These days, it's crucial to create content that quickly grabs attention and engages audiences. Short videos for Social media videosor "shorts", are a popular format for achieving just that. But how do you create a short that goes viral? Here are some tips and tricks to consider.
1. the perfect hanger
Your video must captivate right from the start. The first frame is crucial for the scroll-through rate - the percentage of viewers who stay compared to those who move on. A good hook could be as simple as "I'll make a Big Mac for 1 $". This simple sentence sets expectations and immediately grabs attention.
2. visual thinking
A successful short video must also be understandable without sound. Think visually and make sure your message is clear even when watching silently. Every second counts, so use every one of them to tell your story or get your message across.
3. binding mechanisms
Integrate elements that encourage the audience to watch to the end. One example could be that the circle in which the video takes place gets smaller with every minute, which builds up curiosity and suspense.
4. creative idea generation
Start with a wide range of ideas. Write down 100 ideas and gradually whittle them down to the ten best. Make sure that each idea is logistically feasible and has a strong hook.
5. setting and exceeding expectations
Set expectations at the beginning of your video, but add an unexpected twist to surprise viewers and keep their attention. This can be as simple as a surprise ending that exceeds or even subverts expectations.
6. use all platforms
Understand the differences between platforms like YouTube, TikTok and Instagram Reels. While YouTube appeals to a more mature audience and offers more room for storytelling, TikTok and Reels are ideal for shorter, information-dense videos.
7. learning from others
Take a look at what others are doing in your subject area. What videos do you like and why? Use AI tools and your own life experiences to create content that is both unique and relatable.
Short videos, whether on YouTube or Instagram, can be a powerful way to reach a large audience quickly. With the tips above, you can create content that will not only be seen, but also shared to help your message go viral.
