What’s Short-Form Video? A Quick Guide to Help Your Social Media Strategy

What’s Short-Form Video? A Quick Guide to Help Your Social Media Strategy

Short-form videos have become a trend this year on social. They’ve become a critical piece of the social media marketing puzzle – especially since each platform shows favor to them in the algorithm. Let’s break down short-form videos and how you can use them in your social strategy.

What are short-form videos

Each platform defines “short” differently.

Why use short-form videos?

Short-form videos are a fun and interactive way to reach your audience. Brand authenticity shines through these videos. The perk of this? Your audience will be more willing to buy.

Short-form videos are a simple way to spread your message without losing the attention of viewers. (We do have the attention span of squirrels, after all!) Bite-sized content is critical in a world where we consume information all day, every day.

When attention is kept, engagement levels will increase.

Another bonus? These videos don’t take much effort compared to long-form videos. Shorter times call for simpler filming

Must-Do’s When Producing Short-Form Content

  • Be Creative
    Tell your story and be relatable!
  • Distribute Content Efficiently
    If you filmed a Tiktok, take the original footage and make it a Reel.
  • Join the Trends
    No one likes looking out of touch.
  • Focus on Everything but Sales
    Short-form videos are not a way to promote your products. They’re a way to engage with your audience and spread brand awareness!

Here are 5 short-form video trends to try out:

Ditch the Sound (Kind of)

Do you ever get stressed about which audio to use when creating a video? Lucky for you, this trend has eliminated that stress. Thanks to people turning down the volume on their phones (minus that one person in the waiting room at the doctor’s office watching videos in full blast – we all have experienced the secondhand embarrassment), sound is no longer essential for short-form videos on social.

That being said, it’s crucial to come up with a way for people to be able to watch your videos on mute and successfully capture their attention.

Subtitles and on-screen text overlays help convey your message. By optimizing the soundless playback, your video will reach a larger audience. Sound is great to have, but being flexible with soundless optimization will work even more in your favor.

Here is an example of a soundless video from Tula’s TikTok:

@tula

JUST IN: NEW Eye Recharge + Replenish Pro-Ferm™ Overnight Complex. Your new PM skincare routine BFF! ✨ Shop now at TULA.com #tulaskincare#eyecream #slugging #skincareroutine ♬ Vibes – ZHRMusic Teasers

Do you have something big coming up within your company? The announcement of a new event? Perhaps a new product release?

Short-form videos are the perfect way to get your audience excited!

If you’re looking to take your page’s engagement to the next level, ask for feedback. Tell your customers to leave their thoughts in the comments.

Peloton utilized a 38-second video to announce their newest product: a rowing machine. It’s short and sweet but leaves a level of anticipation as there isn’t a release date mentioned.

FAQ

People have questions, you have the answers! FAQs make it easy for your audience to find the answers they need. Short-form videos give the answers they need right away! By creating short videos of the most commonly asked questions, the buyer’s journey will be nice and smooth for your audience.

Nike uses this often on their TikTok account. Check out this example:

Try a Trend

Everyone loves a good challenge, especially on TikTok. Try making your own challenge! Make up a hashtag and encourage your audience to participate. Challenges are always trending, and give a different kind of call-to-action than the norm!

Bang used the “Pick One” challenge as a way to show off their brand without it looking like an obvious ad:

https://www.tiktok.com/@bangenergy/video/7094614425835015466?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id=6979979900058387974

Systemax flying plane graphicSystemax flying plane graphicSystemax flying plane graphicSystemax flying plane graphicSystemax flying plane graphic
Keep it real and have fun! The more genuine you are, the more your audience will connect with your brand. The more you show your imperfections while filming, the more real you look! 

Not sure where short-form content falls into your social strategy? Or do you need a hand with filming content? We’re here to help!

The 2024 Paris Olympic Games present a unique and exciting opportunity for local businesses to tap into a large, engaged television audience. The Olympics attract millions of viewers from all over the globe, and a significant portion of those watch their local stations, creating opportunities for highly effective local TV advertising campaigns. And even though national campaigns were booked long ago, it’s not too late for local advertisers. Near-to-air inventory may still be available at many local stations, providing unique opportunities for local advertisers.

THE STRATEGY & PLAN

The Olympics is one of the few events that captivate a global audience, transcending cultural and geographical boundaries. For local advertisers, this means a diverse and extensive viewership. The 2024 Paris Olympics promise to be no different, with a schedule packed with a wide variety of sports that appeal to a broad range of viewers. There’s something for everyone, from traditional favorites like athletics and swimming to newer additions like skateboarding and surfing.

Why Local TV Advertising?

  • Geo-Targeted Reach: Local TV advertising allows businesses to target their immediate geographic area. This ensures that the ads are seen by potential customers within the vicinity of the business, increasing the likelihood of conversion.
  • Community Connection: Local businesses often better understand their community’s needs and preferences. Local TV ads can be tailored to reflect community values, culture, and events, fostering a stronger connection with the audience.
  • Cost-Effective: Local TV ads are more affordable than national TV spots, making them accessible to small and medium-sized businesses. This allows even those with smaller budgets to leverage the massive viewership of the Olympics.
  • High Engagement: The immersive nature of TV viewing, combined with the excitement of the Olympics, leads to higher engagement levels. Viewers are more likely to remember ads they see during noteworthy events.

Strategies for Effective Local TV Advertising

  1. Align with the Olympic Spirit: Themes of perseverance, unity, and excellence resonate well during this time. For instance, a local sports store could highlight local athletes who have shown Olympic-like dedication and skill. Another example might be a local restaurant promoting healthy eating habits inspired by the athletes’ diets.
  2. Leverage Local Heroes: If your area has athletes competing in the Olympics, consider featuring them in your ads. This builds local pride and provides a relatable figure for your audience.
  3. Promote Special Offers and Events: Use the Olympics as a backdrop for special promotions or events. For example, a restaurant might offer special deals during game times or host viewing parties.
  4. Storytelling: People connect with stories. Craft narratives that tie your business to the Olympic ideals. For example, a gym could tell the story of a member who achieved remarkable fitness goals, drawing a parallel with Olympic athletes’ journeys.
  5. Visual and Emotional Appeal: High-quality visuals and emotional storytelling can make your ads memorable. Use the dynamic and vibrant imagery of the Olympics to enhance your ads.
  6. Call to Action: Ensure your ads have a clear call to action. Whether viewers visit your store, take advantage of a limited-time offer, or join an event, they should know what to do next.

Timing and Placement

  • Timing is crucial for TV advertising. Ads placed during prime-time events or popular sports will have higher viewership but also higher costs. Balancing budget and desired reach is critical.
  • Prime-Time Events include the opening and closing ceremonies, significant finals, and popular sports like gymnastics and track and field. Local station breaks during prime-time broadcasts provide opportunities for local advertisers to access the highest viewership.
  • Niche Sports: Placing ads during less mainstream sports can be cost-effective while still reaching engaged viewers. Sports like archery, fencing, skateboarding, or surfing have dedicated audiences that could be highly relevant for specific local businesses.
  • News and Recaps: Local news and daily Olympic recaps are watched by those who want to stay up to date but who are unable to watch live events. These segments often have consistent viewership and are a good opportunity for local businesses.

The 2024 Paris Olympics present an unparalleled opportunity for local businesses to reach a broad and engaged audience. By leveraging local TV advertising, businesses can create targeted, memorable, and effective campaigns that resonate with their community. With thoughtful planning, creative execution, and diligent measurement, local advertisers can capitalize on this global event and drive significant business growth.

Interested in placing your company’s story in front of the eyes of many? Lets start from the top and go higher! Speak with one of our Strategy Marketing Directors today.

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