In the last few years, short form content has skyrocketed in popularity, and it doesn’t appear to be going away anytime soon. It’s not a new content medium (remember Vine?), but with many social media platforms transitioning to this model, it’s looking like there’s more to it than just being a trend.
TikTok has perfected the art of short form video content and has quickly become one of the most popular social media apps. Instagram, Youtube, Snapchat, and others are all competing and attempting to go head-to head-with TikTok.
With short-form content, the amount of content one can consume in a short time is wild. People have busy lives, and the ability to quickly scroll through their feeds is a huge selling point. The many niches within these platforms also allow users to watch their favorite creators in a well-curated feed without searching for them.
Let’s break down the factors fueling the growth of short form content.
Short Form Video Content is Easy to Access
Most of the videos on platforms like TikTok and Instagram are under a minute long because it’s engaging and keeps people from scrolling to the next video.
Finding entertaining or interesting content is painless, and as the app learns more about you, the content will come to you. The discoverability and unique types of content bring people back repeatedly.
For longer videos, it’s common practice to break them up into multiple parts. Doing so keeps videos shorter and more engaging because people will keep coming back to your profile looking for parts 2, 3, 4, and so on. The other videos also may appear in their feed if the algorithm does its job.
Low Barrier of Entry for Content Creators
Short form video content is much easier to produce than a traditional video. For example, a Youtube video often requires scripts, expensive cameras, equipment, editing software, etc.
With TikTok, Reels, and YouTube Shorts, most of the content is shot in the spur of the moment and has a rawness to it. People really engage with this real type of content that feels relatable.
Benefits for Content Creators
- You can shoot a short form video directly from your phone. There is no need for fancy cameras or equipment.
- In-app editing eliminates the need for post-production software and simplifies the editing process.
- Built-in music, special effects, and filters allow you to create stunning content from your phone.
- Existing long-form content can be broken up and repurposed for short form video content.
- Some videos can be made using only b-roll and voice-overs, further expanding creative possibilities.
- The ease of creating content and direct feedback from users allows creators to improve and evolve their content quickly.
Companies are also joining in on the action with advertising content that blends organically into people’s feeds. It’s impressive how good brands are getting at partnering with specific creators to showcase their products seamlessly.
Sometimes without the ‘Sponsored’ tags, you would have difficulty telling that the video was a paid sponsorship. Getting brand deals can be a very lucrative venture if done right.
Short Form Content Ripples Across the Globe
While sharing content from different regions of the world is not a new concept, it seems different with short form videos. Seeing different walks of life, cultures, food, and experiences is fascinating. And because the content is easier to create, you see videos from people who would typically not film anything.
There are many unique niches that are understandable regardless of language and cultural differences. Everyone who has a phone, social media, and a little creativity has the potential to be a fantastic content creator.
A Sense of Community
Short form content niches almost act as their own little communities. It’s easy to get invested in someone’s travels, DIY projects, cooking videos, workout routines, etc.
The comment sections are a great place to offer opinions, ask questions, and interact with others with similar interests. Some creators even host lives to interact on an even more personal level. At the end of the day, people love a content channel they can call home.
Short Form Content Creates a Custom Experience
Social media algorithms are getting smarter and act as a curator to go out and select content that matches your preferences. For example, if you start watching travel videos, the algorithm will push more travel-related content into your feed.
Gone are the days of searching for content endlessly until you find something that piques your interest. Not having to search for videos is very appealing and is one of many reasons TikTok, Reels, and YouTube shorts have become so popular. The ability to provide feedback allows the algorithm to create an even more customized experience.
How to Create Short Form Content
With the ease of creating short form video content and high demand, what’s stopping you from starting today? Here are some tips and tricks to begin your journey.
Find Your Niche
Creators often have a niche they specialize in, like travel, DIY, product reviews, etc. Generally, it’s better to have an area of focus as your audience will know what to expect from you. With that, feel free to explore different topics you are interested in. Trial and error is a great method to try out new content ideas.
Repurpose Your Content
It can be time-consuming to think of new ideas all of the time or shoot new footage. If you are an existing content creator, take advantage of your long-form content. Chop it up into smaller chunks that you can use to make “new” content.
Using TikTok, Reels, or Shorts to promote a longer video on your channel can also be very effective. This strategy directs people to your YouTube by showing them a short preview with the hope that they want to watch the full video. Even though TikTok now allows 10-minute long videos, the shorter duration videos are still more popular.
Track and Take Part in Trends
Do you know what they say? You’re only one video away from going viral. Short form video content has taken people to the top, even when they had no intention of creating a viral sensation.
Something as simple as a funny dance video has created many of TikToks most famous creators, landing them roles in TV shows, movies, brand deals, and numerous high-paying opportunities. Don’t worry, if hitting the latest dance trend isn’t your thing. There are so many niches to find success in with short form video content.
Trending songs are a huge part of expanding your reach as popular songs, often called “TikTok songs,” are usually associated with current trends. TikTok has changed the way people interact and discover new music. Even artists, record labels, and marketing professionals are using the platform to create trends to market the latest music.
If you are looking for music for your videos, Epidemic Sound is an excellent choice for royalty-free music. The music can be used on any social media/video-sharing platform without worrying about copyright claims.
Don’t be afraid to jump on trends because it could help you go viral.
Master The Art of Storytelling
Always aim to tell a story with your videos; even a minute-long video can still have a meaningful story or message. When you’re recording or brainstorming, ask yourself, “what story am I trying to tell?”
If you’re repurposing existing content, make sure that the message still makes sense when scaling down the video. Avoid throwing a bunch of random clips together and adding music. You may even find a new story to tell with the footage you already have.
Interested in content creation but don’t know where to start? Check out my brand new 10 Day Creator Challenge here!