By on Jul 21, 2025
By now, it’s clear that AI-powered video isn’t just a futuristic trend—it’s already shaping how businesses show up online. But knowing it works and actually using it effectively are two very different things. If you’re wondering how to start using AI to create short videos that drive real results, this guide will walk you through simple, strategic ways to make it work for your business.
The most effective short-form ads don’t focus on selling—they focus on solving. Think about the questions your audience asks again and again. What’s holding them back from making a decision? What’s confusing or intimidating about your product or service? A quick video that clears up just one of those pain points will go further than a polished, broad pitch. According to a recent Wyzowl study, 66% of marketers say short video is their top lead-generating format—and 89% say it delivers strong ROI. But the format only works when the content feels genuinely helpful.
Short-form ads are typically 15 to 60 seconds long, and they work best when they deliver value immediately. Start with a hook that grabs attention in the first three seconds. Then answer the question, explain the tip, or show the result. Close with a clear call to action—even if that’s just “learn more” or “visit our site.” And because more than 75% of video views happen on smartphones, make sure your video is vertical and easy to understand without sound. Sprout Social reports that over 90% of users watch social video with the sound off—so captions and visual clarity matter more than background music or voiceover.
Generative AI can help you move faster. You can use it to brainstorm ideas, outline a script, or test different versions of the same message. But what makes these videos effective still comes down to relevance and clarity. According to the Interactive Advertising Bureau, nearly 90% of advertisers will use generative AI to create video ads in 2025. That doesn’t mean replacing your voice or creativity—it means using AI to do more of what already works, more often. The best-performing videos still come from people who know their audience and speak directly to them.
This format rewards consistency. You don’t have to go viral to see results—you just have to keep showing up with something useful. Post regularly, track which videos get watched or clicked, and look for patterns. What topics spark curiosity? What tone feels right? According to HubSpot’s latest trend report, marketers who post weekly short-form videos are over twice as likely to report meaningful engagement. AI can help you test and adapt faster—but you still need to stay close to what your audience is telling you.
You don’t need to start from scratch every time. Turn a blog post into a 30-second tip. Break down a long tutorial into quick steps. Take a strong line from an email or testimonial and build a video around it. AI can help you translate written content into visual formats without needing a studio or production team. The key is to take what’s already working and repackage it in a way that’s quick, watchable, and relevant on the platforms where your audience is scrolling.
The most valuable part of short-form video isn’t the algorithm or the editing: It’s the moment of recognition. It’s when someone sees themselves in your message, feels understood, and trusts you enough to click. AI is just a tool to help you get there faster. The real work is in showing up consistently with clarity, empathy, and purpose.
These tools can help you create video faster—but they’re just one piece of a strong marketing strategy. At Umbrella, we help businesses combine smart content, SEO, ads, and local expertise to drive real growth. With marketing experts across the country and around the world, you’ll get a partner who understands your goals and your market. Schedule a call with a Local expert today to start turning scrolls into clicks and clicks into customers.
Use our free tool to get your score calculated in under 60 seconds.
