Short-form video: your most powerful marketing tool.

Short-form video content has been on the rise since the mid-2010s. Typically, such videos are under 60 seconds long. But why do people prefer shorter content, and how can you capitalize on it?

Modern social media users have a short attention span. Tons of information available online makes people more demanding and distracted, so content creators have to compete for audience awareness. 

Given these lifestyle shifts, it’s no wonder short-form video platforms are getting traction. 

Shorter videos can quickly capture viewers’ attention and deliver the message. 

Plus, they’re easier to shoot and edit than traditional long-form video content. Short videos can be recorded on a smartphone and edited right in the social media app without the need for costly devices or special expertise. 

Lastly, short-form videos are shareable because they are more likely to have catchy visuals, music, and slogans that stick in mind. 

If you want to take advantage of the short-form video trend, consider these platforms. 

The platform focuses specifically on short videos—there are no pictures or blog posts. 

TikTok enables users to create and watch videos with music, filters, stickers, and other effects. Users can also participate in challenges, trends, and hashtags to showcase their creativity and talent.

Instagram became famous as a picture app. However, the platform had to jump on the short video bandwagon to withstand competition with TikTok. 

Instagram Reels allows users to create videos up to 60 seconds with music, filters, and special effects. 

YouTube is the most popular video platform worldwide, but it has only introduced short videos recently. 

The feature is called YouTube Shorts, and it allows users to create and watch short vertical videos with music, filters, and editing tools.

Like in TikTok or Instagram, you can swipe through an endless feed of videos picked based on your interests by an algorithm. 

Every platform and content format has its peculiarities, and short-form videos are no exception. Here are some tips to help you shoot share-worthy content. 

Back in the day, videos were mostly shot in horizontal format. However, nowadays, users more often view videos from their smartphones rather than desktops. 

Vertical format allows videos to take up the entire phone screen, creating a more immersive experience.

When editing your content, make sure that every second of your video is relevant, interesting, and impactful. Cut out any unnecessary or boring parts, and use transitions, effects, and music to enhance your video. 

You have only a second to capture the viewer’s attention. 

A good hook can be a question, a teaser, a surprise, or a challenge, but it has to evoke emotions and curiosity. 

A call to action is the last part of your video that tells the viewer what to do next. 

A good call to action can be asking them to like, comment, share, follow, or visit your website, depending on your goal. 

Humor and controversy are powerful tools to draw engagement.

A parody, satire, or prank can make your video more memorable, entertaining, and shareable. 

An unpopular opinion, critique of current events, or shocking revelation is a foolproof way to spark debate in the comments. 

However, you should be careful not to offend or alienate anyone with your humor or controversy, as that could damage your reputation and brand image.

Follow popular creators to stay updated on what users are looking for. However, don’t follow trends blindly—ensure they fit your brand image. Sometimes, trends can inspire you to create original content that introduces fresh ideas. 

Some say that short-form videos are a plague that turns people into serotonin addicts constantly scrolling their feeds. 

However, the benefits outweigh the drawbacks.

It’s time to give your brand a voice, too. Get in touch today.