Let’s be real: traditional marketing doesn’t hit the same way it did a decade ago. Today’s customers are more informed, more curious, and a lot harder to sway with just a flashy banner or a cookie-cutter ad.
If you want your business to thrive in 2025, it’s time to go one step further and think beyond the basics. Creating standout branded content can help you connect better with your audience in a more authentic way. And the best part is, it doesn’t have to be hard! With the right creative tools and a little inspo, you can get started right away.
Luckily for you, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite examples of branded content to spark your imagination. Read on! ✨😌
Jump Into the Branded Buzz 🔎
💡 What Exactly Is Branded Content?
It’s Not Traditional Advertising 📹
It Always Involves Storytelling 💬
It Tackles Bigger Issues 🌍
It Makes Audiences Feel Something 😀
It Builds Connection, Not Just Sales 🤍
It Can Be Described as Cinematic 🎞
😊✨ Branded content starts with yeah, you guessed it, great branding! If yours is still a work in progress, don’t worry! We tell you everything you need to know about How to Create a Brand Identity From Scratch With Placeit.
✨ 9 Branded Content Wins You Need to See
So, which brands have successfully nailed branded content? We’ve handpicked nine powerful examples that show you how brands can educate, entertain, and connect.
Some branded content makes you smile, some makes you think—and some stays with you long after the video ends. This list? A little bit of all three. Fair warning: some might tug at your heartstrings, tissues recommended!
1. Dove
For over two decades, Dove has supported its Real Beauty campaign, challenging restricting beauty standards and promoting a more inclusive, authentic definition of beauty. Now, as AI-generated images have become more prevalent, the personal care brand is taking a stand once again. Its latest campaign continues championing the brand’s mission of celebrating real, unfiltered beauty in the digital age.
Dove vs. AI Beauty Standards: Keeping It Real With The Code
💡 Branded Content Breakdown
▶️ Format: Short Video (60 seconds)
🌟 The Do’s of Dove’s Branded Content
⭐️ Emotional Storytelling. The minute-long video follows a young woman browsing the Internet where AI-generated beauty images dominate. The story taps into themes of beauty standards, societal pressure, and confidence. It ends with a mother and daughter hugging while watching Dove’s publicity celebrating real beauty, making it an emotional and compelling narrative.
⭐️ Social Relevancy. By tackling the growing issue of AI and its role in distorting beauty standards, Dove positions itself as a brand that evolves with the times while staying true to its core values. It’s a timely message, especially relevant to Gen Z and millennial audiences.
⭐️ Clear Brand Purpose. Through its cinematic-like quality, this campaign ties directly to Dove’s long-standing commitment to real beauty. As you’ll see throughout this and the following branded content examples, it’s not about pushing products, but rather about standing for important issues.
2. Nike
Nike unveiled its brand-new commercial during the big game with the anthem “So Win”. The brand brings together powerhouse female athletes like Jordan Chiles, Caitlin Clark, and Sha’Carri Richardson, challenging the constant expectations and demands women in sports face. The message? No matter what they say, cut through the noise and do it anyway. Very much on-theme with its brand, it celebrates the achievements, power, and skill of athletes.
So Win. | Nike
💡 Branded Content Breakdown
▶️ Format: TV Spot / Online Video (60 seconds)
🌟 The Do’s of Nike’s Branded Content
⭐️ Powerful Storytelling With a Purpose. Through cinematic-like visuals, the commercial captures the raw pressure and real triumphs athletes face. It doesn’t just show success as the ultimate goal, but what it takes to get there, especially as a woman in elite sports.
⭐️ Visually Bold. The black and white visuals, rapid edits, and bold headlines helps the commercial build tension. Viewers can actually feel the weight these athletes carry, and the pride in rising above the challenges.
⭐️ Strong Social Commentary. The brand doesn’t shy away from hot-button sports-related issues. From performance expectations to media criticism, the video reflects on how female athletes are constantly judged and proves that anything is possible when you embrace your full power. Noted, Nike’s core slogan, “Just Do It”, echoes through “Do it anyway”.
😀📹 Loving these examples of branded content? Then, don’t miss out on 5 Minimalist Video Examples to Inspire Your Next Campaign!
3. Starbucks
For Starbucks, coffee has always been about more than the brew, it’s about connection. With its heartfelt campaign “Every Table Has A Story”, the brand celebrates the small but meaningful moments that unfold inside its cafés. From casual chats to life-changing news, Starbucks reminds us that the next great chapter in your story is yet to come.
Starbuck’s “Every Table Has A Story”
💡 Branded Content Breakdown
▶️ Format: Short Online Video (60 seconds)
🌟 The Do’s of Starbuck’s Branded Content
⭐️ Emotional Storytelling. The video follows a young woman in a Starbucks setting as she struggles to get her art work recognized to the moment she thrives on her career. In the background, we can see different people, some reflecting, some chatting, some working. It’s less about coffee and more about the stories that brew around it.
⭐️ Brand Values Front and Center. Starbuck’s values of belonging and connection come through effortlessly. The video doesn’t tell us what the company stands for, it shows us through the idea of community and warmth.
⭐️ Visual Consistency. The aesthetic, natural lighting, earthy tones, cozy ambiance, is unmistakably Starbucks. What’s more, its subtle and gentle pacing creates a heartwarming visual narrative that ties the message together.
4. P&G
“Belonging starts with a name”, because names aren’t just words, they carry culture, history, and pride. In this moving campaign, P&G tells the story of a young girl whose name is often mispronounced, highlighting how small gestures of effort and respect (like saying her name right) can make a big difference. Through scenes from her childhood, the video reminds us that something simple can be a profound act of respect, and a doorway to true belonging.
P&G | The Name
💡 Branded Content Breakdown
▶️ Format: Short Video (60 seconds)
🌟 The Do’s of P&G’s Branded Content
⭐️ Emotional and Inclusive Messaging. The campaign honors the story of a young Asian American girl, aiming to foster awareness and empathy. It invites us to reflect how mispronouncing or overlooking can diminish belonging, and how taking the time to learn them can uplift and spark connection.
⭐️ Encouraging Cultural Awareness. Launched in May, this video celebrates Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month. By focusing on a small gesture such as pronouncing a name, the message feels deeply personal yet widely applicable. It encourages both individual reflection and collective responsibility towards respect, acceptance, and inclusivity.
⭐️ Subtle Yet Strong Calling. Through an emotional narrative, the short —yet powerful— video encourages viewers to acknowledge and pronounce people’s names with care. As with other examples of branded content, it strives for a change, a shift in our behavior.
5. Honda
How often do we let doubt hold us back? In this inspiring video, Honda reminds us that failure doesn’t stop success; instead, it’s part of the journey. Through a powerful montage of setbacks and breakthroughs, the campaign encourages viewers to never give up and let their dreams be bigger than their doubts.
Honda | “Unstoppable Dreams”
💡 Branded Content Breakdown
▶️ Format: Short Online Video (60 seconds)
🌟 The Do’s of Honda’s Branded Content
⭐️ Inspiring Narrative. The video features racing drivers, professionals who faced failure and setbacks before success. Though it focuses on competitive racing events, it builds a story that’s deeply relatable, inviting viewers to reflect on their own journeys and how determination can lead to success.
⭐️ Brand Values in Action. Honda’s brand slogan “The Power of Dreams” is at the heart of this campaign. The company just doesn’t tell us what it stands for, it shows us through real stories of perseverance.
⭐️ Universal Appeal. While Honda is an automotive company, their story isn’t just about cars — it’s about mindset. This makes for an uplifting message that thrives on the idea that everything is possible, no matter your journey, making it relevant to virtually everyone.
6. IKEA
IKEA’s latest commercial celebrates life’s small, often overlooked moments: those “everyday victories” we tend to rush past. With the joyful anthem “Hooray! To the Wonderful Everyday” (love the rhyme!), the ad reminds us that life’s true magic lies in the little things. Moreover, it spotlights the idea that a well-loved home isn’t just about big milestones, it’s built from everyday reasons to cheer.
IKEA - Hooray! To the Wonderful Everyday
💡 Branded Content Breakdown
▶️ Format: TV Advert / Online Video (60 seconds)
🌟 The Do’s of IKEA’s Branded Content
⭐️ Everyday Storytelling. The video stitches together snapshots of a family— waking up, acing a test, finishing a crossword puzzle—small moments that resonate. It frames “home” as a feeling rather than a showroom.
⭐️ Emotion-Driven Connection. Using joyful visuals and a joyful tone, the video taps into feelings of warmth and gratitude. It captures the “hoorays” of daily life, making it not only uplifting but also relatable.
⭐️ Brand Philosophy in Action. IKEA’s mission to create a better everyday life for people shines through on the ad. Instead of pitching a CTA, it leaves viewers an important reminder: celebrate the little moments, thus encouraging reflection and emotional loyalty.
😊✨ Love this campaign? You’re not alone! IKEA also made our 15 Business Branding Trends To Live By with another inspiring example. Take a look!
7. John Lewis & Partners
In “The Beginner”, John Lewis & Partners share a tender story: a man learning to skateboard. Throughout the video, we see his ups and downs —literally— as he takes on the challenge, and it’s not until the final moments that we discover why. He’s doing this to connect with a new foster daughter who loves to skate. This beautiful example of branded content is part of the store’s “Building Happier Futures” initiative, a long-term commitment to supporting young people in care.
The Beginner | John Lewis & Partners | Christmas Ad
💡 Branded Content Breakdown
▶️ Format: Online Video (1 minute 30 seconds)
🌟 The Do’s of John Lewis & Partners’ Branded Content
⭐️ Purpose-Led Messaging. The video naturally incorporates the brand’s “Building Happier Futures” initiative supporting care-experienced youth. By showcasing this through a heartfelt story, the campaign builds awareness, inspires action, and shows the brand’s commitment for communities and families.
⭐️ Inclusive Social Commentary. This branded content shares a light on the overlooked care community (it mentions over 108,000 kids in UK care). It strikes a balance between raising awareness, creating an emotional bond with the viewer, and ultimately inspiring change.
⭐️ Authentic Brand Values. John Lewis’s long-term commitment for young people, families, and kindness, shines through this video. No logos, no product placement, just a brand living its values in real time.
🎄☃️ This festive campaign shows how powerful holiday branding can be. Want to do the same for your business? Start with our Holiday Marketing Checklist to Boost Your Seasonal Sales.
8. LEGO
LEGO’s video for the International Day of the Girl flips the script: rather than asking how girls should prepare for the world, it questions how we can prepare the world for them. This simple yet profound shift celebrates their creativity, vision, and action. It’s a strong message of empowerment, reminding us that girls have always been ready, they’ve just needed the world to catch up. This is perfectly aligned with LEGO’s mission to inspire the builders of tomorrow.
Let’s get the world ready for girls | LEGO –Rebuild The World
💡 Branded Content Breakdown
▶️ Format: Online Video (60 seconds)
🌟 The Do’s of LEGO's Branded Content
⭐️ Thought-Provoking Messaging. By asking “how do we get the world ready for girls,” LEGO challenges societal assumptions and flips the narrative. It’s a thoughtful repositioning that empowers and asks us that we, as a society, change our expectations and take action.
⭐️ Emotionally Uplifting Narrative. The tone for the video is hopeful and inspiring. By showcasing girls in STEM, creative play, and leadership, the brand fosters emotional connection and encourages viewers to be part of the solution.
⭐️ Authentic Empowerment Message. The LEGO video celebrates creativity, dreams, and action, showing girls already leading and building. It echoes the brand’s broader initiatives like “Girls Unstoppable” and “Rebuild the World” reinforcing a consistent, empowering narrative that aligns with its values and mission.
9. Disney+
In this touching video, Disney+ steps away from castles and fantasy to spotlight something even more universal: the feeling of home. Centered around small, intimate moments—like shared laughter, familiar routines, and time spent with loved ones—this piece reminds us that the magic of Disney often lives in the comfort of togetherness.
A Place Unlike Any Other | Feels Like Home | Disney+
💡 Branded Content Breakdown
▶️ Format: Ad / Online Video (51 seconds)
🌟 The Do’s of Disney's Branded Content
⭐️ Emotional Storytelling. The story unfolds visually, letting music, images, and the pacing do the work. It’s a reminder that sometimes minimal dialogue speaks volumes, especially when emotions lead the narrative.
⭐️ Strong Cultural Relevance. The video taps into universal emotions: nostalgia, love, and a sense of belonging, making it easy for viewers from all backgrounds to connect with the message and reflect on their own special moments.
⭐️ Family-First Message. While movies are the starting point of this video, the campaign highlights the deeper value of togetherness. It reinforces the brand’s core identity as one that brings people together through beautiful shared experiences.
✏️ Branded Content That Connects: Key Takeaways
Wow, what a lineup, right? We’ve just explored some incredible examples of branded content, each one showing that with the right message and creative storytelling, a brand can do so much more than just sell.
By this point, we hope you’re feeling as inspired as we are and ready to create branded content of your own. But before you begin, let’s break down a few key takeaways we’ve gathered from these standout campaigns, plus how you can apply them to your own brand, no matter your size or budget.
1) Keep It Authentic 🪄
You don’t need a huge budget to get started, emotional impact comes from real, relatable situations. People connect to authenticity over perfection. For example, showcase a day-in-the-life of your small business or highlight stories from customers.
2) Lead with Purpose 💜
As we’ve seen, great branded content isn’t about pushing sales, it’s about aligning with a bigger mission. So, be genuine, share your brand values or a cause you support. Blogs or social media posts are a great place to start!
3) Connect Through Empathy 😀
Inspire emotion, whether it’s joy, hope, or nostalgia. The most effective branded content taps into shared feelings and human experiences. Instead of highlighting a product, highlight a journey. What causes does your brand care about? What stories reflect your values?
4) Consider Timing Matters Too ⏰️
As you’ve probably noticed, most of the branded content examples we’ve explored keep it short, often around a minute. That’s because you only get a small window to hook your audience.So, make every second count. No fluff: real stories.
5) Aim for Consistency, Not Perfection ✨
Again, it’s not about how big your budget is, but rather about staying consistent to build recognition and trust. Stick to a tone and theme that reflects your brand’s values and use the help of a content calendar to schedule regular branded posts.
Last, but not least, it’s worth mentioning backing your message with action. Whether you’re a small business owner or an entrepreneur, your branded content becomes even more powerful when it’s paired with real-world action. Whether supporting local causes, hosting community events, or spreading awareness, no step is too small when it comes to inspiring change! ✨😊🌎
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Get started with these creative ideas:
😀 Let’s Wrap This Up!
And there you have it, branded content at its best! Feeling inspired? We hope so! Get started with a clear message, a little creativity, and the right design tools at your fingertips. From blog posts, articles, podcasts to heartfelt videos, you have the power to connect through meaningful content.
So go ahead—tell your story, stay true to your values, and let your brand shine in every post and product you create. The world is ready for your brand! But before you go, do let us know which was your favorite branded content example! Till next time. 😊✨
Your Brand, Your Way—Start Designing
Branded content is a great way for out of the box advertising trough mentions in articles online, websites, YouTube videos and more you can create buzz about your brand without pushing your products on viewers. If you're looking for great images for your branded content, check out Placeit with thousands of templates to create a well-rounded brand experience from mockups to social media images.
Bring Your Brand to Life
2 Comments
Mahalia
Wow that was strange. I just wrote an really long comment
but after I clicked submit my comment didn’t show up.
Grrrr… well I’m not writing all that over again. Regardless, just
wanted to say fantastic blog!
Kathi
HI