Short and Sweet: 5 Tips to Make Vine and Instagram Video Work for You
Social media is on the move, literally. In the last six months, Vine and Instagram made it possible to share in motion.
Now, people and companies who did not share video online, due to technological and budgetary restraints, have the potential to reach millions with original content from an iOS or Android device.
Whether you prefer Vine’s 6-second looping videos or Instagram’s 15-second editable videos, follow these tips to best engage your growing follower base.
Tip #1: It’s Still Video!
You no longer need software or a production team, but treat your Vine and Instagram videos the same way you would treat traditional video. Imagery, audio and interesting content are still key.
Tip #2: Post Meaningful Content Meaningfully in Moderation
A video is not necessary every time you want or need to post to social media. Using video every time you post and frequently is the quickest way to get unfollowed. Tweets and pictures are not obsolete. Keep using them!
Save video for major announcements and happenings, one-of-a-kinds tips, brief how-tos and product demonstrations, short interviews, and truly funny or unique moments.
Tip #3: Brevity
You have up to six seconds and 15 seconds to engage your audience with Vine and Instagram vide, respectively. Make the most of that short moment. Communicate your message clearly in a way that will not leave your audience confused.
Tip #4: #HashtagIt
Just like tweets, status updates, posts and pictures, adding hashtags to your videos makes your content searchable. Those outside your follower base who cannot see your posts on their timeline or feed can stumble upon your video–in a good way! Think of keywords that will make your video easy to find, and common to your practice or audience.
Tip #5: Align Your Videos with Your Other Web Activity
The messages in your videos should complement or supplement the messages on your website and other social media accounts. Yes, the video of your iguana dancing to Bruce Springsteen is adorable and viral-worthy, but what does that have to do with your cosmetic dentistry practice?