You may have noticed that here at VidOps, we’ve often used the term “case study” instead of “testimonial.” Until recently we weren't certain of the difference and so we used these terms almost interchangeably. Since then, we’ve done some research and found an answer.

In this article, we’re diving into the differences between case studies and testimonials. We’ll look at examples and the pros and cons associated with each style of video so that you can make a more informed choice for your marketing needs.

Case Studies

While case studies and testimonials admittedly serve very similar roles in marketing, there are some differences between them. Both case studies and testimonials highlight positive customer experiences with your brand. However, case studies are longer and can therefore delve much deeper into the story. 

Usually, a case study will begin with the client’s problem or challenge that led them to pursue your product or service. They will demonstrate how your solution resolved their problem, and how they have succeeded since implementing it. 

As a result, they are more comprehensive and provide a holistic view of the customer's experience, offering insights into the effectiveness and real-world applications of your product or service. 

Testimonials

On the other hand, testimonials are shorter endorsements or recommendations from customers. They similarly express praise or satisfaction with the product or service, highlighting its benefits or positive attributes. Unlike case studies, testimonials may not provide as much detail about the customer's specific challenges or the outcomes achieved. Instead, they focus more on conveying the overall satisfaction and endorsement of the product or service.

Which Should You Use?

Ultimately, the decision of which style of video to use will depend on your specific needs. Due to their more general content, a brief but glowing testimonial may be more applicable to a wider range of potential leads. On the other hand, a more in-depth case study may be more worthwhile to produce, since their narrative structure may be more impactful with clients. 

If you're looking for inspiration, here are just a few of our favourite testimonials that we've produced.  

If you're still not sure which video style works best for you, we'd be happy to help you decide! Book your free consultation here.