Case Study Videos vs Testimonial Videos: What’s the Difference and When to Use Each?
Are they the same, or is there really a difference
In this blog, we go into the key differences between case study and testimonial videos.
Introduction: Two powerful tools, one shared goal
Every dental brand understands that trust drives growth. Whether you are a local practice, a corporate group, or a supplier, authentic stories are what influence decisions. Two of the most effective ways to tell those stories are testimonial videos and case study videos.
While the terms are often used interchangeably, they serve distinct purposes in your marketing strategy. Knowing the difference helps you choose the right approach for your goals, audience and platforms.
At Poco Productions, we specialise in Dental Testimonial and Case Study Video Production across the UK. Here’s how to decide which video style best supports your dental marketing objectives.
What is a testimonial video?
A testimonial video is short, direct and emotional. It captures someone speaking openly about their experience with your practice, course or product.
Testimonials are powerful because they provide social proof. Viewers hear real voices and see genuine reactions.
Typical uses for testimonial videos include:
Patient or client feedback for social media
Associate dentist stories for recruitment
Course participant reviews for academies
Customer testimonials for dental suppliers
A good testimonial video is less about production and more about authenticity.
What is a case study video?
A case study video goes deeper. It tells a full story about a particular outcome, often over a longer timeline.
Where testimonials highlight emotion, case studies highlight results. They typically include:
Before and after visuals
Treatment process or solution overview
Commentary from team members
Measurable outcomes or transformations
Case studies work best for demonstrating complex treatments, educational outcomes or business success stories.
The key differences
Key: 1 - Testimonial Video
2 - Case Study Video
Purpose
1 - Build trust and relatability
2 - Demonstrate expertise and results
Length
1 - 30–90 seconds
2 - 2–4 minutes
Tone
1 - Personal and emotional
2 - Informative and structured
Format
1 - Interview-based
2 - Narrative-driven with visuals
Best for
1 - Patient stories, quick social content
2 - Full treatment journeys, corporate proof
Primary platform
1 - Social media, Google Business Profile
2 - Website, presentations, campaigns
The most effective dental marketing strategies use both. Testimonials spark interest. Case studies reinforce credibility.
When to use testimonial videos
Testimonial videos are ideal when you want to:
Humanise your brand and show real experiences
Quickly engage viewers on social media
Share ongoing feedback from happy patients or clients
They work particularly well for associate dentists or practices that want to highlight their care and patient relationships.
For suppliers or course providers, testimonial clips validate your offering through peer voices, helping you build B2B credibility.
When to use case study videos
Case study videos are most effective when your audience needs to understand your process. They allow you to demonstrate how your expertise achieves tangible results.
For example:
A cosmetic practice might show a patient’s full smile transformation.
A dental lab could showcase its craftsmanship through a restoration project.
A course provider might follow a delegate’s learning journey and success.
Case studies are particularly valuable for corporate and B2B audiences who expect evidence and structure.
Combining both for maximum impact
The strongest marketing strategies use testimonials and case studies together. Start with short testimonial clips to grab attention, then use in-depth case studies to build authority.
Together, they form a natural storytelling journey from emotion to proof.
At Poco Productions, we help dental brands plan and produce both styles strategically, ensuring each piece supports the other within your wider marketing plan.
Conclusion: Two sides of the same story
Testimonials make people care. Case studies make them believe.
When used together, they turn your results into trust-building stories that influence decisions. Whether your goal is to attract new patients, showcase a supplier partnership or increase course enrolments, combining both formats delivers clarity, credibility and connection.
Explore our Dental Testimonial and Case Study Video Production services to see how we can help you bring your stories to life.
Get a tailored testimonial or case study video quote and start turning your feedback into content that converts.