The problem-solution ad opens with a frustration the viewer recognises, then shows the product removing it. It is the backbone of most direct-response video because the logic is clear in a few seconds even with the sound off.
It works for household products, software, tools and anything with a practical job to do. The problem must be real and common, and the solution shot must show what the product genuinely does, not an idealised version.
Shot-by-shot structure
| Time | Shot | On-screen text | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0–2s | The problem in action | “Tired of this?” | Hook: recognition |
| 2–4s | Close-up of the frustration | The cost of the problem | Raise the stakes |
| 4–7s | Product enters the frame | Product name | Turn point |
| 7–11s | Product solving the problem | How it works, in one line | Demonstration |
| 11–13s | Calm after shot | The result you can prove | Payoff |
| 13–15s | Logo end card | Call to action | Next step |
What to keep vs change in Clone Cut
| Keep unchanged | Change |
|---|---|
| People in the reference, unchanged | Product in the demonstration shots |
| The before-and-after rhythm | Captions for the problem and result |
| Camera angles of the demonstration | Background setting |
| Logo and end card |
Existing people in your reference stay unchanged. Edits are limited to products, objects, backgrounds, logos and text.
Assets you need
- Product photos, including in use
- A one-line description of the problem you solve
- Evidence for the result you will claim
- Logo and brand colors
Sample brief
Recreate this licensed problem-solution clip with my product. Keep the person unchanged. Problem caption: “Cables everywhere?” Solution caption: “One dock, three devices.” Show my dock from the attached photos at 4–11 seconds on a tidy desk. End card with my logo and “Order today”.
Adapt the product name, captions and timings to your own reference. Our UGC ad brief template explains how to describe each shot.
Compliance notes
- Do not exaggerate the problem with staged accidents that misrepresent normal use.
- Only show results the product delivers for typical customers.
- Avoid fear-based claims in health, safety or finance categories.
Make only claims you can prove, disclose AI-generated content where the platform or law requires it, and never publish fake testimonials or endorsements.
How to use this template
Upload a reference you own or have licensed, plus your product images, logo and copy, in the video studio. Paste or adapt the sample brief, review the plan and credit quote, and confirm. Check the finished video in your Library before you publish. For the full method, see how to clone viral video ads.