We live in a digital visual age populated with more content than any person can feasibly consume in a lifetime. With innovations in technology and shifting societal attitudes and constructs, most people are connected and exposed to an endless stream of various media vying for their attention. There is no platform these days when you are free of something competing for that pause in your scrolling and that extra click for engagement. No matter the platform, though, there are still specific types of videos that get the most views and interaction.
Video companies thrive on this desire for consumption that the public has, and the best way to reach the market, whether you are trying to launch a brand or sell some products, is by knowing what trends are sticking around to inform what they seek out. Here are some of the most effective video types you can use to rack up those views.
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Vertical content
With the advent of social media sharing, live videos, and viral-video producing platforms like TikTok, vertical video has started to rise meteorically as the norm despite being seen as “poor form” in the past. That is because the majority of viewers nowadays watch on their mobile, which is accessed vertically on the default. As people want to continue viewing content while easily scrolling along and jumping across tabs, the more it becomes easier and preferable to view vertical videos.
Even though a horizontal video is still a valid entry for professional videos and films, more and more brands adopt vertical to reach a wider audience. Many campaigns even make use of both, creating vertical-specific versions of bigger and more threshed out horizontal videos.
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Subtitled videos
Ever since Facebook led the charge to this and other sites followed suit, more and more people watch videos with the sound off. It’s a convenient feature that allows users to make use of the autoplay functionality in different platforms without disrupting their browsing experience. It’s mostly a useful feature so that people can watch content even if they are in a public space, and they don’t have to use their earphones.
That is why it’s essential to have captions on your videos. Of the majority of viewers who now watch sans sound, 80% of consumers are more likely to watch it in its entirety if there are captions. Whether you are a brand or an independent creator, garnering that attractive social media following will take some good captioning so that you can get your content across without them having to unmute.
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Series videos
People love a good series. It is the age of binge consumption, and the public willingly succumbs to it because it’s an easy way to pass the time. It’s especially apparent after the pandemic has forced everyone to stay home and consume even more online content.
Of course, the first thing you want is a solid concept that will generate interest in the first place. However, the next step to building a consistent audience is creating a series with different follow-ups and continuity. Just look at the success of channels like Wired, where their videos tackle other concepts but follow a specific format that returns viewers and new visitors alike can take an interest in.
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Vlogs
Vlogs are so accessible that basically anyone can do them nowadays. And yet, they are some of the most popular content that ends up building communities. They are easy to take in, they feel personal, and they are a great way to dive into some topics and aspects in a way that doesn’t automatically seem so manufactured. People like getting a look into other interests and things outside of their own lives while still feeling a sense of connection. This growing viewer attitude is why so many vloggers are becoming some of the biggest content creators with the most engagement.
Whether you opt to do scripted videos or set topics, consider diving into this format or adding elements from vlogs that can make your videos feel like they contribute to a social community.
Your video campaign will primarily be based on your own goals and objectives with your messaging and any preferences you have for your video style. Still, these factors are a good thing to think about if you want to hop on the trends dictating the world of video. Not only do people want to read or hear talking these days, but they also want to see things in action. They also respond well to good visual cues that cut above the rest in a landscape already full of distractions.