How To Create Authentic Video Content For Your Brand

People are craving real, imperfect, messy humans again – especially in authentic video content.

But authentic didn’t suddenly appear as a buzzword because of AI. 

It’s been rising for years. 

And yet most people still can’t clearly define it. 

So, in this article, we’re breaking down expert tips from Zelios explainer video agency, focusing on:

• What “authentic” actually means,
• What authentic video content looks like for brands,
• Why is it essential (like, existential-level essential!)?

And finally, how to actually create authentic video content with actionable tips, examples, and next steps you can use today.

So, bookmark this post, because if you aren’t creating right now, you’ll want to return to this as a practical guide anytime you need clarity or direction.

What Does “Authentic” Really Mean, Anyway?

The word authentic has been trending for years. 

Merriam-Webster even named it the 2023 Word of the Year.

And in 2026, the conversation around authenticity has only gotten louder. 

Why? 

Well, that’s because authenticity taps into something people are deeply craving.

Not just from content, but from human interaction, from brands, from leaders, from everywhere.

Gen Z in particular has a sixth sense for anything performative. So, you can say that they can sniff out inauthentic advertising from a mile away. 

And honestly? They’re not wrong. 

For instance, a good way to define a word is to look at its opposite.

That is, if performative means something like:

“Done insincerely or inauthentically, typically to impress others or improve one’s image,”

In that case, authentic is the complete opposite. That is, it refers to something genuine and an original version of its own.

So, authenticity is when someone expresses or creates something they genuinely believe something rooted in their experience, expertise, values, or lived truth. 

And authentic content is the stuff that feels real, grounded, and human (even when delivered through video, marketing, or brand messaging).

Why Every Single Business Needs Authentic Video Content?

Since TikTok exploded, we’ve had constant, real-time, stream-of-consciousness insight into what people think without filters, gatekeepers, and mega influencers.

Moreover, every day, we all want to hear from genuine, real people from every walk of life. So, it’s completely changed what audiences expect.

But people still want experts. That is, they are still looking for—

• Leaders,
• Authority, and
• Things delivered with honesty over a simple performance.

This is why we all enjoy chaotic or funny brand content (Wendy’s, we’re looking at you), but no one is buying a Frosty because of their memes or their funny, unhinged posts.

How Place-Based Businesses Use Authentic Video Content?

Kamoka Pearls is an example of a company doing authentic brand video well.

For instance, Kamoka Pearl has gone viral on platforms like TikTok for showcasing their sustainable, regenerative pearl farming in French Polynesia.

Now, they do so with impeccable visual storytelling. So, engaging the audience with their content that is both authentic and spectacular.

How Local Small Businesses Should Use Authentic Video Content?

Small businesses? 

Totally different story.

Unlike the big enterprises, if you’re a small business owner, service provider, consultant, local storefront, or personal brand, you need:

• Visibility
• Trust
• Authority
• And a reason for people to choose you over competitors

This is where authentic video content becomes non-negotiable. Now, an authentic video isn’t just for influencers looking for clout. Moreover, it’s not for the young and glamorous. 

Rather, it is for brands that want to survive, grow, and connect with their audience truly and genuinely.

If you have expertise, a unique process, strong opinions, behind-the-scenes moments, or stories worth telling, then video is your most powerful tool.

Because video shows real humans, not faceless businesses. And real humans convert.

How To Create Authentic Video Content For Your Brand?

If you’re still with me (kudos! We love people who actually read), you’re probably thinking:

“Okay… I get it. I need authentic video content. But how do I actually create it?”

Good news, that’s exactly what this section is for.

1. Start With Your Core Content Pillars

These are the 3–5 themes you will always talk about. Now, these themes should directly relate to your offers.

So, if you sell makeup:

• Your morning routine
• Daily essentials
• Evening routines
• Product use cases
• Brand values (organic, cruelty-free, etc.)

But if you’re a local dog-grooming business:

• Before/after transformations
• Health benefits of grooming
• Educational tips about skin, fur, and hygiene
• Behind-the-scenes with your team

So, this is how you need to focus on the content pillars. That is, it works for every industry because your pillars become the backbone of your message.

2. Create 10–12 Long-Form Videos

These could be:

• YouTube videos
• Video podcast episodes
• Educational deep dives
• Process walkthroughs
• Industry myth-busting

Moreover, you can repurpose the long-form videos into vertical clips for TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube Shorts—so don’t worry about that part.

But the question you need to ask is:

“What does my customer need to know, understand, or believe before they are ready to buy?”

So, if you answer all their objections through authentic advertising and authentic video reviews, you:

• Increase conversions
• Build trust
• Grow your email list
• Reduce refund requests
• Shorten the sales cycle

Because truly: the harder the qualify, the easier the close. Moreover, qualification happens through honest, helpful, authentic video content.

3. Know Your Customer At A Deep Level

Before content pillars, before scripts, before anything, the real question is: “Who are you talking to?”

That is, not just demographic labels, I mean, what do the customers—

• Desire,
• Frustrated about,
• Scared of,
• Keeps them up at night, and
• Actually want as a solution.

If you can articulate those things better than they can themselves, you win. Period.

4. Turn Your Long-Form Videos Into A Full Content Ecosystem

Once we have your anchor videos, we break them into clips for Instagram, TikTok, YouTube Shorts, Facebook, and more. 

Or, if you prefer, we can help you create fresh platform-specific content.

Either way, your brand becomes a consistent, trustworthy voice online.

Something audiences desperately crave in a world full of AI-generated sameness.

5. Bring The Authenticity Through Your People

The authenticity factor doesn’t come from a script.

It comes from you and your team showing up with genuine beliefs about why your product, service, or mission matters.

Your audience doesn’t just want a video.

They want a real human being explaining why your company exists and why it deserves their trust.