Everyone is obsessed with TikTok, Reels, and Shorts. Agencies will charge you thousands for "viral video packages."
But while everyone is fighting for video dominance, the smartest brands are quietly scaling with a format that costs $0 to produce:
The Static Image
Video builds brand affinity. But static images often drive the highest immediate efficiency. They are digestible, clear, and force the user to focus on the value proposition immediately.
Examples Of Static Ads
The "Scroll-Stopping Static" Framework
Don't just use product photography. Use performance design.
🎯 The Us vs. Them Chart
Visual comparison tables convert.
Column A: "Other Brands" (generic pains).
Column B: "Us" (specific features/benefits).
Why it works: It justifies the purchase logically in a split second.
Example Us vs. Them Ads
🎯 The "Annotated Product" Shot
Take a high-res product shot.
Add lines pointing to specific features with text overlays.
"Waterproof casing," "24hr battery," " hypoallergenic."
Why it works: It answers questions before the user clicks.
🎯 The Twitter/Review Screenshot
A screenshot of a Tweet or a verified 5-star review on a plain background.
Why it works: It leverages "native platform" trust. It reads like news, not an ad.
The 50/50 Rule
If 100% of your creative testing budget is video, you are leaving money on the table. Aim for a 50/50 split in testing. Statics allow you to test value propositions faster than video ever will.
Your turn: When was the last time you launched a new static creative test?
