How do you hold your smartphone while filming videos or taking selfies? In Vertical orientation, right?
Holding a smartphone vertically is a subconscious adaptation that comes naturally to people. It reflects how humans are wired to engage with their environment.
Vertical videos are nothing but portrait videos with a ratio of 9:16. These videos have gained popularity and have become an effective tool for grabbing attention on social media.
Since these video features were integrated into the platforms, there has been no stoppage. We see content creators making millions of dollars by making full use of vertical videos.
It has become important for marketers and content creators to optimize their strategies to make the most of this format as platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, Facebook, and even YouTube shorts embrace vertical videos progressively.
Before going forward, let’s first understand why you should use vertical videos.
Why you need to start using vertical videos?
Vertical videos are made to fit the mobile screen, and with the increasing number of smartphone users, one cannot miss the chance to use vertical videos.
Here are the reasons to start using vertical videos.
It grabs attention quickly
The format of vertical videos has completely changed the way content is consumed, and it has successfully shown its efficiency in grabbing attention quickly.
These videos offer a more personalized and intimate experience, as they seem to be the way we hold and interact with smartphones on a daily basis.
This sense of familiarity creates an instant connection between the viewer and the content. It increases engagement and the chances of capturing attention quickly.
Vertical video gives Mobile friendly experience
As already hinted above, the number of smartphone users is massive. When mobile phones are used vertically, by presenting a vertical video to the user, we are getting into their natural viewing habits.
Users don’t need to put in extra effort to see the video. It appears naturally while scrolling the feed.
Vertical videos also utilize the full screen of mobile devices, covering all the blank space from the sides. It makes the experience more immersive and engaging for the viewers.
It is widely accepted on social media platforms.
Social media platforms such as Instagram, Snapchat, and YouTube have driven the popularity of vertical videos.
They have adopted the vertical video format by introducing features designed specifically for these videos.
One of the biggest examples we have seen is that Instagram was launched with a 1:1 ratio format.
After the rising popularity of vertical videos on TikTok with 1.67 billion users, it launched its new feature “Instagram Reels” in no time, and presently it has 2.35 billion monthly active users.
Want to look out for some best videos for social media platforms?
Check out : Animated Social Media Video Examples
What are the best ways to use vertical videos effectively for marketing?
Till now, it has been clearly evident that vertical videos are taking the center stage. These videos have emerged as an influential tool for effective communication in the digital age.
Let’s explore some of the best ways to use vertical videos and up your game in marketing.
1. Optimise storytelling for vertical format
To keep viewers engaged, storytelling has a big role to play. Marketers just need to adapt their messages to fit the vertical screen orientation.
The best way to make use of storytelling in vertical format is to create content in episodes, a series of videos that are built upon each other.
This process creates a sense of excitement among viewers and encourages repeat engagement.
Marketers can generate long-term interest in their brands by consistently releasing new episodes.
Social media platforms, on the other hand, provide marketers with a ready-made audience and an open door for virality.
When combined with storytelling, it is easier to captivate the audience and establish a strong emotional connection with them.
2. Explain your Product's features
Explaining product features in a vertical format is one of the best strategies that marketers can make use of.
Because as soon as vertical videos are uploaded on social media, it increases the chances of getting more social shares and reaching a wider audience.
The compact nature of vertical videos makes it easier to give concise and focused explanations of the product. It makes sure that the key points are communicated clearly and efficiently.
These product videos should be used as an opportunity for marketers to capture attention quickly, as they take up the full screen and leave the viewers with no distractions.
To make users easily understand the product in a vertical format, use close-ups and text captions to highlight key points.
It makes it easier for the audience to understand the product even without the sound.
3. Make it a part of the Brand Awareness Campaign
We live in a time period where the audience’s attention span is just around 8 seconds, and grabbing their attention in this short time is definitely hard.
People even don’t want to make extra efforts to watch horizontal videos; here, vertical videos contribute greatly to holding their attention.
Marketers can use this as a big advantage by incorporating these videos into their advertising campaigns.
Vertical videos are likely to stand out in crowded social media feeds, increasing the chances of users stopping to watch and sharing the content.
This approach can lead to more brand recognition and contribute to the overall success of the marketing strategy.
4. Use as Commercial Videos
As vertical videos were on the rise, social media platforms came up with special features for them.
We can see on Instagram Stories how the swipe-up feature is incorporated while running ads.
Not only this but with the rise of AR and VR, we also get to see augmented reality filters.
Marketers can effectively make use of these features in vertical video format. Including CTA at the end of the commercial video can also add on to get leads.
Using commercial videos in vertical format encourages marketers to experiment with their content to make it stand out and connect with their audience.
Conclusion
Change is the only constant. What we can do to keep up with the changes is to accept them and get benefited from them.
Similarly, these are the best ways to use vertical videos that marketers must use to adapt to the new features and make the most out of them.
Why wait? Get creative, think vertically, and watch your content reach new heights.
