Deciding Between Short Form and Long Form Video: Which is Right for Your Business?
When it comes to one of the first decisions you’ll need to make is whether to focus on short form or long form video. Both have their own unique advantages and disadvantages, and the choice between them will depend on the specific goals of your business and the message you want to convey.
Short Form Video
Short form videos are generally shorter in length, typically under a minute. They are often used to grab the audience’s attention quickly, and to promote a product or service, or to create a buzz around a brand. Short form videos are also great for social media platforms where the attention span of the viewer is shorter. They are easy to consume and can be shared easily on social media. Many businesses use short-form videos to promote a new product, service or event. It can be used to create a teaser, highlight a feature or to simply show off a product in action. Short-form videos can also be used to create a sense of urgency. This encourages viewers to take action such as signing up for a service or buying a product.
Long Form Video
On the other hand, long form videos are typically longer, usually over a minute. They are used to tell a more in-depth story or provide more detailed information about a product or service. They are often used to educate or inform the audience, and can be used on a company’s website or as part of a larger marketing campaign. Long-form videos are particularly useful for businesses that want to establish themselves as thought leaders in their industry. They can be used to explain complex concepts, demonstrate a product in use or to give customers a behind-the-scenes look at a business. They can also be used to tell personal stories, showcase customer testimonials, or to give a detailed overview of a product or service.
Which Is Better?
When deciding between short form and long form videos, it’s important to consider your target audience and the message you want to convey. If you’re looking to grab the attention of a younger, more social-media-savvy audience, short form videos may be the way to go. They are perfect for creating buzz and generating interest in your brand. But if you’re looking to educate or inform your audience, and want to establish yourself as a thought leader in your industry, long form videos may be the better choice.
Another important factor to consider is the platform on which you plan to share your videos. Short form videos are perfect for social media platforms. Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter, where the attention span of the viewer is shorter. But if you’re looking to share your videos on your website or on platforms like YouTube, long form videos may be a better choice.
It’s also worth noting that short form videos can be used as a teaser to promote a longer video. For example, a short-form video can be used to give a sneak peek of a product, with a call to action to watch a longer video for more information. This can be a great way to generate interest and drive traffic to your website.
Conclusion
The choice between short form and long form video will depend on the specific goals of your business and the message you want to convey. Both can be effective when used correctly. You may want to focus on one more than the other depending on your target audience, the type of content you want to produce, the platform on which you plan to share your videos, and the purpose of your video. Each has its own strengths and weaknesses, so it’s important to carefully consider your options before deciding which type of video is right for your business.
Still have a few questions about adding video to your marketing strategy?
Schedule a Discovery Session to see how our talents can match your vision.