Why This Use Case Matters in 2025

A "nostalgic" or "retro" ad is a powerful creative tool for cutting through modern clutter. This aesthetic (e.g., '80s synth-wave, '70s film grain, '90s "VHS" look) is a complex stylistic choice. As of late 2025, Invideo can interpret these creative, stylistic prompts, allowing you to generate a complete, "retro-style" commercial in minutes, no VCR required.

How Invideo Simplifies Retro Ad Creation

Invideo's platform is designed to generate video in specific artistic styles, not just realistic ones, all based on your text prompt.

Automated Generation (Text-to-Video)

You provide a prompt with your product and, most importantly, the stylistic era (e.g., "1980s," "retro," "nostalgic," "VHS-style"). The AI generates a script, visuals, music, and effects that match that aesthetic.

AI-Generated Stylistic Visuals

This is the core feature. Invideo's generative model can create original clips that look vintage.

• For a "1980s" prompt: The AI can generate "neon-grid" graphics, "futuristic" '80s-style clips, and "VCR static" effects.
• For a "1970s" prompt: The AI can generate clips with "warm, 'golden hour' color grading" and "film grain."
• For a "Nostalgic" prompt: The AI can generate "soft-focus, 'dreamy' clips" that evoke a sense of memory.

AI Scripting and "Retro" Audio

The AI will generate a script that matches the era's advertising style (e.g., a "cheesy, '80s announcer" script). You can then choose an "energetic announcer" voice and prompt for "a 'retro synth-wave' soundtrack."

Intuitive Refinement (Text-Based Editing)

After the first draft, you can "direct" the style. Use simple text commands like, "Add more 'film grain' and 'scratches,'" "Make the colors 'more saturated,'" or "Change the music to a '1990s hip-hop' track."

Step-by-Step Workflow

Step 1: Write the Prompt

Be very specific about the era and aesthetic.

Example Prompt: "Create a 30-second 'retro-style' ad for our new soda, 'Mega-Fizz.' The style is '1980s' and 'nostalgic.' Generate 'cheesy' clips of 'kids on bikes' and 'people at an arcade.' The ad should have a 'VHS-tape' look with 'static' effects. Use a 'fast, '80s synth-pop' track and an 'energetic, male announcer' voice."

Step 2: Generate the First Draft

Invideo will generate the script, generate all the '80s-style clips, add the VHS visual effects, record the voiceover, and add the synth-pop music.

Step 3: Refine with Text Commands

Use simple text commands to perfect the retro feel.

• "Upload our logo and make it 'pixelated' or 'retro-style.'"
• "Make the voiceover sound 'more cheesy.'"
• "Add a 'neon pink' text overlay: 'Mega-Fizz!'"
• "Make the cuts 'faster' and 'more high-energy.'"

Comparison: Traditional Workflow vs. Invideo

Factor	Traditional Method	Invideo (2025)
Timeline	2-4 weeks (hiring motion graphics artist, colorist, editor)	10-15 minutes (generation and refinement)
Cost	Very High (VFX/motion graphics, sound design, editing)	Low (fixed subscription cost)
Skill Requirement	Professional (VFX artist, colorist, editor)	Accessible for any marketer (prompt-based)
Revisions	Complex and time-consuming	Instant and text-based; test a "'70s version" in minutes

Expert Tips for Better Results

• Use "Era" Keywords: Your prompt must specify the time: "1980s," "1990s," "1970s."
• Use "Aesthetic" Keywords: Be specific about the media: "VHS-style," "8-bit pixel art," "super 8 film grain," "saturated 'Technicolor' look."
• Match the Music: The music is critical for the vibe. Be specific: "80s synth-wave," "90s grunge," "70s funk," or "nostalgic piano."

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can Invideo really make my video look like a "VHS tape"?

A: Yes. The AI can be prompted to add specific visual effects like "VHS static," "tracking lines," "film grain," "light leaks," or "desaturated colors" to your video to replicate a retro-style.

Q: Can I use my own product photos?

A: Yes. You can upload your modern product photos, and the AI will build the "retro" ad around them. It can even apply the retro effects to your photos to make them fit in.

Q: Can the AI generate a "cheesy" 80s announcer voice?

A: Yes. You can prompt the AI voiceover tool for a specific tone, such as "energetic," "over-the-top," or "classic announcer" to get that perfect retro feel.