Mindless scrolling through dozens of short videos on social media has become a popular pastime activity for millions of people all over the world. But what if you don’t want to just scroll anymore? What if you want to contribute by learning how to make short-form content, too?
So let’s see what you’ll need to become the next TikTok star and discuss how to create stunning content that attracts viewers.
What Is Short-Form Video Content?
Short-form videos are typically under 60 seconds, though some platforms may extend this to two or three minutes. Their goal is to deliver a message that resonates with viewers quickly.
Such content may come in many forms: product demos, entertaining videos, viral challenges, educational edits, recipes, tutorials, and more. These videos thrive on platforms like TikTok, YouTube Shorts, and Instagram. And businesses also use short-form video marketing to promote products, engage customers, and increase brand awareness.
The beauty of short-form content lies in its simplicity. There’s no need for complex storylines or lengthy explanations — just an idea executed creatively in under 60 seconds.
Things You Need to Know About Short-Form Video Content
Before you start creating, it’s important to understand a couple of key aspects of short-form content.
Brevity is Everything
Short-form content isn’t just about being short; it’s about being sharp. Every second counts, so cut out unnecessary details and focus on the important message. Try to aim for one idea per video.
Don’t make long intros as they might put the viewers off. You don’t want them to scroll past your video, do you? So try to get straight to the point as fast as you can.
Engagement is the Priority
Your audience will decide within seconds whether to keep watching or skip the video. That’s why it’s crucial to hook them immediately.
Start with something appealing or intriguing. It might be stunning visuals, a thought-provoking question, a trendy song, or a promise to solve a problem. Your goal is to interest the viewers straightaway.
Quality Over Quantity
While you can produce short-form videos faster than longer ones, quality still matters. Grainy footage, poor lighting, or muffled audio can turn viewers away.
It’s just common sense: if users have a choice between a well-produced video and an amateurish one, they’ll always choose the former, even if both videos’ messages are practically the same.
Tailor Your Content to the Platform
Each platform has its own trends, audience, and features. TikTok leans towards casual, relatable content, while Instagram Reels may favor aesthetic visuals.
Do some basic research on what users expect to see on a certain platform and try to adjust. This will definitely influence engagement positively.
Be Aware of Trends
You don’t have to jump on the bandwagon and implement every short-form video trend in your content. However, you should always be aware of what’s currently popular.
Remember that trends move fast in the world of short-form video marketing and content creation. Keeping up with popular hashtags, challenges, or audio tracks can help your content feel relevant.
How to Make Short Videos: A Step-by-Step Guide
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of creating short-form video content.
Step 1: Plan Your Content
Preparation is always an important part of the creation process, so take a few minutes to outline some things.
What is the purpose of your video? Are you educating, entertaining, or promoting something? Who is your target audience? What are their preferences?
Planning will shape your video style and help you avoid missing important details.
Step 2: Choose the Right Equipment and Tools
The choice of equipment and tools depends on the video type and your skill level. If you want your content to look as professional as possible, it’s a good idea to invest in a good camera, lighting equipment, a microphone, and a stabilizer.
However, many modern smartphones are equipped with good cameras, so you may use this device instead. Still, purchasing a ring light and a basic tripod is always a great idea.
You’ll also need powerful editing software, of course. There are plenty of options available online for both beginners and experienced users, so search for a video editor download and test out the software’s features. You may even create a small video just to see how the program works.
Step 3: Start Filming
Set up your equipment and start filming. Keep your camera steady (by using a tripod, for example) and pay attention to lighting and audio quality.
Most platforms favor vertical short videos since they feel natural on mobile screens. That’s why it’s nice to film all the scenes vertically so that you won’t have to change the aspect ratio during the editing process.
Step 4: Edit the Footage
After everything has been filmed, it’s time to turn the raw footage into a proper video.
Trim unnecessary parts, rearrange your clips on the timeline, and apply color correction and transitions that fit the style of the video. Add text, background music, other sounds, effects, and more. Don’t overdo it, though. All the elements should complement your message, not overpower it.
Captions are another important thing for short-form video content. Many viewers watch videos with the sounds off; captions will make sure they won’t scroll past yours.
Step 5: Export and Post
When you’ve finished making all the adjustments, it’s time to export the video. Aim for the highest quality your editing software allows (preferably at least 1080p) and 9:16 (vertical format) aspect ratio.
Many video editors offer export templates for various platforms and devices, which means you probably won’t have to adjust the settings manually.
While posting, don’t forget about SEO. Use relevant hashtags and keywords, write engaging captions, and think of an intriguing thumbnail.
Another great piece of advice is to post at peak times. They may vary depending on your location, so do a quick online search to see when it is best to publish your content.
Final Thoughts
Creating short-form video content doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With careful preparation and the right tools, the process becomes seamless and enjoyable.
Focus on your core message, pay attention to quality, add a touch of creativity, and don’t forget about trends. All of that will help you make appealing content that will resonate with your audience and expand your reach.
