62% of Facebook users report increased interest in a product after viewing a related social media video. With an increase in video being consumed via social media and with short-form video the most popular form of media, it’s time for your business to get on board. The brilliant thing about creating video for social media is that no one expects you to be the next Martin Scorsese, and in fact content that looks real and relatable often works best. But if you’re looking to create quality content that delivers exceptional reach and engagement, there’s some things to consider before you get started.
Dimensions
Be aware of what dimensions work best for social media. Remember most viewers will be watching your video on a mobile devise so it’s usually best to film vertically. It’s worthwhile doing some research into social networks and find out what dimensions are recommended for optimal results. Here’s your quick OCOCO cheat sheet:
Facebook Feed Video: 1280 x 720 pixels for landscape and portrait. The landscape aspect ratio is 16:9 whilst the portrait aspect ratio is 9:16.
Facebook Reels: At least 500 x 888 pixels with recommended aspect ratio of 9:16.
Instagram Video: 1080 x 1080 pixels square video.
Instagram Stories and Reels: 1080 x 1920 pixels with aspect ratio of 9:16.
X Video: 1280 x 720 pixels (landscape), 720 x 1280 pixels (portrait), 720 x 720 pixels (square). Aspect ratio of 16:9 (landscape and portrait).
TikTok: 1080 x 1920 pixels with aspect ratio of 9:16.
Keep it short and sweet
While there is scope for creating longer form content on social media, if you’re just getting started, it’s advisable to aim for shorter videos. Facebook recommends that in-stream videos are no longer that 15 seconds, and while this may not always be possible, keeping your video under 30 seconds will be best for reach and engagement. Videos on TikTok can now be up to 10 minutes long, however posts between 15 and 60 seconds are still best for capturing viewers’ full attention.
A great first impression
Grab your audience’s attention in the very first frame. Viewers are much more likely to stick around for the full video if they’re interested from the start. Where possible it’s often best to begin with the camera focused on the main subject in the video, whether that's a person or an item.
Subtitles
Not only is accessibility an important consideration for your video, it’s also vital to remember that a lot of people will watch your video without the volume on. This is why subtitles are so impactful and there’s lots of different ways to add them. Most platforms have the option to add subtitles manually or to upload a SRT file.
CTA
Don’t forget your call to action! Whatever the purpose of your video, it’s important to direct viewers to something by the end. Some good examples include:
· Visit our website to discover this incredible item for yourself.
· Head to our store to speak to our expert team.
· Watch this space for more exciting news and offers.
There are so many more things you can do to create fantastic video content for your social media platforms. Keep an eye out for more great advice in our Social Media Video Academy series, but for now... it’s time to get creating!