“Corporate video” and “commercial video” are often used interchangeably, but they actually serve different purposes. Knowing the difference can help you brief a production company accurately and get the right kind of video for your goal.
What Is a Corporate Video?
Corporate video is typically made for an internal or business-facing audience: employees, partners, stakeholders, or clients who are already engaged with your organization. Common examples include training videos, company culture films, internal communications, and testimonial videos. The goal is usually to inform, train, or build trust with an audience that already knows who you are.
What Is a Commercial Video?
Commercial video is built to reach a new, external audience — it’s advertising. Think TV commercials, digital ads, and short-form promotional spots designed to introduce your brand or product to people who may have never heard of you before. The goal is usually to generate awareness, leads, or sales.
How to Decide Which You Need
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Who is the audience? Existing employees or clients point to corporate video; new potential customers point to commercial video.
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What’s the goal? Training or internal alignment is corporate; awareness or sales is commercial.
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Where will it run? Internal platforms and onboarding point to corporate; TV, paid ads, and public social campaigns point to commercial.
Many organizations need both types of video over time — and that’s exactly why we offer both as part of our full range of video production services.
Not Sure Which You Need? Let’s Talk.
Tell us about your goals and we’ll help you figure out the right type of video — or combination — for your project.
