Whether you're trying out video marketing for your small business or just looking to break into posting videos on social media, it's crucial to promote your online video content. Even big-budget, highly-engaging videos will never get traction if not properly promoted. Don't miss out! Keep reading for our top three tips on how to maximize your video views.
1) Grab the Audience with a Hook
Depending on the platform, your social media video has 3-7 seconds to grab a viewer's attention. Think of the sheer number of videos users encounter while scrolling. No one is going to stop to watch all--or even most--of them, so it's crucial to make your video stand out right from the start. Luckily, there are plenty of techniques to pull viewers in and keep them engaged. We recommend things like starting the video with a question or teaser, incorporating (relevant) moving text, displaying a graphic or overlay, or using a relatable and engaging anecdote. Next time you're scrolling, note which videos catch your eye, and how they hook and reel you in.
2) Integrate SEO into Your Videos
When you think SEO (search engine optimization), text posts and hashtags typically come to mind. It's important to remember, however, that it reaches far beyond that. Many social media content creators don't realize that SEO also applies to the content of a video itself, and failing to include them is a huge missed opportunity. First, be sure to include closed captioning in your videos. Not only does this make your video more accessible, it also makes it easier for the algorithm to pick up search terms and key phrases. Incorporate these terms as organically as possible so that search engines will pick them up without coming off clunky or redundant to viewers. Also be sure to save and upload your video in a mobile-friendly format. This means a lower file size and a vertically-aligned video (1080x1920 aspect ratio). Your video is more likely to be viewed and shared when it is mobile-friendly, thus more likely to hold the attention of the algorithm to be easily found by more viewers.
3) Use the Right Platform for the Right Content
This one is hugely important. Social media apps are not interchangeable, and even if a video is perfect for Instagram, that doesn't mean it will get any traction on YouTube. For instance, Instagram Reels have a 90-second limit, whereas YouTube has a 12-hour limit. Just about no one is scrolling through Instagram for long-form content. Instead, Instagram is perfect for short-form videos--product reviews, unboxing videos, video trends, get ready with me videos, behind the scenes videos, time lapse and process videos, and anything else that hits that 60-second short-form sweet spot. Meanwhile, YouTube has you covered for anything longer, especially the 7-15 minute sweet spot for the average video. It's also perfect for maximizing your video podcast views. Whereas you can cut up short blurbs from your podcast to post on Instagram or other short-form sites, YouTube allows you to post the entire episode in full, where viewers are more likely to hang around. Video length has a lot to do with if the algorithm pushes out your video or not, so it's crucial to optimize for the platform you are using.
Angela Wolf Video offers corporate video production services near Philadelphia, PA. Do you have a specific video question? Schedule a free video analysis call at bit.ly/callawv