How can you improve social media engagement with images and videos?

1 Choose the right format

Different social media platforms have different specifications and preferences for image and video formats. For example, Instagram favors square or vertical images and videos, while Twitter supports horizontal or vertical formats. You should always check the guidelines and recommendations of each platform before uploading your content, and use tools like Canva or Adobe Spark to resize and edit your images and videos accordingly. This will ensure that your content looks professional, consistent, and fits the screen of your audience.

2 Use high-quality and relevant images and videos

Quality matters when it comes to visual content. You want to use images and videos that are clear, crisp, and attractive, and that match the tone and message of your content. Avoid using blurry, pixelated, or distorted images and videos, as they can damage your credibility and reputation. You should also use images and videos that are relevant to your topic, audience, and brand. For example, if you are writing about travel, you should use images and videos that showcase the destinations, cultures, and experiences you are talking about, rather than generic or unrelated ones.

3 Add captions and text overlays

Captions and text overlays are useful ways to add context, information, and call to action to your images and videos. Captions are the text that accompanies your image or video on the platform, and they can help you explain the purpose, story, or value of your content. Text overlays are the text that is embedded on your image or video, and they can help you highlight the main point, keyword, or offer of your content. You should use captions and text overlays that are concise, catchy, and clear, and that complement your image or video without distracting from it.

4 Use hashtags and tags

Hashtags and tags are another way to increase the visibility and engagement of your images and videos on social media. Hashtags are words or phrases that are preceded by a # symbol, and they help you categorize your content and connect with other users who are interested in the same topic. Tags are names or usernames that are preceded by a @ symbol, and they help you mention or credit other users who are related to your content. You should use hashtags and tags that are relevant, popular, and specific to your image or video, and that help you reach your target audience and join the conversation.

5 Encourage user-generated content

User-generated content (UGC) is any content that is created by your audience, such as photos, videos, reviews, or testimonials. UGC is a great way to boost your social media engagement, as it shows that you value your customers, increases your trust and credibility, and creates a sense of community and loyalty. You can encourage UGC by asking your audience to share their feedback, stories, or experiences with your product or service, by creating contests or challenges that invite them to participate, or by featuring their content on your platform and giving them recognition and rewards.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?