Instagram Video boasts features such as trimming, adding filters, and tagging people, meaning you can make content that your followers will love and which will help you form a long-term relationship with your audience.
While making content for Instagram Video, you need to follow some pro tips to make the most of them. Read on to learn what to include when creating a strategy for your videos.
1. Choose Trending Topics for Videos
You have complete freedom and authority in choosing the topic for your video. But the question is, will your friends and followers like it? For this reason, you need to be careful about choosing the right concept for these videos. It is always safe to make videos on trending topics.
As Instagram Video allows you to post long videos, you should utilize this opportunity to create more in-depth videos. You can look at Instagram hashtags and Google Trends for hot topic ideas. For example, if most of your friends like superhero movies, you can make a movie review video about the latest superhero movie.
2. Share Authentic Videos
Always be original while making a video. If you create a video mimicking other popular content, your friends might start watching it but not last until the end. You can take inspiration from others and choose the topic from the trending ones, but the video must be true to you.
On top of that, be careful about the message you want to convey. Your video may contain comments that do not sync with popular views, but always refrain from sharing misleading or false information. Like fighting misinformation on Twitter, keeping such content away from Instagram is partially your responsibility. If you are not sure about anything, it is better not to include that in your video.
3. Be Mindful About Instagram Video Specifications
While making and uploading your content, you need to be careful about the following points to ensure the best user experience.
Firstly, you must make sure that your video is in an MP4 file format and that it has a minimum resolution of 720 pixels. Moreover, content needs to last for at least 60 seconds to one hour.
If you upload from a mobile device, your video can last for up to 15 minutes. And if you choose a computer or laptop, this extends to an hour.
It's also worth noting that file size limits differ depending on your Instagram Video length. 60-minute long videos can be up to 3.6GB in size, while 10-minute ones must be a maximum of 650MB.
In terms of the content itself, consider these points:
- Keep your intro short and quickly get into the main point.
- Use language that people can relate to.
- While editing, use matching background and font colors if you use any.
If you're recording vertically, you should do so in a 9:16 format. However, if you want to make a horizontal video, keep the ratio as 16:9.
4. Create a Matching Thumbnail
Your thumbnail is what viewers will see before playing the video. In many cases, users will decide whether or not they watch your video based on this image alone.
You can’t edit the thumbnail if you upload the video and make it live. So, you should take the time to create an appealing cover photo beforehand.
The thumbnail should be interesting, featuring proper lighting and great colors. You can select any frame of the video to become the cover photo. However, if you want your video to look natural, choose a frame that matches the initial view of the video.
5. Add Your Title, Description, and Hashtags
You can increase how many people see your Instagram Video by using a captivating title and description, along with using hashtags.
An ideal length for your video title is 18-20 characters. Meanwhile, the description should state what the viewer can expect and give them a reason to start watching.
Use specific and relevant hashtags to help non-followers discover your video. Instead of adding the hashtags in your description, adding them in the comments section will give you a boost in traffic.
6. Add a Teaser or Preview
Before uploading a video, you’ll get an option to post a preview. If you select this option, users will see a 60-second preview of your video on their feed even without playing it. It’s a great way to encourage people to click on your video instead of scrolling past it.
This small but effective feature has the power to increase views, engagement, and reach.
7. Add Subtitles to Your Instagram Video
Many people like to scroll through their Instagram feed on public transport or in quiet locations. If they don’t have headphones with them, they will not watch the video and move to the next feed item. You need to cater to these viewers by adding subtitles to your video.
Subtitles will ensure that your audience can follow along, even if they've muted the video. By adding these, you can keep users engaged all the way through.
8. Focus on Creating a Series of Videos
One creative way to publish interesting content is to create a series of videos about a single topic. If what you share is interesting enough, users will eagerly anticipate the next piece of content.
Get some innovative content ideas and execute them perfectly in your videos to make the audience glued throughout the series. However, if you want to launch a series, make a complete strategy for all the videos.
9. Make Your Instagram Video Available in Stories and Other Social Feeds
You need to promote your Instagram video through different platforms, which will drive traffic to your profile from a broader range of sources. It's also worth keeping the video fresh by sharing a preview in your feed regularly.
You might also want to ensure that you share it in your stories and direct message your friends. Beyond Instagram, you can share snippets on Facebook and Snapchat too.
Keep Your Followers Entertained With Instagram Videos
Creating content for Instagram Video has similar fundamentals to YouTube: you must keep your viewers engaged if you want to achieve long-term success on the platform.
Having read this article, you should have enough tips to get started with creating better content. By creating consistent content and learning from your mistakes, you'll eventually draw in a significant audience.