Creative Media
The Influence Agency’s Creative Media Department shares their favorite digital assets from the past year, highlighting what makes each of these branded content examples special.
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Our Top Four: Best of Branded Content from 2024
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In the fast-paced world of branded content and creative media, constant growth and innovation are key. The Influence Agency’s Creative Media Department works closely together to brainstorm fresh ideas for upcoming projects and refine their brand storytelling skills as artists in an increasingly digital world.
The team gives us an insider look at the creative process they use to build their branded content strategies. They’ll reflect on their top four digital assets from the last year, and highlight in their own words why each of these branded content examples are special.
Of all the stellar digital marketing assets Senior Lead Photographer, Gabby, has produced over the year, her choice branded content asset is this photo taken for Well.ca’s spring campaign. The marketing strategy was to highlight skincare and sun-care products alongside fresh flowers sourced from Euclid Farms. The Creative Team selected various shapes and warm tones to complement the soft pink backdrop and execute the brand vision.
This is one of my favorite digital assets from the Well.ca campaign. Maybe it’s the simplicity of the scene, or the dainty flowers used to frame the composition, but it feels like it could live on a billboard.
This project taught me how to use new tools, like “flower frogs,” to style fresh flowers. We had various tools available on set, such as clamps, sticky tack, tape, skewers, etc., but the frogs worked best for keeping the flowers upright.
The team appreciated how the organic shapes of the flowers balanced nicely with the architectural elements of the arches and blocks. One constructive suggestion was to reduce the saturation on the white areas of the product to make them pop against the pink backdrop.
In hindsight, this photo would look great captured with a wider lens and from a lower angle. Even if it’s not what the client originally asked for, experimenting with new techniques and different approaches can often lead to surprising and exciting results while creating digital media assets.
This branded content enjoyed high audience engagement from a prominent place on the landing page of Well.ca’s website. It greeted potential customers and promoted the spring sale. The photo was also featured in branded newsletter content and the brand’s social media posts, directing traffic and boosting business.
In quarterly creative shoots, the Creative Team experiments with new techniques and ideas to come up with innovative digital assets and create branded content ideas they can look back on. From these unique branded content examples, Lead Photographer, Natalia, chose this playful Well Juice cinemagraph as her top digital asset.
What sets this asset apart is the attention to detail it requires. Considering there are multiple moving elements in the image, it took a lot of effort and new post-production techniques to make the loop seamless.
When we create digital assets with so many details, it’s important to collaborate as a team. In this case, we worked together to successfully light the set, position the bottle and produce, and ensure the juice flow into the bottle was uninterrupted.
The team loved how this came together. It feels like a cool hybrid of a cinemagraph and stop motion. Constructive feedback focused on straightening the vertical line on the tile background and adding another moving element to balance the rocking lemon.
I’d spend more time on the initial setup. For example, I’d make sure the backdrop lines are straight, and other small details are aligned. I’d also make sure everyone stayed in one spot, since even the slightest movement can shift the scene and take away from the cinemagraph magic.
Lead Videographer Marcel’s top digital asset is one of four videos created for YouTheory to highlight their unique collagen-focused products. The campaign called for quick, snappy video content with an instantly recognizable brand story that could be watched on social media with the sound and text on or off.
The crisp, polished look, dynamic music, and pacing make this asset special. I loved syncing the video and the audio files, because there were so many perfect beats to cut on, reminding me of my music video editing days. It was also nice to shoot this the day after Gabby shot her photo series. I could take inspiration from (steal) her lighting setup.
I learned that with fast, dynamic content like this, it’s nearly impossible to pre-plan every detail of the editing process. It would take a full day to storyboard the shoot and pre-select the music. Instead, we created a brief shot list, shot a few extras, and had fun in the edit.
The team was happy with the final result. We spent time deciding the wording and placement of the on-screen text, but everyone was thrilled with how this came out.
Next time, I’d love to have even more shot variety, including tighter close-ups, zooms, and even lighting changes if time permits. I’d choose the music beforehand to better coordinate specific camera movements with the song. I’d also light the powder pouring shot differently to create more contrast with the background. The options are endless.
Marcel’s video is one of the examples of branded content that plays out perfectly on social media platforms. With a strong brand image, clear message, and engaging pace, this video content stood out on Instagram as both an organic post and in paid ads.
This sizzle reel, chosen by Social Content Creator and Editor Marc as his top digital asset was filmed at a HAYU x Below Deck influencer marketing event. Marc captured behind the scenes videos to showcase the activities and atmosphere enjoyed by the influencers in attendance. It’s also one of the many branded content examples that highlight The Influence Agency’s expertise in event marketing and facilitating influencer collaborations.
I learned it takes a team to shoot both photo and video content at long influencer marketing events like this one. Working solo, I couldn’t maximize the quality of both roles on top of helping with the event setup. Next time, I’d bring backup for extra support.
The team’s primary feedback was to increase the pace and reduce focus on areas with less relevant or valuable content.
Capturing more influencer content from the event setup could provide useful content and social media assets for future projects. I’d also try to strategically place myself where highlight clips could be captured.
This video was shared on The Influence Agency’s Instagram as both a Story and a Reel. So far, it’s received over 1,000 views and numerous comments. Branded content like a sizzle reel is a great way to showcase the business and reinforce brand values for potential clients or existing customers.
Whether it’s strengthening a brand’s image or connecting with a target audience, forward-thinking branded content is key to effective digital marketing strategies, now and in the future. As the industry evolves, it’s important to learn from past branded content examples to continuously push the boundaries of what’s possible for future digital assets.
At The Influence Agency, our Creative Media team is committed to creating the best branded content for every campaign. Let us help elevate your brand.
We specialize in delivering impactful results that resonate with audiences and drive businesses. Contact us today to start creating your next breakthrough campaign.
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