Not many people go a single day without the use of some form of social media, which makes the use of social media videos in your business marketing scheme an absolute must. With the rise of social media platforms, businesses can now leverage the power of video to engage, inform, and connect with their audience. Here at Bennett Creative, a video production and marketing company based in Austin, Texas, we are a power house at making beautiful product videos for your small business. The next question becomes how and where to use them to market your company for maximum exposure.
There are many social media channels to use these days and it can be overwhelming deciding which channels are best for your business. However, not all social media channels are created equal when it comes to hosting and promoting video content. In this blog post, we'll explore the top social media channels for small businesses to use for video content and peek into the unique benefits each platform offers.
First things first.
Once you have your impeccably crafted Bennett Creative product videos, it’s time to nail down posting logistics. The major players in social media are Tiktok, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter. Post on all of these if possible but make sure to tailor your social media videos for each platform. Before posting on any social media channels however, make sure to post on your brand’s website first and foremost. Video content on a webpage shows up in google searches more often than still photos therefore has the potential to drive more traffic to your site.
TikTok: Short-form Creativity for Viral Success
TikTok, the rapidly growing short-form video platform, is a goldmine for businesses looking to captivate younger audiences with creative and engaging video content, and the channel your brand potentially needs to be on the most. So why TikTok?
With a predominantly young user base, TikTok is an excellent platform for small businesses targeting the Millennial and Gen Z demographic. Leveraging trending challenges and using music and effects can make your content go viral. This is one social media app you really want to look around and see what the community is doing and engage, then tailor your videos to the vibe.
Another reason this channel is a must is the in-app editing tools. TikTok provides easy-to-use editing tools, allowing small businesses to create professional-looking videos without extensive editing skills or resources. This democratization of content creation levels the playing field for businesses of all sizes.
Heard of hashtag challenges? TikTok's hashtag challenges can propel your content to new heights. Creating a branded challenge encourages user participation and increases visibility as users share their creations using your hashtag.
YouTube: The Video Content Powerhouse
YouTube, the world's second-largest search engine, is a must for small businesses aiming to establish a strong online presence. With over 2 billion logged-in monthly users, YouTube provides an extensive reach for your brand’s video content.
First and foremost YoutTube is the place for your brand video to be for ultimate search engine optimization (SEO). YouTube is owned by Google, and videos hosted on the platform are more likely to appear in search engine results. This boosts your business's visibility and attracts a broader audience.
From tutorials and product demos to vlogs and behind-the-scenes footage, YouTube accommodates a wide range of video formats. This versatility allows businesses to showcase their products, services, and brand personality effectively.
Once your channel gains popularity, you can monetize your content through ads, sponsorships, and affiliate marketing. This additional revenue stream can contribute to your business's financial growth.
Instagram: Visual Storytelling for Brand Engagement
Instagram, with its visually appealing platform, is a go-to for businesses looking to build a strong brand presence through engaging video content. Instagram is all about visually stunning content. The platform's emphasis on high-quality visuals allows businesses to showcase their products or services in an aesthetically pleasing manner. Super excited about how your high quality explainer video shot by Bennett Creative turned out? Use it for both posts and stories on this platform. Dice it up and turn it into an attention grabbing reel.
Social Media Manager at Bennet Creative, Luke Fipps says, "Carousels are king! Whether it's a series of short videos (<15 seconds) or photos, creating an interactive for scrollers is an effective way to build and retain audiences."
Also noteworthy, when posting to your profile grid and reels it prioritzes outreach to your current followers. When posting only to reels the video will be prioritized by the algorithm to be seen by non followers.
With features like Stories and IGTV, businesses can create short, engaging videos that disappear after 24 hours or longer and more in-depth content for their followers. These features enhance audience interaction and keep your brand in the forefront of their minds.
Instagram provides an ideal environment for influencer collaborations. Partnering with influencers relevant to your industry can help your small business tap into new audiences and build credibility.
Facebook: A Versatile Hub for Video Content
As one of the oldest and most widely used social media platforms, Facebook remains a powerful channel for small businesses looking to share diverse video content.
With over 2.8 billion monthly active users, Facebook offers unparalleled reach. Small businesses can tap into this massive audience by sharing videos that resonate with their target demographic.
Live streaming on Facebook allows businesses to connect with their audience in real-time. This feature is excellent for Q&A sessions, product launches, and behind-the-scenes glimpses, fostering a sense of immediacy and authenticity.
Facebook's sharing capabilities make it easy for users to share your videos with their networks, exponentially increasing your content's reach. This word-of-mouth promotion is invaluable for small businesses.
LinkedIn: Professional Networking for B2B Success
For small businesses targeting a professional audience or engaging in B2B marketing, LinkedIn offers a unique space for sharing informative and industry-relevant video content.
LinkedIn is a hub for professionals and businesses. Sharing educational and industry-specific videos positions your small business as an authority in your field, fostering trust and credibility among your peers and potential clients.
Similar to Facebook Live, LinkedIn Live enables businesses to connect with their audience in real-time. This feature is particularly beneficial for hosting webinars, interviews, and thought leadership sessions.
LinkedIn allows native video uploads, giving your content a higher chance of appearing in your connections' feeds. This increases visibility and engagement among your professional network.
Twitter: Bite-sized Videos for Real-time Engagement
Twitter, rebranded as X, is known for its bite-sized content and real-time updates. It's a valuable platform for businesses aiming to share quick, engaging videos with a global audience.
Twitter is all about the here and now. Sharing timely and relevant video content can attract attention and engagement from users scrolling through their feeds. You can turn your video content into memes or short GIFs in this channel for maximum impact.
Twitter has a high potential for content to go viral. Businesses can leverage trending hashtags and participate in conversations to increase the discoverability of their video content.
Twitter offers video advertising options, allowing businesses to promote their content to a specific target audience. This feature is especially useful for reaching users beyond your existing follower base.
Bonus Channels
The options are endless when thinking about sharing social media videos. If your marketing strategy is to get new eyeballs on your brand videos, there are a few other channels worth considering. Yelp, Vimeo, Pinterest, Reddit, Threads, and a marketing email or newsletter are also great places to post and share. Video content is never a bad thing to include and terrific at driving traffic to your brand, but again, play around on the channel and see how it’s used before posting so you can customize your content for each channel, extending the reach. Engaging the community in each social media channel is also key. Simply posting and leaving it at that may not do much for your business.
If all of this is overwhelming, you can hire a social media wiz to do the work for you. Not only does Bennett Creative make incredible videos, after five years of learning advertising and marketing paired with our video production and animation, we’re becoming a one stop show for businesses both large and small by adding on marketing as a service. We’re here to create the content your company needs as well as put it out into the world most effectively to get your brand noticed. Bennett has a team of marketing, social media and content creators that will use the material and design a plan specifically for your business goals..
Takeaway tips for crafting your video content strategy
The choice of social media channels for small business video content depends on various factors, including the target audience, content format, and marketing goals.
While YouTube provides an extensive reach and diverse content options, platforms like Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, LinkedIn, and Twitter offer unique features catering to specific demographics and engagement preferences.
To maximize the impact of your video content, consider a multi-platform approach tailored to your business objectives.
Develop a cohesive strategy that leverages each platform's strengths, ensuring a well-rounded and effective online presence.
As social media continues to evolve, staying informed about platform updates and trends will be key to maintaining a successful video content strategy for your small business.