The Ultimate Short-Form Content Guide for Businesses
Quick poll: Do you know what short-form content is?
We hate to pretend to know you better than you know yourself, but if you answered “no,” you are wrong.
Short-form content is all around us! It’s become so common that you might not even know that you are interacting with it on a daily basis. As a business owner, though, that’s a problem. Having a good understanding of content creation – and the different forms that can take – is key when it comes to making your business stand out in an overcrowded market.
That’s where we come in. Today, we are going to teach you:
- What short-form content is ✅
- How it can benefit your business ✅
- How to create content that makes an impact ✅
Ready to transform your business? Keep reading!
What Qualifies as Short-Form Content? 🤷🏽
So, what exactly is short-form content? You’ll be surprised to realize that you recognize lots of our examples! Short-form content can include:
- Instagram stories
- TikTok videos
- Youtube shorts
- Instagram posts
- Infographics
- Email campaigns
- Tweets
Short-form content exists to grab the consumer’s attention and leave an impression. This could come in the form of showcasing a product, a funny video that gets them curious about your brand, or even recognizable graphic design that helps build your brand recognition.
Benefits of Short-Form Content 👍
Short-form content creation is by far the most popular and prevalent form of content creation on the market today. But what exactly makes it so effective?
- Trendy – A lot of short-form video content capitalizes on online trends to create content that works with the algorithm to get in front of a lot of users. Lately, this has come in the form of using trending “sounds” on TikTok and Instagram.
- Easy to Digest – It’s hard to capture the attention of viewers these days. Their focus is being drawn in all different directions. This is where short videos and photos can really shine. They require minimal attention and are designed to draw viewers in instantly.
- Build Brand Awareness – Short-form video is particularly effective in apps that rely on an algorithm to help users discover content. Users are exposed to your content over and over, sometimes without even realizing it. This continual exposure can naturally build your brand awareness.
- Shareable – Unlike lengthy blog posts, short-form video is very easy for people to share and interact with, meaning that you can reach a wider audience in a shorter amount of time.
Top Social Media Platforms for Short-Form Content 📱
There’s no shortage of social media platforms available to host your content on these days. But some apps outshine others in terms of usability and reach. Here are some of our favorite apps to host your content on.
Instagram has been the king of apps for many years now, and any good marketing strategy will involve creating content for it. Instagram reels are dominating the content market these days, with short, digestible videos that are often reposted from other sites like TikTok.
That being said, the classic photo-sharing feature of Instagram is alive and well, making it a great place to showcase the visual elements of your brand.
TikTok
If your target audience involves younger generations, TikTok is the place to be. The hottest app for the past few years, TikTok is similar to Vine in style but allows you to make short-form videos that are both silly and serious. The app comes with its own editing features, making it easy for the novice video content creator to get started.
YouTube Shorts
YouTube Shorts hasn’t quite had the mass appeal that Instagram reels, and TikToks have had, but it does have some distinct benefits. Namely, it is linked to a platform where you can share long-form videos.
If you are looking to promote long-form content, sharing smaller previews of your work through YouTube Shorts could be a very effective content marketing strategy.
Twitter has been around for years, but it remains one of the most popular apps for sharing visual media. Not only can a tweet itself be a great way of engaging with your audience, but Twitter also allows you to share short video clips that can circulate quickly.
5 Tips for Stand Out Short-Form Content ⭐️
It’s not enough to just make short-form content. With so much competition, you need to create content that stands out. Here is our favorite short-form video strategy to help you do just that:
1) Get to the Point
There’s no time to waste….literally! Studies have shown that the average length a user will stay on a new video is only 8 seconds before they move on to the next one. You need to grab their attention fast.
This means you either want to start with a clear hook or get right to the heart of your message. Better yet, find a way to do both!
2) Look to Trends
Staying on top of trending video formats and memes can help you break through the algorithm and reach more people. This means you can’t just create content…you have to be watching it, too!
3) Be Clear About Your Brand Voice
We know, we know. We just told you to follow trends. But, at the same time, you have to keep your own brand voice front and center in order to create a memorable brand. This means that you might have to pick and choose the trends you want to follow or find ways to adapt the trend to fit your brand’s voice and style.
5) High-Quality Imagery
Lastly, it goes without saying that in order to succeed in the world of short-form video content, you need to make sure that your visuals are eye-catching. If you don’t have photography and videography skills, it might be worth it to invest in a professional who can take your content to the next level.
Get Help With Your Video Content Creation! 🎥
Want to beat out the competition? You need competitive video content. That’s exactly what you will get when you work with the film production specialists at Stringline Pictures. Our team can help you write, direct, film, and edit your video project from start to finish. Contact us today to learn what Stringline can do for your business!
