by Leveraging Instagram Reels and Youtube Shorts for Explosive Brand Growth
A revolution that reshapes how brands connect with consumers!
Yes, you read that right!
Short-form video is a revelation that exploded in popularity in recent years, but its roots go back further than you might think.
The trend began in 2012 with Snapchat’s 10-second disappearing videos, a feature that helped the platform skyrocket in daily users. Then came Vine, the 6-second video app that became a breeding ground for online stars (“Viners”) and paved the way for more. In 2016, Musical.ly, a lip-syncing video platform, became a social media darling, eventually attracting the attention of Bytedance Technology.
By 2018, Bytedance had merged Musical.ly with its Chinese counterpart Douyin to create TikTok, a global phenomenon focused on short-form videos often featuring music and dance. Today, TikTok boasts over a billion monthly active users throughout the world, followed by competitors like Instagram Reels hot on its heels in India along with Youtube shorts.
The Indian short video market has experienced massive growth in the last two to three years. According to a report by Bain & Company, the market has grown 3.5 times in user base and 12 times in total time by all users on short-video platforms.
Why We’re Hooked on Short-Form Videos
Imagine you’re at your home in another city far away from your best friend, and all you both do is share daily funny videos on your phones. In this way these short clips aren’t just entertaining—they’re changing how we connect and express ourselves. Platforms like Instagram reels & Youtube shorts bring people together with their unique styles. They’ve turned us from passive watchers into active participants who like, comment, and recreate videos. These platforms are reshaping cultural norms and giving everyone a voice, making our digital world more interactive and dynamic.
Let’s see why we love hanging on to these short videos:
- We’re always on our phones, and short videos are perfect for mobile viewing. They’re easy to watch whenever we have a spare moment.
- These videos tell great stories quickly. Creators use humor, music, and cool visuals to grab our attention and make us smile.
- Our attention spans are short. These videos are under a minute, making them perfect for quick entertainment on the go.
Let’s See How Big Brands Are Winning Big with Short-Form Video
The benefits of short-form video extend far beyond entertainment. Brands are leveraging this trend for explosive growth. We’ve seen some incredible success stories, like:
Myntra uses catchy fashion routines and influencer & celebrity partnerships on Instagram to reach a younger audience, significantly boosting brand awareness.
Meesho utilizes Instagram Reels to showcase product tutorials and customer testimonials, driving sales and user engagement.
Nykaa adoptes a versatile approach on Instagram, featuring relatable beauty struggles, product recommendations, makeup transition videos, leading to a viral following and increased brand loyalty.
And many others, from your local Mobile shop to every other big brand.
Mastering the Platforms:
Starting with Instagram, of course! It remains a powerhouse for younger demographics. Offering a range of editing tools, AR filters, and music options, to create eye-catching content. The Reels tab and algorithm help users discover new creators and communities, enhancing their social media experience while also offering content monetization opportunities.
YouTube Shorts: YouTube is versatile, offering everything from short clips to full-length documentaries. It supports content creators with monetization tools, fostering a professional community and the creator economy. Features like live streaming, comments, likes, and subscriptions build strong viewer-creator relationships.
These two major platforms are followed by
Snapchat, which allows you to share live moments as well as record it with amazing filters & some stimulating effects and challenges to maintain a streak with your friends, has grown its user database to multiples.
Moj, where you earn through various content challenges while also gaining popularity. It’s a homegrown platform that is gaining popularity, especially in regional languages.
HIPI, which is not only beneficial for a content creator but also for the user as they get to win monetary rewards while consuming the entertaining content.
Roposo gives you the option to even shop with genuine reviews of the content creators.
So, How Do You Create Winning Short-Form Video Content?
Here are some key strategies:
Know Your Audience: Tailor your content to resonate with your target demographic. Understand their interests, humor, and preferred platforms.
Hook ‘Em Fast: The first few seconds are crucial. Use a compelling intro, eye-catching visuals, or a thought-provoking question to grab attention.
Storytelling Matters: Even in a short format, weave a narrative into your video. Show, don’t tell.
Embrace Trends: Keep an eye on trending challenges, sounds, and hashtags to tap into the viral potential.
Optimize for Mobile: Remember, most short-form videos are viewed on phones. Keep your videos vertical and ensure clear audio and visuals.
Call to Action: Don’t leave viewers hanging. Tell them what you want them to do after watching, whether it’s visiting your website, subscribing to your channel, or making a purchase.
The short-form video revolution is here to stay.
So, are you ready to leverage its power for explosive brand growth?
Let’s get started!
Sources:
https://bbggadv.com/insight-short-form-video
https://www.indiatvnews.com/technology/news/evolution-of-short-video-industry-2022-03-04-76270
https://inappstory.com/blog/video-centric-social-media
https://www.vdocipher.com/blog/2021/02/short-video-platforms
