12 Types Of Videos You Can Film At A Content Studio

12 different video formats you can record for your social media

Most business owners looking to create a strong online presence know they should be creating video content, but what kind of video content exactly should they create?

On social media, you’ll see all kinds of formats - from video testimonials and behind-the-scenes clips to short-form TikTok-style vertical videos and podcast interviews - it can be tough to know where to start.

This guide breaks down the most common types of business videos that brands and businesses are filming to reach their audiences across multiple social media platforms. For each one, we’ll break down what it is, who it’s best suited for, and when to use it.

Whether you’re walking into a video studio with a full content strategy or just have a rough idea that “I need to be doing more video,” this is your starting point.

1. Brand Story Video

This is usually a cinematic, emotionally grounded video that tells your origin story and the mission of your business. It will often feature the founder, team, behind-the-scenes moments, and narrative-driven visuals to emphasize your purpose. It’s designed to build connection and credibility, not just awareness.

Who it’s for: Founders, personal brands, startups, service-based businesses, or any company that wants to lead with authenticity and separate itself from its competition.

Used when: You’re launching a new brand, rebranding, or trying to increase trust with new audiences. Perfect for website homepages, pitch decks, social headers, or press kits where first impressions count.

2. Customer Testimonials

A video that shows real clients sharing their experience with your service or product. The best testimonials feel honest and unscripted. A valuable format is one that identifies the problem they initially had, explains why they chose you and describes the result they achieved. These can be filmed in-studio or at the client’s location.

Who it’s for: Coaches, consultants, law firms, real estate teams, clinics, and any business where trust and results are important.

Used when: You need to reinforce your credibility to potential clients who are in the buying stage. These videos are good for landing pages, proposal follow-ups, or as part of a nurturing sequence.

3. Explainer Or Product Demo

A walk-through video that explains your offer or process in easy-to-understand language. Whether it’s a SaaS tool, service package, or physical product, explainer videos help viewers quickly understand the features and benefits and usually include screen recordings or animations.

Who it’s for: Tech startups, software companies, service providers, agencies, and businesses with complex offers or multi-step processes.

Used when: You want to address common pre-sale questions, customer support issues, or drop-off points in your buyer’s journey. These videos help educate leads, increase sign-ups, and help with onboarding. They are commonly used on sales pages, demo requests, or in client welcome packs.

4. Interview / Podcast-Style Video

A multi-camera, studio-filmed conversation between two or more people. They’re often set up to be podcasts, roundtables, or expert interviews. This format is perfect for sharing insights and showcasing thought leadership. Long episodes can be cut up and repurposed into dozens of clips.

Who it’s for: Founders, marketers, creatives, educators, or any business aiming to position themselves as a go-to expert in their niche.

Used when: You want to build audience trust through ideas and personality, not just visuals. These videos are perfect for YouTube, LinkedIn, email series, or turning into short-form reels for daily social content.

5. Short-Form Social Content (Reels, TikToks, Shorts)

These are short, vertical videos designed to grab attention within seconds. These clips are highly visual, fast-paced, and typically 15 to 60 seconds long. They can be educational, funny, inspirational, or behind-the-scenes, and can be filmed in batches to save time.

Who it’s for: Content creators, influencers, personal brands, gyms, fitness professionals, food businesses, salons, and anyone focused on Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube Shorts.

Used when: You need to show up more frequently on social platforms. These videos work best when you're trying to build brand awareness, stay on top of the algorithm, and maintain consistent engagement. They are ideal for weekly or monthly batching and reuse.

6. How-To / Educational Videos

Instructional content that teaches your audience how to solve a problem, understand a concept, or take a specific action. This format focuses on delivering value without fluff, and can be filmed with a talking head, step-by-step breakdowns, or screen shares to explain a process.

Who it’s for: Coaches, consultants, agencies, personal brands, financial advisors, therapists, or anyone using content marketing to build authority.

Used when: You want to move your audience from “curious” to “confident.” These videos are perfect for content libraries, course platforms, blog embeds, email nurturing, and YouTube. They can help increase your perceived value before someone even hires you.

7. Social Ads / Promo Videos

These are polished and fast-cut videos usually created for paid ads or campaign pushes. These clips use music, text overlays, voiceovers, or quick pacing to hook attention, convey a clear benefit, and drive clicks or conversions.

Who it’s for: E-commerce brands, local businesses, course creators, service providers, and event marketers who run ads on Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, or TikTok.

Used when: You’re launching something new, running a seasonal promotion, or need to generate immediate traffic. These videos are often split-tested, reused in campaigns, or adjusted for multiple ad platforms.

8. Internal Training / Onboarding Videos

These are videos used to train staff, onboard new hires, or document company processes. These videos can include walkthroughs, policy explanations, or safety protocols.

Who it’s for: Franchises, growing teams, HR departments, agencies, trade companies, and startups.

Used when: You’re hiring, expanding, or creating standard operating procedures. These videos are used in internal libraries, employee portals, or shared via private links.

9. Event Recaps Or Sizzle Reels

A 60–90 second highlight reel capturing the energy, impact, and best moments of a live event. These videos combine crowd shots, speaker clips, testimonials, and music to tell a compelling visual story that feels fast-paced and emotionally engaging.

Who it’s for: Event organizers, conferences, business coaches, community leaders, and public-facing brands that host in-person experiences.

Used when: You want to keep the momentum going after an event, or you’re looking to promote an upcoming event. These reels work well on social media, in email marketing, or as part of sponsorship decks.

10. FAQ Videos

These are short videos that are direct responses to common questions you hear from leads or customers.

Who it’s for: Service providers, medical professionals, real estate teams, agencies, and product companies.

Used when: You want to avoid answering the same questions repeatedly and build buyer confidence before a sales call. These are perfect for embedding on websites, using in email replies, or integrating into onboarding sequences.

11. Founder / Expert Insight Clips

These are short, smart videos where you share your perspective on industry trends, mistakes to avoid, or lessons learned. These are designed to be authoritative and help your audience connect with your worldview, not just your brand.

Who it’s for: Executives, coaches, consultants, agency owners, and thought leaders who want to stay visible and valuable in their niche.

Used when: You want to be top of mind for the people who matter most in your industry. These clips are suitable for platforms such as LinkedIn, YouTube, and newsletters. They can also be used for media outreach opportunities.

12. Fitness / Instructional / Movement Videos

These videos can range from full workouts to short form-correction clips.  They are often shot with wide angles, clean lighting, and minimal distractions to showcase technique.

Who it’s for: Personal trainers, yoga instructors, gyms, and physical therapists.

Used when: You’re teaching exercises, selling memberships, or giving value online. These are best used in course platforms, fitness apps, social media channels, and email sequences.

Ready to Film? Here’s How Content Club Chicago Can Help

Whether you’re looking to start building your brand or finally get consistent with content, every format we’ve shared in this article can be filmed right here at Content Club Chicago.

We’re not just a podcast studio or a DIY rental space. We’re a full-service creative production team. That means we can support you with as much help as you need:

  • Need a creative partner to help shape your idea? We’ve got you.

  • Already have a script and just need a place to shoot? Our space is ready to be booked.

  • Want to create a month’s worth of content in a single day? We’ll help you plan it out and make it happen.

We offer studio shoots, on-location filming, editing, creative direction, and full post-production support, all based on your exact needs.

Book a consultation, and let us help you grow your audience!

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Brand Storytelling: How To Create Content That Connects