The Ultimate Guide to Short-form Video Content

Let's discover the Ultimate Guide to Short-form Video Content

MaiLy Thao

18.10.2024

According to a HubSpot marketing report, short-form video has emerged as the most popular and effective social media content format of the year. It’s no surprise then that 33% of marketers plan to prioritize short-form video over other social media strategies. The surge in this format's popularity can be traced to the success of TikTok, one of the most influential video and music platforms ever. Short videos have become one of the most powerful tools for increasing engagement and expanding your audience.

If expanding your short-form video content is a priority this year, you're in the right place. We've crafted a comprehensive guide to help you master the best platforms and practices for creating engaging short-form videos that resonate with your audience.

Let's get started!

>>> Related topic: How to Repurpose Old Content into Fresh Ideas

I. What is short-form video content?

Short-form video content refers to videos that are typically under 60 seconds, though some marketers consider videos up to three minutes as short-form. These videos are designed to be quick, easily digestible pieces of content that viewers can consume in rapid succession, making them perfect for capturing attention in fast-paced social media environments. Their concise nature allows for quick engagement and encourages users to watch multiple videos in a single session.

II. Why is short-form video content crucial?

Short-form video content has rapidly become one of the most effective and engaging forms of social media marketing, making it essential for any brand looking to stay competitive.

A few key statistics that help prove the importance of short-form video content include:

TikTok, the platform that pioneered short-form video, has grown to 1.53 billion users in just seven years.
Additionally, 96% of consumers prefer short videos to learn about products or services, and it boasts the highest return on investment (ROI) among all content formats.
Short-form videos also excel in generating leads and engagement, with nearly 30% of them being watched 81% of the way through.
47% of marketers agree that short-form videos are more likely to go viral, driving significant brand awareness.
In the U.S., adults spend an average of 46 minutes per day on TikTok, with this figure projected to increase to 48 minutes by 2024, showing the deep engagement users have with short-form video content.

Short-form video is dynamic, captivating, and proven to convert, so if you're not creating it yet, now is the time to start.

III. Top 5 short-form video platforms

Marketers and business owners are drawn to four popular short-form video platforms, and for good reason: they attract massive audiences!

1. TikTok

Launched in 2016, TikTok was the pioneer among the major short-form video platforms. It is designed specifically for short-form content, although the app recently introduced a competitive feature to BeReal called TikTok Now.

On the home screen, users can switch between the "For You" page, which offers personalized, algorithm-driven content suggestions, and the "Following" tab, where they can view posts exclusively from accounts they follow.

TikTok also features a Discover section, accessible via the magnifying glass icon in the top right corner, which serves as a search engine for users looking to explore new content or learn how to do things.

>>> Read more: TikTok SEO: How to Rank High on TikTok

2. Instagram reels

Originally launched in 2010 as a photo-sharing app, Instagram has continually evolved and expanded its features. Now owned by Meta, Instagram introduced its short-form video format, Instagram Reels, in 2019.

To access Reels, users can simply tap the center icon on the home screen. Given their popularity, Reels are heavily favored by Instagram’s algorithm, so you'll likely see many of them while scrolling through your feed. Tap on a Reel to open it, and you can scroll through more videos in a similar way to TikTok.

>>> Read more: 8 Strategies to Boost Instagram Engagement in 2024

3. Facebook reels

Originally launched as a social media platform for connecting friends and sharing updates, Facebook has evolved to include a variety of content formats. In 2021, Meta introduced Facebook Reels, a short-form video feature similar to Instagram Reels, allowing users to create and discover engaging videos.

Accessible through the Reels tab or directly in your news feed, Facebook Reels have become a popular way to reach a broader audience, with videos often prioritized in the platform’s algorithm. As with Instagram, you can tap on a Reel to watch, then scroll through more in a style similar to TikTok.

4. YouTube shorts

Launched in 2005, YouTube has long been the dominant force in online video content. Naturally, the platform ventured into the short-form video space with YouTube Shorts.

You can find recommended Shorts directly on the YouTube home screen, or simply tap the Shorts icon in the bottom menu to dive into the content. Just like other short-form platforms, you can scroll up after each video to discover new ones.

>>> Read more: 7 Tips to Boost YouTube Engagement

5. Pinterest

Pinterest, known for its predominantly female audience, is a go-to platform for inspiration in fashion, interior design, and lifestyle.

If your B2C brand targets this demographic, Pinterest offers a great opportunity to share short-form video content. With Pinterest videos, you can include a deScription featuring a link to your website or landing page, making it easy for interested users to click through and explore further.

IV. Master your short-form video strategy

1. Short video specs

Short videos are designed to capture attention quickly, so the content must be sharp, engaging, and to the point. However, the first step to creating engaging short videos is making sure they are the correct size for each platform. Different social media platforms have unique requirements for video dimensions and length. Here's a breakdown of the ideal sizes for the most popular social networks:

1.1. Facebook reels

Cross-posting your Instagram Reels to Facebook is a simple way to extend your video’s reach across both platforms. This format seamlessly integrates into Facebook feeds and often receives priority placement, giving your content greater visibility and engagement opportunities.

Resolution: 1080p
Aspect ratio: 9:16
Max file size: No file size limit
Recommended video formats: MP4
Video length: 3 seconds to 90 seconds
Frame rate: 24fps – 60fps

For more information on the video specs for Facebook, visit the Facebook Help Center.

1.2. Instagram reels

Launched in 2020, Instagram Reels quickly became a popular addition to Instagram’s video strategy, offering short, engaging content that is now a favorite in users' feeds. For social media creators, the good news is that Reels' video specifications are similar to other Instagram formats, making it easy to repurpose content across the platform.

However, as Instagram introduces separate tabs for different content types, thumbnails may appear cropped differently depending on the view. For instance, in the main tab that shows all content types, thumbnails will be cropped to the traditional square (1:1) format. To avoid awkward cropping, make sure to center your subjects and plan for the square layout.

Resolution: 720p minimum
Aspect ratio: 0.01:1 to 10:1; 9:16 recommended
Max file size: 4GB max
Recommended video formats: MP4 or MOV
Video length: 3 seconds to 15 minutes
Frame rate: 23-60 fps

1.3. TikTok

TikTok videos are designed to make creation, editing, and sharing quick and simple, with specs tailored to typical mobile phone dimensions. If you're looking to repurpose content across platforms, remember that videos uploaded from external sources can exceed the 60-second limit for in-app recordings.

Resolution: 1080×1920
Aspect ratio: 9:16
Max file size: 72MB (Android) / 278.6MB (iOS)
Recommended formats: MP4 or MOV
Video length: Up to 3 minutes in-app, or 10 minutes when uploaded externally
Frame rate: 23-60fps

1.4. YouTube shorts

Launched in late 2020, YouTube Shorts is a new short-form video feature that allows users to create, watch, and discover bite-sized content. As short-form videos continue to rise in global popularity, YouTube Shorts presents a fresh opportunity to engage wider audiences, whether you're looking to entertain or educate.

Resolution:
- 4320p (8k): 4320×7680
- 2160p (4K): 2160×3840
- 1440p (2k): 1440×2560
- 1080p (HD): 1080×1920
- 720p (HD): 720×1280
- 480p (SD): 480×854
- 360p (SD): 360×640
- 240p (SD): 240×426
Aspect ratio: 9:16 or 1:1
Recommended formats: MOV, MP4, MPEG, AVI, WMV, FLV, 3GPP, WebM, and more
Video length: Up to 60 seconds

For more information on the video specs for YouTube, visit the Google Help Center.

1.5. Pinterest

Pinterest enables video uploads exclusively for business accounts, providing specifications tailored to help brands maximize the impact of the visually appealing and inspirational lifestyle content commonly shared on the platform.

In addition to advertising options, Pinterest Business Accounts can also upload organic video content, available in two formats: standard and max width video. Here are the dimensions for standard width video ads and standard Pins.

Aspect ratio: 1:1, 2:3, 4:5, 9:16
Max file size: 2GB
Recommended video formats: MP4, MOV or M4V
Video length: 4 seconds to 15 minutes
Title: Up to 100 characters
DeScription: Up to 500 characters

2. Start with a Strong Hook

Writing an attractive hook for a social media video is crucial for capturing viewers' attention within the first few seconds. Aim for a hook that’s 5-10 seconds long to ensure you maintain viewer interest. Here are some tips to craft an effective hook:

2.1. Start with a Question

Pose an intriguing question that resonates with your audience’s interests or challenges.
- Example: “Have you ever wondered how some people seem to attract wealth effortlessly?”

2.2. Use a Bold Statement

Make a strong statement that challenges common beliefs or provides surprising insights.
- Example: “You’re wasting your time with that outdated marketing strategy!”

2.3. Present a Shocking Statistic

Share a surprising statistic or fact that relates to your content.
- Example: “Did you know that 80% of people don’t utilize this simple productivity hack?”

2.4. Create a Sense of Urgency

Highlight limited-time offers or urgent problems that need solutions.
- Example: “This exclusive deal ends in just 24 hours—don’t miss out!”

2.5. Tell a Mini-Story

Start with a brief personal story or anecdote that sets the context for your video.
- Example: “Just last week, I faced a major setback that changed my approach to success forever...”

2.6. Use Humor

A funny remark or clever quip can effectively engage viewers and make your content memorable.
- Example: “Why did the marketer break up with their website? It had too many issues!”

2.7. Incorporate Visual Elements

Pair your hook with engaging visuals or animations to draw viewers immediately.
- Example: Start with a vibrant graphic or an unexpected scene that captures attention while you present your hook.

3. Keep It Visual and Dynamic

Short videos thrive on eye-catching visuals and dynamic transitions. Use bright colors, movement, and engaging elements such as text overlays or animations to hold viewers' attention. Ensure the video quality is high and the visuals are clear, especially since many users watch videos on mobile devices.

4. Focus on One Key Message

Since time is limited, it's essential to focus on one core message or idea. Avoid cramming too much information into your video. Instead, pick a single message or action point and deliver it clearly and concisely.

5. Use Subtitles and Text

A significant portion of users watch videos without sound, especially on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook. To make sure your message gets across, use subtitles or captions. This also makes your content more accessible to a broader audience.

6. Include a Clear Call to Action (CTA)

End your video with a clear and compelling CTA. Whether you want viewers to follow your account, visit your website, or share the video, make sure the CTA is direct and easy to understand.

Prompt viewers to take action, such as liking, sharing, or visiting your website.
Use phrases like “Limited time only” to encourage immediate responses.

V. Caption for short videos

Crafting the right caption for your short video is essential for increasing visibility, engagement, and searchability. Here are some tips for writing effective captions across various platforms:

1. Keep It Short and Sweet

Most platforms limit the number of characters visible in the caption before it gets cut off, so make the first few words count. Use a short, snappy deScription that complements your video and encourages viewers to take action. For example:

“Here’s the secret to mastering time management! ⏳ #ProductivityTips”
“Discover the best way to cook pasta like a pro 🍝 #CookingHacks”

2. Use Relevant Hashtags

Hashtags increase the discoverability of your video. Research trending hashtags within your niche and include them in your caption. For instance:

#FitnessTips (fitness)
#MarketingStrategy (marketing)
#BeautyHacks (beauty and personal care)
#techreview (technology)

Limit the use of hashtags to avoid appearing spammy. Around 3-5 relevant hashtags are ideal.

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3. Add Emojis

Emojis add visual appeal to your caption and help convey emotion. Use them to emphasize your message and make the caption more engaging, like:

Ready to level up your social media game? 🔥✨
Timing is everything! ⏰ Don’t miss out on peak engagement!

4. Include a CTA

Just like in your video, your caption should also include a CTA. Encourage viewers to like, comment, share, or follow your page. For example:

“Follow us for more tips!”
“Tag a friend who needs this!”

Conclusion

Creating short videos for social media requires careful attention to platform-specific guidelines for video size, engaging content, and concise captions. By understanding these elements, you can craft highly effective and engaging short videos that capture attention, boost engagement, and drive results across multiple platforms. Implement these strategies to maximize the impact of your short video content and enhance your social media marketing efforts.