Most CTAs are either too soft or too vague. “Check it out” doesn’t sell. If you want action, you have to ask for it — clearly and confidently.
Here’s how to write CTAs that drive clicks.
1. Be specific about the action
Tell the viewer exactly what to do next.
Avoid: “Learn more” or “See how” — they don’t create urgency or direction.
2. Add urgency or scarcity
Make the viewer feel like waiting means missing out.
Urgency moves people from interest to action.
3. Repeat it visually and verbally
Don’t just say it once. Reinforce it.
4. Match tone to the format
Make the CTA feel native to the platform.
Sound human, not scripted.
5. Keep it short
One line is enough. If it takes more than a second to read, it’s too long.
Examples:
Final thought
The best CTA feels like the next logical step — not a pitch. Make it clear, timely, and impossible to ignore.
Want to avoid the five most common video ad mistakes?
Download our free guide at upstir.co/5-video-ad-mistakes
It is 14 pages of real tips to help you improve your hooks, lower ad costs, and create content that actually works.
Here’s how to write CTAs that drive clicks.
1. Be specific about the action
Tell the viewer exactly what to do next.
- “Tap below to shop”
- “Click to claim your free trial”
- “Swipe up to get started”
Avoid: “Learn more” or “See how” — they don’t create urgency or direction.
2. Add urgency or scarcity
Make the viewer feel like waiting means missing out.
- “Only a few left”
- “Today only — 20% off”
- “Offer ends at midnight”
Urgency moves people from interest to action.
3. Repeat it visually and verbally
Don’t just say it once. Reinforce it.
- Use on-screen text + voice
- Use motion graphics or arrows to draw the eye
- Position the CTA before and after product demo
4. Match tone to the format
Make the CTA feel native to the platform.
- Reels/TikTok: “Tap here before it’s gone”
- YouTube: “Click below to watch the full story”
- Facebook: “Shop now and get 15% off”
Sound human, not scripted.
5. Keep it short
One line is enough. If it takes more than a second to read, it’s too long.
Examples:
- “Get yours now”
- “Try it risk-free”
- “Don’t miss out — shop now”
Final thought
The best CTA feels like the next logical step — not a pitch. Make it clear, timely, and impossible to ignore.
Want to avoid the five most common video ad mistakes?
Download our free guide at upstir.co/5-video-ad-mistakes
It is 14 pages of real tips to help you improve your hooks, lower ad costs, and create content that actually works.