Every business runs on one invisible currency: trust. You can launch the most innovative product, offer the best prices, or design the sleekest website—but if customers don’t trust your brand, the foundation crumbles.
This is where ad films come in. More than a sales pitch, a well-crafted film ad becomes a signal of credibility. It tells your audience: “We are reliable, we are authentic, and we belong in your world.”
Why trust matters in advertising
Trust isn’t a luxury in business; it’s the very foundation of survival. In advertising, trust is what makes people listen, believe, and ultimately choose one brand over another. A strong film ad has the power to trigger that trust instantly because it combines storytelling, visuals, characters, and emotion into a message that feels human.
When people see an ad that makes them laugh, inspires them, or reflects their values, the brand behind it doesn’t just earn attention—it earns credibility.
Decoding ads that built trust
1. Cred – Rahul Dravid like you’ve never seen him
When Cred launched its ad featuring Rahul Dravid stuck in Bengaluru traffic, shouting and swinging a bat at cars, it became a cultural moment. The humour was memorable, but what made it powerful was the choice of Rahul Dravid.
Known as Mr. Dependable of Indian cricket, Dravid symbolises reliability, calm, and honesty. By showing him in an out-of-character, comical situation, Cred not only grabbed attention but also transferred Dravid’s personal credibility to the brand.
The message was subtle: if someone as trustworthy as Rahul Dravid is associated with Cred, the brand must be credible too.
2. Apple – Think Different
Apple’s iconic “Think Different” campaign remains one of the finest examples of trust-building through advertising. Instead of focusing on features, Apple aligned itself with the world’s most inspiring figures: Gandhi, Picasso, Einstein, Alfred Hitchcock, even Muhammad Ali.
The ad wasn’t about selling a product—it was about selling an identity. It told consumers: “If you use Apple, you’re part of this tribe of visionaries and change-makers.”
The emotional resonance was immense. Apple positioned itself not as a gadget manufacturer, but as a brand that believed in human potential. That authenticity created long-term loyalty and unmatched credibility.
3. More examples that show credibility in action
- Surf Excel’s “Daag Achhe Hain” campaign turned stains into a symbol of love and care, making the brand synonymous with values of family and trust.
- Amul’s topical ads have, for decades, built trust by staying authentic, witty, and connected to everyday life.
- Nike’s “Just Do It” consistently builds credibility by aligning with resilience, empowerment, and real athletes’ stories.
The code for trust in advertising
From these examples, we can see a clear pattern. Ads that build trust and credibility share these traits:
- Authenticity – The message feels true, not forced.
- Relatability – Audiences can see themselves in the story.
- Consistency – The ad aligns with the brand’s broader identity.
- Emotional connection – It makes people feel, not just think.
- Association – The right face or cultural reference boosts credibility instantly.
When these elements come together, ads stop being just ads. They become brand assets that generate long-term trust.
And here’s the truth every business needs to remember: without trust, there is no business.
With great ad films, comes great trust!
Great ads do more than entertain. They are a brand’s way of saying, you can count on us. By creating trust and credibility, film ads don’t just drive sales in the short term—they build enduring relationships that fuel business success.
If your business wants to be remembered, respected, and relied upon, investing in strong, credible advertising is not an option—it’s essential.
What’s Next in the Series
In the next episode, we’ll explore other dimensions of film advertising and how they shape both businesses and culture. Each Tuesday, these blogs will expand on the knowledge shared in the episodes giving you context, analysis, and a richer understanding of “Why Film Ads Are Important”.
So the next time you see an ad that makes you smile, feel reassured, or believe in a brand a little more—that’s not a coincidence. That’s credibility in action, built carefully through the craft of advertising films.