5 Tips for Creating ENGAGING Social Media Videos
There’s an abundance of social media channels out there, and it can feel very overwhelming, especially with new platforms popping up and existing ones choosing to rebrand…[Insert Twitter/X meme]
So how do you keep up?
1. Choose Your Platform
Make sure you are only using the channels that are relevant to your strategy and your audience. Take some time to understand the different platforms and their uses, and consider your company, brand personality and marketing goals. Conduct research into what competitors in your industry are doing, this will give you an insight into what draws and maintains engagement, as well as give you a greater idea of which platforms your target audience primarily uses.
2. Optimise your content
Ensure your content is optimised for the platform being used. This is easier now than it has ever been, as most channels accept portrait videos as standard. There may be times when you want to use landscape orientation, so you can get more into the frame for instance. When doing this, try to ensure that the video will still make sense if cropped to portrait, so you can get the most out of your content by using it for both layouts.
Take a look at our social media highlights reel below 👇🏼
3. Encourage Engagement
Voices matter, so encourage your viewers to engage with your content. Perhaps by asking them to share their thoughts and ideas in the comments. To vote in a poll. Or to start a debate.
Even if posts are gathering momentum in the form of likes, follower numbers may dwindle. To avoid this, be sure to focus on engagement. Communicate with your audience.
Users thrive on interactivity and feeling like they are a part of something, so be sure to get them involved!
4. Timing is everything
Be mindful of the length of your videos. With the nature of social media’s “scrolling” layout, people’s attention and focus can be easily lost. Again, depending on your brand voice and the platform that you’re using this may vary, but for platforms like TikTok and Instagram, aim for a maximum of 15 seconds. And be sure to feature your brand, service, or message within the first few seconds.
5. Be AUTHENTIC
Authenticity is a cornerstone of building a strong personal brand. Your authenticity sets you apart and helps you stand out in a crowded social media landscape.
Authenticity helps you connect with your audience on a deeper level. Users are more likely to engage with content that feels genuine and relatable, building trust amongst your followers. When you present a transparent version of yourself and your brand, by sharing both successes and struggles, your audience will perceive you as more trustworthy and reliable, boosting credibility.
However, it's important to strike a balance between authenticity and privacy. Not everything needs to be shared online, and maintaining appropriate boundaries is crucial to protect your personal life and well-being. Additionally, social media can sometimes amplify negativity, so it's wise to approach authenticity with a mindful and positive perspective.
“Staff Profiles” are great for giving users an insight into the personality of your employees and working culture! Take a look at the example below!
Bonus Tips…
If there is dialogue, include captions! This makes the video more accessible and allows users to understand even when it’s on mute.
Try recording content in bulk. Recording and collecting more content at one time and then editing it down to a range of shorter clips, means you have more material to utilise in the future. This is an efficient way of capturing content and will allow for easy scheduling too!
Utilise Instagram and TikTok’s audio/music feature, by keeping up to date and using trending songs and audio! Look for trending audio with over 1k but below 10k uses, this will ensure that you are using it at an optimal time, when it’s due to incline the most!
End with a relevant CTA (Call To Action), giving users clear direction and giving your content a purpose.
Consider using a good-quality microphone for any voiceovers, or talking to camera sections. So that it is clear and audible. It will also elevate the value and professionalism of your content.