How to Create AI Video Ads That Convert for E-commerce
Video ads outperform static images by 49% in engagement across Meta and TikTok (source: Meta Business, 2025). But for most e-commerce brands, video production has been too expensive and slow to justify — until now.
Why Video Matters for E-commerce
The average scroll speed on TikTok is 1.5 seconds per piece of content. Your ad has that window to stop the thumb. Video naturally captures more attention than static images because:
- Motion triggers attention — our brains are wired to notice movement in a static feed
- Stories build intent — showing a product in use creates desire far more effectively than a still image
- Platform algorithms favor video — Meta, TikTok, and YouTube all prioritize video content in their feeds
The AI Video Production Workflow
Modern AI video tools let you go from product photo to finished ad in three steps:
- Select your product — choose from your catalog or upload a photo
- Pick a style — cinematic, UGC-style, product showcase, lifestyle
- Generate — AI creates a 5-15 second clip with transitions, zoom, and motion
Krev generates videos optimized for each platform's aspect ratio: 9:16 for TikTok and Reels, 1:1 for feed posts, 16:9 for YouTube.
Best Practices for High-Converting Video Ads
Getting the most out of AI video requires understanding what makes ads perform:
- Hook in the first frame — show the product immediately, don't build up to it
- Keep it short — 6-10 seconds performs best on TikTok, 15 seconds on Instagram
- Add text overlays — 85% of social video is watched without sound
- Test variations — AI makes it trivial to create 10 versions and let the algorithm pick the winner
Your mobile ad has 2 seconds to stop the scroll. Miss that window and you just burned budget on an impression nobody saw.
Cost Comparison
The economics of AI video are compelling for any brand running paid social:
| Method | Cost per video | Turnaround |
|---|---|---|
| Agency production | $2,000-10,000 | 2-4 weeks |
| Freelance editor | $200-800 | 3-7 days |
| AI generation | $1-5 | Seconds |
At these prices, the optimal strategy shifts from "produce one perfect video" to "produce many variations and let the algorithm choose the winner" — a fundamentally different approach to creative testing.
Getting Started
Start with your best-selling product. Generate 5-10 video variations across different styles, then run them as a creative test in your ad account. Within 48 hours, you'll have data on which creative direction resonates with your audience.