7 Short Video Ideas to Jumpstart Your Social Video Strategy

Short video content has become increasingly popular in the last five years. New short video platforms have emerged, and existing video platforms have adjusted their strategy to include shorter content. If you’ve noticed these trends, you may be looking for short video ideas to jumpstart your social video strategy. Whether you’re just getting started with social video platforms or you’re looking for fresh short video ideas, this list can help.

7 Short Video Ideas to Jumpstart Your Social Video Strategy

85% of marketers say that short-form video is the most effective types of content. This isn’t too surprising; numerous surveys show that users are watching more short video content, with more engagement, than ever before. Many marketers are investing more time and money in their short video strategy.

However, before you get started with a short video platform like TikTok or Instagram, it’s important to assess your video content strategy, and make sure these platforms are the right fit. This will help to keep your ROI, and your message on track. Also, make sure you have the right tools to create low-cost videos that fit with your strategy. Finally, engage your staff in your video strategy as well. Your staff know your business well, and they may already have ideas on how to create engaging, on-brand videos.

Remember, all businesses are different and some of these short video ideas might not work for your business. Some might fit with your strategy after applying a few small changes. Don’t be afraid to get creative!

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1. Unboxing

This is a common promotional video used by influencers and businesses alike. As the name implies, an unboxing video shows someone taking new merchandise out of a shipping box for the first time. This type of video creates a sense of excitement and anticipation. It’s also a great opportunity to explain and even briefly demonstrate a new product.

This type of video works best when working with someone who already has a following on the platform. Viewers enjoy the video not only to see the new products, but also to see how the person reacts to the products. Personality is as important as the products. You might form a paid partnership with an influencer or popular personality in your industry or niche to jumpstart this video. Or, you can unbox new products yourself!

2. Sneak Peak

The people who work in an industry will always have some experience or special knowledge that someone outside the industry doesn’t have. When experts give viewers a look behind the curtain and show how their job or industry works, they’re providing uncommon knowledge. Even an industry that appears commonplace at first glance can be interesting with the right presentation.

Give viewers a behind-the-scenes look at your business, products, or industry. Your viewers may feel like they’re being let in on a secret, which creates a sense of trust and intrigue. Consider what surprised you when you first started working in your business. Or, consider a critical process that people might not know that they rely on.

Keep in mind that this type of video only works with transparency. If there’s a part of your business that you’re afraid of your customers seeing, this probably isn’t a good type of video to pursue.

3. A Problem Solved

Being a problem solver feels good. With short video content, you can share this experience with others easily.

Consider the last time that you solved a customers’ problem or made a difference to someone in your work. Most likely, others have this same problem, and they’re looking for advice about how to solve it. Talk with your recent customer and ask them to make or help you make a short video showing how you solved their problem.

For this type of video, it’s better to show than tell. While you could simply recount the story of how you fixed a problem, it’s better to show how you did it. You’ll need your customer’s cooperation to show what the problem looked like beforehand. Maybe your landscaping company eradicated pests that were destroying a customer’s lawn. Maybe your skincare company helped alleviate a customer’s chronic dry skin. Maybe your data management software freed up hundreds of gigabytes for a client. Whatever the case, show your story with images to create a compelling video.

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4. Explainer Video

Is there any question you find yourself constantly explaining to people who don’t understand your industry? Or are there common misconceptions that you’re always clearing up? Now is your chance to set the record straight.

Just like the previous short video idea, you’ll need to show your explanation, not just say it in words. This might mean filming a process as you work through it, and explaining key elements as you go. Or, it might mean filming a product or piece of equipment, and showing (while explaining) how it works.

Maybe you’re a florist, and you want to set the record straight about a flower people are always mis-naming. Or maybe you’re a railroad worker explaining how trains are routed through a station. Or maybe you’re a bakery owner and you want to show how to really make a great brioche. Whatever your job, share your knowledge!

5. Testimonial Montage

If you’ve done great work and asked your customers for feedback, you’ve probably received some glowing reviews. Whether you’ve collected text or video reviews, a short testimonial montage is a great way to highlight them.

For this video idea, your video content should be dynamic. If you have a lot of text reviews, splice them in between shots of your business or products. Give viewers enough time to read the reviews, but move quickly, so it doesn’t feel like a slideshow. Leverage your video reviews too. Use highlights, a few seconds long, to showcase the best parts of each customer review. Be sure to include essential information about your business too, like your address, website or contact information.

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6. Event Highlights

Think of your last expo, conference, hiring event, or even a special sale at your store. Were there particular moments that stood out to you? This might be a great short video idea.

An event highlights video is similar to a sneak-peak video. You’re giving viewers an inside look at an event that they didn’t, couldn’t, or wouldn’t normally go to. Consider the moments that were most exciting to you. This might be the unveiling of cutting-edge technology, testing out a special new product, meeting an industry celebrity, or a particularly profound moment during a speech.

Remember, this is a short video idea, so it’s okay if you don’t have hours of mind-blowing footage. Pick your favorite highlights, stitch them together, and post them. Maybe this will just be one video, or maybe you’ll post several over the course of a few weeks.

7. User Videos

Have you searched for your business or brand name on the video platform you’re using? You may have already seen videos that users have posted. Maybe they’re taking pictures of a great meal or coffee you made. Maybe they’re using your makeup, software, or hardware to create a stunning video. There are many different types of user videos, and videos of your products or services may already exist.

There are many ways to engage with your audience and leverage UGC videos. Encourage creativity and make it easy for users to connect with you, usually by tagging you in their own post. Make sure you get permission from content creators before sharing their videos.

These are just a few short video ideas to get your strategy started, or jumpstart your brainstorming session. Put your scrolling time to good use and see what your competitors are doing, or see how influencers in your niche are engaging with their audience. Tweak your strategy accordingly and you’ll get on top of this rising trend.