Fireside chat with an AI:
What is a spec ad?
A spec ad (short for speculative ad) is a fake advertisement created to showcase your skills, not for a real client or campaign. It’s something you make on your own — no one paid you for it, and it hasn’t been approved or published by the brand.Why people create spec ads:
To build a portfolio when they don’t have client work yetTo show what they can do for a dream client or agencyTo demonstrate creative thinking or technical skills (design, writing, video editing, etc.)To practice working with big brands or challenging briefsExample:
Let’s say you’re a video editor who wants to work with Red Bull. You might create a high-energy commercial for them using free footage and your editing skills — that’s a spec ad.It’s all about saying:“Hey, if you hire me, here’s the kind of creative work I can bring to your brand.”
To build a portfolio when they don’t have client work yetTo show what they can do for a dream client or agencyTo demonstrate creative thinking or technical skills (design, writing, video editing, etc.)To practice working with big brands or challenging briefsExample:
Let’s say you’re a video editor who wants to work with Red Bull. You might create a high-energy commercial for them using free footage and your editing skills — that’s a spec ad.It’s all about saying:“Hey, if you hire me, here’s the kind of creative work I can bring to your brand.”
What types of spec work do video entrepreneurs do to get work?
🔥 Popular Types of Spec Work for Video Entrepreneurs
- Spec Commercials (Ad Spots)
Fake or reimagined commercials for real brands (e.g., Nike, Red Bull, Apple)
Showcases storytelling, cinematography, editing, branding
Often used to pitch to ad agencies or land brand work - Title Sequences / Show Openers
Openings for fake or imagined TV shows, web series, or YouTube channels
Great for motion graphics, 3D animation, music syncing - Music Video Concepts
Unofficial music videos for popular songs or indie artists
Displays visual storytelling, choreography, VFX, mood/tone control - Brand Identity Videos Spec work that tells a brand story (think: “Who we are” / brand sizzle reels)
Good for landing agency or direct-to-business brand content work - Product Launch Trailers / Teasers
3D, live-action, or mixed-media mockups for tech products, games, or apps
Shows off visual effects, editing, dynamic pacing - Event Promo Spec Videos
Short hype videos for fictional events (festivals, conferences, sports)
Useful for clients who need promotional reels and social teasers - Startup Explainer Videos
Animated or live-action videos explaining how a (real or imagined) startup works
Perfect for those targeting tech companies, SaaS, or corporate clients - Documentary-Style Mini Features
A short “spec doc” about a local artist, athlete, or small business
Demonstrates your ability to shoot interviews, b-roll, narrative arcs - Social Media Ad Spec Videos
Vertical or square format mock ads for Instagram, TikTok, YouTube Shorts
Optimized for mobile — great to pitch to e-commerce brands and influencers - Showreel-Style Scene Recreation
Recreate a famous movie scene or create a scene in the style of a director (e.g., Tarantino, Fincher)
This helps showcase cinematography, lighting, direction, and editing skills
🎯 Why Do Entrepreneurs Do This?
- Proof of Concept: Shows what you’re capable of before clients trust you with budgets.
- Portfolio Fuel: Especially when you’re pivoting into a new niche (e.g., animation, branded content).
- Pitch Decks & Proposals: Spec work looks great in visual pitch decks for client acquisition.
- Attract Collaborators: Freelancers and agencies often discover talent through spec reels.
- Creative Freedom: You get to make what you want to be hired for — not just what you’ve been hired for in the past.
Speculation