” said O’Malley. 

From Chicago to Beyond

The Chicago Does Interactive Video Map shows how destination marketing can evolve into something more immersive, practical, and authentic. By blending short-form video storytelling, mobile-first design, and strong partnerships, the product creates value for the visitor and the business.

And the lessons apply far beyond Chicago. Whether you’re a DMO, tourism marketer, or local business, the takeaway is the same: if you want to influence travelers, meet them where they are. Share stories that feel real, tools that make decisions easier, and partnerships that extend your reach.

“Venues don’t care about views; they care if someone walks in the door after watching the video.”

—Tim O’Malley, CEO, Ateema Media and Marketing

Episode 6: Video Strategies for Visitor Engagement with Tim O’Malley

See how video storytelling, real-time mapping, and partnerships drive engagement: watch the full episode to uncover all the strategies that helped Chicago Does go viral.

Watch The Full Interview

Want to promote your destination with video storytelling?

Start your free trial of SproutVideo today and bring your community to life through video.

The post Video Storytelling Strategies for Hospitality and Tourism appeared first on SproutVideo.

Whether it’s a homepage, product demo, or paid ad campaign, marketers and creators use video landing pages to engage potential leads and drive conversions.

Use this guide to create high-performing video landing pages, with expert advice and real-world examples to inspire you. Plus, learn how to add videos to landing pages for a fully branded experience with viewer engagement tracking.

What Is A Video Landing Page? 

A video landing page is a sales or marketing page created to drive visitors toward direct conversion, such as sign-up or purchase.  

The video is featured prominently on the page—visible to visitors without scrolling (“above-the-fold”)—and paired with supporting elements like text, calls to action, video, and other rich media to engage traffic and guide them toward taking action.  

Why Create A Video Landing Page? Key Benefits

• Optimize Conversions: Turn more visitors into buyers by creating video landing pages. Case studies show video increases conversion rates by an average of 38%.
• Shorten Sales Cycles: Give prospects everything they need to decide faster: prove product value, address objections, and showcase use cases on one page.
• Connect with Prospects: Empathize with your audience’s pain points while showcasing the company’s solution, often alongside proof of customer success.  
• Increase Page Engagement: Engage cold and warm leads alike: 84% of marketers say video increases dwell time, improving page interaction.
• Improve SEO Visibility: Boost organic search engine ranking for pages—due to the combo of longer page dwell times, rich media, and highly brand-relevant keywords.

4 High-Impact Video Landing Page Examples

1. Fullscreen Background Video

Full-screen background videos (like this GoPro montage) are most commonly used in e-commerce and typically occupy nearly all of the “above-the-fold” space on a landing page. They generally showcase lifestyle marketing, allowing viewers to imagine themselves using the product or service. 

These video landing pages are also ideal for video portfolios, such as this example from video production company Lambda Films, which features past work.

2. Informal Welcome Video

MK Law Firm uses a 30-second video to quickly connect with visitors by introducing the company founder. The brief surrounding text encourages plays, while the prominent sign-up form directs visitors to take the next step. 

If viewers scroll, they will discover more detailed information. But everything they need to know (including how to take the next step) is visible when they land on the page.

Landing Page Video Example

Learn More: How to Add Videos To Your Website

3. Customer Testimonial Videos

On video landing pages, businesses often use customer testimonial videos as supporting elements alongside text, videos, and rich media. For example, the 3 Men Movers homepage includes social proof, a “Free Move Estimate” CTA, customer testimonials, and a service demonstration video (which autoplays, loops, and hides all player controls). Significantly, all elements are visible when viewers land on the page.  

Landing Page Video Example

4. Classic Explainer Video

Explainer videos act as a company’s elevator pitch. They highlight the viewer’s biggest pain point and showcase how the service or product solves it. As a B2B SaaS company in the video hosting space, the SproutVideo explainer is featured on our homepage next to a clear “Get Started Free” CTA and above social proof in the form of client logos. 

Landing Page Video Example

10 Expert Tips To Create A Video Landing Page That Converts

1. Trigger Your CTA Early: “Triggering a CTA in the first 15 seconds led to an 18% jump in conversions.” —Paul DeMott, CTO, Helium SEO
2. Hook Viewers with The Outcome: “We rewrote the intro to start with, ‘This desk switches from sitting to standing in under 10 seconds & ships flat-packed for free.’ The average watch time jumped from 42 to 78 seconds, and clicks increased by 23%.” —John Beaver, CEO & Founder, Desky
3. Showcase Customer Success with Shorts: “Adding a 15-second customer testimonial after the primary product overview increased demo requests from 1.5% to 4%. Visitors were more willing to take the next step.” —Kevin Heimlich, CEO, The Ad Firm
4. Cut Video to 90 Seconds or Less: “We trimmed a 4-minute demo down to 90 seconds, and conversions jumped from 2.1% to 8.3%. Shorter videos also cut bounce rates by 40%; in other words, people stayed to explore the rest of the landing page.” —Dwight Zahringer, Founder, Perfect Afternoon
5. Remove Doubt with Social Proof: “Placing client logos, trust badges, and qualifying lines like ‘Used by 8,000 families last year’ near the video increased conversions, even when visitors didn’t play the video.” —Hugh Dixon, Marketing Manager, PSS International Removals
6. Build Connection with Real People: “Swapping a slick thumbnail for a candid freeze-frame of an instructor mid-explanation—whiteboard behind, slightly off-center—increased conversions by 27%.” —Arvind Rongala, CEO, Edstellar
7. Autoplay Muted Video with Subtitles: “Autoplaying muted video with captions increased conversions from 2.1% to 3.8% in two weeks because the captions gave viewers the full message without being startled by sudden audio, and the unmute button gave them choice without friction” —Damon Delcoro, Founder, UltraWeb Marketing
8. Optimize & Test Video Thumbnails: “55% of visitors spend fewer than 15 seconds on our landing pages. We optimized for those critical first moments by making the problem visible [in the thumbnail], which drove 73% higher click-through rates.” —Kerry Anderson, Co-Founder, RankingCo
9. Add Relevant Interactive Elements: “Quote requests jumped 4x after we embedded a state-specific solar utility rates calculator below our installation process video. These pages converted 46% better, transforming our video from educational content into a decision-making tool.” —Nina Golban, SEO Copywriter, SunValue
10. A/B Test Distraction-Free Pages: “Most businesses give visitors easy escape routes with navigation, social links, and visible blog posts. But we consistently see a 30-50% increase in conversions after stripping navigation from video landing pages.” —Bernadette King, CEO, King Digital Pros

How To Add Video To Landing Pages & Track Performance

Customize the look of your video player, protect your business assets, and control the viewing experience. To do this: add videos to your landing pages with embed codes. 

Private video hosting platforms—like SproutVideo—make it easy to generate a custom video embed code, allowing you to: 

• Seamlessly integrate video with custom brand colors & playback controls. 
• Share video on your website while preventing unwanted downloads.
• Track video analytics and improve performance with viewer engagement metrics.

You can add video embed codes to most website and landing page builders as HTML.

The post How To Create Video Landing Pages That Convert with Examples appeared first on SproutVideo.

If someone can download your video or access the raw file, they can share it anywhere: on a site you don’t control, in competitor marketing, or in ways that misrepresent your brand.

Basic video privacy tools like password or login protection work well for gated content. But what about the videos you want to share publicly, without sacrificing control?

Use this guide to embed your videos securely on website platforms (like WordPress and Squarespace) while protecting them from downloads, leaks, and unauthorized sharing. 

What Is a Video Embed Code?

A video embed code is a small snippet of HTML that displays a video on your website by “embedding” it from a video hosting platform.

Instead of uploading the video file directly to your site, the embed code links to the video hosted elsewhere and plays it within your webpage. 

Why Use Embed Codes Over Direct Links?

Common website builders like WordPress, Squarespace, and Wix encourage adding videos to your website with direct links because these platforms prioritize simplicity and convenience.

The problem? Direct links are vulnerable to downloads, leaks, and theft. Furthermore, the benefits of using embed codes over direct links are numerous: 

• Protect video from security risks: Direct links provide access to your raw video file. Embed codes with the right settings offer protection from leaks and theft. 
• Customize your video player: Share a branded, customized video player with personalized colors, in-player CTAs, end screens, and more.
• Gain in-depth viewer analytics: Embed codes allow your private video host to track viewer engagement and analytics for valuable insight into video performance. 
• Create a seamless user experience: Direct links lead to slower loading and clunky playback because they don’t adapt to the viewer’s streaming speed like embed codes. The lack of adaptability leads to slower page loading, affecting website SEO.

Examples of Adding Video to Website: Website Upload vs Direct Link vs Embedded Video

There are three ways to add videos to your website: direct website upload, direct link, or embed code. Let’s briefly compare your options with examples.

Website Upload

The video above was uploaded directly to the website without a video host. Notice there are no player customizations. You’re also able to download the video. 

Direct Link Example

This video was added to the website using a direct link. Here, the in-player CTA is still present; however, all other player customizations are lost.

Embedded Video Example

This video is embedded on the website privately while being available for anyone to watch. Notice the player customizations, including custom colors and hidden fullscreen toggle.

How To Embed Videos on Your Website without Risking Downloads and Leaks

Embed videos on your website with the following features to prevent content downloads, leaks, and unauthorized distribution. 

1. Choose a private video host that prevents downloads. 
2. Create your embed code and use Allowed Domains to prevent unwanted distribution.
3. Add the embed code to your website (usually via an Embed or Custom HTML block).

It’s that easy! Plus, every SproutVideo plan includes these features. 

How To Create An Embed Code for Your Video

Your video embed code controls the player’s appearance and behavior. Most private video hosting platforms allow you to create a custom embed code, enabling you to: 

• Show or hide player controls (fullscreen, volume, seek bar, settings).
• Set the video to autoplay and/or loop.
• Change the player dimensions or make it responsive to adapt to any screen.
• Add lead capture forms to your videos for video lead generation. 

And more!

How to Create an Embed Code with SproutVideo

1. Select your settings from the Player Options menu of any video.
2. Copy and paste the generated code into your site—no extra code or plugins required.

Discover all the ways you can customize your video player and learn more about creating a custom embed code for your video. 

How to Embed Videos on Your Website (WordPress, Squarespace, Wix)

Whether your website uses blocks, widgets, or elements, this functionality is usually labeled “Embed” or “Custom HTML”. 

Here’s how to embed a video on your website across the most common platforms: 

• WordPress.org: Use a Custom HTML block to paste your embed code.
• Squarespace: Add a Code or Embed Block and paste your embed code.
• Wix: Add an Embed Code Element and paste your code. 
• Webflow: Drag in a Code Embed Element and paste your code.

Most website builders allow you to add custom embed codes. However, some platforms (WordPress.com, Squarespace, Webflow) limit this option to certain paid plans. 

5 More Ways To Protect Embedded Videos on Your Website

For high-value content, confidential internal communications, or pre-release collaborations, here are additional options to protect embedded videos, whether or not you restrict viewing access.

• Password or Login Protection: Restrict access with passwords or login credentials. 
• Signed Embed Codes: Add extra embed code protections with an expiration time.
• Dynamic Watermarking: Use visible and invisible watermarks to prevent theft. 
• Geo-Blocking: Designate the countries or regions where your videos can play.
• IP Address Restrictions: Block video views from IP addresses outside your range.

Online videos have multiple access points, which can lead to privacy leaks. Use our guide on Video Privacy to protect your content. 

Ready To Embed Videos? A Private Video Host You Can Trust

With video embed codes, your website becomes a private channel you control, making it easy to treat your videos like the valuable assets they are. 

While direct links expose your content, embed codes that include the right settings keep your videos protected without reducing discoverability. 

With a private video host, like SproutVideo, you can share your content confidently while keeping your videos safe.

Ready for more? Discover our related resources:

• 7 Reasons Businesses Use Private Video Hosting Platforms vs YouTube
• Customizable Video Player: 11 Ways To Boost Branding & Conversions
• Video Content Distribution: How to Maximize ROI Across Channels

The post How to Embed Videos on Your Website Without Risking Downloads appeared first on SproutVideo.

In Episode 4 of The Business Video Playbook, I had a great conversation with Alex Hoff of CoverStory, a former reality TV producer who challenges the conventional approach to customer videos. His take? The best testimonials don’t start with a script: they start at 4 a.m., in a moment of crisis, overwhelming frustration, or job-threatening disaster. 

That may sound extreme, but we learn there’s always a story behind Alex Hoff’s unique approach to capturing emotional hooks. It generally happens “before” someone chooses a product or service.  

To discover Hoff’s template for testimonial videos with an emotional draw, watch our interview now:

The Benefits & Hurdles of Customer Testimonial Videos

As a veteran marketer who values close collaboration with sales, I see great customer testimonials as critical proof points to demonstrating that real users find value in your product or service. Sales is tough, and any edge that helps shorten the cycle is worth pursuing.

When done well, customer testimonials: 

• Reduce perceived risk by showcasing validation from happy customers
• Build emotional connections through relatable stories
• Highlight use cases and benefits customers gain from using your product or service

Yet even when customers are enthusiastic advocates, capturing a compelling testimonial is tough. For example, identifying happy customers is easy, but their busy schedules can be difficult. Other common hurdles include: 

• Legal or PR restrictions on who can speak publicly
• Discomfort or lack of confidence on camera
• Difficulty expressing measurable ROI
• Scripted content that feels stiff, inauthentic, and forgettable

Where Most Customer Testimonials Fall Short

Most business testimonials miss the mark because they:

• Rely on the same tired formula: problem, solution, outcome
• Run too long for today’s short attention spans
• Aren’t fully integrated into the sales process or the buyer’s journey
• Neglect what modern buyers crave: real, specific stories that inspire confidence in their investment

Watch Hoff Explain What to Do Instead

Template for Testimonial Videos—From A Former Reality TV Producer

Sales teams want to show evidence of existing customer return on investment. However, ROI doesn’t always resonate without context. Instead of leading a customer interview with talking points, Hoff suggests taking a documentary-style approach. These open, relaxed conversations help customers be themselves and share what really matters: the challenges that kept them up at night, the turning point that sparked change, and the transformation they experienced after adopting your solution.

“Find a moment, a story, that shows the full arc of somebody’s discovery, usage, or success with a product. A lot of businesses just want to focus on the results. But you need to know that ‘before’ part in order to make the testimonial relevant and important to your viewers. ”

— Alex Hoff, Co-Founder of CoverStory

Jump to the formula: watch the short video here.

The post You’re Doing Customer Testimonial Videos Wrong. Here’s How to Do Them Right. appeared first on SproutVideo.

Introducing The Business Video Playbook, an expert-backed original series that reveals how business video is used to efficiently train teams, deepen customer relationships, and accelerate sales cycles.

Join host Tim Ryan, Head of Marketing at SproutVideo, as he launches into must-watch conversations that will elevate every aspect of your business video strategy.

4 Key Takeaways from The Business Video Playbook (Ep. 1–3)

1. Business Video Converts First-Time Buyers and Breaks the Seal on Momentum

Autumn Manning recalls her earliest “send me the order form” moment. It was at an HR tech startup, YouEarnedIt. After months of daily customer immersion and thoughtful video outreach, Manning landed the first sale. She believes that first milestone generated more than revenue: it “broke the seal” for employees who’d labored over tiny product tweaks and investors watching from the sidelines.

“Once you’ve built a product that truly fits a real pain point, landing your first paid client ‘breaks the seal’ on momentum. From there, you can expand to external audiences, keep investors informed, and reveal the vision you’ve championed internally. It’s a thrilling but demanding phase of company building.”

— Autumn Manning, Founder & CEO of FAANA

Manning’s new venture follows the same playbook: record raw customer conversations, distribute rapid-fire demos and customer interview recaps, and scale outward once the internal team is convinced of product-market fit.

Watch her GTM playbook now

2. Authenticity Outweighs Production Value in an AI-Saturated Landscape

Perfection gets in the way of authenticity. This theme is echoed by every expert we’ve interviewed.

Joe Siciliano, Managing Broker at Compass Lincoln Park, has built a 35-year career in real estate by nurturing neighborhood ties. Early on, he realized that waiting weeks for a polished marketing piece meant missing the moments when clients actually needed to hear from him.

“As long as it’s truly authentic, it doesn’t matter if it’s perfect. If it’s you, that’s all that matters.”

— Joe Siciliano, Managing Broker for Compass Real Estate

Joe recommends sending two-minute, iPhone-shot videos to clients: “Hey Tim, great seeing you at the Halloween parade…stay in touch.” This personal touch helps build long-term relationships.

Watch his episode now

3. Invest Wisely in Business Video Production and Distribution

Not every video needs high production value, but it’s important to know when it does.

Siciliano differentiates between authentic, off-the-cuff content and professionally filmed property tours, especially when promoting luxury properties or reaching new heights in your career. Think about the videos you’re making and give each the level of polish it needs.

Regardless of your budget, Siciliano recommends committing to a regular publishing cadence (weekly updates, monthly market insights, or microlearning bursts) and housing everything on a dedicated video website or vlog to build branding and searchable authority.

Learn more about SproutVideo-hosted video websites

4. Know Your Customer (or Learner) Inside and Out, Then Speak Their Language

For Ethan Anderson, Director of Product Management at NOLA Education, video engagement is the difference between student success and failure.

He extends a lean market research process to educational videos: conducting user research with just five observations to uncover 70 percent of usability insights. Then, he designs videos to match students’ screen-time habits, attention spans, and expectations for speed, contrast, and interactivity.

“Talk to your users directly: ask what they liked, didn’t like, or found confusing. It’s a simple step that surprisingly few take, yet it yields invaluable, unexpected insights.”

— Ethan Anderson, Director of Product Management with NOLA Education

Paired with hands-on learning tools, Anderson’s formula drives real academic gains.

Discover his strategy for 95% success

Coming Soon: Expert Insights You Don’t Want to Miss

SproutVideo’s Business Video Playbook empowers you to craft videos that convert, engage, and build lasting relationships with no Hollywood budget required.

Don’t miss our next episode, where former reality-TV producer Alex Hoff pulls back the curtain on what makes video storytelling truly binge-worthy.

He’s sharing the same insider tricks that supercharged his career, including:

• How to build tension and anticipation so viewers can’t click away
• The simple storytelling beats that turn customer testimonials into edge-of-your-seat narratives
• Pro tips on pacing and hook placement that keep your audience glued for the full runtime

Plus, you’ll get early access to future deep dives on:

• Demand Gen Marketing: How top growth experts weave video into the buyer funnel
• AI-Powered Authenticity: Speed up production and ditch that “stock footage” feeling
• Private Video Sharing: Secure, invite-only video techniques for clients, investors, and teams
  

The post The Business Video Playbook: Proven Tactics to Boost Sales, Engagement, and Retention appeared first on SproutVideo.