How to Create a Killer Social Media Video

If you’re thinking Facebook looks a lot like YouTube these days, you’re not wrong. Video content is taking over virtually every social media network, and for good reason.

Videos simply perform better.

Our brains process visuals 60,000 times faster than text, and video posts catch the eye five times longer than static content. On social media, videos are generating up to 1200% more shares than text and image posts combined, and that’s enough to get savvy marketers calling, “Lights! Camera! Action!”

There are a few pointers to keep in mind, of course.

The first step, of course, is to use quality equipment, film in a well-lit area, and use a tripod for extra stability. Those are just the basics, though, Entreprenuer Magazine says. To produce killer video ads, try these extras. 

1. Tell a story

    “When you tell a story that your ideal customers can relate to, they’ll be more likely to pay attention and even convert,” Entrepreneur explains. A great way to do this – and capture attention – is by asking a question and including it front and center on the video thumbnail.

    “Think about the pain points of your target audience and create a story for your video ad around those points,” the article advises. “Remember, an engaging story starts with a conflict and then shows a solution (your product or service).”

    2. Grab attention immediately

      Increasingly short attention spans mean viewers will only give you a few seconds to capture interest, so first impressions are everything. It’s absolutely crucial to get to the point right away.

      “Don’t wait until the end of the video to create a dramatic unveiling of your product; get to the point so that users know what you’re all about. Even if users don’t stay until the end of your video ad, they’ll at least get your message,” Entrepreneur says.

      A good rule of thumb is to keep videos under 30 seconds, but be sure to share a call-to-action or link for more info so viewers can connect with the brand further.

      3. Optimize for silence

        Most video content is consumed on mobile devices, and the assumption should be that people are watching in public. Since they won’t want to disturb others around them by having the volume up, it’s wise to optimize video content for silent viewing. How important? Well, according to DigiDay, 85 percent of Facebook videos are watched without sound.

        Without captions, consumers probably won’t stick around to try and make sense of the visuals. Don’t let your efforts go to waste. Add those text overlays!

        4. Turn static images into video

          “Now, if you don’t have any quality marketing or product videos, or you’re not comfortable with your filming skills yet, don’t worry,” Entrepreneur advises. You can still create engaging content using static images. Plenty of online editing tools, including Facebook’s own Video Creation Kit, make it easy to add motion to stills.

          And that leads us to the fifth tip – a bonus from the team at TwineSocial – for creating highly engaging videos.

          5. Show off your fans.

            The best way to engage an audience is by encouraging them to share their thoughts. When fans make an effort to product content about your brand, they become even more invested in the company’s success. But something else happens, too. Peers begin tuning in and participating, too.

            That’s because audiences crave connection, and nothing is more relational than actual people having authentic conversations.

            Thanks to the rise of the Internet, smartphones, and a digitally-savvy generation, brands can easily tap into what Forbes calls a “treasure trove of unique, self-replenishing and freely available” user-generated content (UGC). So, if you aren’t ready for Hollywood just yet, don’t sweat it. As it turns out, the world’s greatest content creators are everyday people who are capturing and sharing their experiences in real time. Partner with them.

            Mar-tech platforms like TwineSocial make it possible for brands to access and deploy UGC into advertising. With the aggregation and curation engine, marketers only need to enter a few search parameters to instantly locate relevant social media posts. By converting UGC into owned media for the brand, you’ll then be able to create truly stunning videos based on real user experiences.

            Best of all, these visuals cost nothing to create and carry far more weight than anything you could create. Take a peek with a free trial and complimentary demo today.

            For more ideas on how to promote shared enthusiasm around an idea, product, or community, check out our solutions gallery. Then, kick off your own success story with a free 7-day trial of TwineSocial. Let us know how we can help!

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