In today’s digital-first world, video content dominates marketing strategies. From YouTube ads and social media campaigns to branded films and OTT commercials, video advertising is a non-negotiable part of reaching modern consumers. However, one question continues to puzzle businesses: Should we hire a video advertising agency or build an in-house team?
This debate has no universal answer. Both models have strengths and limitations depending on your brand’s goals, resources, and growth stage. In this blog, we will break down the pros and cons of video advertising agencies vs. in-house teams, supported by industry insights, real-world examples, and future trends.
And to make it even more relevant, we will also look at how Adomantra, a leading name in the digital marketing landscape, approaches video advertising for its clients.
1. The Importance of Video Advertising Today
Over 90% of marketers report that video helps them generate better ROI.
Consumers are 12x more likely to share video content than text or images.
Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube prioritize short-form video.
Attention spans are shrinking, making engaging video ads critical.
In this ecosystem, brands cannot afford to ignore video advertising. The question isn’t whether to invest in video, but how to structure your video advertising strategy effectively—through a specialized agency or an in-house setup.
2. Understanding a Video Advertising Agency
A Video Advertising Agency is a specialized firm that provides end-to-end services for creating, distributing, and optimizing video ads. Their expertise often includes:
Creative Conceptualization – Storyboarding, scripting, and ideation.
Production – Filming, editing, animation, and VFX.
Media Buying & Placement – Running ads across social, search, OTT, and television.
Analytics & Optimization – Tracking ad performance and improving ROI.
Advantages of Hiring a Video Advertising Agency
Expertise Across Industries – Agencies work with diverse brands and bring creative variety.
Scalable Resources – From basic video ads to cinematic campaigns, agencies can scale.
Access to Technology – Agencies often have advanced tools, software, and studios.
Fresh Creative Perspective – Outsiders can bring new storytelling ideas.
Limitations of a Video Advertising Agency
Higher Costs – Premium agencies charge significant fees.
Less Control – Brands may feel distanced from the creative process.
Turnaround Time – Coordination between brand and agency can slow execution.
3. Understanding an In-House Video Team
An in-house team refers to hiring full-time employees within your company to handle video advertising. This team usually includes videographers, editors, animators, and strategists.
Advantages of an In-House Team
Full Control – Direct oversight of strategy, tone, and creative execution.
Cost Efficiency (Long-Term) – Salaries may be cheaper than agency retainers over time.
Faster Turnaround – Internal teams can work quickly without external approvals.
Deep Brand Knowledge – Employees live and breathe the company culture.
Limitations of an In-House Team
Limited Creativity – Lack of exposure to diverse campaigns may reduce innovation.
High Initial Investment – Equipment, software, and salaries are expensive.
Scaling Challenges – Handling multiple campaigns simultaneously can be tough.
Skill Gaps – A small team may not match the breadth of agency expertise.
4. Cost Comparison: Agency vs. In-House
Video Advertising Agency Costs
Small campaigns: $5,000 – $20,000
Large campaigns: $50,000 – $500,000+
Flexible pricing based on scope
In-House Team Costs
Hiring salaries for 4–6 employees: $200,000+ annually
Equipment & software: $50,000 upfront
Ongoing training and upgrades
Verdict: Agencies may be more cost-effective for occasional campaigns, while in-house teams can be economical for brands running frequent video ads.
5. Creative Quality: Who Delivers Better Content?
Agencies: Offer polished, cinematic content with diverse creative input.
In-House Teams: Deliver brand-consistent videos but may lack variety.
Example: A startup launching one viral campaign may benefit from an agency, while a large e-commerce company producing 50 short-form ads monthly may find in-house better.
6. Flexibility and Scalability
Agencies can scale quickly with large teams and freelancers.
In-House Teams are faster for small projects but may struggle with sudden spikes.
7. Technology and Tools
Agencies have access to advanced production tools, AR/VR setups, and AI editing.
In-House may lag unless the company invests heavily in equipment.
8. Control and Brand Alignment
Agencies: Need detailed briefs and multiple rounds of feedback.
In-House Teams: Deeply aligned with brand values, messaging, and tone.
9. Case Study: Adomantra’s Approach
Adomantra has successfully partnered with brands across FMCG, education, travel, and e-commerce by delivering high-quality video advertising campaigns. Instead of treating video ads as one-off projects, Adomantra integrates them with programmatic advertising, performance marketing, and creative storytelling, ensuring every campaign drives measurable results.
For brands hesitant between an agency and in-house setup, Adomantra offers a hybrid approach—working alongside internal teams while providing external expertise and scalability.
10. Future Trends in Video Advertising
AI-Powered Video Editing – Faster, personalized ad creation.
Shoppable Videos – Direct e-commerce integration.
Vertical-First Formats – TikTok, Instagram Reels dominance.
Interactive Storytelling – Ads that let viewers choose the narrative.
Sustainability in Production – Eco-friendly practices gaining traction.
11. How to Decide: Agency vs. In-House
Ask these questions before deciding:
What is your annual video marketing budget?
Do you need constant video production or occasional high-quality campaigns?
Does your internal team have creative and technical expertise?
Do you want full creative control or external fresh perspectives?
12. Final Verdict
Both a video advertising agency and an in-house team have unique advantages.
Choose an Agency if: You want high-quality, large-scale campaigns, access to advanced tools, and diverse creative input.
Choose In-House if: You need fast, frequent, brand-consistent content at a lower long-term cost.
For many businesses, the best solution is a hybrid model—using in-house talent for day-to-day content and collaborating with an agency like Adomantra for high-impact campaigns.
FAQs: Video Advertising Agency vs. In-House Team
Q1. What does a video advertising agency do?
A video advertising agency is a specialized partner that manages every stage of video ad creation and execution. Their responsibilities include conceptualizing ad campaigns, writing scripts, handling pre-production tasks, shooting professional-quality videos, and delivering post-production services like editing, motion graphics, and VFX. Beyond production, a good agency also takes care of ad placements across platforms such as YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, OTT platforms, and television.
One of the key strengths of a video advertising agency is their industry expertise—because they work with clients across sectors, they bring fresh, innovative ideas that an in-house team might miss. Additionally, they usually have access to advanced tools and analytics software that track ad performance in real time, helping brands optimize their campaigns for maximum ROI.
For instance, Adomantra not only produces creative video ads but also integrates them with programmatic media buying, ensuring that brands reach the right audience at the right time.
Q2. Is an in-house video team cheaper than hiring a video advertising agency?
At first glance, building an in-house video team might appear cheaper, especially when you consider long-term content needs. However, the true cost includes salaries, equipment purchases, editing software, and ongoing training. A typical in-house setup may require a videographer, editor, scriptwriter, and strategist, which can collectively cost hundreds of thousands annually.
On the other hand, a video advertising agency charges project-based or retainer fees. For brands that run occasional high-quality campaigns, this can be more cost-effective than maintaining a permanent team. Agencies also provide scalability—allowing brands to handle small and large campaigns without expanding payroll.
Ultimately, the choice depends on campaign frequency. A company producing dozens of short videos every month might save more with an in-house team. However, a startup or mid-sized business seeking professional-quality campaigns will often find a video advertising agency like Adomantra to be the smarter financial decision.
Q3. Which is better for startups: video advertising agency or in-house team?
For startups, budgets are tight, and resources must be carefully allocated. Building an in-house video team often requires significant upfront investment in staff, software, and equipment, which can strain early-stage companies.
A video advertising agency, however, provides instant expertise, creativity, and scalability without heavy investment. Startups can benefit from the agency’s experience in crafting high-impact campaigns that generate brand awareness quickly. Additionally, agencies often have access to industry insights, trends, and ad distribution networks that startups may not.
For example, a new fintech company launching its first mobile app may not have the resources to hire a full-time video crew. By partnering with a specialized agency like Adomantra, they can produce polished, compelling video ads that attract users and investors alike, while saving on overhead costs.
In short, most startups should start with a video advertising agency, then consider building in-house capabilities once they achieve steady growth and consistent video needs.
Q4. How do agencies like Adomantra add value compared to in-house teams?
Agencies like Adomantra add value by offering a combination of creative excellence and technical expertise. Unlike an in-house team that may be limited by internal knowledge, agencies draw from their work across multiple industries, bringing in innovative storytelling techniques and production quality.
Adomantra’s biggest strength lies in its end-to-end solutions. From idea generation to scriptwriting, shooting, editing, and campaign optimization, the agency ensures every stage aligns with business objectives. Beyond production, Adomantra also specializes in programmatic advertising, meaning your videos aren’t just beautifully produced—they’re strategically placed in front of the right audience segments at the right time.
Furthermore, agencies typically have access to advanced technologies, editing tools, and distribution platforms that are expensive for a single company to maintain in-house. This ensures brands get high-quality outputs without overspending.
In short, while in-house teams may provide speed and brand familiarity, an agency like Adomantra amplifies creativity, reach, and ROI, making it a powerful partner for impactful video advertising campaigns.
Q5. Can a company use both an in-house team and a video advertising agency?
Yes, many companies find the hybrid approach to be the most effective model. In this setup, the in-house team handles day-to-day video requirements, such as quick social media edits, internal communication videos, or product tutorials. At the same time, a video advertising agency manages high-stakes campaigns that require cinematic storytelling, broader reach, or cross-platform distribution.
This approach balances speed, cost-efficiency, and creativity. The in-house team ensures brand consistency and quick turnaround times, while the agency provides access to advanced skills, equipment, and campaign optimization strategies.
For example, an e-commerce company might use its internal team for short TikTok-style daily videos while partnering with Adomantra for seasonal campaigns like Diwali or Christmas sales promotions. This ensures the brand remains consistently visible while delivering blockbuster campaigns when needed.
A hybrid model also allows both teams to collaborate, with agencies training internal staff and enhancing creative capabilities. This synergy maximizes results while reducing dependency on one solution alone.
Q6. Do video advertising agencies provide analytics and performance tracking?
Yes, modern video advertising agencies go beyond just creating content—they also provide detailed analytics and performance reports. These insights help brands understand how their campaigns are performing, what type of content resonates with their audience, and where adjustments are needed.
Agencies typically track metrics like:
View-through rates (VTR)
Click-through rates (CTR)
Engagement levels (likes, shares, comments)
Conversion rates
Cost per lead (CPL) or cost per acquisition (CPA)
For instance, Adomantra integrates video campaigns with programmatic advertising tools that allow real-time performance monitoring. This means a brand can not only see how many people watched their video but also measure direct impact on sales, downloads, or sign-ups.
Such data-driven strategies are difficult for small in-house teams to execute because they require advanced analytics platforms and industry know-how. A video advertising agency makes it easier for brands to justify ad spend and continuously improve campaign ROI.
Q7. What industries benefit the most from video advertising?
Video advertising is effective across almost all industries, but certain sectors see particularly strong results. E-commerce brands rely on product videos and seasonal ad campaigns to drive sales. Travel and hospitality companies use videos to showcase destinations and experiences that inspire bookings. Education institutions benefit from storytelling-based ads that highlight student success stories. FMCG brands leverage creative ads to build recall and loyalty, while real estate companies use cinematic walkthroughs to attract buyers.
Additionally, industries like healthcare, fintech, and SaaS are increasingly turning to video advertising to simplify complex products and engage audiences in digestible formats.
For example, a real estate developer might struggle to explain the scale of a luxury township project through text or images alone. A professional video advertising agency like Adomantra can create immersive walkthroughs and 3D visuals that build trust and generate high-quality leads.
In short, any industry where visual storytelling can influence decisions stands to gain significantly from video advertising.
Q8. Are agencies faster than in-house teams when delivering video content?
The answer depends on the type and scale of the project. In-house teams are usually faster for small, day-to-day tasks since they’re integrated into the company and don’t require lengthy approvals. For example, if a brand needs a quick 30-second social media edit, an in-house editor can often deliver it within hours.
Agencies, however, excel when handling larger, more complex projects. While agency timelines may include initial briefs, approvals, and creative development phases, they can scale production quickly by deploying large teams, freelancers, or specialized vendors.
For example, if a brand requires a high-quality TV commercial or a campaign involving multiple videos across languages and platforms, an agency like Adomantra can mobilize resources far faster than a small internal team.
So, while in-house teams are quicker for speed-driven tasks, a video advertising agency ensures timely delivery for big campaigns without compromising quality.
Q9. How often should a company create video ads?
The frequency of video ad creation depends on a company’s marketing goals, industry, and budget. Social media-driven brands, such as fashion or food businesses, may need to release new short-form videos weekly to stay relevant. Meanwhile, luxury or B2B brands may focus on quarterly or semi-annual campaigns that emphasize storytelling and quality over quantity.
An effective strategy is to maintain a mix of content: regular low-budget, brand-consistent videos supported by occasional high-budget, professionally produced campaigns. For example, an e-commerce brand may post daily reels showcasing products but also launch seasonal campaigns created by a professional video advertising agency.
Agencies like Adomantra help companies determine the right balance by analyzing industry benchmarks, competitor activity, and audience engagement levels. Ultimately, the key is consistency—audiences should regularly see fresh video content that aligns with the brand’s voice while building anticipation for larger campaigns.
Q10. What is the role of AI in video advertising?
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming the video advertising industry. AI tools now help with automated editing, personalization, audience targeting, and performance optimization. For example, AI-powered platforms can analyze user behavior and deliver personalized ad creatives that resonate with each viewer.
AI also speeds up video production by auto-generating captions, translating content into multiple languages, and even creating short promotional edits from longer videos. Advanced AI can predict which type of video (length, format, tone) will perform best for a specific audience segment.
For agencies like Adomantra, AI is not a replacement for human creativity but a powerful enhancement tool. By combining AI-driven insights with creative storytelling, agencies ensure that campaigns are not only beautifully produced but also data-backed for maximum impact.
In the future, AI will continue to influence how brands create, distribute, and measure video advertising campaigns, making them more cost-effective and hyper-personalized.
