Picture this: you're mindlessly scrolling through your feed, skipping video after video ad, until something unexpected happens. Instead of a standard video, you see an ad that invites you to engage, perhaps via a quiz, a clickable product, or even a game. Suddenly, you’re not just watching; you’re participating. This is the power of interactive video advertising, and CPG brands are using it to transform passive viewers into active participants.
To break through the noise and drive meaningful engagement, leading brands are turning to interactive video formats that create immersive experiences and deliver real business results.
Why CPG Brands Are Turning to Interactive Video Advertising
Modern consumers expect more than just static content. They crave engaging, immersive experiences that add value to their lives. Interactive video advertising allows CPG brands to foster deeper connections with their audience through dynamic elements such as clickable hotspots, product reels, and gamification. These experiences not only enhance brand storytelling but also drive higher engagement rates compared to traditional formats.
To bring these immersive experiences to life, CPG brands are leveraging different interactive video formats tailored to their audiences and campaign goals.
Driving Engagement with Pre-Roll Ads
Instream pre-roll ads have long been a staple in digital advertising, but when combined with interactive elements, they become significantly more effective. Instead of a typical skippable instream ad, CPG brands can incorporate things like product hotspots, recipes, or promotional offers directly within the video. This approach transforms an otherwise passive ad into an engaging brand experience, increasing video completion and engagement rates.
Expanding Reach with Outstream Video Advertising
Unlike traditional in-stream formats, outstream video advertising allows CPG brands to serve video ads outside of standard video content, appearing within articles, social feeds, and mobile experiences. These ads auto-play when in view, capturing audience attention in a seamless, non-disruptive way. By integrating interactive features, such as overlays or in-ad surveys, brands can engage consumers in the moments that matter most.
Enhancing Product Discovery with Overlays
Overlay ads provide an effective way to layer additional information, CTAs, or product details directly on top of video content. For CPG brands, this is a game-changer. For example, a brand could leverage overlays to showcase product offerings that viewers can select within the ad, or a beauty brand could allow viewers to explore product benefits in real-time. These dynamic elements make the ad experience more engaging and actionable, leading to stronger brand recall and increased purchase intent.
Best Practices for Interactive Video Success
Interactive video advertising presents a powerful opportunity for CPG brands to captivate audiences, drive engagement, and create memorable brand experiences. However, simply incorporating interactivity isn’t enough. To maximize the impact of their ads, CPG brands should focus on:
- Seamless experience: Are your ads optimized for mobile and performing smoothly across all devices?
- Effortless interaction: Is your ad experience simple, intuitive, and easy to engage with?
- Clear next steps: Are your calls-to-action guiding viewers toward meaningful engagement?
- Data-driven optimization: Are you testing different interactive elements to see what truly connects with your audience?
- Beyond the basics: Are you measuring impact beyond clicks to understand true consumer engagement?
By prioritizing these elements, CPG brands can ensure their interactive video ads not only capture attention but also drive meaningful consumer connections and results.
The Future of Interactive Video for CPG Brands
As consumers continue to demand more engaging digital experiences, CPG brands must evolve beyond traditional ad formats. Interactive video ads offer a powerful way to captivate audiences, create meaningful interactions, and drive higher ROI. Whether through pre-roll ads, outstream video advertising, or overlay ads, the future of CPG marketing lies in immersive, interactive storytelling.
Consumers are tuning out traditional ads. Will your brand adapt or be left behind? Reach out today to learn how you can create experiences worth engaging with.
