What are some innovative video formats and techniques for audience engagement?

1 Vertical videos

Vertical videos are videos that are filmed or edited to fit the portrait orientation of mobile devices, rather than the traditional landscape mode. Vertical videos have become more popular in recent years, especially with the rise of platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, and Reels, where users can easily consume and create short-form content on their phones. Vertical videos can offer some advantages, such as taking up more screen space, creating a more immersive and personal experience, and aligning with the natural way people hold their phones. However, vertical videos also have some challenges, such as limiting the amount of information and visual elements you can include, requiring careful framing and composition, and potentially alienating viewers who prefer horizontal formats. To make effective vertical videos, you need to consider your audience's preferences, your platform's specifications, your video's purpose and message, and your creative vision.

2 360-degree videos

360-degree videos are videos that capture the entire spherical view of a scene, allowing the viewer to explore the surroundings by moving their device or cursor. 360-degree videos can create a more immersive and realistic experience, as well as a sense of agency and curiosity for the viewer. 360-degree videos can be used for various purposes, such as virtual tours, documentaries, live events, gaming, and education. However, 360-degree videos also have some limitations, such as requiring special equipment and software, demanding more bandwidth and storage, posing ethical and legal issues, and potentially causing motion sickness or disorientation for some viewers. To make effective 360-degree videos, you need to plan your shots carefully, avoid unnecessary movement and cuts, provide clear guidance and cues, and test your videos on different devices and platforms.

3 Interactive videos

Interactive videos are videos that allow the viewer to make choices, influence the outcome, or participate in the content. Interactive videos can increase the engagement, retention, and satisfaction of your audience, as well as provide valuable feedback and data. Interactive videos can be used for various purposes, such as storytelling, gaming, learning, marketing, and social impact. However, interactive videos also have some challenges, such as requiring more time and resources, creating complex branching scenarios, ensuring technical compatibility and accessibility, and balancing the user's control and the creator's intent. To make effective interactive videos, you need to define your goals and metrics, design your user interface and experience, create your content and logic, and test and optimize your videos.

4 Live videos

Live videos are videos that are broadcasted in real time, allowing the viewer to watch and interact with the content as it happens. Live videos can create a sense of urgency, authenticity, and community, as well as generate more views and engagement. Live videos can be used for various purposes, such as news, entertainment, education, marketing, and social impact. However, live videos also have some risks, such as technical difficulties, unexpected events, negative feedback, and legal issues. To make effective live videos, you need to prepare your equipment and setup, plan your content and schedule, promote your broadcast and audience, and monitor and moderate your stream.

5 Animated videos

Animated videos are videos that use drawings, graphics, or other visual elements to create motion and convey a message. Animated videos can offer some benefits, such as attracting attention, simplifying complex ideas, expressing creativity, and appealing to emotions. Animated videos can be used for various purposes, such as entertainment, education, marketing, and social impact. However, animated videos also have some drawbacks, such as requiring more skills and tools, consuming more time and budget, and facing more competition and expectations. To make effective animated videos, you need to choose your style and format, write your script and storyboard, create your assets and animation, and add your sound and effects.

6 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?