Short-form video content is a game-changer in the digital marketing landscape. In fact, when it comes to capturing the viewer’s attention and driving engagement, there’s no match for it.
This form of content has become the king of social media platforms.
The bite-sized videos are not just entertaining, but also offer businesses an innovative way to connect with their audience.
We understand that navigating this new trend can be intimidating, and that’s why we have put together this informative guide for you with an overview on short-form video content, its advantages and impact, and how to incorporate it into your marketing strategy.
Table Of Contents:
- Table of Contents:
- The Rising Popularity of Short-Form Video Content
- Why Short-Form Video Content is Essential for Marketing
- Advantages of Short-Form Video Content
- How to Create a Viral Reel
- Upcoming Short-Form Video Trends in 2023
- Incorporating Short-Form Videos into Your Marketing Strategy
- Conclusion
The Rising Popularity of Short-Form Video Content
Short-form video content is taking the digital world by storm.
TikTok, for instance, has become a powerhouse platform where content creators and viewers alike thrive on engaging short videos.
Similarly, Instagram Reels continues to redefine how we consume media in bite-sized pieces.
This new wave of short-form content breaks down creative barriers and democratizes entertainment like never before.
In fact, user participation plays an integral role in this growth narrative.
A case study? TheSoul Publishing’s TikTok channel witnessed an impressive 275% surge in early 2022.
Beyond entertainment, educational videos are also gaining traction rapidly. From explainer videos to DIY guides – users love digesting information through compact visual narratives.
Navigating Attention Spans with Short-Form Video Content
We live in a fast-paced era where attention spans have shrunk significantly.
The average attention span stands at just over eight seconds in 2023. Capturing your viewer’s attention effectively within those fleeting moments can be challenging but not impossible.
Why Short-Form Video Content is Essential for Marketing
A whopping 93% of marketers deem video content as a vital part of their marketing strategy.
Why? You might wonder. Well, let’s discover together what makes
Impact on Sales and Engagement
Short-form videos , with their brevity and creativity, hook viewer’s attention effectively.
This explains why an impressive 86% of organizations leverage short-form content as a powerful tool to drive engagement and sales.
An excellent example? Miller High Life’s one-second Super Bowl ads that led to an astounding increase in sales by 8.6%.
In addition, more than half TikTok users uploaded their own videos monthly indicating high levels of user participation.
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Advantages of Short-Form Video Content
So why should you invest in short-form video content?
The answer is simple. Cost-effectiveness and ease of consumption.
They are budget-friendly to create. They don’t require high-end equipment or a large production team like traditional long-format videos do.
Short-form content, often seen on platforms like TikTok, can increase authenticity for your brand.
This encourages an atmosphere of inclusivity among viewers as they experience being part of the creative process. It’s not just about viewing clips anymore; it’s about being involved.
Keep a watchful eye on the upcoming trends for 2023.
How to Create a Viral Reel
In the age of short-form content, creating engaging content that captures your viewer’s attention is more important than ever. With platforms like Instagram reels and YouTube shorts becoming increasingly popular, it’s crucial for businesses and content creators alike to leverage this trend.
Step 1: HOOK
The first step in creating an impactful reel is crafting a bold hook.
This should be something that immediately grabs the audience’s attention within the first three seconds of them watching your video.
Examples could include phrases such as “watch the transformation” or “wait until you see this”. Remember, we’re living in a fast-paced generation with decreasing attention spans so make sure your hook is compelling enough to stop viewers from scrolling past!
Step 2: CALL TO ACTION
Your reel should also contain clear call-to-actions (CTAs) prompting viewers to engage further with your content – be it through likes, comments or shares.
Believe it or not, audiences are likely to do what you ask if prompted correctly! For instance “Like this post if you learnt something” OR “Read the caption” can drive significant engagement.
Step 3: TRENDING SONGS
To increase chances of virality on social media platforms like Instagram Reels, use trending songs overlaying your video content.
But remember – don’t choose over-saturated tracks; instead opt for newer ones with fewer associated posts for better visibility.
Also finding a trending song that’s the same length as your reel can also take time! Most trending songs are 10 seconds or less. So if your reel is more than 10 seconds, finding one that is the correct length might take some time!
Step 4: CAPTIONS
Detailed captions about the posted reel will help retain audience interest longer and increase exposure opportunities. It is also a great place to make use of CTAs and hashtags on platforms like Instagram.
Using as many hashtags as possible is a great way to attract engaged users. You can use as much as 30 hashtags.
Yet, it is important to remember not to use oversaturated hashtags as those would attract the wrong kind of engagement such as bots and spam comments.
Step 5: THUMBNAIL IMAGES
Thumbnail images play an integral role by being the first thing the audience sees. They act as initial click-baits when users visit profiles or explore pages.
Using your hook as the thumbnail is a great way to get people to click on your video.
Step 6: TAGS
Make sure to tag as many people as possible in your post. Tags ensure maximum reach among relevant audiences.
Step 7: AFTER POSTING
After posting reels there are certain steps one needs to follow diligently including saving posts across multiple accounts owned/accessed by oneself; sharing extensively amongst friends etc.
Upcoming Short-Form Video Trends in 2023
In the dynamic world of short-form content, it’s crucial to stay ahead of trends. Here are some exciting developments that we at Trinity Media predict will shape the landscape in 2023.
Influencer Collaborations
The power of influencers continues to grow on social media platforms like Instagram and YouTube. Businesses can leverage short-form video by collaborating with these popular figures who have mastered the art of engaging content.
The influencer market is a goldmine for business growth, as they bring their substantial follower base into play.
Take Phyba™ for example, a natural supplements brand. Their reels usually get anywhere between 20 and 200 likes a post, whereas when they collaborate with athlete Charlotte Lamb they amass somewhere between 2,000 and 5,000 likes. Over 10x their usual reach.
Microlearning Videos
With dwindling attention spans, educational videos that deliver concise information quickly are gaining traction.
These ‘microlearning’ videos work excellently as explainer videos or bite-sized tutorials, making them ideal for business owners aiming to provide valuable insights without overwhelming viewers.
Remember though, as witty & engaging as these educational videos might seem at face value, they require strategic planning coupled with creativity thus ensuring success within digital marketing space dominated today largely by visual mediums especially explainer videos gaining popularity day-by-day!
We at Trinity Media are big fans of microlearning and our Instagram page can attest to that. In addition to short, text-based educational posts, we regularly post reels that aim at teaching our viewers all the secrets of the marketing world.
User-Generated Content (UGC)
Audiences love feeling involved! Encouraging user-generated content not only increases engagement but also builds trust within your community. This strategy could involve asking customers to share their experiences using your product or service through short videos—think testimonials on steroids!
In a study, AdWeek stated that 85% of users feel more influenced by UGC rather than brand content.
Aerie’s #AerieREAL campaign, which raises awareness on eating disorders, encouraged users to post images of themselves in swimsuits without any retouching, and they’ll donate 1$ for every image shared.
The campaign generated over 391,606 submissions, resulting in that amount donated to the cause all while generating tons of awareness for the brand on social media.
Social Media Challenges
TikTok has shown us how challenges can go viral and create massive engagement online – from dance-offs to lip-sync battles. Challenges are also a great way for brands to take advantage of user-generated content.
Brands cleverly participating in these trends stand a chance at significant exposure while fostering an interactive relationship with their audience.
Take for example the “Shot on iPhone” challenge. Users were encouraged to post their best photo, shot on iPhone, to Instagram or Twitter accompanied by the #ShotOniPhone hashtag. Out of worldwide submissions, 10 photos would be selected to be featured on billboards, Apple stores and online.
With over 28 million submissions, this challenge became its own online movement.
Behind-the-scenes Content
Last but not least, audiences enjoy authenticity—a peek behind the curtain if you will! Sharing bloopers of a previously posted video or snippets from your daily operations via YouTube Shorts or Instagram Reels provides transparency which fosters loyalty among consumers.
This approach humanizes businesses and makes clients feel part of something bigger than just transactions.
Remember: People don’t buy what you do; they buy why you do it!
We have lately jumped on the train of BTS content at Trinity Media with our latest Instagram reel of Tom’s bloopers that cost him quite some money in the swear jar!
These 5 types of videos are what we expect short-form content will look like in 2023. Incorporating these trends into your content strategy would be beneficial for business owners looking forward towards successful marketing efforts!
Incorporating Short-Form Videos into Your Marketing Strategy
Rethinking your marketing plan is essential with the rise of short-form video material.
TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts are platforms you can’t ignore anymore.
Leveraging these social media platforms for promoting engaging video content is a must-do in today’s digital landscape.
About 90% marketers intend to maintain or increase their investment in short-form videos this year. Why?
- The answer lies in how effective they are at capturing viewer’s attention with bite-sized yet impactful messages.
- This form of educational content has proven successful across various industries, from retail to coaching services.
- User-generated shorts offer an authentic way for brands to connect with audiences on a personal level.
Your brand story deserves compelling storytelling too.
If done right, incorporating short-form videos could give your business that competitive edge it needs.
Short-Form Video Content FTW!
The numbers speak for themselves; marketers are investing heavily in the short-form video content format.
You’ve seen how it can boost sales and engagement. It’s cost-effective too.
But remember, success lies not just in creating videos but also making them discoverable. Incorporate these insights into your strategy to tap into its full potential.
With trends favoring content like user-generated material, short-form video content has a bright future indeed!
