I’d like to create my first video ads, but I have no experience and don’t know how to go about it to be successful. That’s why I decided to start this thread on the forum, hoping someone with experience might be able to help me. I’m dropshipping with AliExpress. Can anyone offer any tips on how to generate a good video that sells? Should I contact the seller to see if they have any video materials? Should I buy the product and create the content myself? Should I use AI to generate a video ad (can you recommend any programs?)? Should I hire an influencer?
Great that you’re starting video ads early — they really make or break dropshipping stores. Here’s my breakdown of your options (with pros/cons so you know where to start):
Ask the AliExpress Seller for Video Materials
Pros: Free, quick, and sometimes they’ll have decent product demo clips.
Cons: Often poor quality, watermarked, or used by many other dropshippers (so you won’t stand out).
Worth asking, but don’t rely on it as your main creative.
Buy the Product & Shoot Your Own Content
Pros: Unique, higher trust factor, you can highlight benefits and emotions (not just features).
Cons: Slower (need to wait for shipping), requires basic filming/editing skills.
If you’re serious about building a brand, this is the best long-term approach. Even with a smartphone + natural light, you can create strong UGC (user-generated content).
AI Video Generation Tools
Tools to try:
Pictory (turns text into short ads with stock + captions)
InVideo (templates for product ads)
Runway / Gen-2 (more advanced AI generation if you want unique visuals)
Pros: Quick, no camera needed, low cost.
Cons: Can feel generic/stocky, doesn’t always show the real product, which may hurt conversions.
Best for testing ad concepts quickly before investing in real shoots.
Hire UGC Creators / Influencers
Pros: You get authentic-looking content (customer POV) which performs well on TikTok, Reels, and Meta Ads.
Cons: Cost varies ($30–200 per video for micro-creators), quality depends on who you hire.
Platforms like Billo, JoinBrands, or Fiverr UGC creators make this easy.
Video ads can really make or break a store when you’re just starting out. A lot of people start by asking their supplier for product clips, but honestly, custom content usually performs way better. Even buying the product yourself and shooting simple UGC-style videos can go a long way.
If you’re using AliExpress, just keep in mind shipping times, some sellers don’t make it easy to get a sample quickly. I’ve seen merchants switch to fulfillment partners like USAdrop mainly because they can get products faster for content creation and ad testing, which speeds up the whole process.