How To Use Short-Form Video To Supercharge Your Brand's Growth

If you're looking for a way to take your brand to the next level, short-form video might just be the solution you've been searching for. With the growing popularity of platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts, short-form video has become an incredibly effective way for businesses to engage with their target audience and drive growth. 

In fact, you can use short-form videos to supercharge your brand's growth and reach a wider audience than ever before. In this blog post, we'll dive into the key strategies and tactics you can use to make the most of this exciting trend and help your brand grow to new heights.

What is a short-form video?

Before you dive into using short-form videos to grow your brand, it's important to understand what it is and why it's so effective. Short-form video refers to video content that is typically under 60 seconds long, designed to capture attention quickly and deliver a message in a concise and engaging way.

The rise of social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts has made short-form videos more popular than ever before, particularly among younger audiences.

So, why is short-form video so popular? Well, a short-form video provides a quick and easy way to capture people’s interest and keep them engaged, whether it’s snappy how-to content (5 top tips for XYZ) or a short product teaser to spark curiosity.

This type of video is very versatile and incredibly shareable, which means it can spread quickly and organically across social media platforms, increasing your brand’s exposure and reach. You can also use email sequence software to share the video with your subscribers and get more views."

Which platform is best for short-form videos?

Research has shown that short-form videos will see the most growth of any trend in 2023. 90% of marketers using short-form video will increase or maintain their investment next year, and it’s not just TikTok that’s being used. 

There are a variety of platforms to choose from, each with its own unique features and audience demographics, so think carefully about which platform suits your audience best — this will maximise the impact of your short-form video content. 

Here are a few factors to consider when selecting a platform:

1. Audience demographics: Different platforms attract different audiences, so it's important to choose a platform that aligns with your target audience. For example, TikTok is particularly popular among younger audiences, while Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts are popular across a broader range of age groups. 
2. Features and functionality: Each platform offers its own unique features and functionality for creating and sharing short-form video content. For example, TikTok has a range of creative filters and effects (although you might want to edit your videos outside of the app like using PlayPlay's video templates for slicker results)  while Instagram Reels allows users to add features such as music.
3. Competition and saturation: Consider the level of competition and saturation on each platform. While TikTok may be popular among younger audiences, it's also a very competitive space with a lot of content vying for attention. On the other hand, a newer platform like YouTube Shorts may offer more opportunities for brands to stand out and gain traction.
4. Brand fit: Finally, consider how well your brand aligns with the values and culture of each platform. Each platform has its own unique vibe and tone (TikTok retains a casual, lively tone, for instance) so it's important to choose one that fits your brand's personality and values.

How to create short-form videos that grow your brand

To make the most of short-form video and supercharge your brand's growth, you need to create content that stands out from the crowd and captures your audience's attention. Here are a few key tips for creating engaging short-form video content:

1. Keep it visually appealing: Short-form video is all about grabbing your audience's attention quickly and keeping them engaged. To do that, you need to make sure your videos are visually appealing and interesting to watch; you can do this through features such as bold titles and engaging transitions, while being creative with your editing will also help to make your content stand out.
2. Tell a story: Whether you're showcasing a new product or highlighting your brand's values, your short-form video content should tell a story that resonates with your audience. Think about what message you want to convey and craft a narrative that will capture their attention and help connect people to your brand.
3. Keep it short and sweet: Remember, the key to short-form video is brevity. Keep your videos under 60 seconds in length and make every second count. If your message is too long or complicated, your audience will lose interest quickly.
4. Leverage music and sound: Music and sound effects can add a lot of impact to your short-form video content. Choose music that fits the mood and tone of your video, and use sound effects to enhance key moments and keep your audience engaged.

How can short-form videos help your brand grow?

A good social media strategy is essential for growing your brand. But on some platforms and with some types of content, it can take a while for you to see genuine results (such as an increase in engagement or views). Adding short-form videos can be a very effective way to grow your brand by keeping existing users engaged and attracting new devotees. 

Short-form videos can help grow your brand by:

1. Building brand awareness: By creating visually appealing content that resonates with your audience, you can capture their attention and make a lasting impression. This is particularly important for brands that are just starting out or looking to expand their reach, as short-form videos can help introduce your brand to new audiences. One of the advantages of short-form video is that it is highly shareable, meaning that your content can quickly reach a wide audience through social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube Shorts. By leveraging influencers and promoting your content across social media, you can expand your reach and attract new followers to your brand. This can be particularly effective for brands looking to target younger audiences, who are known to be heavy users of social media and short-form video platforms.
2. Increasing conversions: Short-form videos can be an effective way to drive conversions and increase sales. By showcasing your products or services in a compelling and visually appealing way, you can motivate viewers to take action and make a purchase in a short period of time. A good short-form video can be particularly effective for products that are complex or require a lot of explanation. Showcase the features and benefits of your product or service in a snappy way to give viewers a clear understanding of what you have to offer and why they should buy from you.
3. Standing out from the competition: While short-form video is popular, it’s still a relatively new and growing medium, which means there is plenty of opportunity for brands to stand out and make a name for themselves. If you can get ahead of the game and start putting out great videos, you’ll be one step ahead of your competition. Short-form videos are very easy to consume and just one engaging video can tell audiences everything they need to know about your brand, products, and services, or at least get them interested. Once they’re engaged, you can increase brand loyalty before your competitors get a chance to make an impact.

Short-form videos are an incredibly powerful tool for growing your brand and achieving your marketing goals. Whether you’re looking to build brand awareness, increase engagement, or drive conversions, short-form video can help you achieve your objectives in a creative and engaging way.