The Power of Short-Form Video: How Brands Can Harness Its Potential

There's no doubt that video is one of the most powerful tools in a marketer's toolkit. It can tell stories, engage audiences, and build brand affinity like no other medium. But as with any tool, its success depends on how it's used.

One of the most important things to keep in mind when creating video content is that not all videos need to be long-form. Some of the most successful videos are short-form clips that are just a few seconds in length.

Short-form video is a fantastic way to capture attention and communicate key messages quickly and effectively. It's also more versatile than long-form video and can be used in many ways across different channels. Hubspot’s Marketing Trends of 2022 report revealed that short-form content is currently the second most effective trend for marketers with 46% saying it is an effective format in terms of both performance and engagement. 

Some brands have found success using short-form videos on social media, for example, while others have used it to create product demonstrations or instructional videos. There are endless possibilities for how short-form videos can be used, so it's essential to experiment and find what works best for your brand. The short-form video has the highest ROI of any social media marketing strategy at 30%

If you're considering using short-form video as part of your marketing strategy, here are a few things to keep in mind:

Think about your audience

Who are you trying to reach with your video? What type of content do they respond to? Keep your target audience in mind when brainstorming ideas for your video.

Keep it simple

The beauty of short-form videos is that you don't need to include a lot of information. Keep your message clear, concise and focus on one key takeaway.

Make it visually appealing

Since you only have a few seconds to capture attention, it's important to ensure your video is visually appealing. Use high-quality visuals and make sure the overall look and feel of your video are in line with your brand.

Be creative

There are no rules when it comes to short-form videos, so get creative and experiment with different formats and styles. The more unique your video is, the more likely it is to stand out from the crowd.

Social Platforms

TikTok is a fitting example of a platform that's perfect for short-form videos. TikTok users are used to seeing quick, creative videos that are often just a few seconds in length. If you're considering using TikTok for your business, create content that is in line with the platform's style and tone.

If you're looking to reach a wider audience, TikTok is a great place to start.

Instagram Stories is another platform that's well-suited for short-form videos. Since stories only last for 24 hours, they're the perfect format for quick, timely content. Since stories are displayed in a vertical format, they're easy to consume on mobile devices.

Facebook and YouTube are also great platforms for short-form videos. Both platforms have a large user base, so you're sure to reach a wide audience. Both platforms allow you to share links, you can drive traffic back to your website or landing page.

There's no right or wrong platform for sharing short-form videos. The key is to experiment and see what works best for your brand.

Don't forget to have fun with it – the more fun you have, the more your audience will enjoy your videos.

Use Humour

One of the best ways to engage your audience with short-form videos is to use humour. People love to laugh, and if you can make them laugh with your video, they're more likely to watch it all the way through and share it with their friends.

Ensure to keep your brand's voice in mind when adding humour to your video. You don't want to come across as too sales-y or self-promotional, so make sure the humour is organic and relevant to your brand.

Get personal

Another fantastic way to engage your audience is to get personal with your video. Share a behind-the-scenes look at your company or introduce viewers to the people who make your brand what it is.

People connect with others, so the more personal you can make your video, the better. Just be sure not to overdo it – you don't want to come across as too intimate or invasive.

Tell a story

A terrific way to connect with your audience is to tell a story with your video. Share a customer testimonial or give viewers a look at how your product or service has helped solve a problem.

People love stories, so if you can find a way to tell one in your short-form video, you're more likely to engage your audience and leave an impression.

The bottom line

A short-form video is a powerful tool that can be used in many ways to engage your audience and promote your brand. When it comes to either watching a video or reading text to learn about a product or service, 72% of people prefer video.

Keep these tips in mind as you start creating your short-form videos, and you'll be on your way to success. If short-form videos are something that you feel could benefit your business or you need guidance creating or improving social platforms, contact us by calling 07717 111 516.