Creating videos for social media has never been easier. As platforms like TikTok and Instagram become increasingly sophisticated, brands have limitless opportunities to craft engaging video content even with few resources and little time.
In a digital world where competition is overwhelming, knowing how to create videos that seize and sustain your audience’s attention could be the secret to standing out.
In this guide, we’ll delve into:
• Popular Types of Video Content for Social Media
• How To Create Videos for Social Media
Popular Types of Video Content for Social Media
First, let’s look at the most common types of branded videos showcased on social media.
1. Q&As
On-screen conversations offer a personal and intimate way to connect with your audience. Hold Q&A sessions with a satisfied customer, thought leader or a team member. Their insights can educate other customers about your brand, culture, product features or industry trends.
You can opt for a structured interview format with pre-prepared questions or foster a dynamic atmosphere by inviting questions from your followers.
The Q&A format is equally effective for solo videos where you directly address your audience and respond to their submitted questions. Videos can be pre-recorded, polished or delivered in real time during a live session.
2. Behind-the-Scenes (BTS) Footage
BTS video content reveals your team in their natural environment, letting your audience see a different side of your brand. Whether it’s showing your office, backstage at events or making new products, these videos give your customers a peek into your world. They humanize your brand and make it more relatable, building trust and stronger connections with your audience.
3. Product Showcases
According to a study, 78% of people say their purchase decisions are influenced by brands’ social media posts. Social media videos are a great way to showcase a product and its features.
Short videos are the preferred choice for 57% of Gen Z and 42% of Millennials when learning about products and their features (HubSpot).
Check out this short and funny Instagram video by Ikea. The video features Ikea’s anti-slip mat by showing a scene of a father chasing his son wearing a goofy monster costume.
This type of engaging video content stands out because it doesn’t just show the product; you hardly even see it. Instead, it focuses on the product’s benefits and showcases Ikea’s distinct and friendly brand personality.
Research shows that entertaining video content can enhance purchase intent by 97% (SocialPilot). Adding humor and creativity to video content for social media can make it more memorable and enjoyable for viewers.
4. Live Videos
TikTok, Instagram and Facebook, three of the world’s biggest social media platforms, now offer built-in live-streaming capabilities. These social media juggernauts give sellers and brands access to features like live chats, polls and question prompts, encouraging viewers to engage in real-time conversations.
Live streams are ideal formats for Q&As, events and behind-the-scenes. Viewers spend 10-20 times (Demand Sage) more time watching live videos than on-demand content. Additionally, 82% of consumers favor live streams as social media updates from brands.
5. User-Generated Content (UGC)
User-generated social media videos originate from customers, brand advocates and employees. They show genuine experiences and opinions about your product or service, making them appear more relatable and trustworthy than branded content.
The best part about UGC is that it won’t cost you a cent. This video format taps into your current customer base’s creativity while inspiring other users to join and craft their own content.
Examples of user-generated video content include:
• Product Unboxing: These videos show people unpacking their parcels and sharing their initial impressions of products. There are over 20 million search results on YouTube for “unboxing. ” In fact, one in five consumers has watched an unboxing video.
• User Testimonials: User reviews show a product or service in action. For instance, makeup reviews on TikTok often include swatches and quick demonstrations. Another popular trend involves users comparing the latest gadgets side by side, helping viewers make informed decisions.
• Trending Challenges: TikTok users love to share and participate in short lip-sync performances, comedic skits and choreographed dance routines. Brands can initiate creative hashtags and challenges to foster engagement and awareness.
How To Create Videos for Social Media
Social media videos are more likely to inspire desired actions when optimized according to each platform’s unique characteristics.
Follow these tips and tricks when creating video content for various platforms:
TikTok
• Shoot Vertically: Vertical videos, formatted with a 9:16 aspect ratio, perform best on the platform. Ensure your videos deliver crisp visuals to enhance the overall viewing experience.
• Experiment With Creative Tools: When creating video content on TikTok, take advantage of the platform’s various filters, 3D effects, audio clips and voiceovers. TikTok also lets you add dynamic elements to your videos, such as stickers, time warps, green screens and visual distortions.
• Keep It Short and Sweet: TikTok recommends video durations between 21 and 34 seconds. Although the platform allows videos up to 10 minutes, short-form content matches users’ shorter attention spans and is more likely to be watched in its entirety. Snappy and engaging video content is also more likely to be replayed multiple times.
• Add Auto Subtitles: Subtitles make your videos accessible to non-native speakers and users who are hard of hearing. Click the Captions button on the right-hand side when creating video content and TikTok will transcribe any audio in the video automatically. You can also edit the text for greater accuracy.
• Post at Least Once Every Day: If you want more people to notice your content and potentially go viral, aim to upload a new video daily. Keeping a low profile may mean your videos appear less often in users’ For You feeds.
Instagram Reels
• Get the Dimensions Right: You can upload Instagram reels with an aspect ratio ranging from 1.91:1 to 9:16. Ensure your reels maintain a minimum frame rate of 30 FPS (frames per second) and a resolution of at least 720 pixels.
• The First Three Seconds Matter: When planning your content, think about what would make someone stop and pay attention to your video in a few seconds. This could be a catchy phrase, an intriguing visual or a sudden action that captivates the viewer immediately.
• Select an Eye-Catching Cover: Ensure your thumbnail captures your audience’s interest and offers a sneak peek into your content. Choose a compelling visual or text your viewers can easily read, enticing them to click on your reel.
• Create Smooth Transitions: Use the video alignment tool to ensure seamless transitions. It shows where you were in your last frame, helping you align objects before recording the next one.
• Make Your Videos Searchable: Add a clear title and description so viewers know what to expect when they click play. Insert targeted keywords to boost your content’s search visibility.
• Lean on Storytelling: When creating videos for social media, begin with a strong narrative. Storytelling forges emotional connections that can enhance brand recall and loyalty. Ensure your story reflects your brand values, addresses your audience’s needs or questions and prompts them to take action.
• Add a Call-To-Action (CTA): CTAs can be included in the post copy, seamlessly integrated verbally or visually throughout the video or placed at the end via text overlay. A clear CTA guides specific actions, such as sharing, subscribing or visiting a link.
Develop a Powerful Video Content Strategy With Thrive
Creating videos for social media is an art and relying on Thrive’s video production team can help you save time and resources. We handle video projects of every scale and genre, ensuring they deliver measurable results.
Contact us now and we’ll help you achieve your marketing goals!
