7 Easy Tips for Killer Social Video
Date: May 11, 2016Category: Author: Heather
Eighty-nine million people in the United States watched 1.2 billion online videos today.
Fifty-two percent of consumers say that watching product videos make them more confident in online purchase decisions. And, 96 percent of consumers find videos helpful when making purchase decisions online.
Your social video content needs to be on point
Whether you’re recording a video for YouTube or going live on any of the latest social media video platforms (Facebook, Blab, Periscope, to name a few), social video is currently the most effective marketing tool at your disposal.
1. Prepare, prepare, prepare
Know what you’re going to say. Or, at least have an idea. If rehearsing or writing a second by second script feels inauthentic, at least sketch out your main points. Preparation creates confidence and eliminates “um’s”—meaning you’ll come across as a thought leader.
2. Keep it right, keep it tight
When TED curator Chris Anderson invites the world’s most intelligent leaders to speak, he gives them 18 minutes. Our brains are wired to pay attention for 10 to 18 minutes, no longer. 18 minutes is the length of John F. Kennedy’s inaugural speech. If 18 minutes is good enough for JFK, it’s good enough for you.
But, that’s long-form video.
The ideal length of a YouTube video is less than three minutes. Instagram limits video to a maximum of 60 seconds, but ideally video on the platform should be 3 to 15 seconds. For maximum engagement, Facebook videos should be 30 to 45 seconds. Snapchat records for 10.
3. Rule of thirds
Keep in mind the rule of thirds. Using your imagination, divide the video screen in thirds, you should occupy one-third of the screen. If you don’t, move the camera closer (move, don’t zoom). If you’re taking up more than one-third of the screen, move the camera back.
The rule of thirds is one of the most used compositions in film and photography. Use two equally spaced horizontal lines and two equally spaced vertical lines to break up the frame into nine parts.
4. Be aware
When you sit in front of your bookcase, does it look like there’s a plant growing out your head or a trophy that looks like a neck growth? Be aware of what’s behind you and how it looks on camera. Consider positioning yourself in front of a blank wall or sheet.
5. Slow and steady wins the race
Whether you use a tripod or prop up your smartphone with a few books and binder clips, do something to keep your video steady. The “Blair Witch Project” wasn’t good in 1999, so let’s not recreate it. It doesn’t matter how informative, creative, or inspiring your content is, viewers won’t stick around if they get seasick from watching you.
6. Drop the mic
Using your smartphone to record? Invest in a smartphone mic. I purchased mine on Amazon for less than $30. It’s unidirectional and plugs directly into the headphone jack.
7. Light the way
If your office tends to be a bit dark—and even if you think it’s not—add additional lights. Desk lamps on either side of the camera, pointed in your direction are an inexpensive and effective way to brighten your video.
Video–including social video–now appears in 70 percent of the top 100 Google search results.
Adapt your video content to best fit the platform. Sharing the same content across every platform is inappropriate. Where a live Q&A might work on Blab or Facebook Live, a demonstration or tutorial might be more appropriate for YouTube.
No matter the platform or the content, it must be interesting, emotional, positive, and brand-centric.
Leave a Reply