The past couple of years have seen the rise of shorter video content seen on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube. Well, the kind of momentum these unique formats have garnered is evidence of the reduced attention span of our audience. Which is why, it is of paramount importance for video editors and animators to have proper reels editing knowledge and be prepared for the future.
Today, it's not just about making content - but making 'engaging' content. Creating a piece of information that does both storytelling and spreading awareness. And video content is the new generation’s storytelling. They are here to spread a message and build a community. And it is quite evident from the fact that an average person these days watches 17 hours videos per week.
This staggering factor makes it uber-important to have a robust video strategy in place. Considering the unique formats in which videos are consumed these days, digital marketers and eCommerce brands must keep experimenting with how they can publish their video content.
Shorter Video Content – One in Popularity Metric
One such unique video format that has gained massive popularity in the last couple of years is 'Reels'. Following the suite of shorter videos popularized mainly by TikTok, Instagram rolled out Instagram Reels in August 2020, which has been tremendously popular amongst Gen X, and even Millennials.
And with time, reels have been adopted by small businesses and bigger brands alike. With this rising tide, YouTube has joined the ballgame with YouTube Shorts, a much more engaging way to consume videos on the streaming giant.
The Growing Popularity of Short-Form Videos
But why do you think shorter video content are so popular amongst netizens now? Simply, because they do not have time to watch 1-2 minutes long videos. As much as their attention span has decreased, now we have a myriad of other options in hand. If the duration of an online video exceeds 30 seconds, chances are the viewer will skip to other content.
Hence, the boom of shorter video content that hooks the viewers within 5 seconds and conveys the entire message in the rest of 10 seconds. More and more businesses are catching up to this trend eventually. Instagram now has a 'Swipe' option that enables eCommerce brands to advertise their products, as well as open up a door for instant messaging.
However, with all these formats in our resort, how do you create them? Or more precisely, how do you edit them? What is the optimum technique of editing reels that appeals to your target audience?
Let's do some digging on that.
Just like it takes lot of creative skill to create an engaging trailer, the same goes for editing Instagram reels, TikTok reels, and YouTube Shorts. In general, a great reel is the testimony of your creative genius. A poorly edited reel not only leaves a negative impression but also ruins the chance for interaction. Edit your reel videos in a way that makes them ask for more.
Instagram Reels on the Rise
As we speak, Instagram has enabled its users to edit up to 30-second videos with eye-catching visuals, catchy texts, stickers, relevant music and similar other special effects. This significantly empowers marketers and content creators to highlight their best products and services and gain momentum. Social media enthusiasts are taking advantage of this as an additional way to reach their fans and followers.
So now, let's dig deeper into the techniques and editing hacks one must know while editing reel videos.
Record Hands-free
Shoot the video without asking someone to hold your phone. If you are a social media influencer and want to promote a brand, it goes without saying that you will film yourself either wearing the product, using it, or unboxing it. Do everything at your pace and go hands-free. TikTok gives you a 3-10 seconds timer that enables even a novice to create excellent content. Instagram and YouTube also have similar features.
Determine the Tone of the Video
Your tone will give you the direction the video will go in. Do you want your video in a high-contrast tone of black and white? Or like the dreamy, surreal long shots with quick transitions? Well, everything depends upon the tone you set. Stylize your video during the editing process; add filters and an upbeat pop tune for lighter content. And maybe a more classical track for some serious stuff you showcase.
Highlight your Best Works
You might be a video enthusiast, but don't cram your reel with too much of everything. Else you will lose the point and your audience will miss the fun part. Keep everything minimal and select 25% of the clips that showcase your product.
Hook your audience within the first 5 seconds and use the remaining 10-15 seconds to highlight specific achievements and skills.
Figure out a Reel Thread
Figure out the kind of reel that works best for your nature of business and your line of products. Whether you prefer longer snippets, back-to-back clips, or maybe smaller bits stitched together.
Well, my personal favorite is the latter, where you get to show multiple smaller bits of your products, all edited into one consolidated video snippet. Add quick, yet smooth transitions that will keep the audience engaged.
Be on an Editing Spree
This is probably the most crucial point of all. First, you edit the linear flow of your content, follow a pattern, and weave a visual story. Do the storytelling in a manner that highlights your USP, shows a problem statement, and how you can solve it. Remember, your audience has a much shorter attention span than you can even imagine. So be quick to establish that connection with them.
The second-most vital factor is to edit all the redundant elements that you feel are not adding value to your content. Any bloopers, stuttering, lighting issues, audio glitches - anything that might spoil the aesthetics of the reel, you must get rid of the same. Keep those visuals that are flawless and best show your works. But yes, at the same time, do not overdo the editing part. If there are too many jump cuts in the video, which might irk your audience and make them swipe.
Add Relevant Filters
What is Instagram without filters! Well, we all have added some kind of filters while uploading images on our Insta-handles, do the same in your reels as well. Utilize the in-app filters, A/R effects, and other transition elements. The smoother your transitions are, the more viewership you can expect, and automatically more shares.
Choose your Background Score & Audio Wisely
Well, it is always natural to focus more on the visuals and be extra cautious about it. But one must never ignore the importance of audio and music in making a reel distinctly shareable. Poor usage of sound effects and background music can result in a hideous outcome thus, backfiring all your efforts. Analyze all the clips you would show and think of a musical piece that tunes in with that.
Be extremely sure of the choice you make, because that is what will give your reel a professional appearance. Identify the hidden emotion within the content and select between an upbeat or a more mellowed down score. Also, in your excitement in editing, do not ever use any copyright music or else your video can be partially muted in between. Which is ultimately a negative thing.
Save the file in Multiple Places
This is called the '321 technique', and if you are not familiar with it, you are reading the right Blog post. Well, this technique makes it the norm to save your work in multiple locations. Like, you can save one copy of the video locally, and two other copies on the cloud, or on a hard drive. This ensures your creative work is saved in a third place, a second place, and also on a first place.
Why do you need this - to be extra sure that whatever happens, your video is safe. And even if one storage location fails, you will have it safe in another location.
Now Share It
All said and done, now simply hit the 'Share' or 'Post' button. All your hard work will now yield its actual results. Make sure you analyze the exact time of the day when your audience is most active. Doing this will drive the maximum reach for your content.
Keep track of how the reel is performing; what is the number of likes, shares, and views it has received. Based on these insights, you may have a better idea of what you are doing.
Wrapping Up
Editing your reels is equally important as creating them. Just remember, your reel (be it personal or business) must be a reflection of everything you stand for, and must represent the best of you and your brand. Reels, TikToks, and YouTube Shorts are incredibly great for spreading information and driving traction.
It's just that the sheer amount of competition out there makes it imperative to scale up your editing process to get your brand noticed. Apply these editing tips mentioned above to your videos and take them one-notch-up!
You may take all these up on yourself or reach out to a professional agency offering reels video editing services. That will not just free you from the editing worries, but also ensure a professional touch in your content.