The Art of Short-Form Video: Engaging your Audience on Social Media

Short-form video on social media has become one of the most powerful tools to utilize when engaging with your audience in today’s fast paced digital world. Popular social media platforms such as TikTok and Instagram have revolutionized the way we create and consume content. Let’s take a look at everything you need to know about short-form video on social media.

How to Use Music and Sounds to Boost Engagement in Short-Form Videos

In short-form videos on social media, the choice of music or sound can be crucial for your brand since they are powerful storytelling tools. The music or sound in your video has the power to evoke emotion and create a memorable experience, which can lead to a boost in engagement. Using trending sounds on your videos can help your brand gain traction. Keep an eye out for these trending audios on either TikTok’s “For You Page” or Instagram’s “Discover Page.”

A huge factor when using trending audios is ensuring that they resonate with your target audience. Staying relevant is a necessity for brands that want to remain competitive, visible, and connected to their audience. It’s not enough to just have a presence; you need to engage with current trends, keep content fresh, and evolve with consumer needs.

The Psychology of Short-Form Videos

The psychology behind short-form videos on social media, especially the kind that’s popular on platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels, is rooted in how our brains process information and how we interact with digital content. Short-form videos typically run between 15 and 60 seconds, and this brevity taps into our desire for instant gratification. The instant nature of these videos keeps us hooked because they’re over before we even realize it, encouraging us to watch another, and another, and another. The human brain is wired to avoid overload. Longer videos, especially those that require sustained attention and mental effort, can cause cognitive fatigue, which leads to disengagement. The average attention span has decreased in the age of digital overload. For creators, it’s an opportunity to harness this rapid engagement and keep audiences hooked—one 60-second video at a time.

Create a Compelling Call-to-Action

A CTA or call-to-action is super important for any short-form video. A CTA will direct your viewers to the next step you want them to take. Without a CTA, viewers may enjoy your video but not feel compelled to interact. A well-crafted CTA can prompt them to like, comment, share, or follow, which helps boost your content’s visibility through social media algorithms. When creating your CTA, it should be easy to understand and prompt immediate action. Don’t overcomplicate it with too many options. A single, clear action will yield better results than trying to make viewers do multiple things. A conversational CTA sounds more like a natural invitation than a hard sell. Rather than telling your audience what to do, you’re asking them to be part of a dialogue or activity. For example, use phrases such as “What do you think? Let me know in the comments!” or “Hurry, this offer expires in 24 hours!” to keep the audience engaged and encourage them to take action.

Optimizing Short-Form Video for Each Platform: Best Practices and Tips

When creating short-form video content for social media, understanding the nuances of each platform is essential to maximize engagement, reach, and overall performance. While short-form video on social media works similarly across various platforms, each one has its unique format requirements, audience preferences, and algorithmic tendencies. For instance, TikTok videos should be in a 9:16 vertical format and should grab attention within the first 2–3 seconds. An Instagram Reel is best in a 9:16 format, just like TikTok. Instagram tends to favor polished, visually-appealing content, so it’s worth paying attention to lighting, color grading, and consistency in your video style.

How Kraus Marketing Can Help Your Brand with Short-Form Videos on Socia

Short-form video content on social media is no longer optional, it’s essential for brands looking to engage, educate, and entertain their audience. At Kraus Marketing, we specialize in crafting tailored short-form social media video strategies that align with your brand’s voice and goals. Contact us today to get started and watch your business grow in the digital age.