Social Media Video Strategies to Engage Viewers in the Mobile Era

Social media shapes how people connect and share, and video sits at the center of this experience. Studies show that video makes up over 70% of all internet traffic, and experts predict this number will keep rising through 2030 (Cisco, 2023). Modern viewers watch videos on the go, mostly with phones, and often expect quick, engaging content. This guide explores eight crucial social media video tips to help your business increase reach, boost engagement, and stay ahead in a crowded digital landscape.

8 Essential Social Media Video Tips for Businesses

Applying the right video strategy can make your content more effective. Follow these tips to maximize your impact on any platform.

1. Keep Videos Short and Engaging

• Short-form videos often get twice as much engagement compared to longer ones (Wyzowl, 2023).
• Aim for videos under two minutes. Platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels favor bite-sized content.
• Make your point quickly; start with attention-grabbing visuals or text within the first few seconds.

2. Optimize Every Video for Mobile Devices

• Over 90% of social media users access platforms from smartphones (Statista, 2023).
• Use vertical (9:16) or square (1:1) formats. These fill phone screens and reduce wasted space.
• Make text and graphics large enough to see on smaller screens.

3. Tell a Relatable Story

• Storytelling creates emotional connections and holds viewers’ attention.
• Build narratives around real-life scenarios, customer testimonials, or behind-the-scenes updates.
• Humor and authentic moments help foster trust and make your brand memorable.

4. Prioritize High-Quality Production

• Clear visuals and crisp audio help your brand stand out.
• Invest in good lighting, a steady camera, and basic video editing software.
• Triple-check for distractions like background noise or poor framing.
• Even simple step-ups in quality can boost views and shares.

5. Explore Multiple Video Formats

• Try live streams, stories, reels, and standard posts to reach different audiences.
• Host live Q&As for real-time interaction or create quick tutorials using reels or stories.
• Track which formats get the best responses and adapt your content strategy.

6. Partner with Influencers

• Influencer content often garners higher trust and engagement from viewers.
• Find influencers whose followers match your target audience.
• Ask them to showcase your products in creative ways, such as reviews or demonstrations.
• Monitor engagement rates to chart the success of each collaboration.

7. Leverage Analytics to Refine Your Strategy

• Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube offer detailed analytics.
• Track key metrics such as total views, watch time, shares, and comments.
• Identify what performs best and tweak your next videos for higher impact.
• Regular tracking helps you focus resources on formats and topics that work.

8. Include Captions and Subtitles for Greater Reach

• Around 85% of Facebook videos are watched with the sound off (Digiday, 2016).
• Captions and subtitles boost accessibility for the deaf and hard of hearing.
• Subtitling also increases global reach by allowing you to translate content for new audiences.
• Use professional closed caption services or automated transcription to add accurate text quickly.

Bonus Tips: Maximize Video Potential with Professional Support

• Transcription services create accurate video transcripts for easier repurposing.
• Text Translation services and audio translation service help your message reach non-English speakers.
• Get help with detailed editing using transcription proofreading services.
• Check affordable transcription pricing or captioning services pricing to manage costs.

Get Started: Action Steps for Your Next Video

• Plan topics that match your audience’s interests.
• Script brief, memorable messages.
• Shoot with mobile-optimized framing and quality.
• Add captions or subtitles to extend your video’s reach.
• Use analytics after posting to refine future campaigns.

Conclusion

A strong social media video strategy depends on delivering short, high-quality, mobile-friendly content that tells compelling stories. Experimenting with formats, partnering with influencers, adding subtitles, and using analytics will keep your content effective in a fast-moving digital world. To make your workflow easier, consider using GoTranscript’s transcription services, automated transcription, subtitling services, and closed caption services for every stage of your video production. Ready to level up your business’s social media videos? Order transcription or order captions today!