Branded Content That Doesn’t Suck: A 2025 Guide
In a world of constant scrolling and skippable ads, storytelling is the one thing that still makes people stop. In 2025, the brands that win aren’t the ones shouting the loudest - they’re the ones telling the most authentic, human stories (the ones you might actually share with a friend instead of skipping).
This is the essence of branded content: not an ad, but a narrative. Not a pitch, but a point of view. And at BearJam, we’ve seen firsthand how powerful that can be (and we’ve got the behind-the-scenes bloopers to prove it).
So why storytelling works.. I will tell you what you need to know..
At its core, storytelling is a shortcut to emotional connection. When a brand tells a story that resonates, it triggers empathy, memory, and trust - the building blocks of brand affinity.
Whether it’s a founder’s journey, a behind-the-scenes look, or a story from a real customer, branded content invites viewers to feel, not just consume.
Why this matters:
- Emotional content is 2x more effective at driving recall and action… people want to feel connected
- 79% of people prefer brand stories over hard-sell advertising.
- Authenticity builds trust, especially among Gen Z and millennial audiences
A Real Example: Just Eat
One of our proudest branded content campaigns at BearJam was for Just Eat - a brilliant example of how the right idea, talent, and fast execution can bring a brand story to life in a fresh way. Mischief PR approached us to deliver Deli-VAR-y, a playful PR campaign that turned gamers’ glitchy football moments into a chance to win Just Eat vouchers, judged by YouTubers Chunkz and Darkest with Mark Clattenburg as referee (yep, that Mark Clattenburg).
With just two weeks from brief to go-live, we pulled together locations, talent, and a tight four-hour shoot - all optimised for Instagram (because if it’s not on Insta, did it even happen?).
For us, it shows exactly why we love branded content: quick-turnaround, creatively sharp, purpose-built for the audience, and packed with personality. It’s storytelling that entertains and connects - and that’s what we’re here for.
This is what branded content does best: entertains people, while delivering real results.
What Makes Branded Content Great?
- A real story
No hard sell. Just something worth hearing - a conflict, transformation, or truth.
- Emotion over information
People forget stats. They remember feelings (and that time they laughed out loud at your ad).
- Cinematic craft
Just because it’s story-led doesn’t mean it’s low-fi. The best branded content is beautiful, thoughtful, and polished.
- Audience alignment
Know who it’s for. Speak to them, not everyone.
- Consistency across platforms
Repurpose for socials, site, email - but keep the heart intact (one story, many scrolls).
BearJam: Telling Stories That Stick
At BearJam, storytelling is in our DNA. We help brands craft and produce powerful, purpose-driven films that build loyalty and spark conversation (and maybe even win an award or two).
Whether you’re looking to shift perception, spark emotion, or stand out in a saturated market - we’re here to help you tell the story that only you can (and we promise to make it fun).
Let’s Make Something That Moves People
Looking to create a story-led campaign in 2025?
Contact BearJam - let’s turn your brand’s values into a narrative people actually care about.
