Hey there! So, you’re wondering how to use marketing videos on social media to engage your audience and maybe even go viral? Well, grab a cup of coffee and let’s chat about it! I’m going to share some of my personal experiences, sprinkle in some practical examples, and walk you through the best ways to make marketing videos that grab attention, build trust, and—most importantly—help you meet your goals. Whether you’re a small business owner, a content creator, or just someone looking to enhance their social game, I’ve got you covered.
Why Are Marketing Videos So Powerful on Social Media?
Before diving into how to create and use these videos effectively, let’s talk about why they work. Social media is all about connecting with people. People love stories, they love entertainment, and—let’s face it—they love a good laugh. Videos are dynamic. They combine visual elements, sound, and storytelling in a way that can touch emotions, educate, and even inspire action.
I remember when I first started creating marketing videos for my own projects. It felt intimidating at first—like, where do I even start? But after seeing how a simple 30-second video about my product boosted my engagement by over 300%, I was hooked. Let’s explore together how you can use this powerful medium.
1. Know Your Audience: Who Are You Talking To?
The most important part of using marketing videos on social media is understanding your audience. I once created a video I thought was hilarious—lots of funny edits and quick cuts. But it flopped. Why? I didn’t think about my audience. My followers weren’t looking for humor; they were looking for useful information.
Take some time to think about who your audience is. Are they young and looking for entertainment? Are they professionals wanting straight-to-the-point advice? Knowing this helps you tailor your video to resonate.
- Tip: Use analytics to learn about your audience’s interests. Both Facebook and Instagram have built-in insights that give you tons of useful demographic data.
2. Types of Marketing Videos That Work Well
Not all videos are created equal. The kind of content you put out there should align with your objectives and audience expectations.
a. Explainer Videos
Explainer videos are perfect for simplifying complex ideas. I once saw a brand break down a highly technical product into a simple animated video. It worked like magic because people could finally understand what made the product special.
b. Behind-the-Scenes Videos
People love authenticity. One of the best ways to build trust is by letting your audience peek behind the curtain. Show them how your product is made or what your office culture is like. When I posted a behind-the-scenes clip of me messing up while recording, it got tons of engagement. People like seeing the human side of brands.
c. User-Generated Content
Encouraging users to create their own videos about your product or service can work wonders. It adds credibility since it’s coming from real customers. Plus, it’s a great way to boost community engagement.
3. Choose the Right Platform for Your Video
Different platforms have different vibes. What works on TikTok might not work as well on LinkedIn.
TikTok & Instagram Reels
These platforms are all about short, snappy, and fun content. Keep your videos entertaining, visually striking, and quick to the point. I’ve found that when I use trendy music and incorporate trending challenges, the reach goes way up.
Facebook & YouTube
Longer videos, such as tutorials or explainer videos, work well here. Facebook is great for storytelling, while YouTube is perfect for deep dives and how-tos. I once uploaded a product tutorial on YouTube, and it consistently brought in views for months—helping keep the product relevant.
LinkedIn is all about value and professionalism. Keep your videos educational, insightful, and industry-focused. If you want to position yourself as an expert, this is where you do it. I like to use LinkedIn to share quick industry tips and analysis.
4. Make the First Few Seconds Count
On social media, attention spans are short. Like, super short. In fact, studies say that you have about 3 seconds to grab someone’s attention before they scroll past your video.
- Start with a bang: Whether it’s a bold statement, an interesting visual, or a question, make sure you capture attention right away.
- Hook examples: Try starting with, “Did you know that videos on Instagram get 49% more engagement than images?”
From my experience, asking a question that directly relates to my audience’s pain points tends to work best. It pulls them in and makes them want to watch more.
5. Keep It Short and Sweet
Remember, we’re not creating a Hollywood epic. Short and engaging videos often perform better because they fit into people’s busy scrolling habits.
Ideal Video Length by Platform
- Instagram Reels/TikTok: 15-30 seconds
- Facebook: 1-2 minutes
- YouTube: 2-5 minutes for informative content
I remember when I made a 10-minute video for Instagram—yikes, lesson learned. It was way too long, and my audience dropped off after the first minute. Now, I keep my content concise and engaging, and my view rates have significantly improved.
6. Don’t Forget About Captions & Subtitles
You might be surprised to learn that many people watch videos with the sound off, especially when they’re in public. Adding captions can make a massive difference in engagement.
- Quick Tip: Platforms like YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram have built-in tools to add subtitles easily. Plus, it’s great for accessibility, ensuring that everyone can engage with your content.
7. Add a Call to Action
A marketing video without a call to action (CTA) is like a road trip without a destination. Whether it’s asking viewers to follow your page, check out your website, or comment below, guide your viewers on what to do next.
- Examples of CTAs: “If you found this tip useful, hit the like button!” or “Visit the link in my bio for more info!”
From my own trial and error, I learned that being specific with CTAs leads to better results. For instance, “Comment with your favorite tip!” works better than just “Comment below.”
8. Using Stories to Create Engagement
Stories are great because they offer a low-pressure way for audiences to engage with your brand. They disappear after 24 hours, making them perfect for quick updates, polls, and teasers. I like to use stories to share bloopers, quick polls, or behind-the-scenes shots—keeping things light and personal.
9. Optimize for SEO & Algorithms
If your video can’t be found, it can’t be watched! Here’s how to help your marketing video thrive.
a. Use Keywords in Titles & Descriptions
Make sure to use keywords like “How to use marketing videos on social media” in your video titles, descriptions, and even spoken content when possible. This helps platforms categorize your content, making it more discoverable.
b. Tags, Hashtags, and Thumbnails
- Tags: YouTube allows tags, and they still matter. Use relevant ones.
- Hashtags: Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook use hashtags to boost reach. Use popular and niche-specific ones.
- Thumbnails: Create an eye-catching thumbnail that encourages clicks. A compelling image + a few bold words = more views.
10. Engage with Your Audience
Videos are a two-way street—encourage people to comment, share, or react to your video. After posting a video, I always take some time to respond to comments. This boosts engagement and helps the video reach a wider audience.
11. Cross-Promote Your Video Content
Use every channel at your disposal. Share your TikTok video on Instagram, add your YouTube video link to your blog, and tweet snippets to tease the full content. When I shared clips from a YouTube tutorial on my Instagram story, I noticed a 25% bump in YouTube traffic.
12. Analyze What Works and Iterate
You’ll only get better by paying attention to what works and what doesn’t. Use analytics to track performance—Facebook Insights, Instagram Insights, and YouTube Analytics are great tools.
- Metrics to Watch: Watch time, click-through rates, likes, comments, and shares.
I personally love looking at the drop-off points in my videos. They tell me exactly when I lost my audience’s interest so I can adjust future content accordingly.
Conclusion: Just Get Started!
Using marketing videos on social media doesn’t have to be complicated. Start small, learn as you go, and most importantly, be authentic. The more you put yourself out there, the more comfortable you’ll become. Trust me, I was pretty nervous when I started, but now I genuinely love making videos—and it shows in the results!
Whether you’re creating a quick Instagram Reel or a longer Facebook story, each platform has its own best practices, but at the core, it’s all about connecting with people.
So go ahead—pick up that camera (or just your phone) and start creating! I’d love to hear how it goes. Feel free to share your experiences, and we can learn from each other!