In our previous article, we discussed the importance of content and how you can capture your audience’s attention when your content is creative and well-targeted.
Today, the most widespread and successful form of content is… you guessed it—vertical video. For years, vertical video was a neglected format, until the rise of mobile users and the popularity of apps like Snapchat and TikTok turned it into the king of content.
But how did vertical video become a core format in content creation?
As mentioned, the increase in mobile device users played a major role in the adoption of vertical videos. You’ve probably noticed yourself that most of the content you consume on social media is through your phone. The natural way we hold our phones and view content is vertically. So it’s perfectly logical that vertical content catches our attention more—because it matches how we use our devices. In fact, studies show that 94% of users watch vertical videos more than any other format—not just videos, but content in general.
Vertical videos have the added benefit of fitting perfectly on a mobile screen, creating an immersive experience for the viewer. This makes it much more likely that they’ll watch the entire video, increasing engagement (likes, comments, shares) and the chance of converting that user into a follower and eventually a customer.
Moreover, vertical videos make the viewer feel more connected to the person or business they’re watching, fostering a deeper relationship.
With more and more platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube optimizing their apps for vertical video and their algorithms favoring this format, it’s clear that the future of content creation is here.
How can you create scroll-stopping vertical videos?
- Use the right dimensions
The ideal size for a visually satisfying and natural-looking result is full-screen. The aspect ratio you want is 9:16 with a resolution of 1080×1920 pixels. If you have a smartphone with a good camera and are just starting out, simply record your footage vertically as you normally hold your phone.
- Keep videos short
With the average human attention span being just 8 seconds, your content needs to be short and easily consumed. Most platforms allow videos from a few seconds up to 2–3 minutes, except IGTV where it can go up to an hour. The sweet spot for vertical video length is 15–20 seconds.
- Use subtitles
To reach as many users as possible, always include subtitles. Many people consume content while commuting or during short breaks—times when they likely can’t hear the audio. Subtitles also make your content accessible to people with hearing impairments. So when you create your first video, don’t forget to add subtitles to maximize reach.
- Tell a compelling story
Every video should tell a story—whether it’s about your brand, a product, or yourself. Whether your content is entertaining or informative, it needs to grab attention so users stop scrolling and start watching. You can achieve this by creating a strong hook in the first few seconds, with clever editing or a message that compels the viewer to pause and pay attention.
- Don’t forget the CTA
You’ve created your content and captured your audience’s attention. Now it’s time to finish strong with a call to action—ask them to follow, comment, visit your website, etc. Depending on the goal of your video, choose the appropriate action to prompt.
With the future of social media marketing clearly leaning toward vertical videos, now is the perfect time to fully incorporate them into your strategy. Finding the right content and targeting the right audience for success is a time-consuming and initially challenging process. Our team at Pylarinos Advertising can handle this for you—creating scroll-stopping content that reaches the right user at the right time.
Take the next step in your social media presence here.
