In the realm of social media, where attention spans are short and competition for engagement is fierce, creating captivating video content is key. And mastering the art of filming for social media can significantly enhance your online presence and drive engagement.
However, achieving success in this area requires more than just pressing the record button. To help you navigate the world of social media video content creation, let’s explore some essential do’s and don’ts.
Do’s:
1. Plan Your Content
Before you even pick up your camera, take the time to plan your content thoroughly. Outline the key message you want to convey, ‘storyboard’ your shots, and consider the overall tone and style that best aligns with your brand and audience.
2. Optimise for Mobile Viewing
Given that the majority of social media consumption happens on mobile devices, it’s crucial to optimise your videos for smaller screens. Remember that the Instagram Reel and TikTok video dimensions is 16:9. Keep your visuals clear and concise, and ensure that any text or graphics are easily readable on mobile devices.
3. Keep it Short
Attention spans on social media are notoriously short, so aim to keep your videos concise and to the point. Capture your audience’s attention quickly and deliver your message efficiently to maximise engagement.
4. Use Quality Equipment
While you don’t necessarily need expensive equipment to create great social media videos, investing in decent equipment can make a significant difference in the quality of your content. Use a good camera, microphone, and lighting setup to ensure professional-looking results.
If you’re starting out, we recommend purchasing wireless Bluetooth microphones and a phone tripod from Amazon.
5. Engage with Your Audience
Social media is inherently interactive, so don’t forget to engage with your audience throughout your video content. Encourage likes, comments, and shares, and respond to any questions or feedback you receive promptly. Try investing some boosting budget behind your post to get it to reach a wider audience.
6. Experiment with Different Formats
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different video formats and styles to keep your content fresh and engaging. Try out live videos, behind-the-scenes footage, tutorials, or storytelling formats to see what resonates best with your audience.
7. Add Value
Above all, make sure your video content provides value to your audience. Whether it’s entertainment, education, inspiration, or solving a problem, your videos should leave viewers feeling like their time was well spent.
Don’ts
1. Neglecting Audio Quality
Poor audio can quickly ruin an otherwise great video. Avoid filming in noisy environments, invest in a quality microphone, and ensure that dialogue and sound effects are clear and audible.
2. Overlooking Lighting
Good lighting is essential for creating visually appealing videos. Avoid shooting in dimly lit areas or harsh sunlight, and instead, opt for soft, diffused lighting that flatters your subjects and enhances the overall aesthetic of your video. You may even want to invest in some basic lighting equipment.
3. Being Too Salesy
While promoting your products or services is undoubtedly a valid goal, avoid being overly promotional in your video content. Instead, focus on providing value and building genuine connections with your audience. The sales will naturally follow.
4. Ignoring Analytics
Pay attention to the performance of your video content by tracking metrics such as views, engagement, and audience retention. Use this data to refine your approach, identify what works best, and optimise future content accordingly.
5. Neglecting SEO
Just like written content, video content can benefit from search engine optimisation (SEO). Use relevant keywords, tags, and descriptions to make your videos more discoverable and increase their chances of being found by your target audience.
6. Using Copyrighted Material Without Permission
Always respect copyright laws when incorporating music, images, or other copyrighted material into your videos. Either use royalty-free content or obtain the necessary permissions and licenses to avoid legal issues. If you’re uploading to TikTok or Instagram, you can use trending sounds already uploaded within the app.
7. Forgetting to Call to Action
Every video you create should include a clear call to action (CTA) prompting viewers to take the next step, whether it’s visiting your website, subscribing to your channel, or making a purchase. Don’t assume that your audience will know what to do – guide them with a compelling CTA.
Social media marketing agency topclick has the necessary expertise to help you grow steadily across a wide range of social media platforms, utilising the enormous reach available to target the customers you want to engage. Get in touch with us today for more information.