Videos generate a higher engagement level than text, and when posted on social media, it helps increase your following, improves sales, and starts conversations. Your website gets higher traffic with content-rich social media videos.
But how do you make stunning social media videos that grab the attention of the viewer? Creating a professional video is not as difficult as you think. All you need to do is follow the tips mentioned in the next section.
10 Tips for Creating Winning Social Media Videos
You need to have a clear goal when making a social media video. The more clarity you have in your strategy, the better the quality of your videos. Here are the tips for success:
Define the Strategy
Your social media video needs to focus on the following:
- Who is your target audience?
- What will be your budget?
- Do you have a content schedule?
- Have you assessed your competitors’ strategies?
- Is your goal brand awareness or lead generation?
- Do you want to achieve higher revenues or more website traffic?
- Does your strategy meet your long-term business goals?
Shorter the Video, the Better
The shorter your social media videos, the higher the chances of them getting viewed. No one is interested in a 15-20 minute video. Create short videos that provide crisp and valuable content, and you’ll capture the attention of your audience.
You need to remove all irrelevant content from your video with the help of a free video editor tool. The attention spans of viewers are falling, and your video needs to send a clear message to them in a few minutes.
If your topic needs a long time to explain due to its complexity, break the video into smaller parts so that the viewer can digest each part easily. All these smaller videos need to have a proper flow and be presented to the viewer accordingly.
This way, the viewer’s interest is sustained, and your message is clearly delivered.
Hook Them in the Beginning
If you can’t get the viewer’s interest in the first 8 seconds, you’ve lost them.
The viewer decides to stay or go depending on the first couple of seconds. Use all the hooks like captivating music, powerful quotes, appealing visuals, and more at the start so that they will stay through the full video.
Mention your product or service, brand name, and logo at the beginning of the video so that the viewer clearly understands what to expect in the video. The introduction should stimulate interest in the viewer so that they are eager to know what happens next.
Use Subtitles If You Talk
Your video has a global audience, and some people may not be fluent in English and might need help understanding what you say. Providing subtitles ensures higher engagement for hearing challenged and non-native speakers since they can understand your video better.
Videos played on social media platforms may not have sound, and subtitles help deliver the message. People might switch on your video while they are involved in some other activity.
Having subtitles helps retain the viewer’s attention and helps them decide on a product or service.
Natural Lighting is Best
Lighting affects the quality of your video, and natural lighting is the best option. If shooting the video indoors, try to choose an area that is close to a door or window that is a better light source.
Keep the following points in mind regarding lighting:
- The time just before sunset is the Golden Hour is your best choice where the soft light does not strain the subject.
- The 20-30 minute period immediately before sunrise or after sunset is called the Blue Hour. It provides a bluish light that captures the subject better.
- While cloudy days have poor light, the soft tone improves the quality of your photo. For best results, timing is essential.
You can use a video editor tool if some aspects of the frame need to be edited for lighting.
Sound Quality is Vital
Sound determines the quality of social media videos and you can’t afford to have interruptions like cars rushing past or dogs barking. The built-in mic of your phone would not give you the quality of sound that is required for a professional social media video.
What is the best solution for ensuring sound quality? Getting the smartphone microphone that would match the sound quality to the picture quality of your video.
So invest in high-grade audio equipment for the success of your social media video.
Awareness of Copyright Issues
Music can make a big difference to your social media video, and it helps to improve brand recall for your followers.
Though a song adds value to your video and makes it more engaging, you might encounter legal issues if you use copyrighted music without permission.
The recording label has a Master License, and the Publisher of the music has a Synchronization, and getting these two licenses is mandatory for using the music in your video.
If you have budget issues, try using music from the production music library collection.
Develop a Gripping Story
Apart from sound and picture quality, a viewer needs an exciting story to stay through your social media video. The story needs to have relevance, wit, and value.
The story connects your brand with the audience and sends a message that touches their emotions. The better your story, the higher your chances of conversion.
Focused Call To Action
While a call to action or CTA message is important in a social media video, too much direct marketing pushes away your customer. The viewer needs guidance at the end of your video about the next step, so a subtle message is sufficient.
The goal of your social marketing campaign must be met through the CTA. It could be guiding the viewer to your website or explaining how a product or service works.
Optimize Video According to Platform
Every social media platform has different optimizing techniques for videos, so don’t try to save time by posting one video on all platforms. Know the requirement of the platform before posting the video.
The things you need to remember when posting on any social media platform are:
- Video length limit
- Orientation
- Dimensions
Creating a stunning video is easier than you think with free online video editing websites. There are different template options you can choose from or create your own.
Conclusion
When making your video, keep the simple tips mentioned here in mind. With these ideas and easy-to-follow templates, sound, and animation options on various video editing platforms, you will have a professional social media video in minutes!
