Why Short-Form Video?
From the days of classic TV commercials to today’s viral social media clips, video taps into our emotions, drawing us in because, as humans, we’re natural empaths. We connect with stories, and video lets us feel and relate in ways that words or images alone can’t.
But the landscape has changed dramatically over the past decade. The way we consume video—and the way we tell stories through it—has shifted, and this is especially true for small businesses. For any Video Production Agency, understanding this evolution is crucial to staying relevant.
Why Short-Form Video Dominates Today
We live in a world where short-form video content reigns supreme. Think about it: Instagram Reels, TikTok, YouTube Shorts—these platforms are built around quick, engaging content that grabs attention within seconds. Why? Because short-form video feels authentic. It’s unfiltered, real, and often, it’s just someone speaking directly to the camera, sharing a piece of their world.
This authenticity is what makes short-form video so powerful, especially for small businesses. It’s not about having a huge budget for glossy production anymore. Instead, it’s about creating relatable, real content that connects with your audience on a personal level. A Video Production Agency that doesn’t adapt to this trend risks being left behind.
The Shift in Video Production for Small Businesses
Let’s take a look at how this shift has impacted the way small businesses should approach video production. Not long ago, a brand video for a business might have been a big, one-off project—a single, polished video meant to impress. But in today’s landscape, that approach is no longer enough.
For instance, back in 2018, we worked with a Sydney-based Non-For-Profit. We quoted $15,000 for a single 90-second brand video with a 30-second cutdown for social media. That was standard practice at the time. But if I were to quote that same project today, the approach would be entirely different. For the same budget, I’d recommend a 60-second brand video for their website and YouTube, plus five 15-30 second cutdowns for social media and paid ads in various formats. This isn’t just about getting more content for your money—it’s about creating the right kind of content for today’s audiences.
More content is not better – it never has been and never will be. Quality over quantity, etc… But, quantity matters more than it ever has. So now, it’s a balancing act between finding a video production company that understand branding, storytelling, and high-end video production, but balancing that with the need for content for social media.
This is where a Video Production Agency in regional areas like Coffs Harbour, Port Macquarie, etc needs to evolve. Australia’s largest cities such as Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane; all have thousands of video production agencies evolving with new trends on social media. In the slower regional centres, Video Production is stuck as a project cost, not an on-going marketing expense.
For example, in Coffs Harbour, 71% of businesses post video content to social media less than 1 time per week. In Sydney, 42% of businesses post less than 1 video content to social media per week. And of that 42% almost 60% of these businesses are underperforming, or say they wish they had more time to post to social media.
The key isn’t just producing one high-quality video; it’s about producing multiple pieces of content that fit different platforms and formats. Video quality still matters, but quantity, especially in the form of short, engaging clips, is becoming more important.
Why Adapting to Short-Form Content Matters
This shift to short-form video isn’t just a passing trend; it’s a fundamental change in how people engage with content. If you are a small business owner, this means that your video production strategy needs to evolve too. Whether you’re working with a Video Production Agency or doing it yourself, you need to think about how your audience consumes content.
Consumers today have shorter attention spans and are bombarded with content every second they’re online. To capture their attention, your videos need to be brief, to the point, and tailored for the platform they’re on. This is where working with a forward-thinking Video Production Agency becomes invaluable—they’ll understand that a one-size-fits-all approach to video content no longer works.
Practical Tips for Creating Effective Short-Form Video
So, how can you make sure your video content resonates with your audience? Here are a few tips:
- Hook Your Audience Early: You have about 3 seconds to grab attention. Start your video with a strong hook—something that immediately piques interest.
- Focus on the Message: Keep your videos short and focused. Instead of trying to cram multiple points into one video, make each video about one specific message or call to action.
- Embrace Authenticity: Don’t worry about being too polished. Today’s viewers appreciate real, unvarnished content that feels genuine.
- Adapt to Each Platform: Tailor your content to fit the platform you’re using. A video that works on YouTube might not work on TikTok or Instagram.
In today’s fast-paced digital landscape, every Video Production Agency must adapt to the growing demand for short-form content. By focusing on authentic, high-impact videos that resonate with audiences, small businesses can make the most of their video production investments.
In Sydney or beyond, the future of video content is short, sweet, and straight to the point. And for businesses looking to grow, there’s no better time to start embracing this change.