Short Video

How to Use Short Video in Social Marketing


Anupam Tiwari
By Anupam Tiwari | June 3, 2024 12:53 pm

According to numerous recent studies on social media, more than 50% of consumers want to see videos from brands more than any other type of content. This shift in content consumption preferences, especially among the digital-native generations, has marketers rethinking their strategies. Consequently, the bite-sized bursts of video content, popularized by platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels, have taken over the arena of social media marketing.

But with so many options available to use short form videos for social marketing, you might wonder how to leverage them effectively. Moreover, AI Design Tools have made designing all kinds of marketing materials, including the creation of short videos. This blog will cover everything from using short form videos in social marketing to the latest short form video trends. We will also explore top short-form video platforms and discuss a few memorable short video marketing campaigns. So, let’s get started!

What are Short Videos?

Short-form videos are a concise and impactful form of content. These are typically vertical videos with a duration of 15 to 60 seconds and are designed to grab the viewer's attention in a matter of seconds. Short-form content is primarily made to deliver a quick burst of entertainment, information, or inspiration that resonates with viewers.

Since social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts gaining immense popularity, short-form video content has become an essential tool for brands and creators to connect with their audience in a much better way. This format is highly effective in engaging users who crave instant gratification and have limited time or attention spans for longer videos.

Stuck on short-form video ideas? Appy Pie's AI Shorts Video Generator can be your social media content muse. You simply provide a text prompt and the AI will create an engaging video in seconds. This lets you experiment with different concepts and produce eye-catching content that grabs attention and grows your audience.

Why Use Short Video for Marketing?

The rise of short-form video content has provided an engaging and impactful way to connect with audiences. With attention spans shrinking and social platforms prioritizing video, marketers are turning to short-form videos to capture their audience's attention. Let us see why this format is a game-changer for social media marketing.

  • Enhanced Engagement: Short-form videos boost engagement with most viewers more likely to finish watching.
  • Grabbing Attention: They are very likely to hook the attention of the viewers in the first 10 seconds.
  • Widespread Appeal: Social media users, especially the younger generation prefer video content.
  • Mobile Optimization: Vertical videos excel on mobile, where most users access social media.
  • Shareability and Virality: Short videos are more likely to be watched and shared, increasing reach.
  • Cost-Effectiveness: Production costs are lower, and with built-in platform tools, anyone can create impactful videos.
  • Personal Connection: Short videos make consumers feel more connected to a brand.
  • Improved ROI: With higher engagement and click-through rates, short-form videos boost campaign ROI.

These points highlight the advantages and potential of short-form videos for social media marketers, making a strong case for their inclusion in any digital marketing strategy. Moreover, if you have a startup and lack resources, you can easily generate short marketing videos for social media using our AI Video Generator. You simply need to enter a prompt describing your vision and the AI will create a stunning video within minutes.

How to Use Short Form Video in Social Marketing (As per Top Short Form Video Trends)

The arena of short-form content on social media is a fast-paced one, with new trends emerging all the time. Let us now discuss how to use short videos strategically for social media marketing based on the hottest short-form video marketing trends to watch in 2024. You can use these strategies to create short-form videos to enhance your social media marketing campaigns and connect with your audience in a whole new way.

  • Interactive Content

You can engage your audience by letting them vote on choices or answer trivia questions related to your brand or niche using a short video and mentioning the link to a poll or quiz in the caption. This can further be used on your Instagram story. Moreover, if you want to add more creativity you can use Appy Pie’s Instagram Story Maker to create visually appealing stories for your account within no time.

Example: A beauty brand could create a TikTok asking viewers to vote for their favorite summer lip color. A fitness studio might launch a #FitnessChallenge on Instagram Reels, showing a quick exercise routine and inviting viewers to recreate it.

  • User-Generated Content (UGC)

You can create a branded hashtag and encourage users to share their experiences with your product or service. You can try platform features like Duets (TikTok) and Stitches (Instagram Reels) to build on existing content and spark conversation.

Example: GoPro often features user-generated content under their #GoPro hashtag, showcasing stunning visuals captured with their cameras. A musician could use a Duet on TikTok to add their music to a trending dance video, creating a collaborative and engaging piece.

  • Educational Snippets

You can offer viewers valuable information in a concise format, showcasing your expertise and building trust with quick tips and tutorials.

Example: A chef could share a 30-second Instagram Reel on how to perfectly chop an onion. A tech company might use a YouTube Short to explain the features of their new software in a fun and engaging way.

  • Behind-the-Scenes Content

You can give viewers a glimpse into your company culture or the daily routine of a specific role. You can even build anticipation for upcoming products or events by offering exclusive behind-the-scenes snippets.

Example: A fashion designer could create a TikTok series showcasing the process of creating a new clothing line, or a restaurant could use an Instagram Reel to tease their new seasonal menu with mouthwatering close-up shots of the dishes.

  • Short-Form Video Ads

You can partner with smaller influencers in your niche for targeted and authentic advertising. This may also include interactive product demos. Moreover, you can even utilize tools like a YouTube Thumbnail Maker to create striking thumbnails for your short videos with just a couple of clicks.

Example: A skincare brand could collaborate with a beauty micro-influencer on TikTok to create a sponsored video reviewing their latest product. An e-commerce store might use a YouTube Short to demonstrate how their new phone case protects a phone from drops creatively and humorously.

Suggested read: Learn how to use TikTok

Best Short Video Platforms for Marketing

Short-form video platforms are the new battleground for marketers that help connect with audiences in a fast-paced and engaging way. With so many options available, it's essential to understand which platforms are worth your marketing efforts and how to leverage their unique features.

  • Instagram Reels

Instagram Reels, introduced as a response to TikTok's rising popularity, has quickly gained traction, especially among Instagram's massive user base. Reels offer a fun and engaging way to connect with your followers, showcasing your brand's personality. With Instagram's focus on aesthetics and visual appeal, Reels are perfect for showcasing products, behind-the-scenes content, or trendy clips. Take note of recommended Instagram sizes for Reels, which are similar to those for TikTok, to ensure your content is displayed optimally. 

  • TikTok

TikTok has revolutionized the short-form video space, with its feed filled with creative and highly engaging content. The platform has an extensive set of tools and effects, making it perfect for brands to showcase their creative side and reach a vast, engaged audience, especially the younger generations. From dance challenges to product unboxings, TikTok provides an avenue to build a strong brand presence and connect with influencers.

  • YouTube Shorts

YouTube, the long-form video giant, has entered the short-form game with YouTube Shorts. These short videos appear in the main YouTube feed, leveraging the platform's massive user base. YouTube Shorts offers a unique opportunity to reach a wider audience, especially those who prefer the familiarity of YouTube. Also, ensure you stick to the recommended YouTube sizes to gain traction for your short-form content.

  • Magisto

Magisto is a video creation and editing platform that utilizes AI to simplify the video-making process. It's ideal for businesses and marketers with limited time and resources. Magisto offers a range of templates and automated editing tools to create engaging short-form videos, allowing you to focus on your message and brand storytelling.

  • Lately.ai

Lately.ai is a platform specifically designed for social media marketers. It offers a range of tools, including video creation and optimization for various social media platforms. Lately.ai helps marketers streamline their social media video strategy, providing analytics and insights to improve performance.

  • Wistia

Wistia is a video hosting and marketing platform that offers unique features like interactive videos, chapter markers, and heatmaps to understand viewer engagement. It's perfect for businesses looking to host and analyze their short-form video content, providing valuable insights to optimize their marketing campaigns.

  • Hippo Video

Hippo Video is a video personalization platform that allows you to create and edit videos with customizable templates. It integrates seamlessly with various CRM and marketing tools, making it easy to incorporate video into your existing workflows. Hippo Video is ideal for creating personalized video messages, product introductions, or customer support tutorials.

  • Triller

Triller is another popular short-form video platform, known for its advanced editing features and effects. It provides an avenue for more polished and professional-looking content. Many brands use Triller to create high-quality music videos, product promotions, or event recaps, taking advantage of its sophisticated editing tools.

Each of these platforms has its own set of features and advantages, providing marketers with a diverse toolkit to reach and engage their target audiences.

Conclusion

Stay agile and adaptable in your marketing approach to embrace the dynamic nature of short-form content. Continue experimenting with different platforms, creative strategies, and video formats to stay ahead of the curve and deliver content that resonates with your audience. You can make a lasting impression, foster deeper connections, and drive meaningful interactions with your target market with short-form videos. 

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