The Popularity and Power of Short-Form Video Content
This year on the blog we have been focused a good bit on web design, and in April, we pivoted briefly to some elements to include for successful social media videos. We really want to keep talking about short-form video content because a good portion of the big announcements we have coming soon revolve around short-form videos. Video content in general is such a huge part of social media these days, and it is likely to only grow. So, let’s discuss the specifics of short-form video content, the popularity of this kind of content, and how you can utilize it to your own advantage.
What is short-form video content?
Short-form videos are generally videos that are under 60 seconds. Now, the argument can be made that videos as long as three minutes are still included in this category, but not all of the major social media platforms allow them to be that long. It’s safer to stick to the sixty second mark. They are also typically in a vertical format, but no matter what, a short-form video should be something that holds bite-sized, easily digestible content.
What are the main platforms for short-form video content?
It’s pretty hard to discount the reign of TikTok at this point, but with all the questions around bans and legislation, it’s important to note that TikTok is not the only platform where short-form video content is thriving. YouTube Shorts and Instagram Reels are both exceedingly popular, and often videos from TikTok are repurposed on these platforms. Each platform gives you an opportunity to reach a slightly different audience, so none of them should be ignored. Although, pay attention to the video length restrictions of each platform.
Why is short-form video content so popular?
From a creator perspective, short-form video content is the best. It’s typically easy to shoot and edit, the platforms you post on are free, and video content generally results in higher engagement. It’s also a great way to hook people for longer form content that you’re producing.
From a viewer perspective, one of the main reasons short-form video has skyrocketed is because it does make content easy to digest. Since most of these videos are under the 60-second mark, viewers will stick around to watch most if not all of it. Not all short-form videos are informational; some are merely humorous, entertaining, or relatable. Either way, they connect with their intended audience, and that’s always the goal. TikTok and Instagram in particular also make it incredibly easy to share these short videos.
How can you utilize short-form video content?
Since short-form video has the potential to boost your engagement on social media, let's talk about practical ways to do that. When it comes to the videos themselves, don’t be afraid to switch up your approach. You can have some videos that are more informational, some that are product reviews, some that are more humorous, or even some that incorporate popular trends if they fit with your brand. You can experiment with different types of videos to see how they land with your audience and go from there. Outside of that, try to craft a good hook to keep people on your video. Subtitles are typically a good idea; a lot of people watch videos without audio. Quick cuts can help make your video feel more engaging. Having a call to action of some kind is also essential if you’re a business.
It should be also noted that sharing just 2-3 reels a week on a platform like Instagram can really begin to boost engagement. You don’t have to dive in immediately with videos every day; you can slowly build up to it and hone your approach over time.
So, have you started prioritizing short-form video content on your social media strategy? If so, what tips would you offer? Comment and let us know. If you’re looking for help with managing your social media, you can find more information here.