Imogen Grieve, Junior Graphic Designer

Design can no longer remain static; it must take on movement. That’s why short-form content videos have taken over all platforms.

Connecting with viewers online is constantly shifting, even more so now with videos and short-form content (or reels as they are more commonly known), which have increased in presence to dramatic effect. While static posts have their place, our social media experts will tell you that they rarely deliver the same engagement rates of a quality reel.

What is a reel on social media?

A reel can consist of a motion video or animation, normally under 60 seconds, but can be up to three minutes, depending on content. The former is most effective. It may be a tight window, but when done well, is punchy, engaging and perfectly ties into trending moments.

So, why choose a reel in your content calendar?

Here are a few key benefits…

Engaging

Research shows that engagement can increase by up to 70% on a high-quality reel compared with a static post.

Social media platforms are pushing videos to increase viewer retention, by encouraging users to spend more time on their sites – and good quality, dynamic video content stops people scrolling, and keeps them watching.

It’s a good time to capitalise on algorithms favouring reels and short-form video content, as it’s more likely to be pushed to users via their feeds.

For example, if you’re keeping up with internet movements and jump onto a current trend that’s relevant to your brand, a well-executed reel – one that is eye-catching and attention-grabbing – will help you stand out from the crowd and gain traction.

Any brand creating reels that catch the attention of users and keep them on platforms for longer will be rewarded as more of their owned content is pushed out to audiences.

Digestible content

People want information that’s quick and easily digestible.

A short-form video about a topic with key information, interesting visuals, and popular music can quickly engage and interest your audience. You can still drive users to a more detailed article with a link in the description – once you’ve caught someone’s attention, they’re more likely to click through.

Socially shareable

Short form videos are easier to pass around to friends and family than a full video. You don’t even need to send it – just hold your phone out for a few seconds so they can watch. It’s far quicker than waiting five minutes for them to read an article you found. Even if you do share a link, it can be enjoyed in a matter of seconds, sparking conversation.

With most social platforms allowing users to save content, users can easily return to a video and reference it later.

With so much going on in the world of short-form content, it would be a waste to ignore it – and potentially reap key benefits that could boost your brand significantly.

Cost effective

A reel can be kept simple and basic. You can film high-quality video on your phone, and there’s no need to recce for – or rent – the perfect filming space. Even a quick motion graphic animation can draw people in just as well as a motion video.

And platforms value authenticity, so don’t be afraid to share ‘rougher’ cut videos – they can bring charm and character to your organisation.

Personality

People want to see some personality from the brands they interact with. Reels are a fantastic way to show the human side of a brand, by mixing informative and educational content with something more relaxed and fun.

Interviewing workers on key topics, recording live reactions from customers or jumping on a trend can all bring character and warmth – and potentially connect and engage with more viewers and customers.

Convenient

Reels are simple to make on social media platforms, or third-party apps on the move – you don’t necessarily need extensive (or expensive) creative suites.

You can create videos on the move or on the ground at events, for example, that can be finalised quickly and posted on socials the same day. Using a pre-created template, you can pull together a sharp reel with ease.

How do you create an engaging reel?

Our social media pros advise keeping the following tips in mind when crafting short-form video content:

  • Good lighting: Avoid filming in darkness or somewhere overly bright. Make sure the final video is clear and easily viewable.
  • Subtle branding: In the background include your company logo or products. A quiet way to sell to viewers or make your company memorable.
  • Simple does it: Avoid patterned clothing and backgrounds to prevent distracting viewers. Audio should be clear and crisp, not loud and unclear.
  • Keep it snappy: 15 to 60 seconds is ideal, any longer and you might lose people. Make sure you’re concise and to-the-point. Additional information can be included in captions or links to your further content.

Adapting to short-form content can take some time. That’s why we’re here to help up your reel game. From template-making, suggestions for future posts, understanding trending themes, and staying ahead of the statistics, our social media and design experts can help you to produce eye-catching, impactful video content.  

If your business is looking on how to start using short-form content effectively, get in touch with our team.