The Essential Guide to Micro Videos & How to Get Started

Are you trying to grow your brand on TikTok, Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, and LinkedIn? If you are an aspiring influencer, content creator, video podcast host, or business owner, you need to have a micro video strategy from 2023 onwards.

By repurposing your old content and breaking down your new pillar content pieces, you can essentially 3x the number of videos you are able to post on all platforms. This way you don't have only 1 video to publish, but a whole library of videos at your disposal.

Let's get started, I hope this article adds value!

What are micro videos?

Micro videos are the latest trend in content marketing. Like me, you've spent countless hours watching these engaging videos without even realizing it. They are short, concise videos that focus on one idea or topic and provide the audience with a quick, engaging experience. They can range anywhere from 6 to 30 seconds in length (max 60 seconds), making them perfect for a wide variety of platforms.

Micro videos are ideal for creating content on social media, where users have shorter attention spans. They offer a way to quickly deliver a message or highlight a product or service, without having to commit to a longer video. The key to successful micro videos is to keep them short and to the point, while still delivering an impactful message. If done correctly, micro videos can become an integral part of your content strategy, helping to increase your audience reach and engagement.

Check out micro video example 1

4 reasons why YOU need a micro video strategy?

If you are an aspiring influencer/creator, video podcast host, or business owner, here are a few reasons you should include a micro video strategy ASAP...

1. It's a fast and efficient way to 3x the amount of alluring content you have
2. They are easy for viewers to share and generate a lot of engagement
3. You will be able to reach new audiences and therefore grow brand awareness
4. You will learn what resonates with your audience in less time

Check out micro video example 2

How can you create micro videos starting today? Let's break it down! (guideline below)

As a video editor myself, I'm constantly looking to improve how I edit. It's important for me to understand how the content world is constantly changing. I've been noticing what makes a solid micro video that will capture the viewer's attention more often than not.

"50% of consumers would prefer to engage with videos on social media and thus people stop scrolling once a video catches their attention" (source).

How to start creating micro videos in 3 steps:

1. Establish what your long-form pieces of content are: Do you have a video/audio podcast, daily vlog, keynote speeches, interviews, fireside chats, etc? Anything that is over 5 minutes long, is something I would consider a long piece of content in today's world. Crazy right...our attention span is only shortening as the years go by!
2. Extract key moments and create micro videos: Look for 5-6 (or more) short moments that you believe will resonate with your audience. Start with moments that are insightful, funny, inspirational, heart-wrenching, etc (it really depends on your general tone). This can be used as the approach for what to look for within your long-form pieces. Once you have established what those moments are, then you can start creating your micro-videos. (Scroll down to see the micro video editing guidelines). NOTE: You don't only have to rely on creating new long-form content to extract bits for micro videos. Be resourceful and look at what you have already posted and see if it is possible to repurpose your old content.
3. Post your videos on all social media platforms: it's time to get organized and schedule when and where you will post all of this content. Consistency is key, don't be afraid to post every day or every 2-3 times a day. Not only can these be posted on each platform's timeline but also as a story if permitted (some social media platforms do not have the story feature). Audience behavior is different on each platform, so quickly learn where you can get away with posting more without the risk of annoying your audience.

Take a look at the picture below of a screenshot of one of GaryVee's videos (I'm a personal fan of his content). Can you spot what he does here to make it an attractive micro video?

Let's break it down using this example to our right.

Generally speaking, this is the GUIDELINE you should use when editing your micro videos:

1. Length: 6-30 seconds. This is the sweet spot. It can be tempting to make a longer video, but most people tend to skip over these types of videos once they realize they need to invest more watch time.
2. 9:16 Video Dimensions: This ratio works for TikTok, Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, and LinkedIn as well. One video can be posted on all the relevant platforms.
3. Intriguing Title: Keep it short and direct (6 words max) and place the title in big letters at the very top of the screen throughout the entirety of the video. I've seen some videos where they disappear after a while, that also works. Just test it out. The titles give the viewer an insight into what exactly will be discussed, therefore increasing relevant audience retention.
4. Subtitles: ALWAYS ADD THEM! Specifically, yellow subtitles that are outlined in black. Generally speaking, this color combination is legible on almost any color that may pop on the screen. You don't have to stick to this color combination but this one performs the best. This helps the viewer follow along and it keeps their eyes engaged and fixated. Adding subtitles is also very important for people that are visually impaired and for commuters that do not have headphones. They are still able to watch the video WITHOUT the audio on. For this reason, I would argue that this is more important for a successful micro video than having a title. Note: KEEP AWAY from neon colors.
5. Emojis: This is not mandatory but if your look and feel is a little more relaxed and not as corporate, you can definitely add emojis that are in sync with the subtitles/what is being said in a subtle manner. That being said, if you are typically a professional, corporate account, you can always test it out. It's not the end of the world if you break the branding guidelines from time to time. You can be slightly edgier depending on the platform. In the example I provided, I personally think the clock emoji is too large. If you are going to add emojis, don't make them too large so that it covers 30% of what the viewers are watching.
6. Thumbnails: when you upload your video, make sure that the thumbnail shows the "intriguing title" so that your audience can easily find the video again in your timeline.
7. BONUS (Music & logo): GaryVee didn't add his logo in this example but you should subtly add your logo in the top left/right side of the video. Music can also be added to elevate the quality of the video however, it is not necessary. Sometimes adding music can complicate the editing of the video.

Check out micro video example 3

It's now time for YOU to CREATE micro videos!

That's it for now folks! I hope this article has helped break down the world of micro video content. I will continue to create educational posts about micro videos, creative tips and hacks that I have learned over the years as a content creator/video editor.

Keep in mind, this strategy is already at play. Many influencers, podcasters, interviewers, and companies are already doing this and are successfully growing their views, followers, reach, and brand awareness.

If you have any questions or comments, please let me know and I'd be happy to help you.

You can connect with me on LinkedIn. DM me if you'd like and I will get back to you as soon as I am able to.

Feel free to check out my website for more micro video content help as well!

"How one plays with the tools is the variable of success" Gary Vaynerchuk

Watch "Why you need to make even more content in 2022" by GaryVee. This helped me rethink how I approach content creation and distribution.

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