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Are you looking to create a short video ad for your business? You’re in the right place! Video ads are one of the most powerful tools for social media marketing, and the best part is—you don’t need any experience to get started. In this guide, we’ll explain what video ads are, where to use them, and how to create them quickly and affordably.

What Is a Short Video Ad?

A short video ad is simply a promotional video—usually between 10 to 60 seconds—designed to grab attention and encourage action. On most social platforms, shorter is better. The sweet spot tends to be 15–30 seconds, which performs well on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.

Unlike long-form video content, a short commercial video gets straight to the point. It introduces your business, highlights your offer, and motivates viewers to take the next step (like visiting your website, booking a service, or calling your business).

Where Should You Use Video Ads?

Video ads can be used across almost all major social platforms. Some of the best places to publish them include:

• . Facebook & Instagram: Great for targeting local customers and running affordable paid ads.
• . TikTok: Perfect for short, vertical videos with fast-paced storytelling.
• . YouTube: Works well for pre-roll ads before videos or as skippable in-stream ads.
• . Pinterest: Ideal for vertical videos showcasing products or services.
• . LinkedIn: Excellent for B2B service providers and professional audiences.
• . Snapchat & Twitter: Good for younger audiences and quick promotional bursts.

👉 Pro Tip: Always adapt your video format to the platform. For Instagram Stories or TikTok, use vertical (9:16). For YouTube or LinkedIn, horizontal (16:9) can still perform well.

How to Easily Create a Video Ad Yourself

Creating a video ad doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right tools, even complete beginners can produce high-quality social media videos.

One popular option is Canva, which makes it simple to design professional-looking video ads without advanced editing skills. Some benefits of Canva include:

• • Easy drag-and-drop editing
• • Thousands of customizable templates
• • Free stock videos and images
• • Music tracks and sound effects
• • Animated text and graphics

This means you can make a promo video for your business in just a few clicks—no professional background required.

Affordable Alternatives: Hiring a Professional

Sometimes, hiring someone else makes more sense. If you’re busy running your business, you may not want to spend hours designing a video. Or maybe you want something polished that perfectly reflects your brand.

The good news? Affordable video production is possible.

• Freelance platforms like Fiverr connect you with editors who can create custom promo videos for your business at a reasonable cost.
• Even better, services like ReadyMadeVideos.com provide ready-made promo videos tailored to your industry, starting at just $20. You simply send your logo and business info, and within 24 hours you get a commercial video ready to post on Facebook, TikTok, or YouTube.

Why Short Video Ads Work for Small Businesses

Short video ads are effective because:

• . They grab attention fast. People scroll quickly—video ads stop the scroll.
• . They build trust. A professional promo video makes your brand look established.
• . They drive sales. Video ads can generate daily calls, leads, and bookings with no extra effort.
• . They’re cost-effective. You don’t need a huge budget—just one good video can bring long-term results.

Conclusion

Short video ads are one of the smartest marketing investments for small businesses today. Whether you choose to make your own using tools like Canva, or prefer a faster solution with affordable ready-made videos from just $20, the key is to start using video marketing now.