Scrolling through your favorite app, you spot another video of a cat performing acrobatics. You think, "Wow, this has gone viral in hours!" Welcome to the world of short-form content, where trends spread like wildfire and creativity thrives. Short-form video platforms are at the heart of this movement, where seconds-long clips can reach millions. But how do you make your content stand out in such a crowded space? That's where this guide steps in. We'll explore the ins and outs of these platforms, helping you craft videos that captivate and engage viewers.
Check out Crayo AI's clip creator tool to make the process smoother. It'll give you the edge you need to create viral short videos with ease.
Table Of Contents
What Is A Short Form Video?
The short-form video refers to content that is generally under 60 seconds long. It often hovers in that sweet spot between 30 to 60 seconds. But the precise length of what you call a short-form video changes based on where you're posting it.
For example, YouTube Shorts cap out at 60 seconds. TikTok, the granddaddy of short-form video platforms, allows for a range from 15 seconds to a whopping 10 minutes. Then you've got Instagram. Their Reels can stretch from 15 to 90 seconds; if you post a video shorter than 15 minutes, it's a Reel by default. So, the definition of short-form video can vary depending on who you ask and where you're posting.
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Why Is Short Form Video So Popular
Encouraging Participation and Community Building
Short-form videos thrive on interaction and community. Creators can quickly adapt to trends and memes, fostering a lively atmosphere where viewers feel connected. The speed and ease of producing short-form content mean creators can test and iterate ideas rapidly. This adaptability was crucial for TheSoul Publishing, which saw a 275% spike in TikTok viewership in early 2022.
Platforms are simplifying content creation, making it accessible for everyone. In 2018, 55% of TikTok users had shared their video within a month, according to the Global Web Index. This active participation builds authenticity and strengthens the bond between creators and audiences.
Free and Accessible Content for Everyone
Short-form platforms typically rely on advertising, not subscriptions, making content accessible. This is especially appealing in today's economic climate. Creators benefit from a low barrier to entry, enabling them to reach more people. For viewers, it's a cost-effective alternative to subscription services.
Breaking Down Creative Barriers
In the past, creating videos required a camera and editing know-how. Short-form videos have removed these hurdles, allowing anyone to quickly create and share content with effects and music. The technology no longer limits creators.
Personalized Content at Your Fingertips
Audiences crave relatable and instantly entertaining content. Short-form platforms use complex algorithms to deliver personalized feeds that match viewers' tastes. This personalization requires content providers to cater to diverse audiences. Companies like TheSoul are creating character-driven brands that resonate with universal values.
Universally Accessible Content
Short-form content often transcends language barriers, making it universally accessible. This broad reach helps niche topics like DIY and cooking become global sensations. The visual nature of short-form videos allows them to appeal to audiences across demographics and geographies.
Looking to create standout short-form videos? Try Crayo’s free clip creator tool today — just click the ‘Try Now’ button on our homepage to get started. No account is required! Go from prompt to viral shorts videos in minutes with Crayo.
14 Tips On How To Create A Short-Form Video That Stands Out
1. Crayo AI: The Shortcut to Viral Videos
Speed and efficiency are crucial when creating short-form videos that make an impact. Crayo AI is your go-to tool for rapid content production. It allows you to turn ideas into polished videos in seconds. Just input an outline or prompt, customize the style using Crayo’s free templates, and export your video with all auto-generated captions, effects, and music. The best part? You can make money using these videos with the TikTok Creator Fund. Get started today with Crayo’s free clip creator tool—no account required.
2. Embrace the Vertical Video Revolution
In the world of short-form video, vertical is king. Platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat are optimized for vertical content, as most users consume media on their phones. Utilizing this format ensures that your videos look good and makes them more engaging for viewers. Horizontal videos can appear small and are less likely to capture attention. Sticking to vertical formats will boost your chances of retaining viewers.
3. The Art of the Hook
In short-form content, every second is a chance to lose or gain a viewer. That’s why it’s essential to start with a strong hook. Opening moments should grab attention-eye-catching visuals, on-screen text, or an intriguing story. A compelling hook captures interest and keeps viewers invested. Prioritize creating an emotional narrative to foster engagement and inspire action.
4. Ride the Trend Wave
Short-form video trends evolve quickly. Watch popular sound bytes, songs, and visual effects to stay relevant. Incorporating these elements into your videos can increase your reach and engagement. Audiences are drawn to familiar trends, so using them will help your content resonate and perform better.
5. Keep It Short and Sweet
Short-form video is meant to be concise. While these videos can technically be up to three minutes long, the most effective ones are much shorter. TikTok reports that the optimal video length is between 11 and 17 seconds, and videos longer than a minute can stress users out. On Instagram, aim for videos between 7 and 15 seconds. This keeps the viewer’s attention and ensures a more enjoyable experience.
6. Consistency is Key
Regular posting is crucial for building an audience and staying relevant on short-form video platforms. Aim to post between three and five times weekly on platforms like TikTok and Instagram. Snapchat suggests posting multiple times per day. Consistent posting keeps your audience engaged and ensures that you have enough content for the platform’s algorithm to surface.
7. Collaborate for Wider Reach
Partnering with influencers and brands can help you reach a larger audience. Look for influencers with a similar target demographic to yours, as they will have an established following that may be interested in your content. Brand partnerships can also be beneficial, especially if the company’s values align with yours or their products complement your offer. This collaboration can lead to more engaging content and increased visibility.
8. Avoid Watermarked Content
Cross-posting videos with watermarks can hurt your visibility on specific platforms. Instagram, for example, has started prioritizing original content. Recycled videos, especially those with watermarks, may receive less visibility, impacting your reach and engagement. Instead, create fresh, original content for each platform to maximize your exposure.
9. Showcase Products in Action
Short-form videos are a great way to highlight your products. Explainer videos can demonstrate how a product works, its benefits, and even testimonials—all within a few seconds. This is especially effective for products with niche uses, like Vessi’s waterproof sneakers. Consider creating installation and setup videos for more technical products to educate your audience better.
10. Leverage User-Generated Content
User-generated content (UGC) can help you reach more people and build trust with potential customers. This content can include customer stories, reviews, and videos of your used products. Sharing UGC on your channels provides added exposure and shows potential customers real-life experiences with your products.
11. Keep It Real
Authenticity is crucial in short-form video content. Users are drawn to videos that feel genuine and sincere. High-production value is less important than creating an authentic connection with viewers. Show imperfections, behind-the-scenes content, and candid moments to boost relatability.
12. Make ‘Em Laugh
Humor is a significant part of platforms like TikTok. Users are likelier to engage with content that makes them laugh, and humorous sponsored videos are more likely to lead to purchases. Avoid offensive content, but don’t hesitate to tap into current trends or cultural references that will make your video stand out.
13. Accessibility Matters
Accessibility is a must for short-form video content. Ensure any text or audio in your videos is optimized for viewers with hearing or visual impairments. This might include adding captions, text overlays, and visual cues. High-quality audio is also essential to ensure all viewers understand the content.
14. Don’t Forget the CTA
A clear call-to-action (CTA) is essential for short-form video content. This can direct viewers to subscribe, visit your website, or purchase. On platforms like Instagram, you can make videos shoppable and encourage viewers to buy directly. If you can’t tag a product, include a purchase link or video description in your bio.
9 Best Short-Form Video Platforms You Must Know About
1. TikTok: Unlocking Creativity and Going Viral
TikTok is a powerhouse for short video creation and sharing. It offers a platform for users to showcase talents in dance, lip-sync, comedy, and more. On Android and iOS, TikTok has captivated a global audience since its 2016 release, allowing users to craft engaging videos with various editing tools.
Best Use Case
Viral marketing and brand challenges.
How Businesses Can Use It
Brands can use TikTok’s algorithm to create viral content, such as challenges and hashtag campaigns. Even small businesses can gain massive exposure. Consider dance challenges, tutorials, or behind-the-scenes looks. TikTok's ad platform also provides targeted advertising to younger audiences.
2. Instagram: Visual Storytelling at Its Best
Instagram is a go-to platform for sharing photos and short videos, with widespread popularity, especially in the U.S. Acquired by Facebook in 2012, content creators favor Instagram for engaging with fans. Features include Stories, IGTV, and Reels, making it ideal for quick videos and networking.
Best Use Case
The product showcases influencer collaborations and customer stories.
How Businesses Can Use It
Instagram Reels and Stories excel in quick product demonstrations, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and influencer promotions. Shoppable posts in Reels can drive sales directly. With interactive features, Instagram Stories are perfect for engaging with audiences and gathering feedback.
3. Snapchat: Connecting with the Young and the Restless
Since 2011, Snapchat has been a favorite for sharing quick, engaging videos. With 105.25 million users in India as of July 2021, it’s known for its filters and effects. Snapchat’s streak feature and discovery section keep users engaged, making it a top choice for short video sharing.
Best Use Case
Exclusive promotions and event-driven content.
How Businesses Can Use It
Brands can utilize Snapchat for geo-targeted filters, AR lenses, and short-lived interactive content. They can also use it for limited-time offers, flash sales, and event promotions, especially for millennials and Gen Z audiences.
4. Facebook: Leveraging Reach for Impact
Facebook offers regular video posts, reels, and stories to share brief, engaging content. With a vast user base, Facebook is perfect for targeted advertising and audience segmentation.
Best Use Case
Targeted advertising with Stories and Reels.
How Businesses Can Use It
Create engaging short-form content like tutorials, testimonials, or behind-the-scenes insights. Facebook’s ad network enhances visibility, allowing businesses to target specific demographics.
5. Twitter: Keeping It Short and Sweet
Twitter allows users to share brief video clips as tweets or use Fleets for disappearing videos. It’s ideal for quick updates and announcements.
Best Use Case
Brief product announcements or news updates.
How Businesses Can Use It
Use Twitter’s short video format for product launches, news, or promotional clips. Engage with customers through replies, retweets, and hashtag campaigns linked to video content.
6. YouTube Shorts: Quick Hits on a Big Stage
YouTube Shorts offers a platform for creating and viewing vertical clips up to 60 seconds long. It’s perfect for quick how-tos, tips, and product demos.
Best Use Case
Quick how-tos, tips, and product demos.
How Businesses Can Use It
Drive engagement with educational or value-based content like tutorials, product tips, and insights. Shorts are great for reaching a younger audience on a video-centric platform.
7. Vimeo: Showcasing Professionalism
Launched in 2004, Vimeo is a platform for creating, sharing, and commenting on videos. It offers advanced privacy settings and an ad-free experience, making it ideal for professional content.
Best Use Case
Professional and brand-driven content.
How Businesses Can Use It
Showcase professional, creative videos like brand content, portfolios, or client testimonials. Vimeo is perfect for embedding high-quality videos on websites or presentations.
8. WeChat: A Multifunctional Powerhouse
WeChat is a multipurpose app offering messaging, video making, payment gateways, and social media entertainment. It’s a favorite in China, with over 1 billion users.
Best Use Case
Short-form video for direct communication and e-commerce.
How Businesses Can Use It
Leverage WeChat’s video features for product launches, promotions, and social commerce. Use its platform for payment integration, customer service, and direct-to-consumer marketing.
9. Triller: Music and Entertainment Focused
Launched in 2015, Triller is designed for content creators to make short videos for entertainment. It gained popularity in India after the TikTok ban.
Best Use Case
Influencer-driven and music-based campaigns.
How Businesses Can Use It
Partner with creators on Triller for music-centric promotional content. It’s excellent for engaging music, fashion, and entertainment audiences.
10 Best Short Form Video Creation Tools
1. Crayo AI: The Fast Track to Viral Shorts
Crayo AI is all about speed and simplicity when creating short-form videos. This tool lets you create unlimited shorts in seconds, making it a perfect fit for platforms like TikTok. With auto-generated captions, effects, and background music, you can quickly go from idea to viral clip.
2. Deepbrain AI: Your AI-Powered Video Creator
Deepbrain AI excels at turning written content into engaging videos with a human touch. Choose from over 100 AI avatars to animate your text, and take advantage of multiple export options. It’s a straightforward tool that works well for those who need to convert text into video quickly.
Pros
Large selection of AI avatars
ChatGPT integration
Multiple export options
Cons
No video preview
Limited AI customization
3. Adobe Premiere Rush: Professional Editing on the Go
Adobe Premiere Rush offers a streamlined editing experience without sacrificing quality. It’s perfect for creators who need to edit on different devices, as it syncs seamlessly between phone and desktop. Rush’s professional tools make it a go-to for high-quality short-form content.
Pros
High-quality editing tools
Cross-device functionality
User-friendly interface
Cons
Limited free version
Subscription required for full features
4. Animoto: Versatile Video Templates for Every Occasion
Animoto stands out with its diverse range of templates for different social formats. Whether you’re creating a product demo or a customer testimonial, Animoto’s templates make it easy. However, it’s less suited for those who want to explore creative effects.
Pros
Responsive online service
Free to try with a watermark
Simple to use
Cons
Basic editing tools
Restrictive interface
5. CapCut: Social Media’s Best Friend
CapCut is your go-to for creating short-form content that algorithms love. With templates optimized for TikTok and Reels, you can quickly find trends. It’s perfect for social media assets but may not be ideal for more complex projects.
Pros
Quick and easy to use
A sound library of free elements
Ideal for social media
Cons
Limited to social media formats
Slow for larger projects
6. InVideo: Versatile and User-Friendly
InVideo is an AI-powered video editor with a vast library of templates and stock features. It’s user-friendly, making it accessible for both beginners and experienced editors. However, the exporting process can be lengthy and relies on a stable internet connection.
Pros
Extensive library of assets
Easy-to-use interface
Supports multiple languages
Cons
Can’t switch templates easily
Lengthy export process
7. Filmora: Creative Editing with Advanced Features
Filmora offers a creative edge with its wide range of effects and transitions. While you can’t film directly with the app, its advanced editing capabilities make it a solid choice for those who want to get creative with their short-form content.
Pros
Fast render speed
Pleasant interface
Affordable
Cons
No multicam editing
Some AI features underwhelm
8. Vizard AI: Transform Long Videos with Ease
Vizard AI is an AI-powered tool that excels at turning long videos into social-ready clips. It’s perfect for marketers and content creators looking to repurpose content efficiently. However, its free plan is limited and may not be suitable for complex editing tasks.
Pros
User-friendly platform
Supports multiple languages
Browser-based
Cons
Limited free plan
The learning curve for text-based features
9. Quik by GoPro: Speedy Video Creation with Minimal Effort
Quik by GoPro is designed for those who need to create content quickly. Its automatic editing capabilities make it a convenient choice for on-the-go creators. However, the lack of manual controls may be a drawback for those who want more editing flexibility.
Pros
Free to use
No watermarks
Quick and convenient
Cons
Limited editing control
Basic customization options
10. InShot: Advanced Editing Made Easy
InShot offers advanced editing tools in a free app that’s easy to use. Trim clips, swap locations, and apply transitions with ease. It’s a solid choice for those looking to add detailed edits to their short-form content.
Pros
Excellent interface
Great selection of tools
Easy to use
Cons
Privacy concerns
Complete 3-Step Guide On How To Create Viral Clips and Shorts In Seconds With Crayo
Crayo AI is your shortcut to crafting short-form videos in no time. This tool lets you churn out unlimited video content at once, auto-generating captions, effects, backgrounds, and music. With Crayo, you can jump from concept to viral footage in seconds. Just jot down an outline or prompt, pick a style, and export. It’s that simple. The Tiktok Creator Fund program can turn those viral clips into cash.
Try Crayo’s free clip creator tool today—right from the homepage, no account needed—and watch your content go viral in minutes.
Short-Form Video Statistics
Short-Form Videos: Changing How We Shop
1. 73% of Consumers Prefer Short Videos for Product Discovery
Short-form videos have become a preferred medium for consumers when they are looking for products or services. 73% of consumers now turn to these bite-sized clips to help them decide what to buy.
The Attention Span Advantage
2. 60% of Short Videos Are Watched for a Significant Portion
Most short-form videos keep viewers engaged for a decent chunk of their length. About 60% of these videos are watched from 41% to 80% of their total time, proving that people are willing to stick around if the content is engaging.
The Future of Marketing
3. 44% of Marketers Will Use Short Videos in 2024
The popularity of short-form content is on the rise among marketers. 44% of marketing professionals plan to incorporate these videos into their strategies in 2024, recognizing the format's potential for reaching audiences.
Gen Z Loves Short Videos
4. 57% of Gen Z Choose Short Videos for Product Info
Gen Z is drawn to short-form content when learning about products and services. A significant 57% of this demographic prefers short videos over other types of content for shopping and product research.
Unmatched Engagement
5. Short Videos Get 2.5 Times More Engagement
Short-form videos are winning the engagement game. They receive 2.5 times more interaction than longer videos, proving that less is often more when capturing and holding viewers' attention.
Marketers’ Top Choice
6. 66% of Marketers Say Short Form Is Most Engaging
Many marketers agree that short-form content is the most engaging format available. About 66% of them believe that these videos outperform other types of content in terms of capturing audience interest.
Investing in Video Content
7. 26% of Marketers Will Boost Spending on Short Videos
There’s a growing trend among marketers to spend more on short-form video content. Around 26% of marketers plan to increase their investment in this format in 2024, leveraging its potential for engagement and reach.
The Viral Potential
8. 47% of Marketers Believe Short Videos Go Viral More Often
Nearly half of marketers think short-form content is more likely to go viral. With 47% holding this belief, it’s clear that the format can spread like wildfire across social media platforms.
Ready to make an impact with your content? Try Crayo’s free clip creator tool today — just click the ‘Try Now’ button on our homepage to get started. No account is required! Go from prompt to viral shorts videos in minutes with Crayo.
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Create Viral Shorts In Seconds With Crayo
Crayo AI isn't just another content creation tool—it's your new best friend in the race to go viral. Consider turning your ideas into shorts with just a few clicks. You start with an outline or a prompt. Crayo takes it from there, letting you pick the style. Choose backgrounds, voice narrators, and music from a library of free templates. Then, like magic, you finish and export.
You're not just creating content; you're creating opportunities to hit it big on platforms like TikTok. It’s like having a studio in your pocket, ready to churn out captivating, shareable videos that audiences can’t resist.
Why Speed Matters in Short-Form Content
In the branch of short-form video platforms, speed is the name of the game. Audiences crave fresh content; the faster you deliver, the better your chances of catching their attention. Crayo AI is built for this. It allows you to create unlimited short videos in one go, with auto-generated captions, effects, and music. You’re always ahead of the curve, pumping out videos while others are still brainstorming. The Tiktok creator fund program rewards frequent, engaging content. Crayo gets you there faster.
Making Money with Short-Form Content
Short-form video platforms aren’t just for fun; they’re a goldmine for creators who know how to play the game. The TikTok Creator fund program is a perfect example. It pays you for views, so the more content you produce, the more you earn. Crayo AI helps you maximize this opportunity. Automating much of the video creation process frees you up to focus on what matters: creating content that resonates with viewers and gets shared. The more viral your videos go, the more money you make.
Getting Started with Crayo AI
Don’t just take our word for it—try Crayo’s free clip creator tool today and see for yourself. You don’t even need an account. Simply click the ‘Try Now’ button on our homepage, and you’ll create short videos in minutes. It’s a seamless process that takes you from idea to viral video faster than you thought possible. Why wait? Give Crayo a try and see how easy it is to make clips that captivate audiences and go viral.
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