28 July, 2023

Perxeive is an iOS app for iPhone and iPad that is distributed via the Apple App Store and which enables users to create, edit and share factual content. One of the features of Perxeive is the ability to record, edit, upload and share short videos. Click here to join the waitlist for the new version of Perxieve.

10 Simple Tips to Make Your Phone Video Go Viral on Social Media

Tip 1: Keep it Short and Sweet

As a creator of educational short form video apps, I can attest that from my experience, one of the most crucial secrets to driving massive engagement and shares on social media platforms is keeping your videos short and sweet. Yes, you read that right – under 60 seconds long!

Why is this length so magical? It's simple: our attention spans have decreased significantly over the years, and we're constantly bombarded with content from every direction. To cut through the noise, you need to hook your audience immediately and hold their attention until the very end of your video. And trust me, 60 seconds or less is the sweet spot.

Here are some reasons why short videos reign supreme on social media:

• Attention grabber: A 60-second video forces you to focus on the most essential message or key takeaway, making it impossible for viewers to get bored or lose interest.
• Easy to consume: Short videos fit seamlessly into our busy lives, allowing viewers to quickly watch and share your content during breaks or while scrolling through their feeds.
• Increased engagement: With shorter videos, you're more likely to encourage viewers to interact with your content, whether it's by asking a question, hosting a Q&A session, or sparking a conversation.

So, how can you apply this tip to your video creation strategy? Here are some actionable takeaways:

• Plan your script and storyboard carefully to ensure you're delivering value within the 60-second timeframe.
• Focus on one key message or takeaway per video to avoid overwhelming your audience.
• Experiment with different formats, such as stop-motion animations or rapid-fire Q&A sessions, to keep your content fresh and engaging.

By adopting this secret, you'll be well on your way to creating videos that captivate your audience, drive massive engagement, and increase shares across social media platforms.

Tip 2: Use Good Lighting

As I always say, "lighting is everything" when it comes to creating engaging videos on your smartphone. The right lighting can elevate your video from mediocre to mesmerizing. In this section, we'll explore the importance of good lighting and some practical tips to help you get it just right.

Why Lighting Matters

Good lighting is not just about aesthetics; it's about ensuring that your message is conveyed clearly and effectively. When your video is well-lit, your audience can focus on what you're saying rather than being distracted by harsh shadows or unflattering glows. Moreover, proper lighting helps to create a more professional and polished look, which is essential for building trust and credibility with your viewers. Whether you're creating videos for social media, YouTube, or internal communications, good lighting is crucial for making a lasting impression.

Natural Light vs. Artificial Lighting

So, what's the best way to achieve good lighting? The answer is simple: natural light! If possible, try to shoot near a window or outside during the golden hour (the hour just before sunset) when the soft, warm light is most flattering. However, we don't always have control over our shooting locations or schedules. That's where artificial lighting comes in. Investing in a good lighting kit can make all the difference. Look for a kit that includes a key light, fill light, and backlight to create depth and dimension in your video.

By following these simple tips, you'll be well on your way to creating videos that are visually stunning and engaging. Remember, good lighting is not just about the equipment; it's about understanding how to use it effectively to enhance your message and captivate your audience.

Tip 3: Invest in Good Sound Quality

Audio is the backbone of a great video. The truth is, no matter how amazing your visuals are, if your audio is subpar, your viewers will quickly lose interest. Think about it - when was the last time you watched a video with poor sound quality and didn't immediately click away? Exactly. That's why investing in good sound quality is crucial for creating engaging videos on your smartphone.

Why Good Sound Quality Matters

Good sound quality can make or break the overall viewing experience. When your audio is clear and crisp, it helps to:

• Build trust with your audience: A well-produced video with good sound quality immediately establishes credibility and professionalism.
• Keep viewers engaged: When your audio is easy to listen to, viewers are more likely to stay tuned in and absorb your message.
• Enhance the overall visual experience: Good sound quality complements your visuals, creating a seamless and immersive viewing experience.

So, what can you do to ensure good sound quality? Firstly, consider investing in a good microphone. This doesn't have to break the bank - there are plenty of affordable options out there. Additionally, take advantage of apps like Filmic Pro or ShurePlus MOTIV that offer advanced audio features and enhancement tools. With these tools at your disposal, you'll be well on your way to creating videos with sound quality that rivals even the most professional productions.

Tip 4: Edit Your Video

As a content creator, I've learned that one of the most critical steps in creating engaging videos on your smartphone is editing. It's the secret sauce that can transform your raw footage into a visually stunning and professional-looking masterpiece. Editing is not just about trimming or cutting out unwanted parts; it's an art form that requires creativity, attention to detail, and practice.

When it comes to editing your video, you have two options: using built-in editing features on social media platforms or leveraging third-party apps. Social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook offer a range of editing tools that can help you enhance the look and feel of your video. These built-in features often include filters, transitions, and color adjustments that can give your video a quick makeover. On the other hand, third-party apps like Adobe Premiere Rush, InShot, or VivaVideo offer more advanced editing capabilities, such as multi-track audio editing, color grading, and visual effects. These apps provide you with the flexibility to fine-tune every aspect of your video, allowing for greater creative control.

Some key editing techniques to keep in mind include:

• Trim and split clips: Remove unwanted parts and break down longer videos into smaller, more manageable chunks.
• Adjust audio levels: Ensure that your audio is crisp and clear by adjusting the volume and adding music or sound effects.
• Add transitions and animations: Create a seamless flow between scenes using transition effects, fade-ins, or text overlays.
• Experiment with color grading: Enhance the mood and atmosphere of your video by applying filters, LUTs (Lookup Tables), or manual adjustments.

By investing time in editing your video, you'll be able to craft a narrative that resonates with your audience, increases engagement, and drives shares on social media platforms. So don't underestimate the power of editing – it's a crucial step in creating videos that truly captivate!

Tip 5: Add Captions and Subtitles

As a creator of engaging videos, I've learned that adding captions and subtitles is a game-changer when it comes to driving massive engagement and shares on social media platforms. Not only do they increase watch time and understanding, but they also make your content more accessible to a wider audience.

Why Captions and Subtitles Matter

Captions and subtitles are more than just a nice-to-have feature in your videos. They're essential for creating an inclusive viewing experience that caters to diverse learning styles and abilities. By adding captions and subtitles, you can ensure that your message reaches a broader audience, including:

• Viewers who prefer to watch videos with captions or subtitles
• Those who are deaf or hard of hearing
• Non-native speakers who may struggle to understand spoken language
• People watching videos in noisy environments or with the sound off

To make it easy for you to add captions and subtitles, there are several tools and features available. For instance, YouTube and Facebook offer auto-captioning features that can save you time and effort. Alternatively, you can use apps like Rev.com or GoTranscript to manually add captions and subtitles to your videos. With these options, you can ensure that your videos are accessible to everyone, regardless of their abilities or viewing preferences.

By incorporating captions and subtitles into your video strategy, you can unlock a wealth of engagement opportunities, from increased watch time to improved comprehension and shares on social media platforms. So, take the extra step to make your videos more inclusive and engaging – add captions and subtitles today!

Tip 6: Use Attention-Grabbing Thumbnails

Thumbnails play a crucial role in determining the success of your video on social media platforms. A well-crafted thumbnail is like a doorway to your video, inviting viewers to step into the world you've created. In this section, we'll explore the importance of attention-grabbing thumbnails and how they can make or break the engagement of your video.

Crafting Thumbnails that Stand Out

When it comes to creating eye-catching thumbnails, the goal is simple: showcase the main topic of your video in a way that resonates with your target audience. This might seem like a no-brainer, but you'd be surprised at how many creators get this step wrong. A good thumbnail should give viewers an idea of what to expect from your video and pique their curiosity enough to click on it. Here are some key takeaways to keep in mind when crafting attention-grabbing thumbnails:

• Keep it simple and concise: Avoid cluttering your thumbnail with too much text or complicated graphics. Instead, focus on a single, bold image that communicates the essence of your video.
• Use contrasting colors: Select colors that pop against the background of social media platforms to make your thumbnail stand out in a crowded feed.
• Incorporate relevant visuals: Use images or graphics that are closely related to the topic of your video. This will help viewers instantly connect with the content and increase the chances of them clicking on it.

By following these best practices, you'll be able to create thumbnails that not only grab attention but also accurately represent the value proposition of your video. Remember, a good thumbnail is more than just an aesthetic appeal – it's a promise to deliver engaging content that resonates with your audience.

Tip 7: Leverage Trending Topics and Challenges

Staying ahead of the curve is crucial to driving massive engagement and shares on social media platforms. One effective way to do this is by keeping an eye on trending topics and challenges that are currently making waves on social media.

Riding the Wave of Popularity

Trending topics and challenges can provide a unique opportunity for your video content to reach a wider audience and spark meaningful conversations. By creating content around these trends, you can increase your video's visibility and engagement, ultimately driving more shares and likes. For instance, if a popular challenge is gaining traction on social media, such as the "Before and After" challenge, you could create a video showcasing a transformation related to your industry or niche. This will not only make your content more relatable but also encourage users to participate and share their own experiences.

Some benefits of leveraging trending topics and challenges include:

• Increased visibility: By creating content around popular trends, you can tap into an existing audience that is already engaged and interested in the topic.
• Relevant conversations: Trending topics and challenges provide a unique opportunity to spark meaningful conversations and connections with your target audience.
• Improved engagement: Creating content around trending topics can increase the likelihood of users sharing and engaging with your video, ultimately driving more shares and likes.

To incorporate trending topics and challenges into your video strategy, make sure to:

• Monitor social media platforms: Keep an eye on trending topics and challenges across various social media platforms to stay ahead of the curve.
• Create content that resonates: Develop video content that is relevant to the trending topic or challenge, ensuring it sparks meaningful conversations and connections with your target audience.
• Encourage user participation: Design your content in a way that encourages users to participate and share their own experiences, further increasing engagement and shares.

Tip 8: Encourage Engagement

One of the most effective ways to drive massive engagement and shares on social media platforms is to encourage viewers to participate in the conversation. When you invite your audience to share their thoughts, opinions, or experiences related to the topic, it creates a sense of ownership and fosters a deeper connection with your content.

Ask Questions, Spark Conversations

One simple yet powerful way to encourage engagement is by asking questions throughout your video. This can be as straightforward as "What do you think about [topic]?" or "Have you ever experienced [related scenario]?". By posing questions, you're inviting viewers to reflect on their own experiences and opinions, making them more likely to share their thoughts in the comments section. Additionally, asking questions sparks conversations, which can lead to a flurry of responses, creating a buzz around your video.

Request Feedback and Share Experiences

Another way to encourage engagement is by requesting feedback or asking viewers to share their own experiences related to the topic. This not only shows that you value their opinions but also creates an opportunity for them to share their stories, providing social proof to others who may be hesitant to engage. For instance, you could ask viewers to share how they overcame a specific challenge or what strategies they use to achieve a particular goal. By doing so, you're creating a sense of community and encouraging viewers to participate in the conversation.

By incorporating these simple yet effective tactics into your video strategy, you'll be well on your way to driving massive engagement and shares on social media platforms. So, don't be shy – ask questions, request feedback, and encourage viewers to share their experiences. The more you engage with your audience, the more likely they are to share your content with others.

Tip 9: Post at the Right Time

As a creator, you've invested significant time and effort into crafting an engaging video that showcases your brand's personality, values, and expertise. However, even with a well-crafted video, timing is everything. Posting your content at the right moment can make all the difference between going viral or getting lost in the noise.

Understanding Your Audience's Rhythm

To maximize engagement, it's crucial to understand when your target audience is most active on social media platforms. This might seem like a no-brainer, but many creators overlook this vital aspect of content distribution. By posting at the right time, you increase the likelihood of your video being seen, shared, and interacted with by your audience.

To determine the best posting times for your content, leverage analytics tools such as social media insights or third-party schedulers like Hootsuite or Buffer. These tools provide valuable data on when your followers are most active, allowing you to strategically schedule your posts for maximum impact.

For instance, if your analytics reveal that your audience is most active during lunch breaks (12 pm - 1 pm) or immediately after work hours (5 pm - 6 pm), adjust your posting schedule accordingly. By doing so, you'll increase the visibility of your video and drive more engagement, shares, and ultimately, conversions.

Remember, timing is a critical component of content distribution. By understanding your audience's rhythm and adapting your posting strategy, you can significantly amplify the reach and impact of your videos on social media platforms.

Tip 10: Promote Your Video

Creating an engaging video on your smartphone is only half the battle. The real challenge lies in getting it seen by the right people – and that's where promoting your video comes in. In this section, I'll share with you some effective strategies to amplify your video's reach and visibility across various social media platforms, blogs, and websites.

Extend Your Reach through Cross-Promotion

Promoting your video is all about maximizing its exposure to potential viewers. One way to do this is by sharing it on other social media platforms beyond where you initially posted it. For instance, if you created a video for Instagram, consider sharing it on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn as well. This cross-promotion tactic can help you tap into new audiences and increase engagement. Additionally, you can also embed your video on your blog or website to further extend its reach.

Collaborate with Influencers and Content Creators

Another powerful way to promote your video is by collaborating with influencers or other content creators in your niche. This strategy allows you to tap into their existing audience, which can be a massive boon for expanding your own viewership. Look for influencers who align with your brand values and messaging, and propose a collaborative project that benefits both parties. You could guest post on each other's blogs, participate in joint video projects, or even host a webinar together. The key is to be creative and find mutually beneficial opportunities that showcase your expertise while introducing you to new audiences.

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Perxeive is an iOS app for iPhone and iPad that is distributed via the Apple App Store and which enables users to create, edit and share factual content. One of the features of Perxeive is the ability to record, edit, upload and share short videos.