Social media is a dynamic space teeming with opportunities for individuals and businesses alike. As social media platforms evolve, the types of content that perform well on these platforms also change over time.
Content is the backbone of any online success. This blog will help you understand the different types of content for social media you can use to increase your engagement and conversions, namely:
• Short-Form Videos
• Images
• Live Videos
• Long-Form Videos
• Audio
Top 5 Types of Social Media Content + Social Media Marketing Tips and Ideas
Here are the staple types of social media content:
#1 Short-Form Videos
Short-form videos are concise and typically range from a few seconds to a few minutes in length. They’re highly engaging on social media because they inform and entertain users in under a minute or so. The shorter length makes them shareable and ideal for the fast-paced nature of social media. This format is commonly seen on relatively new social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts.
Research shows that consumers find short-form videos 2.5x more engaging than long-form videos. Due to their short duration, such types of social media posts often require creative storytelling techniques to convey information or entertain effectively within a limited timeframe.
To guide your Instagram marketing and overall strategy, here are short-form video tips for creating content for social media:
• DIY tutorial: Showcase quick and easy do-it-yourself projects, such as home decor, fashion hacks or simple recipes.
• Product reviews: Offer succinct, honest reviews of new products or services in your niche.
• Life hacks: Share innovative tips and tricks to simplify everyday tasks.
• A day in the life: Give your audience a glimpse into your day-to-day life or work process.
• Educational content: Utilize the power of short-form videos to explain complex topics in a simple, easy-to-understand manner.
• Fashion and beauty tips: Share your latest fashion finds or beauty tips, such as makeup tutorials or hairstyle ideas.
• Travel vlogs: Share exciting clips of your travels, favorite locales or travel tips.
• Unboxing videos: Share your excitement with your audience as you unbox a new product or gift.
#2 Images
Images for social media posts are visual content shared across various social media platforms to catch the audience’s attention, convey information, express ideas or promote products and services.
Such social media types come in multiple formats like photographs, infographics, illustrations, memes (hello, X marketing – previously Twitter marketing) and more. These images not only add aesthetic appeal to posts but also boost social media engagement by increasing likes, shares and comments.
With the accessibility of high-definition cameras through smartphones and editing tools, even small brands can start creating content for social media. Here are ideas for image content on social media:
• Behind-the-scenes photos: Share images from a typical day at the office or production process. This approach humanizes your brand and makes your audience feel more connected to your company.
• User-generated content (UGC): Showcase images submitted by happy customers using your products. Not only does this provide social proof, but it also encourages more customers to share their own experiences.
• Infographics: Use infographics to educate your audience about your industry, product or service. Infographics make complex information easy to digest and highly shareable.
• Quotes and inspirational messages: Share motivational quotes or inspirational messages related to your industry. These types of posts are often well-received and widely shared.
• Product highlights: Share high-quality images of your products. Try to capture the product in use to help your audience visualize how they might use it themselves.
• Fun holidays: Join in on the fun of obscure holidays like “national donut day” by sharing a related image. It’s a great way to show your brand personality and engage with your audience lightheartedly.
• Contests and giveaways: Use images to announce contests or giveaways. These posts are usually high in engagement and can help increase your reach.
#3 Live Videos
Live videos on social media platforms have revolutionized how businesses and individuals communicate with their audiences. They provide an immediate and interactive way to share content, fostering social media engagement through a sense of community. Whether it’s a live Q&A session, a product launch or an event broadcast, live videos offer an unfiltered and authentic experience that can significantly boost online visibility and audience engagement.
Live videos also have immense potential to increase consumer loyalty and trust. They allow for a two-way interaction between the business or individual and the audience, allowing them to get real-time feedback on their products and services. Additionally, repurposing live stream videos can increase their value.
For example, you can create various types of social media content like shorts or text snippets for posts on other networks. Here are social media marketing tips:
• Office or factory tours: Give your audience a glimpse of the inner workings of your business. This transparency can build trust and deepen your audience’s connection to your brand.
• Product demonstrations: Showcase how your products work in real time. This can be particularly useful for products that need explanation or have unique features.
• Live Q&A sessions: Engage with your audience directly by answering their questions. This allows you to demonstrate your expertise and provide value to your audience.
• Interviews or panel discussions: Interview an expert in your field or host a panel discussion on a relevant topic. This not only provides value for your audience but can also expand your reach if the guest or panel members share the video with their audience.
• Special announcements: Share important company news or product launches through a live video. This can create buzz and excitement around your brand.
#4 Long-Form Videos
Long-form video social media platforms are gaining popularity as they allow creators to share more detailed and complex content. Platforms such as YouTube and Facebook (now Meta) allow videos of up to several hours in length, enabling the creation of full-length films, extensive tutorials and deep-dive documentaries. These platforms are not only revolutionizing content creation but also transforming how audiences consume media, fostering a more immersive and engaging viewing experience.
Such social media types are the go-to for education and information. While short-form videos are popular, they lack the depth you seek when interested in a subject. Longer video content on social media packs in topic information that builds authority. For YouTube and Facebook marketing, here are ideas for creating long-form video types of content for social media:
• Educational series: You could create a series of in-depth educational content related to your specific field of expertise. This could be anything from a step-by-step guide on starting a small business to a deep dive into a specific scientific topic.
• Behind-the-scenes tours: Audiences enjoy getting a glimpse of what goes on behind the scenes, whether in a business, an event or the daily life of a popular figure.
• Interviews or panel discussions: Long-form interviews or panel discussions on relevant topics can be insightful and provide a variety of perspectives. This format also allows for audience participation through live comments or Q&A sessions.
• Product reviews and tutorials: Detailed product reviews and tutorials are always popular, and the long-form format gives creators a chance to delve into specifics that shorter content can’t cover.
• Documentary-style videos: These videos give creators a chance to tell a story or explore a topic in a cinematic and engaging way. They could focus on a wide range of subjects, from travel and food to history and science.
• Video series or podcasts: Creators can produce engaging series and podcasts that keep viewers engaged over a more extended period. This could be anything from a discussion-based series to an episodic narrative.
#5 Audio
Social audio revolves around the power of your voice as a means of communication, surpassing the limitations of comments, emojis or reactions. It empowers you to share your thoughts on trending topics or captivating experiences that resonate with your audience. Undoubtedly, podcasts stand out as the ultimate format for this type of social media content. Audio social media types offer the convenience of accessing information without the commitment of staring at a screen for an entire hour.
While podcasts typically have a basic outline to guide their episodes, the majority of the conversation, expressions and personalities expressed are genuine. This authenticity allows listeners to forge a connection with the host. At the same time, the quality of the content itself plays a pivotal role in enticing the audience to anticipate the next episode eagerly. Here are social media marketing tips and ideas for podcasts:
• Mindfulness and mental health: A deep dive into techniques for managing stress, anxiety and other mental health challenges through mindfulness practices.
• Sustainable living: Sharing practical tips, products and lifestyle changes that can help listeners reduce their environmental impact.
• Entrepreneurship stories: Interviews with successful entrepreneurs, exploring their journeys, challenges and lessons learned.
• The future of technology: In-depth discussions about emerging technologies, their potential implications and how they shape the future.
• Historical mysteries uncovered: Each episode could explore a different mystery from history, delving into the known facts, theories and why it remains unresolved.
• The art of cooking: This show could combine recipe walkthroughs, interviews with chefs and discussions on different cuisines and cooking techniques.
Related article: What is social audio, and how can your business use it?
To add: Text is another of the types of social media posts mainly used in LinkedIn marketing. You can see more text-based posts on the platform, particularly LinkedIn articles.
Create Results-Driven Content on Social Media With Thrive
At Thrive, we understand the different types of content for social media as well as when and where to use them. So if you need help creating content for social media, our services include:
• Facebook marketing
• Instagram marketing
• LinkedIn marketing
• Twitter marketing (now X marketing)
Apart from social media marketing, our team can also help you drive more conversions through your website.
And if you want to explore new social media platforms to grow your brand’s online presence, we can also help with that. Drive more social media engagement with our team — talk to us!
