Video Ads for Upselling and Cross-Selling eCommerce Products

In the eCommerce world, upselling and cross-selling are key strategies for increasing sales and average order value. These tactics are a smart way to introduce customers to products that complement or enhance their purchases. Video ads are an ideal format for these strategies, making it easy to show additional products in action, engage customers visually, and encourage more sales in an appealing way.

Understanding Upselling and Cross-Selling in eCommerce

Upselling and cross-selling are two distinct strategies that aim to maximize the value of each customer transaction. Upselling involves promoting a more expensive or enhanced version of a product the customer is already interested in. Think of it as a gentle suggestion to upgrade, offering added benefits for a little extra cost. Cross-selling, on the other hand, suggests related items or complementary products to the one the customer is considering. This could mean showing accessories or products that pair well with the main item.

Why Use Video Ads for Upselling and Cross-Selling?

Video ads can be powerful for upselling and cross-selling because they allow for dynamic product displays. A video ad can visually demonstrate the advantages of upgrading to a premium model or show how well two products work together. With well-crafted visuals and engaging storytelling, a video ad can convert a simple viewer into a customer ready to add more to their cart.



According to a recent study, viewers retain 95% of a message in a video compared to only 10% when reading text (source). This retention rate makes video ads an incredibly effective format for delivering promotional content, especially for upselling and cross-selling purposes. For example, an eCommerce brand that specializes in kitchenware saw a 40% increase in sales in 2024 by using video ads to show related cooking tools in action, successfully cross-selling these to customers considering their products.



Effective Techniques for Using Video Ads in Upselling

Highlighting Product Upgrades with Upselling

When creating video ads for upselling, focus on the added value or enhanced features of the upgraded product. For example, if a customer is looking at a basic blender, a video ad could showcase the benefits of a more advanced model, such as increased power, better durability, or extra functions. Through video, these features can be demonstrated in real-time, allowing customers to see the benefits they’d experience with the upgraded product.



Showing customer reviews or testimonials can also reinforce the benefits of the upgrade. Including quotes from satisfied users in your video ad can create trust and persuade the viewer that the upsell is worth the investment.

Pairing Products with Cross-Selling

Cross-selling is about presenting customers with products that naturally complement the item they’re viewing. In a video ad, you could demonstrate how these items enhance the main product. If you’re selling a camera, for example, this type of video could include accessories like lenses, tripods, or bags that go well with the camera.



An effective video ad of this kind will seamlessly integrate these complementary items. This way, the customer can see the benefits and versatility of using multiple products together. Additionally, highlighting package deals or bundle discounts through the video can further motivate customers to buy more than one product.

Engaging Elements to Include in Upselling and Cross-Selling Video Ads

Clear and Compelling Visuals

High-quality visuals make a video ad stand out. Bright, sharp images that highlight the product’s details can help the customer see what they’re getting. For upselling and cross-selling ads, use close-ups and demonstrations to show the products in action. Highlight key features by using animations, arrows, or text overlays to point out important details.

Incorporating Storytelling

An engaging narrative that connects with viewers can enhance the effectiveness of your ad. If you’re upselling a premium coffee machine, your video could tell a short story about a coffee enthusiast upgrading their setup. For cross-selling, the ad could show how someone’s coffee experience is enhanced with different coffee flavors or accessories. Telling a story helps customers envision themselves with the product, making the upsell or cross-sell feel more personal and appealing.

Adding a Call to Action

Every upselling or cross-selling video ad should have a clear call to action (CTA). This CTA could encourage viewers to “Upgrade Now” or “Complete Your Setup” with complementary items. The CTA should be short, direct, and easy to follow, and it’s best to position it at the end of the video when the viewer is already considering the product.

Example of a Successful Upselling and Cross-Selling Campaign

One eCommerce company that excelled in using video ads for upselling and cross-selling is an athletic brand that sells outdoor equipment. They launched a campaign in early 2024, where they used video ads to promote additional accessories to customers purchasing their hiking backpacks. Their ads showcased the backpacks in rugged terrains, with complementary items like water bottles, trekking poles, and portable chargers. By effectively combining upselling and cross-selling tactics, this campaign led to a 30% boost in sales.



CapCut Commerce Pro for Professional Video Ads

Creating professional video ads can be challenging without the right tools. Enter CapCut Commerce Pro, a video ad generator designed to help eCommerce businesses. With easy-to-use features and advanced AI editing, this platform enables businesses to produce engaging upselling and cross-selling ads.



Using CapCut Commerce Pro for Effective Upselling Ads

With CapCut Commerce Pro, you can easily create product comparison ads that highlight the benefits of an upgraded model. This AI video ad generator offers templates and editing options specifically designed for eCommerce products, allowing you to tailor each ad to your brand’s style. For example, you can use the platform to insert transitions, text overlays, and sound effects that draw attention to the unique features of upselling.

Cross-Selling Video Ads with CapCut Commerce Pro

For this, CapCut Commerce Pro makes it easy to create videos that showcase complementary items in an eye-catching way. The platform’s AI capabilities suggest suitable scenes and editing tools that highlight multiple products in the same video ad. The result is a smooth, appealing ad that connects with the viewer and encourages them to add complementary items to their cart.



Building a Strong Upselling and Cross-Selling Strategy with Video Ads

To maximize the impact of your upselling and cross-selling ads, consistency is key. Try to maintain a uniform style and message across all your video ads. Use the same color schemes, logos, and voiceovers so that your branding remains cohesive. With the help of CapCut Commerce Pro, creating and maintaining this level of consistency is straightforward, ensuring that all your ads appear polished and professional.



In the crowded world of eCommerce, video ads stand out as one of the most engaging and effective tools for upselling and cross-selling. By understanding your customer’s needs and presenting them with valuable product recommendations, you can encourage larger purchases and boost your bottom line.