If a picture is worth a thousand words, how many is a video worth?
April 18, 2018
A Picture Says a Thousand Words—But What’s a Video Worth?
Okay, let’s get the classic line out of the way: A picture says a thousand words. We get it. It’s iconic. It’s everywhere. You’ve probably seen it on at least three inspirational quote posters in the last week.
And yes, this is true, especially in destination marketing. But what happens when a thousand words aren’t enough?
That’s where video comes in. If a picture says a thousand words, then video pulls up the chair, grabs the mic, and delivers a TED Talk. In surround sound no less.
From Still to Story: Why Video Wins
Video campaigns don’t just showcase a destination—they immerse your audience in it. With motion, sound, storytelling, and pace, video delivers a full-sensory experience that static imagery simply can’t replicate. It’s the difference between looking at a beach… and hearing the waves crash, feeling the breeze, and watching the sunset unfold in real time.
Want to make your audience feel like they’re ziplining through a forest or dancing through a night market? Video’s got you. In a world where a picture tells a thousand words, video wraps up your destination’s sights, sounds, vibes, and stories into one irresistible package—and makes people actually feel something.
If a picture tells a thousand words and sparks imagination, video ignites action.
destination storytelling in motion
We’re not just waxing poetic here—video campaigns work.
Discover La Quinta, California
We partnered with this desert jewel to launch a video campaign that unearthed the city’s hidden charm—from mountain trails to art walks and everything in between. Real locals. Real stories. Real sunshine. Watch how we uncovered the gems of La Quinta →
Meet Alabama’s Beaches
This wasn’t just a rebrand—it was a vibe shift. We helped turn Gulf Shores & Orange Beach into Alabama’s Beaches, blending fresh visuals, a new name, and a video-first brand announcement that made waves. Literally. Learn what it means to beach recharge →
Visit Idaho Beyond Words
Beyond Words was our way of admitting we couldn’t explain Idaho—not in any neat, bullet-pointed way. So we stopped narrating and let Idaho speak for itself. Through a rancher who knows the land better than his own reflection. Through a poet disguised as a mountain biker. Through voices that carried culture, experience, and wonder. See how Visit Idaho transcends Beyond Words→
Reel Stories in Port Aransas
We hit the coast with cameras rolling and hearts wide open. Our video series for Port Aransas cast a line into the community—snagging real locals, big personalities, and salty charm. The result? A binge-worthy collection of stories that remind you why Port A isn’t just a beach town—it’s the kind of place that sticks with you. Watch how we brought Port A’s people to center stage →
Motion Moves Metrics
Let’s be real: attention spans are toast. Video is how you cut through the noise. With 78% of people preferring to learn about new products through short video content, it’s an easy decision for destination marketers.
- Social? Videos get more shares, likes, and saves. The average social media user spends 141 minutes per day scrolling, giving you a big opportunity to make an impression.
- Websites? Video boosts time on page and conversions. Online videos have an audience reach of 92% across the globe.
- SEO? Google’s into it. Websites incorporating videos being 50 times more likely to rank on the first page of Google and driving a 157% increase in organic traffic.
That’s why destinations investing in strategic video content—paired with powerful storytelling—are seeing a real return on imagination.
Lights, Camera, Campaign
Need a little inspiration? Check out these standout video-driven projects from our portfolio:
- Grand Canyon West – We didn’t just film the Grand Canyon—we let it speak. This video campaign went full cinematic mode, soaring over cliffs, diving into culture, and leaving viewers low-key breathless (and Googling “how far is Arizona from here”). It wasn’t just about showing the view. It was about bottling that “whoa” feeling and sending it straight to your soul.
- Destination Door County – We hit record on the magic behind Door County’s creative scene—real artists, real stories, and real proof that art doesn’t just hang on walls, it lives in this place. It’s a love letter to local makers, written in brushstrokes and backstories.
- Traverse City Tourism – Name a season—any season. Traverse City said “yes” to all of them. This video content wasn’t about choosing between beach days or snowy escapes. It was about having it all. Wine pours, winter strolls, sunset kayaking, cozy downtowns—you get the idea. We stitched it all together in a campaign that says, “Yeah, you should be here. Like, yesterday.”
Whether you want to capture a moment, tell a deeper story, or guide your audience toward action, video is how destinations go from memorable to unmissable.
TL;DR?
If a picture says a thousand words, a video might just write your next booking boom.
We’re here to help you go beyond pretty photos. Let’s build a story that moves people—literally.
faqs
Why use video if a picture tells a thousand words?
Because sometimes a thousand words just scratch the surface. While a picture tells a thousand words, video delivers a richer, more immersive story—combining visuals, audio, movement, and emotion to create a deeper connection with your audience.
How does video enhance destination marketing compared to static images?
Video brings destinations to life. Instead of just showing what a place looks like, video lets viewers hear, feel, and experience it—complete with soundtracks, motion, and storytelling that inspires real action.
Do people engage with video more than photos on social media?
Absolutely. Videos drive more engagement—likes, shares, saves—than static posts. In a world where attention spans are short, video breaks through the noise and delivers your message more effectively. A picture says a thousand words, but a video grabs attention and keeps it.
