Scroll-Stopper: Creating Videos that Command Attention on Social Platforms
We’re all too familiar with the task of crafting that one standout video—a video that doesn’t just captivate viewers but thrives amid the ever-evolving landscape of social media. And, we understand just how easy it is to fall short of this goal.
We’re here to get you ready for this challenge!
This guide is your comprehensive resource, loaded with everything required to construct engaging videos that resonate with your viewers. We’ll reveal the ingredients for the success of a social media video, and equip you with tactics to cater to these needs in 2024 and beyond.
Your audience is waiting. Let’s get started!
Understanding Your Audience’s Needs
Let’s delve right into the heart of social media videos.
Your audience is not after content for the sake of content; they seek authenticity, something they can connect with personally. The authenticity they seek is not about being unfiltered or leaving in your filming mistakes. It’s about delivering content that speaks to the human condition, stirs emotions, and fulfills their need for information or entertainment.
Keep in mind that what constitutes “authentic” is ever-changing. With the world around us evolving constantly, so do the preferences and demands of your audience. In today’s fast-paced society, people want content that is quick and straight to the point, fitting into their busy lives seamlessly.
This doesn’t mean that long-form videos are a thing of the past or that short-form videos reign supreme. The key is to adapt to the ever-changing tastes of your diverse social media audience. Don’t get caught up in sweeping statements about certain types of videos being “good” or “bad.” What may be entertaining for one person could be overwhelming for another. It’s important to understand and cater to the individual preferences of your audience.
Keep up with the times and stay open-minded to keep your social media engagement alive and thriving. Remember, it’s not about what you like or what you think is “right,” it’s about what your audience wants and needs.
Tips for Creating Successful Social Platform Videos
To be real for just a second here, the best video marketers know that there’s a bit of luck involved in creating viral videos. There’s no magic formula that guarantees success every time. However, there are some tried and true techniques that can help you meet the demands of your audience and increase your chances of going viral:
Have a plan for every platform
Knowing your audience and the specific features of each social platform is crucial for creating successful videos. Take the time to research and understand how to best utilize each platform’s unique capabilities in order to effectively reach and engage your audience.
If you’re looking at a LinkedIn video ad campaign, for example, you want to retain a bit of fun and personality while remaining professional enough to appeal to potential clients. On the other hand, for a TikTok video ad, don’t be afraid to go big and bold—negative space and captivating music can make all the difference.
Keep it short and sweet
Videos that are brief and to-the-point are likely to resonate more with contemporary audiences known for their limited attention spans. This doesn’t imply a compromise on quality; instead, it challenges creators to convey their message within a minimal time frame innovatively.
Be an actual video (instead of a repurposed article, podcast, etc.)
Social platform videos are a unique form of content that require their own specific strategies. Don’t just repurpose your articles or podcasts into video format. Instead, think about the best way to convey your message visually and tailor your content specifically for video.
Use subtitles
With many social platforms playing videos in silent mode by default, it’s crucial to supplement your videos with captions. This not only augments accessibility, it also draws in viewers who might be browsing their feeds without audio. Whether they’re sneaking a peek at their phone during work hours or catching up on videos during their commute, captions are a critical addition for these scenarios.
Include a clear call to action
After your audience has finished watching your video, don’t leave them wondering what to do next. Incorporate a direct and enticing call to action, whether it’s encouraging them to subscribe, follow, or visit your website. This strategy can boost engagement from your viewers and may even lead to conversions.
Be consistent with your branding
One of the crucial aspects of video content is ensuring it aligns with your brand’s visual and verbal tone. This continuity helps your audience gain familiarity with your brand through repeated video interactions. Uniformity in your video’s tone of voice also bolsters your brand’s persona and authenticity, upping your brand visibility and impact considerably.
Wrapping Up
With these tactics in your toolset, you are on the right path to creating successful and engaging videos for your social media platforms. Continuously experiment and refine your methods as the landscape of social media and video marketing evolves. Keep an eye on trends and your audience’s preferences to stay ahead of the competition. With the right structure in place, your videos will always be in the best position to grab the attention of your target audience and keep them coming back for more!
