Instagram is an excellent platform for improving brand visibility, reach, and lead conversion. However, like other social media platforms, it does have its unique challenges. These characteristics can impact how well Instagram cointent performs, making them vital things to consider.
The first rule of posting on Instagram is that videos do way better than pictures. This is because videos are generally more engaging and entertaining than other media types. However, you should be aware that “video” here refers specifically to short-form visuals.
This guide provides all the answers you need to the question, “What exactly are short-form visuals?” You’ll also discover essential tips on properly utilizing this media form for maximum Instagram impact.
What Are Short-Form Visuals?
Simply put, short-form visuals are video content that is not shorter than 5 seconds and not longer than 1 minute 30 seconds (90 seconds). There are several reasons why people shoot short-form video content, but generally, it’s usually to make the videos more accessible and digestible, as well as entertaining and creative.
Why Short-Form Videos?
If you’re interested in increasing the impact and reach of your business on the platform, then an Instagram video production strategy where you create short-form visuals is definitely something that should be considered. Here are some reasons why:
Preference:
Short-form videos enjoy lots more views and interactions compared to other forms of video content. This is one vital reason why it’s preferred by different brands across different platforms. According to a particular study, over 70% of consumers prefer to watch short-form videos.
More Likes and Shares:
Another reason why you should consider short-form videos is the fact that they offer your brand better engagement. Because they are so easy to watch, consumers will feel more encouraged to interact with and share or repost short-form videos they find interesting.
Budget-friendly:
It’s also worth mentioning that compared to other video types, short-form videos are a lot easier on your budget. You don’t even need complex equipment or a professional videographer to shoot short videos. You only need a good smartphone or camera, basic editing skills, and a good eye for aesthetics.
Multi-platform Adaptability:
Short-form videos are perfect for Instagram and other social media platforms like TikTok and YouTube. So you’ll always be able to adapt your Instagram short-form content for posting on other social channels easily.
Best Instagram Short-form Visuals Content Types
Some of the best Instagram short video types you can use to captivate your audience and boost engagement on your account include:
Carousel Posts:
Short video carousels are a great way to present content you want to break into sections. A perfect example is a step-by-step tutorial.
Behind-the-Scenes Snippets:
These short-form videos offer your audience a tantalizing glimpse into your daily operations, workplace, or creative process. People tend to appreciate the authenticity that behind-the-scenes videos can lend to a brand.
Product Highlights:
Product highlight videos allow you to showcase what you sell in creative ways, emphasizing key features and benefits. You can experiment with different angles, close-ups, and lifestyle shots while shooting these videos.
Memes and Humorous Content:
You can share lighthearted and relatable memes or funny visuals relevant to your industry or niche with memes and humorous content. Humor can go a long way in helping you humanize your brand and connect with your audience on a personal level.
Holiday and Seasonal Content:
Short-form videos are perfect for creating visually appealing content around holidays, seasons, or special occasions.
FAQs:
Short-form videos are also a great way to connect with your fans or audience by answering any questions they might have.
Tips For Creating Captivating Instagram Short-Form Visuals
Creating impactful Instagram short-form videos involves much more than having good equipment. There are also some key things you’ll have to implement to ensure success. Here are some key short-form Instagram video production tips:
#1. Optimize Your Video For Mobile-viewing
Most people who use Instagram do so using mobile devices. As such, if you want your content to be acceptable and go viral, you’ll have to adapt it for mobile viewing. This can include vertically aligning your videos while recording instead of shooting horizontally. Instagram content with vertical alignment plays to what viewers are already used to on other social media platforms. This, in turn, increases the chances that they’ll view and share your content.
#2. Write a Script
As the name implies, short-form video content means you really don’t have a lot of time to catch the attention of your viewers and deliver your message. This is precisely why you need to write a script first before shooting the video content. Writing the script helps you gather your thoughts together, streamline them, and optimize your word selection for maximum impact.
#3. Keep Up With The Trends
Instagram videos that do well are those that are tailored to whatever trend is on at the moment. As such, it’s absolutely vital you keep up with these trends to make sure your content always enjoys mainstream exposure. This can involve employing filters or sounds that are being used over and over by other top creators.
However, note that although using in-vogue sounds is a great way to captivate your audience, you have to make sure you’re using a sound that matches your video’s content. This is to ensure you’re not inadvertently creating a discordance.
#4. Audio and Video Quality
It’s also important you ensure that your Instagram short-form video is of high visual and audio quality. This is because Instagram users are big on quality. So, no matter how engaging your post’s content is, if the visual isn’t good or the audio isn’t clean, it won’t be as impactful as you want.
#5. Set The Hook Early
If you want to create Instagram content that is truly captivating, you’ll have to master the art of setting the hook early. Most Instagram users tend to watch a post for at least 3 seconds before deciding whether to stay or move on to the next.
So this gives you 3 seconds to shock and awe your audience enough to keep them interested. There are several ways you can do this, but the most effective ones are to provoke emotion in them or surprise them with something they haven’t seen before.
Conclusion
Instagram short-form videos are a great way to consistently increase lead conversion and audience engagement. However, the results you get from your short-form videos largely depend on your attention to details like quality, trends, and your audience’s peculiarities. The tips provided above will go a long way in helping you captivate your Instagram audience with every post.
