Storytelling That Sells: The Power of Branded Content in 2025

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?

1. A real story
   No hard sell. Just something worth hearing - a conflict, transformation, or truth.
2. Emotion over information
   People forget stats. They remember feelings (and that time they laughed out loud at your ad).
3. Cinematic craft
   Just because it’s story-led doesn’t mean it’s low-fi. The best branded content is beautiful, thoughtful, and polished.
4. Audience alignment
   Know who it’s for. Speak to them, not everyone.
5. 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.