Imagine your ideal customer, phone in hand, scrolling through their social media feed. What makes their thumb pause? The answer is vertical video.
This isn’t just the future of mobile content; it’s the vibrant, full-screen present. For small business owners ready to cut through the noise and forge deeper connections, mastering this dynamic format isn’t just smart—it’s your next big growth lever.
Let’s explore how you can make vertical video your secret weapon.
1. Embrace the Vertical Mindset
Think about it: your customers are scrolling through feeds held vertically. So why are your videos still stuck in landscape? Stop shrinking your message into a tiny horizontal box and start owning the whole screen.
Consider the user experience. Vertical videos feel native and immersive on mobile. There’s no awkward rotation needed, leading to higher engagement and completion rates. It’s about meeting your audience where they are, comfortably and intuitively.
Your Playbook:
- Default videos to 9:16: Make 9:16 the standard aspect ratio for all mobile-first video content planning.
- Visualize on mobile: Before filming, picture your video’s appearance on a smartphone screen. Consider text placement, key visual elements, and calls to action within that vertical frame.
- Add captions: Text on screen is another visual anchor that keeps viewers engaged. Try various fonts and colors on your video and place it in the middle or lower third of the screen to ensure visibility.
2. Conquer Short-Form Platforms with Speed and Creativity
Platforms like TikTok and Instagram thrive on short, attention-grabbing content that engages users. This is where creativity meets speed, and brands that nail short, engaging bursts win the attention game.
Your Playbook:
- Keep it concise: To maintain attention spans on these fast-paced feeds, aim for videos between 15 and 60 seconds.
- Sound on! Leverage trending audio and music to increase discoverability and engagement. Explore the platform’s audio library for popular sounds.
- Go native: Use in-app effects, filters, and text to create authentic content that seamlessly complements the platform’s style.
- Loop it: Design videos that are satisfying to watch repeatedly. Think seamless transitions and engaging visuals that encourage rewatching.
3. Expanding Your Reach with YouTube Shorts
Think bite-sized content with significant discovery potential. YouTube Shorts offer a powerful stage to introduce your brand and expertise in easily digestible clips, turning casual viewers into loyal subscribers.
Your Playbook:
- Hook ’em early: The first few seconds are crucial. Start with a compelling visual, an intriguing question, or a surprising statement to stop the scroll.
- Offer value quickly: Get straight to the point with tutorials, quick tips, product demonstrations, or entertaining insights.
- Clear calls to action: Don’t forget to tell viewers what you want them to do next (visit your website, subscribe to your channel, etc.). Use on-screen text and verbal cues.
4. Build Connections with Stories
Viewers want to connect with the real you– imperfections and all! Embrace authenticity and use Facebook and Instagram Stories to build genuine connections with your audience through relatable or in-the-moment updates.
Your Playbook:
- Be real: Share behind-the-scenes glimpses, daily updates, and more casual content that showcases your brand’s personality.
- Get interactive: Utilize polls, quizzes, and question stickers to encourage direct engagement, gather valuable feedback, and make your audience feel involved.
- Keep it dynamic: Utilize fast cuts, text overlays, and engaging visuals to keep viewers interested in the ephemeral nature of Stories.
5. Connect Real-Time with Vertical Livestreams
If you’re not camera-shy, going live is the perfect opportunity to interact with your audience in real-time. This is where you can chat with your customers, showcase your products, and
and answer questions (or objections).
Your Playbook:
- Plan Interactive Sessions: Before going live, outline key topics, Q&A segments, or product demonstrations to keep your audience engaged.
- Promote Your Livestream: Use social media and email marketing to announce your upcoming live sessions and encourage viewers to tune in.
- Utilize Interactive Features: Many platforms offer polls, quizzes, and live shopping features to enhance engagement and drive conversions.
Ready to Own the Vertical Revolution? Let’s Make It Happen.
This isn’t just about making videos; it’s about speaking the mobile language your audience understands. We’ve shown you how to embrace the vertical format across platforms, from the rapid-fire world of TikTok to the live connections on interactive streams.
At Creative Design Plus, we specialize in creating thumb-stopping designs and video content that converts. We partner with you to develop a winning strategy, create platform-optimized content, and ensure your message cuts through the noise.
So if you’re ready to stop being a wallflower and start getting noticed. Let’s chat!