When it comes to videos, size does matter. But in this case, the smaller, the better – and if you don’t believe me, just take a look around your social media landscape. Whether it’s Vine, Twitter, Snapchat, or Facebook, all viral hits stick to these two golden rules:
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1 Captivating stories that move their audience.[su_spacer size=”5″]
2 Short succinct stories with a compelling message.
Take for instance, GIFs and how popular they are today. Yet they are nothing more than a few frames, taken from videos and spliced together. They have been around since the dawn of the internet. But there is a reason why Facebook added GIF support to chat and posts in 2015 (which it had originally rejected). It has become a quick video like format and for good reason; simply because it has hit the sweet spot of content consumption. It is short, easy and has the ability to turn events into entertaining moments. And that’s what you really want to do to capture your audience.
Want to know the super-secret formula to making videos that go viral?
. . . Well, sadly there isn’t any – but it’s worth taking a few steps back before you actually tell your story.
If time is money and you are someone with a great idea, an author, a budding entrepreneur, you have a product to sell, or you’re a marketer looking to spruce up your business, then grabbing the attention of your audience is your goal. The best way to do that is with short and crisp videos that tie in seamlessly to your subject. Short videos could also mean less time spent in video production. It’s a win-win situation if you ask me.
Sounds easy as pie doesn’t it? Well the Media is not too kind and neither is your audience. Your audience is pressed for time and has millions of other viewing options. For instance, if your video is too long by a mere 30-60 seconds, it could mean the difference between your video going viral and 47 views (20 of those being your mom).
So to wrap it up, keep your videos short, succinct and compelling. That is what will really move your audience. Like everything else in life, it’s just all about finding that sweet spot.
Great advice. Thank you. I’m a product developer in a stay at home mom. How do I create shorts to Saint videos on my own? What software and hardware do I need to make them look good? Lighting cameras video equipment ? Want to do on my own. Have creative ideas but don’t know where to start!!! Help!!?!?! And thank you!!!!
Hey Shelly: Thanks a lot for the comment! I really do acknowledge your commitment to doing videos all on your own. You are a brave woman! A great resource is YouTube. Just search on how to shoot videos and find the videos that actually call to you. Pick a few tutorials and subscribe to some channels and start experimenting. Frankly, just see what works for you – but most importantly, remember to have fun doing it!!