Learning from the experiences of pioneers in mobile advertising, Alex was able to navigate the challenges of mobile ad creation successfully. By focusing on designing ads with mobile usability at the forefront, Alex ensured that their campaigns were not only effective but also deeply engaging for a mobile audience. This dedication to best practices, combined with insights gained from industry successes and setbacks, was instrumental in catapulting Alex's digital marketing efforts to new heights. Below, we delve into the best practices for creating video ads for mobile devices that Alex and other savvy marketers can leverage for success:

1. Understand The Correct Length For Your Offer

Each type of offer needs a different length of video ad. While many believe that anyone on a mobile device has a short attention span, this isn’t always the case. In Alex’s case, after doing testing,  he found his audience responded the best to short videos. Therefore, he crafted video ads that were concise yet powerful. Regardless of the length of a video, the goal is to convey a strong message within the first few seconds to captivate viewers immediately. Hooking an audience and having a clear offer within the first 15 seconds of any video ad is essential regardless of total length.

2. Design for Sound Off

Alex recognized that many mobile users watch videos without sound, especially in public places. Therefore, they ensured that their video ads were understandable and engaging with or without sound. This was achieved by using visually appealing graphics, on-screen text, and subtitles to convey the message effectively.

3. Optimize for Vertical Viewing For Short-Form Videos

With the majority of mobile users holding their phones vertically, Alex optimized their video ads for vertical viewing. This approach ensured that the ads filled the screen, providing a more immersive experience for the viewer and increasing engagement rates. Since Alex’s videos performed the best when they were short, many were seen on YouTube “shorts” which shows videos in this vertical format. However, if Alex’s businesses needed long-form video, they would have needed to optimize toward horizontal viewing. Understanding where ads will run must drive any optimization strategies. 

4. Focus on Visual Appeal

Knowing that the first impression is crucial, Alex invested in high-quality visuals and engaging animations to grab the viewer's attention. The use of vibrant colors, compelling imagery, and dynamic transitions made the ads more eye-catching and memorable. We recommend any video have some sort of edit every 2-3 seconds, such as subtitles, angle changes, zooming effects, etc. 

5. Include a Clear Call-to-Action (CTA)

Alex understood the importance of guiding the viewer's journey after watching the ad. By including a clear and compelling CTA at the beginning and end of the video, they were able to direct viewers to take the desired action, whether it was visiting a website, making a purchase, or learning more about a product.

6. Test and Optimize

Finally, Alex adopted a data-driven approach to mobile ad creation. By continuously testing different elements of their video ads, such as the messaging, visuals, and CTA placement, Alex was able to gather valuable insights and optimize their campaigns for better performance. This iterative process allowed them to refine their strategy and achieve higher ROI.

By adhering to these best practices for mobile video ad creation, Alex not only avoided common pitfalls but also set a benchmark for success in mobile advertising. These strategies are essential for any marketer looking to engage a mobile-first audience effectively and drive meaningful results from their digital advertising campaigns.