Short-Form Video Ads: Crush It on TikTok & Reels in Q2 2025

Introduction: Why Short-Form Videos Are Your New Best Friend

Let’s be real — we’re all glued to our phones way more than we’d like to admit. And you know what’s keeping us there? Short-form videos. Whether it’s TikTok, Instagram Reels, or YouTube Shorts, these tiny, punchy videos have basically hijacked our attention spans — and honestly, it’s kind of brilliant.

At Rebus, we’re seeing brands absolutely crush it with short-form video ads — not just because they’re trendy, but because they work. And in Q2 2025, if you’re not meeting your customers where they’re scrolling, you’re missing out. Big time. Let’s dive into how you can create quick, powerful videos that don’t just get views, but actually move the needle for your business.

1. The 5–15-Second Sweet Spot

Here’s the hard truth: if your video doesn't grab attention in the first 2 seconds, you’re toast. That’s why the magic length for short-form ads is somewhere between 5 and 15 seconds. Long enough to tell a story, short enough to avoid getting swiped away into oblivion.

Think of it like a movie trailer for your brand — you want to tease the best part, leave them curious, and give them an easy next step (hint: your CTA!). If you can nail the hook, deliver your message fast, and leave them wanting more, you’re already ahead of 90% of the competition.

2. Killer Hooks That Actually Stop the Scroll

If your first second isn’t interesting, it’s game over. Seriously. Great hooks don’t feel like ads; they feel like a friend saying, "Hey, you’ve GOT to see this." Some of our favorite types of hooks?

• Shock factor: Start with something unexpected or visually crazy.
• Relatable moments: "Ever feel like your to-do list is plotting against you?"
• Bold promises: "Boost your sales by 30% in 30 days — here’s how."

Pro tip: film multiple hook variations and A/B test them. The best performing ones might surprise you.

3. TikTok vs. Reels: Same Same, but Different

Both platforms love short, authentic content — but they’re not identical twins. Here’s the quick breakdown:

Bottom line? TikTok feels like a messy group chat; Reels feels more like your curated Instagram feed. Adjust your tone accordingly.

4. Low-Budget, High-Impact: How to Create Without Overthinking It

You do NOT need a full-blown video production team to crush it with short-form content. Seriously. Most viral ads are shot on smartphones with a ring light and some decent editing apps. Here's what we recommend:

• Batch film: Block a few hours, shoot tons of clips, edit later.
• Use in-app editors: TikTok and Instagram's built-in tools are shockingly good now.
• Repurpose: One clip = TikTok, Reels, Stories, Shorts... You get the idea.

Don't wait for perfect lighting or the “perfect idea.” Hit record. Messy beats invisible every time.

5. Metrics That Actually Matter

Yeah, a million views feels nice. But we care more about what those views do for your business. Keep an eye on:

• Watch-through rate: Are people watching to the end?
• Engagement: Comments, saves, shares = algorithm love.
• Conversions: Are they clicking, signing up, or buying?

Pro tip: Always pair your videos with a strong CTA — even something simple like “Tap to learn more” can make a huge difference.

Conclusion: Get in the Game

Look — short-form video isn’t going anywhere. If anything, it’s getting bigger, louder, and more crucial to your brand’s success. The good news? You don’t have to be a professional filmmaker to win. You just need a good story, a strong hook, and the guts to show up authentically.

At Rebus, we’re obsessed with helping brands like yours show up and stand out. If you’re ready to finally make short-form video ads that don’t just blend in, let’s talk. We’ll help you turn those 15 seconds into something unforgettable.

Ready to Roll?

Hit the contact button below and let’s start planning your first (or next) viral-worthy short-form video campaign. Because if you’re not showing up where your customers are scrolling… your competition definitely is.