How to Create Successful Video Content for Social Media

In recent years, video content has become one of the most effective marketing tools for businesses of all sizes. It is so powerful that studies show 64% of consumers make a purchase after watching branded social video. While it’s fairly simple for any expertise level to create, edit, and upload video to social accounts, there are a few things to keep in mind so your video strategy is as successful as possible.

Simple Tips for Social Video Content

Now’s the time to implement your video content strategy, as it generates 1200% more shares than text and images combined. Creating video content provides the perfect opportunity to showcase your brand and drive engagement.

Start with Your Current Audience

If you’re unsure where to start with video content, go right to the source. Take to social media or your clients in-house and ask what they want and need. Focusing on content you know your audience will engage with is already a big step in the right direction and helps strengthen client relationships and loyalty.

Always Create Video with a Goal in Mind

The first step to successful videos on any social media platform is to identify your objective. Do you want to attract new clients, build brand awareness, promote your latest product line, or showcase your culture? A goal in mind helps you create video content that is clear, concise and motivates your targeted audience to engage.

Don’t Forget Subtitles

According to a recent study, 85% of Facebook videos are watched without sound. The solution? Use closed captions or text graphics to ensure your video is still digestible. YouTube automatically generates transcripts (SRT files) for videos that can be exported and uploaded to Facebook so your audience always knows what’s going on, even if they can’t hear it.

Tailored to Each Platform

While it may take extra time, it’s important to tailor your video specific to each platform. For example, users on YouTube are most likely looking for a more in-depth video than your Instagram audience. While there are slightly different video sizes and requirements for each, most of today’s smartphones and video cameras shoot in 1080p (1920 x 1080) or even in 4k to give you the high-quality video that meets the minimum requirements for each social platform.

Knock the First Six Seconds Out of the Park

There are hundreds of thousands of videos on social media trying to grab the attention of the same audience you’re going after. Engage your viewers in the first six seconds of the video. They’re much more likely to watch it all the way through, thus increasing the success of your video strategy.

Pay Attention to the Aesthetics

You’re competing with top-notch, visually appealing content on social media. So, take the little bit of extra time to make sure every detail of your video is clean, aesthetically appealing, and easy to understand. Don’t be afraid to show off your creative flair — your clients will appreciate the authenticity.

100 Marketing Ideas to Grow Your Business

While video is an extremely effective marketing tool for your business, there are several other ways to strategically build brand awareness and your bottom line. Put these industry-proven ideas into action, and watch your hard work turn into mutually-beneficial relationships, paying (and happy) clients, and long-term success. Download our free guide for 100 ideas to build your brand and increase your bottom line including video and web content, events, social media marketing, and much more.