You need a shiny lure to stand out in the social media stream. You have half-a-second to catch the eye of someone scrolling past you. You have three seconds, tops, to hook a viewer who has actually stopped to watch a video.

How do you do that? There is no silver bullet. But here’s our best advice: Be interesting. And be quick about it.

Here are more video marketing tips.

No Talking Heads

Studies show that most people watch social media video without sound. So interview-style content of people talking on camera is out. Try using B-roll footage of the subject instead and then use captions and graphics to tell the story. Transcribe the interview and put the best soundbites on screen.

Be Animated

Motion graphics and animation are fun to watch and can go a long way in telling a story. If you have the budget and the imagination, you can take your viewers anywhere. Or use them sparingly as transitions between live-action scenes to push out your message in a pleasing way.

Be Resourceful

Use every part of the video, including the text above and beneath, to get your message across. Treat your video title as a headline. Use the text space beneath for a call to action and link to your site.

Tell a Story

Think like a filmmaker and show don’t tell. Use action and scenes to illustrate your story. They’ll translate when done well, even without sound. You can add more context and depth by including text and graphics in the story.

Keep It Moving

Our eyes are attracted to movement. Keep your video moving and you’ll keep more eyes on it. Even text on screen can be made to move in interesting ways.

There are other platforms where a longer video with sound can do well. YouTube, for example, is where people go for the full video experience. So when planning a campaign, count on producing videos for different platforms using the same footage and message, but different techniques.

But when it comes to social media videos, think short. Think shiny. Think fast.

So, of course, the video guy is going to tell you that what you need to attract more attention to your brand is video marketing. Something shiny and new in the driveway that will have all the neighbors talking. “You look like a Cadillac man. Seen this year’s model? Smell that leather. Wanna take it for a spin?”

But we don’t have to do the hard sell around here. When it comes to video, the numbers speak for themselves.

Ratings Through the Roof

Research published this year by Wyzowl and HubSpot shows that people are watching more videos online than ever, not only to be entertained but to be informed.

• People watch about 16 hours of online video per week in 2020, more than double amount of time spent watching video two years ago
• More than half of people watch at least one online video per day
• YouTube is behind only Google in the way that people search for information

The Lion’s Share

Video is a top performer on social media channels. It is viewed and shared far more (1,200 times more) than other content. Research shows that in 2020:

• Tweets with video see 10-times more engagement than tweets without
• LinkedIn users are 20-times more likely to share a video than any other post
• Video generates the most engagement on Instagram

A Sales Leader

From testimonials to explainers, the strategically produced and placed video is becoming a top tool for converting the curious into customers.

68% of people prefer to learn about a new product or service by watching a short video

84% of people say they have been convinced to buy a product by watching a brand’s video

96% have watched an explainer video to learn about a product or service

Return on Investment

Nearly everyone surveyed this year had success stories to tell about how video moved the needle.

83% of video marketers say video helped them generate leads

80% of video marketers say video directly helped increase sales

89% of video marketers say, in general, that video gives them a good return on their investment

Those are just the facts. Video has the most messaging horsepower on the market right now. And it’s more affordable than you think, especially considering all the mileage you can get out of it.

“So, you ready to drive a message home? How about we step into my office, look at the numbers.”