Vertical short-form videos have become increasingly popular, with platforms such as TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts providing users with a new way to consume and create content. According to Yansmedia, 57% of user-generated videos are shot vertically, and 94% of users hold their phone vertically, so it’s safe to say they are just more ergonomically sound for the modern user from a user experience (UX) perspective.
With TikTok leading in this niche, creators can produce content quickly and easily. One of the biggest standouts about the platform is how fast videos get around and go viral. It does not matter who you are, a celebrity or just an ordinary person, if the content is relatable, humorous, entertaining, or all of those things, it can go far very fast in a matter of seconds. The more viral the video, the more the views.
To help creators get more views on their videos, here are 4 dos and don’ts for producing videos, including one tip to make your video instantly appealing to 69% of TikTok users.
Do Export Your Short-Form Video To Social Media Requirements
It’s important to think about the social media platform you want to export your vertical short-form video to before you go ahead and press export.
Your video may play well on your device but that doesn’t guarantee it will play just as well across all apps or social media platforms.
Exporting To TikTok? Don’t opt For a High Bitrate
You can use the 9:16 or 1:1 aspect ratio since videos are mainly watched vertically. The audience mainly watches videos on mobile devices, so it is best to use 1080×1920 resolution to get quality videos.
The maximum video length is 10 minutes but note that the shorter your video is, the more people you will get to watch it. Always use the MP4 format for your uploads. Also, the lower the bitrate, the better your video will perform. The recommended bitrate for TikTok is 516kbps.
Do Think About Adding Text Overlay — 69% Videos Are Watched On Mute
Video overlays, such as text overlays, also make communication between you and your audience easier as you can easily illustrate and strengthen the points you’re making.
People watch videos at work and on the go. Research shows that up to 69% of videos are watched on mute in public places.
This makes text overlay more important than ever.
- Open TikTok and log into your account.
- Upload your target video or shoot it in the app.
- Add the overlay element you want. There are three options for adding overlay elements to TikTok videos, ‘Text’, ‘Stickers’, and ‘Effects’.
- For motion and transition effects, consider incorporating stock video footage for a high-quality video overlay in minutes.
- When you’re done, you can click on the “Save” button at the top right corner of the editing screen, and you’re good to go.
Want To Use A TikTok Sound? Don’t Exceed 1 Minute Video
In TikTok’s sound library you’ll find audio clips don’t exceed 60 seconds, so if you’re using a sound from the platform ensure your video doesn’t exceed this limit – or you’ll be left with no sound!
Select the ‘Sounds’ icon whilst editing in TikTok to browse the library of sounds. You can preview the music and drag it to adjust the sound.
Once you’re happy with the sound, validate the music and you should see the check sign added to the “Sound” icon you chose in the first place.
Would you like to share these key dos and don’ts of vertical short-form video editing with your readers to help them get started with producing content? We are happy to get you any additional information or insight you need!
