Creating a Testimonial Video
Who this is for: Content marketers and agency teams creating social proof videos — customer stories, case studies, and before-and-after narratives.
Testimonial videos are the most persuasive content in the marketing funnel because they show real results through a real person's experience. In ACT3 AI, you create a digital actor who represents your customer archetype, write their story as a script, and produce the video without scheduling a shoot.
What you'll do, in order
1. Write the customer story as a script
A testimonial has a clear arc: before (the problem), the turning point (finding your product), and after (the result). Write this in three beats with the testimonial subject speaking directly to camera in some shots and b-roll visuals in others. Use the script editor to format it correctly.
→ How to use the script editor
2. Create a digital actor who looks like your customer
The testimonial subject should look and feel authentic to your audience — the right age, professional context, and demeanor for your market. Create a digital actor with a realistic, relatable appearance.
→ How to create a digital actor
3. Set a location that reflects the customer's context
Office, home workspace, retail floor — where your customer lives and works. This environment makes the story believable. Use a 2D reference photo of a real location or generate one that matches.
→ How to create a set → How to use a reference image as a set
4. Build a shot list — interview + b-roll
A testimonial needs direct-to-camera interview shots and b-roll showing the product in use or the results achieved. Plan your coverage with a mix of close-up talking-head shots and wider contextual b-roll.
5. Set naturalistic lighting
Testimonial videos work best with soft, natural-looking light. Avoid dramatic low-key lighting — you want the subject to feel warm and trustworthy. Use a daylight interior setup.
→ How to set up scene lighting
6. Record or generate the voice
Assign the character a voice that matches their look and personality. For maximum authenticity, write the dialogue to sound conversational, not scripted.
→ How to assign a voice to a character
7. Export short and long versions
Produce a 60-second version for paid social, a 2-minute version for landing pages, and a 30-second cut for ads. Export each as its own deliverable from the same project.