Investment Product Videos for South African Financial Advisors
Last Updated: 3 weeks ago by Astral Studios Staff
Investment product videos help financial advisors explain complex products to clients in ways that actually make sense. This article shows you how to use video to grow your practice in South Africa.
I remember sitting in on a client meeting at a Sandton advisory firm last year. The advisor spent 45 minutes trying to explain the difference between unit trusts and ETFs using a PowerPoint deck. The client nodded politely, but you could see the confusion in their eyes. Three days later, that same advisor sent a two-minute animated video covering the same concepts. The client called back within an hour, ready to invest.
That’s the power of video.
Why Investment Product Videos Matter Right Now
Here’s the thing about South African investors. They’re bombarded with options. Over 1,500 funds compete for their attention. Retirement annuities, living annuities, tax-free savings accounts, ETFs—the list goes on.
Your clients don’t have finance degrees. They need you to translate investment jargon into plain English. Video does this better than any other medium.
Think about your own behaviour. When you want to understand something new, do you read a 20-page PDF? Or do you watch a quick video on YouTube?
Your clients are exactly the same.
The Trust Factor
FAIS Act requires qualified persons to render services and give advice. But qualification isn’t the same as connection.
Video puts a face to your name. Clients see you, hear you, and get a sense of who you are before they even walk into your office. This matters more than most advisors realize.
A Johannesburg-based advisor I know started posting short market update videos on LinkedIn every Monday morning. Within three months, his consultation bookings doubled. People felt like they already knew him.
The Numbers Don’t Lie
91% of businesses now use video marketing. If you’re not doing it, you’re already behind.
82% of all consumer Internet traffic will be video by 2025. That’s basically everything your clients consume online.
More importantly, 72% of businesses see good ROI from videos. This isn’t experimental anymore. It works.
Types of Investment Product Videos That Actually Work
Not all videos serve the same purpose. Here’s what works best for financial advisors in South Africa.
Educational Explainer Videos
These are your bread and butter. Pick one concept—compound interest, Regulation 28, ETF fee structures—and explain it clearly.
Keep them short. Two minutes maximum. One idea per video.
A Cape Town advisor created a series explaining retirement annuities versus preservation funds. She uses these in every new client meeting. Saves her at least 30 minutes of explanation time.
Product Comparison Videos
Clients always want to know which product is “best.” The answer is always “it depends.”
Video lets you show the comparison visually. Charts, graphs, and side-by-side breakdowns make the differences obvious.
Unit trusts vs ETFs is a classic example. ETF assets grew from R2.7 billion to over R284 billion in 25 years. There’s clearly interest. Help clients understand why.
Client Testimonial Videos
Nothing builds trust like hearing from other clients. Real people, real results.
Just make sure you follow FAIS compliance rules. Get written permission. Include proper disclaimers. Don’t make promises you can’t keep.
I’ve seen testimonial videos turn skeptical prospects into eager clients. Social proof works.
Personal Introduction Videos
This is your digital handshake. Show your office. Introduce your team. Explain your investment philosophy.
Introduction videos allow prospects to connect on a personal level before the first meeting.
Your website should have this front and center.
Process Videos
New clients often feel anxious about what happens next. Walk them through it.
Show them what documents they need. Explain how long things take. Set clear expectations.
This reduces those “just checking in” calls by half.
Live Action vs Animated Investment Product Videos
You’ve got two main options. Each has its place.
When to Use Live Action
Use live action when you need to build personal connection. Your face matters here.
Perfect for:
- Personal introductions
- Market commentary
- Client testimonials
- Thought leadership pieces
Live-action videos provide authenticity and relatability. People trust people.
The cost depends on complexity. Simple live-action videos with basic setups start around R5,000 to R25,000. Mid-range productions with multiple shooting days, professional editing, and music licensing run R25,000 to R75,000. High-end productions with cinematic quality, multiple locations, and special effects go above R75,000.
A decent smartphone works fine for market updates. But client-facing content needs professional production.
When to Use Animation
Animation shines when explaining abstract concepts.
How does compound interest actually work? What’s diversification? How do tax benefits add up over 30 years?
These ideas need visual metaphors. Animation gives you unlimited creative freedom.
Animated videos simplify complex topics through visual storytelling. You can show things that don’t exist in physical form.
Professional animated explainer videos cost between R30,000 and R250,000 depending on the complexity and visual style. A standard 90-second animated piece typically falls in the R30,000 to R75,000 range.
Production usually takes 5 to 8 weeks from concept to final delivery.
The Hybrid Approach
Here’s what works best: combine both.
You on camera explaining the concept, with animated graphics showing the data. Best of both worlds.
A Pretoria advisor does this brilliantly. He appears in the corner of the screen while animations illustrate his points. Clients love it.
Hybrid productions typically cost R40,000 to R100,000 depending on the animation complexity and shooting requirements.
Investment Product Videos and FAIS Compliance
This is where many advisors hesitate. Fair enough—compliance matters.
FAIS Act defines advice as any recommendation or guidance of a financial nature. Your videos count as marketing materials.
Here’s what you need to know.
Required Disclosures
Every video must show your FSP license number. Put it in the description and on-screen at the end.
Authorized FSPs must disclose in all marketing material that they’re authorized.
Include disclaimers about past performance. Make risk warnings clear. Don’t promise guaranteed returns.
What You Can’t Say
Misleading or incorrect statements can get you in trouble with the registrar.
Avoid superlatives. Don’t say “best investment” or “guaranteed growth.”
Stick to facts. Show data with proper sources. Let clients draw their own conclusions.
Getting Approval
Run every video past your compliance officer before publishing. Yes, it adds time. But it saves headaches.
Some production companies understand FAIS requirements. They build compliance into the script from day one.
Creating the video is only half the battle. Distribution matters just as much.
Your Website
This is home base. Every video lives here first.
Embed videos on relevant service pages. A video about retirement planning goes on your retirement planning page. Seems obvious, but many advisors miss this.
Videos keep people on your site longer. Google notices this and ranks you higher.
LinkedIn for Professional Reach
LinkedIn works best for B2B marketing and professional networking in financial services.
Post natively on LinkedIn rather than linking to YouTube. Native videos get more views.
Share market updates, industry insights, and educational content. Your network will engage.
One advisor built his entire client base through LinkedIn video. He’s never paid for advertising.
WhatsApp for Direct Communication
WhatsApp is Africa’s most widely used messaging app with the highest open rates.
Send personalized video messages to existing clients. Market updates, birthday wishes, portfolio reviews.
WhatsApp Business lets you organize broadcasts. Share the same video with multiple clients at once.
This feels personal. Email gets ignored. WhatsApp gets watched.
YouTube as Your Library
Build a content library on YouTube. Organize videos into playlists by topic.
Retirement planning. Investment basics. Tax strategies. Market commentary.
YouTube is the second-largest search engine. People search “how does a retirement annuity work” and your video appears.
Optimize titles, descriptions, and tags with relevant keywords. Help people find you.
Facebook and Instagram
Facebook’s African user base will reach 390.94 million by 2028. That’s massive reach.
Shorter content works better here. 30-second tips. Quick market insights. Behind-the-scenes glimpses.
Instagram Reels can reach younger investors. The next generation of high-net-worth clients.
Email Marketing
Embed videos in your newsletters. Not just links—actual embedded players.
Videos in emails increase open and click-through rates.
A video thumbnail catches attention better than text ever will.
Creating Effective Investment Product Videos
Here’s what separates good videos from garbage.
Start With Strategy
Define your goal before you script anything. What do you want viewers to do after watching?
Book a consultation? Download a guide? Understand a specific concept?
Identify your target audience and tailor content to their needs.
Different clients need different content. Corporate executives want different information than small business owners.
Keep It Short
The ideal marketing video length is 1-2 minutes.
Attention spans are short. Get to the point quickly.
One concept per video. Don’t try to explain everything at once.
I’ve watched 10-minute advisor videos that could’ve been 90 seconds. Don’t do this.
Focus on Value First
Provide valuable information instead of sales pitches.
Help people. Answer their questions. Solve their problems.
The sales part happens naturally when you’ve established trust.
Quality Matters
Bad audio kills credibility instantly. Invest in a decent microphone.
Quality equipment and lighting ensure videos look and sound professional.
You don’t need Hollywood production. But you do need clear sound and decent lighting.
Tell Stories
Storytelling is the cornerstone of creative video marketing.
Don’t just list features. Show how those features changed someone’s life.
A client who retired early because of smart planning. A family protected by proper insurance. Real stories stick.
Add Captions
Most people watch videos with sound off. Especially on social media.
Captions make your content accessible. They also help with SEO.
Measuring Success With Investment Product Videos
You need to know what’s working.
Key Metrics to Track
View counts tell you reach. Watch time tells you engagement.
Did people watch the whole thing? Or did they bail after 10 seconds?
YouTube Analytics shows you exactly where people drop off. Use this to improve.
Click-through rates matter most. How many viewers took action?
Track engagement rates, lead generation, and conversion rates to measure real impact.
Platform-Specific Data
Each platform gives you different information.
LinkedIn shows you job titles and companies of viewers. This tells you if you’re reaching the right audience.
YouTube shows traffic sources. Are people finding you through search? Or through your website?
WhatsApp doesn’t give you much data. But response rates tell you everything.
Client Feedback
Ask clients directly. Did the video help? What questions do they still have?
This feedback shapes your next videos.
One advisor discovered clients loved his portfolio construction videos but found his fee structure videos confusing. He remade them with simpler language.
Calculating ROI
Measure ROI by analyzing engagement, client acquisition, and revenue versus production costs.
A R50,000 video that brings in three new clients worth R150,000 each in annual fees pays for itself many times over.
Videos keep working long after production. One good explainer video can serve you for years.
Working With Video Production Companies in Johannesburg
You probably don’t want to become a video producer. You’re a financial advisor.
Partner with professionals who understand your industry.
What to Look For
Experience with financial services content matters hugely. They need to understand FAIS compliance.
Research agencies with experience in financial industries and examine portfolios.
Ask for examples of work they’ve done for other advisors or financial institutions.
Questions to Ask
How long does production take? What’s included in the price? How many revision rounds do you get?
Do they handle scriptwriting? Or do you provide the script?
What about compliance reviews? Some companies work with compliance officers directly.
Building a Partnership
Bundling content and reusing design assets reduces cost per video.
Create multiple videos in one session. Shoot five different scripts in one day.
This brings costs down significantly.
A long-term relationship means they understand your brand. Your second video will be easier than your first.
Real Examples of Investment Product Videos
Let me show you what works.
“Understanding Regulation 28”
A two-minute animated video showing the 75/25 equity/bond split visually.
Uses a pie chart that builds as the voiceover explains. Shows what happens when limits are exceeded.
Ends with clear benefits for retirement savers.
“ETF Costs vs Active Funds”
Hybrid format. Advisor on camera for 20 seconds introducing the topic.
Then animated graphics comparing annual fees over 30 years. Shows the compound effect of lower costs.
Ends with advisor back on camera for the call to action.
“Meet Your Advisory Team”
Live action office tour. Introduces each team member with their specialty.
Shows the client meeting room. Explains the advisory process.
Makes the first meeting less intimidating.
“How We Build Your Portfolio”
Process animation showing the five steps from initial consultation to ongoing reviews.
Risk profiling shown as a questionnaire. Asset allocation as a pie chart. Monitoring as a dashboard.
Demystifies what happens behind the scenes.
Common Challenges and Solutions
Every advisor faces these problems.
“I Don’t Know What to Say”
Start with the questions clients ask most often.
What’s the difference between X and Y? How does Z work? When should I do W?
You answer these questions every week. Put those answers on video.
“I Hate Being On Camera”
Use animation. Or hire a voiceover artist.
You can also get more comfortable with practice. Your tenth video will feel easier than your first.
Nobody’s first video is perfect. That’s fine.
“It’s Too Expensive”
Start small. One video. See how it performs.
Shooting multiple scripts in one session reduces costs significantly.
Your smartphone can create decent content for social media. Save professional production for your most important pieces.
“Compliance Makes It Hard”
Build compliance in from the start. Don’t create the video then try to fix it.
Work with production companies who understand FAIS. They script disclaimers into the content naturally.
Get compliance approval at the script stage. Saves redoing expensive animation.
“I Don’t Have Time”
Batch your production. Record five scripts in one morning.
Establish a regular posting schedule rather than trying to do everything at once.
One video per month is better than 12 videos once per year.
Investment Product Videos: Cost Breakdown
Here’s what you can expect to pay in Johannesburg.
| Video Type | Length | Cost Range | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Simple social media video | Under 5 minutes | R5,000 – R25,000 | 1-2 weeks |
| Mid-range explainer | 2-3 minutes | R25,000 – R75,000 | 3-5 weeks |
| Professional animation | 60-90 seconds | R30,000 – R75,000 | 5-8 weeks |
| Complex animation | 60-90 seconds | R75,000 – R250,000 | 6-10 weeks |
| High-production live action | 3-5 minutes | R75,000+ | 4-8 weeks |
| Multi-video package | 5 videos | R100,000 – R300,000 | 8-12 weeks |
Prices vary based on script complexity, animation style, filming requirements, and whether you need actors or voiceover artists.
Remember that these assets work for years. The cost per use drops over time.
The Future of Investment Product Videos
Things are changing fast.
Focus on measurable ROI makes video a core strategic asset rather than a nice-to-have.
Personalized video is coming. Imagine sending each client a custom video showing their specific portfolio performance.
Interactive videos let viewers choose their own path through the content. Click for more detail on topics they care about.
Younger investors prefer ETFs and invest in real-time on smartphone apps. They expect video content as standard.
Advisors who adopt video now build a library of content that compounds in value.
Five years from now, video won’t be optional. It’ll be expected.
Start Creating Investment Product Videos Today
You don’t need to do everything at once.
Pick one video concept. Get it produced. Share it. Measure the results.
Then make another one.
Video works because it makes complex things simple. That’s exactly what good financial advice does too.
Your clients need help understanding investment products. Give them that help in the format they prefer.
The advisors winning new clients right now aren’t necessarily the smartest or most experienced. They’re the ones communicating most effectively.
Video is how you communicate in 2024 and beyond.
Ready to Create Investment Product Videos?
Astral Studios specializes in video production for financial services companies across South Africa. We understand FAIS compliance and how to explain complex investment products clearly.
Our team in Johannesburg has created investment product videos for advisors, asset managers, and financial institutions throughout the country.
Contact us to discuss your video strategy. We’ll help you plan, produce, and distribute content that grows your practice.
Frequently Asked Questions About Investment Product Videos
What are investment product videos?
Investment product videos are short educational pieces that explain financial products to clients. They break down complex concepts like unit trusts, ETFs, and retirement annuities into simple visual stories. Most run between one and three minutes long.
How much do investment product videos cost in South Africa?
Costs vary based on format and complexity. Simple videos for social media start around R5,000 to R25,000. Mid-range corporate explainers and product videos run R25,000 to R75,000. Professional animated explainer videos cost between R30,000 and R250,000 depending on visual complexity. Multi-video packages offer better value per video.
Do I need FAIS compliance approval for investment product videos?
Yes, absolutely. FAIS Act defines advice as any recommendation or guidance of a financial nature. Videos count as marketing materials. You must include your FSP license number, proper disclaimers, and risk warnings. Run every video past your compliance officer before publishing.
Should I use animation or live action for my videos?
It depends on your goal. Use live action when building personal connection—introductions, testimonials, and market commentary work best on camera. Choose animation for explaining abstract concepts like compound interest, diversification, or tax benefits. Many advisors use a hybrid approach combining both formats.
How long should investment product videos be?
Keep them short. The ideal marketing video length is 1-2 minutes. Attention spans are limited. Cover one concept per video. Longer videos lose viewers quickly. Save detailed explanations for in-person meetings.
Start with your website as home base. Then distribute across LinkedIn for professional reach, WhatsApp for direct client communication, and YouTube for search visibility. WhatsApp has the highest open rates in Africa. Email newsletters with embedded videos also perform well.
Can I create investment product videos on my smartphone?
Yes, for certain types of content. Quick market updates and behind-the-scenes content work fine on a decent smartphone. However, client-facing educational videos need professional production. Audio quality matters more than most people realize. Bad sound destroys credibility instantly.
How do I measure ROI on investment product videos?
Track view counts, watch time, and click-through rates. Measure ROI by analyzing engagement, client acquisition, and revenue versus production costs. Ask clients if videos helped them understand concepts. Calculate new client value against production costs. Videos keep working for years, so ROI improves over time.
What topics should my first investment product videos cover?
Start with questions clients ask most often. Common topics include retirement annuity basics, ETF versus unit trust comparisons, tax-free savings accounts, and your advisory process. These evergreen concepts stay relevant for years. You’ll use them in almost every client meeting.
How often should I post new investment product videos?
Quality beats quantity. One well-produced video per month works better than rushed weekly content. Establish a regular posting schedule that you can maintain consistently. Batch production helps—record multiple videos in one session to build a content library.
Do investment product videos really help get new clients?
Yes, when done properly. 72% of businesses see good ROI from videos. Videos build trust before prospects even meet you. They answer common questions, saving time in consultations. Advisors using video consistently report more inbound inquiries and higher conversion rates.
What mistakes do financial advisors make with video?
The biggest mistakes include making videos too long, trying to cover too many topics at once, using poor audio quality, and ignoring compliance requirements. Many advisors also create videos then never promote them properly. Distribution matters as much as production.
Can I reuse investment product videos across different platforms?
Absolutely. Create one core video then adapt it for different platforms. Full-length versions live on YouTube and your website. Cut shorter clips for Instagram and Facebook. Extract key quotes for LinkedIn posts. Share directly via WhatsApp to clients. One video becomes multiple pieces of content.
How long does it take to produce an investment product video?
Timeline depends on complexity. Animated videos typically take 4 to 6 weeks. Simple live action can be done in 2-3 weeks. Complex productions need 4-8 weeks. Factor in additional time for compliance reviews and revisions.
Should I hire a production company or do it myself?
For social media updates and informal content, DIY works fine. For professional client-facing videos, hire experts. Look for agencies with experience in financial industries. They understand FAIS compliance and know how to explain complex products clearly. Your time is better spent advising clients.
