A book trailer is worth it when you will use it often, when your book suits video and when you already have an audience or a budget for ads. It is not worth it if it is the only marketing you plan, because a trailer does not create demand by itself. A good trailer gives you reusable content for your website, social media, newsletter and advertising, and it shows readers in seconds what the book feels like.
This guide explains what trailers can do, what affects the cost, which books benefit most and what to try if a full trailer is out of reach. We never promise views or sales, and neither should anyone you hire. If you want to explore options, our book trailer video service gives a fixed quote. For the wider plan, see a book marketing plan.
Key takeaways
- A trailer is a tool, not a plan, and it works best as part of a launch and ongoing promotion
- Short, captioned videos in several sizes get the most use
- Cost depends on style: simple text and motion graphics cost less than live action or animation
- Some books benefit more than others, such as fantasy, thrillers, romance and children’s books
- Cheaper alternatives include excerpt videos, quote cards and a simple reading clip
In this article
- What can a book trailer do for a book?
- When is a book trailer worth the cost?
- What affects the cost of a book trailer?
- Which books benefit most from a trailer?
- What makes a good book trailer?
- What are cheaper alternatives to a full trailer?
- How should I use a trailer once I have it?
- What mistakes should I avoid with a book trailer?
- Frequently asked questions
- Services that can help
What can a book trailer do for a book?
A trailer can make the book feel real and give readers a reason to click. It can set the mood of a story, show the promise of a non-fiction book and make a post stand out in a crowded feed. It can also be used in ads, on your website and in newsletters, where a still image may be ignored. But a trailer cannot make people care about a book they have never heard of, and it cannot fix a weak cover or description.
When is a book trailer worth the cost?
A trailer is worth the cost when you plan to use it many times: in a launch, in ads, on social platforms, on your website and in later promotions. It also helps when your book has a strong visual or emotional hook, when you write in a series and can reuse the style and when you have an audience that responds to video. If you have no audience and no plan to promote, spend on editing, cover and reviews first.
What affects the cost of a book trailer?
- Style: kinetic text and motion graphics cost less than live action or full animation
- Length: a 30-second trailer is simpler than a 90-second one
- Voiceover: a professional voice artist adds cost
- Music and footage: licensed assets carry fees, which you must pay for commercial use
- Formats: landscape, square and vertical versions take extra work
- Revisions: each round adds time
Ask for a quote that states exactly what is included, and get the licences for music and images in writing.
Which books benefit most from a trailer?
Books with a clear visual or emotional hook do best: fantasy and science fiction with rich worlds, thrillers with tension, romance with a strong emotional promise and children’s books with characters. Non-fiction can also work when the promise is clear and a short video can explain the problem. Books in tight niches with small audiences may not repay the cost. Look at what readers in your genre watch and share, and decide whether video suits them.
What makes a good book trailer?
A good trailer is short, clear and built around one hook. It starts with a strong opening, because viewers decide in seconds, and it uses captions, since most people watch without sound. It shows the tone of the book, avoids spoilers and ends with the title, the cover and a clear way to find the book. Quality matters more than length, and honest claims matter most. Never use fake reviews, awards or bestseller badges that are not true.
What are cheaper alternatives to a full trailer?
You do not need a big production. Short excerpt videos, where you read a paragraph over a simple background, quote cards with a line from the book, a cover reveal clip, an author talking about why they wrote it and behind-the-scenes clips all work on social platforms. A simple text-and-music teaser can be made with common editing tools. Our 3D book mockups also give you strong images for posts and ads at a lower cost.
How should I use a trailer once I have it?
Put it on your book page and home page, upload it to a video platform with a clear title and link and share short cuts on social media. Use it in your newsletter, with a still image linking to the video, and in ads, after testing which version works. Add it to your Author Central page where videos are allowed, as described in our guide to setting up Amazon Author Central. Measure views and clicks to see what works.
What mistakes should I avoid with a book trailer?
Do not spend the whole marketing budget on a trailer before the book has a good cover and description. Do not use music or footage without a licence. Do not make it too long or open with a slow logo. Do not forget captions. And do not make claims that are not true. A simple, honest, well-timed trailer beats an expensive one that no one watches.
Frequently asked questions
How long should a book trailer be?
Thirty to sixty seconds works for most, with shorter cuts of 15 to 20 seconds for social media.
Do book trailers increase sales?
They can help when used with a plan, but results vary. No one can guarantee views or sales.
Can I make a trailer myself?
Yes, with simple editing tools, licensed music and clear captions. A professional adds polish and saves time.
What music can I use in a trailer?
Only music you have a licence to use commercially. Do not use popular songs without permission.
Should the trailer have a voiceover?
It can, but many trailers use text and music, which also works with the sound off.
Where should I post a trailer?
On your website, a video platform, social media, your newsletter and in ads, in sizes suited to each place.
Services that can help
- Book trailer video
- 3D book mockups
- Social media book marketing
- Book launch strategy
- Book marketing services
This guide is part of our book marketing guides and connects to our book marketing services.