In recent years short-form video has gained a commanding position in the world of digital marketing converting the engagement of audience. Social media platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Facebook highly promote short videos changing the engagement strategies of global brands. With people having fewer attention spans, these minute-long videos have emerged as one of the best mediums of online marketing. 

According to a survey, almost 44% of consumers prefer watching short videos before buying any product or service. This not only makes short videos a go-to option for marketing but also allows brands to connect with their audience in a better way. Usually, brands take help from digital marketing companies who help them with engaging and informative short-form videos tailored to their brands. In this article, we will be focusing on why short-from videos have taken over the internet and why brands cannot ignore it.

What are short-form videos?

Short-form videos also known as reels are a form of vertically oriented video that lasts from a few seconds to over a minute. TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook are some of the platforms where you can find short videos. These types of reels are mostly used to share business-related information or for entertainment purposes and are hugely admired by online users globally. The majority of the short videos are calibrated and optimized for mobile users which can be easily accessed from various devices. The videos include using eye-catching videos along with engaging text and music which attracts the audience for a longer time while ensuring the information is shared properly.

Reasons Brand cannot ignore it

In the fast-paced world, businesses aim to connect with their audience without wasting their time, and short-form videos allow brands to do so efficiently. Shorts help to showcase the products and services within a few seconds allowing them to reach potential customers in the shortest span of time. Unlike landscape video formats with long duration, short videos can be accessed easily and do not take much time. 

Additionally, social platforms also offer interactive features such as like, comment, share, and many more which allows brands to engage with the audience in real-time. These videos can be used to approach sales and marketing of the product and services with the user of engaging video content and storytelling.

Success with short-form videos

Over the years we have numerous brands skyrocketing their sales and online presence, all thanks to short videos and social media marketing. Following are some of the popular brands that have enhanced their business potential with the help of short-form videos.

• NBA is the most popular basketball league in North America that has set a new milestone in the sports industry. The social media page of NBA has over 90 million followers which affects the sales and profits of the brand significantly. The brand uses short-form videos to promote its events and sports highlights which are seen by a global audience.
• NETFLIX is undoubtedly the leading OTT platform tuning millions of users on a daily basis. The brand is also seen to have been smashing on social media platforms with the help of short-form videos. They mostly use short videos for movie teasers and trailers that gain great audience enhancing overall sales.
• ZOMATO is another popular brand that has been excelling in the social media platforms. They are known for quick service and engaging team which directly suits the purpose of short videos. The company is widely popular on Instagram and Facebook due to engaging short content and customer-engaging videos.
• AMUL, the largest brand in India when it comes to dairy products is also a common name in social media platforms. Whether it's festivals or a seasonal event, the company celebrates it by posting fun and engaging short video content on the internet that is highly admired by its audience. The company also has its own mascot which paired with short videos helps the company to enhance its online presence in the industry. 

How to make better shorts?

Now that we have understood the importance of short-form videos, let's understand the basic principles that might help you create an engaging short for your business. Following is a guide that will help you create great short content 

Plan: Specify aim, target group, idea.

• Prep: Assemble equipment, and venue, and rehearse.
• Record: Vertical format, good light/audio quality, several takes.
• Edit: Cuts, transitions, text elements, music, effects.
• Optimize: Thumbnail, high res, caption, hashtags, platform.
• Engage: Reply, scrutinize, adjust, and publish frequently.

Short-form videos or reels have been a game changer for brands willing to engage their customers in an effective and efficient way. However, the task can be a bit confusing so hiring a digital marketing company can be helpful. The short video does not guarantee success and better engaging but it needs to analyse whether these videos align with your business goals and needs.