Let’s face it, our audience’s attention spans seem to get shorter and shorter by the day. Who has time for long-winded Lonely Planet books when you can learn about a city’s best eats in 20 seconds flat? That’s where short-form video comes in, the undisputed king of social media in 2024. 

Here’s your recipe for short-form video success 🥘

Know Your Tribe

Who are you trying to impress? What makes their eyeballs tick?  Understanding your audience is key to crafting content that resonates. 

Tip: Identify your ideal viewer’s favourite short-form video platform (TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, etc) and tailor your content style accordingly. What kinds of travellers feature in your video, and what language and audio are you using?

Creativity that’s on-brand

Short-form videos thrive on originality, humour, and trends. Think sizzling headlines, visuals that leap off the screen, and trending music that’ll have everyone hooked. 

Tip: Brainstorm 3 unexpected and creative ways to showcase your brand visually – the more surprising, the more likely it is to grab attention in those first crucial seconds. 

Consistency is Key

Short-form video isn’t just a one-time thing. The key is to keep posting regularly to build a loyal audience. Keep them coming back for more! 

Tip: Set a realistic posting schedule (e.g. 3 times a week) and stick to it, even if it means batch-filming content in advance. 

Show your human side

Embrace your authentic self! Show your audience the behind-the-scenes chaos, the occasional blooper, and your journey – from your struggles to your successes. Honesty and relatability are your keys for building trust and connection. 

Tip: Challenge yourself to include more “real life” moments in your videos – a funny blooper, a genuine reaction, or a glimpse into your creative process. 

Be Searchable and Discoverable

Think about the theme, text and caption you’re posting – and tailor it for SEO. Know the common search terms that you want to be associated with, like “Hikes in Fiordland” or “Hidden Gems Rotorua” and weave these into your video creatively.

Tip: Make sure your cover picture and the first three second of your clip is unique and intriguing. What can you say to build curiosity and hype and keep users watching?

So, how will you start creating snackable short-form content? It’s time to dust off the device, be yourself, be creative, and be consistent, and your audience will be hitting that follow button in no time. Talk to Maverick’s in-house Content Team for more advice on nailing social media success in 2024.