You work for a software start up and are aiming to drive sign-ups for free trials. Which of the following would achieve this in a video ad with an action objective?

Setting the context and including a clear call-to-action is the most effective approach for a video ad with an action objective because it establishes the value proposition of the software before explicitly telling the viewer how to sign up for the free trial. By first grounding the audience in the problem the software solves or the benefits it provides, the subsequent call-to-action becomes more persuasive and relevant, leading to higher conversion rates compared to ads that lack a clear next step or sufficient background. This strategy aligns with Google's best practices for performance-driven creative, which emphasize that capturing attention through context and driving intent with a specific directive are essential for moving users from viewing to taking a concrete action.