We’ve been discussing the power of video in the digital arena for some time now and the movement continues with a string of new video-based features from the biggest names in social media.
Social Video
This week, Instagram has rolled out the ability to share 60 second videos using Android and iOS devices. The feature will be available across all accounts within the next upcoming months. In addition to enjoying the option of sharing longer videos, iOS users have the special opportunity to create their longer videos using clips from various smaller videos.
This update comes at a time when live streaming is expanding rapidly with offerings from YouTube (Live), Twitter (Periscope) and Facebook (Livestream). Facebook also offers special video features for brands and VIPs via Facebook Mentions (live video) and 360 Video, an interactive and transformative video experience.
Snapchat is becoming more popular than ever and it’s proved to be more than just an entertaining tool for teens with some of the world’s greatest brands joining the platform. The video and photo sharing application has just improved its messaging platform introducing Chat 2.0. Chat 2.0 provides Snapchat users with an easier to navigate and more convenient messaging system with such features as the ability to make voice or video calls.
Finally, Twitter has made the decision to prioritize advertisers’ video tweets so that they’ll appear at or near the top of users’ feeds.
What Marketers Need to Know
It’s a great idea to incorporate a video marketing plan into your social media strategy. While professional production is highly recommended for such purposes as ad campaigns and commercials, there is so much that you can create and share on your own in a small business as well. Take advantage of the popularity of video on such networks as Instagram by experimenting with the format to see what types of content works best for your target audience. Will your audience consume a full 60 second video on Instagram or do they prefer longer format videos in such places as Facebook? Which works best for you – 15 second or 60 second spots?
As far as content goes, have fun and get creative. Be sure the content is in line with your brand just as you would with anything else but embrace the spirit of each specific social format to tailor the experience. For example, Instagram is a venue where users expect engaging, interesting, exciting and fun images and video. Behind-the-scenes content works great and it’s a good idea to team up with others in your company to come up with fun scenarios to share such as production scenes, design studio scenes, an introduction of employees, customer testimonials and more!
