B2B Video Library

VMware | Cloud Academy

VMware’s Cloud Academy video showcases how their cloud platform empowers IT professionals to learn, build, and scale cloud infrastructure with confidence. The ad features a series of diverse professionals in dynamic work environments, highlighting practical, hands-on learning with VMware’s training resources. It emphasizes skill-building and real-world application, aiming to make cloud mastery accessible and achievable.

The Formula (That Works at Any Budget)

Real People + Authentic Work Environments = Relatable Learning Experience
Featuring actual professionals using VMware tools in their daily routines grounds the ad in authenticity.
→ Lesson: Showing real users increases trust and helps prospects visualize themselves succeeding with the product.

Clear Product Benefits + Training Focus = Empowerment Message
The video focuses on skills development, positioning VMware Cloud Academy as a pathway to career growth and technical confidence.
→ Lesson: Education-centered content can effectively communicate value beyond just features.

Dynamic Visuals + Upbeat Music = Engaging Pace
Quick cuts between scenes and energizing music keep the viewer interested and reinforce a sense of progress and momentum.
→ Lesson: Visual and audio elements are key to maintaining engagement in B2B explainer content.

Humor Breakdown

This ad is straightforward and motivational with no humor. The tone is professional but inspiring, focusing on the serious goal of cloud expertise.
→ Lesson: Not all B2B ads need humor; sometimes clarity and motivation work best.

Final Verdict

VMware’s Cloud Academy ad effectively positions the brand as a leader in cloud education. It balances real-world relevance with an encouraging message, making cloud training feel accessible and essential.

BRAVE-o-meter Score:
B-7 | R-8 | A-6 | V-7 | E-7
BRAVE – 7.0/10

Watch the full ad & learn more:
Website: https://www.vmware.com
LinkedIn: VMware on LinkedIn

(See what BRAVE means in our collection)

Understanding the B.R.A.V.E. Scoring System

The B.R.A.V.E. scoring system uses AI to deliver an unbiased evaluation of top-of-the-funnel B2B brand ads. It measures potential impact, memorability, and effectiveness by assessing five key components of a video ad or commercial. This system gauges an ad's capacity to drive brand recall and enhance salience, ensuring that creative work not only captures attention but also leaves a lasting impression.

What B.R.A.V.E. Stands For:

Each letter represents a key factor in determining an ad’s success:

  • B — Boldness: Is the ad original, creative, or daring? Does it break away from generic B2B marketing, or is it just another forgettable corporate video?
  • R — Relevance: Does it connect with a real buyer pain point? Is it addressing a specific frustration or need, or just listing product features?
  • A — Attention: Does it grab and hold attention in the first few seconds? Is it visually or tonally engaging, or easy to skip?
  • V — Vibe: Does it create an emotional response—laughter, recognition, or surprise? Or does it feel like just another corporate info dump?
  • E — Effectiveness: Will buyers remember the brand when they need a solution? Does the ad make an impact that lasts beyond the moment?

How It’s Applied to B2B Video Rating

Each video is scored 1 to 10 in all five categories, based on how well it meets the criteria. The total score (out of 50) is then divided by 5 to give a final B.R.A.V.E. score out of 10.

For example:

  • An ad scoring B-8 | R-9 | A-7 | V-6 | E-8 has a total of 38/50.
  • The final B.R.A.V.E. score is 7.6/10.

Why It Matters

B2B ads often struggle with being bland, forgettable, or ineffective. The B.R.A.V.E. system ensures they are judged by their ability to break through, connect with buyers, and drive action.

Simply put: If your ad isn’t B.R.A.V.E., it’s invisible.

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