Look, I’ve been in this game for a while now… and if there’s one thing that’s changed dramatically in the past decade, it’s how we consume video content.
Remember when videos were just… videos? Yeah, me neither.
These days, if you’re running a business in Melbourne (or honestly, anywhere), you need to understand that social media videos aren’t just one thing. They’re like… a whole ecosystem. And each platform has its own weird little quirks and preferences.
So let’s break this down.
## **The Quick-Hit Wonder: Stories**
Stories are everywhere now. Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn (yes, even LinkedIn got in on this action), YouTube… they’re those vertical videos that disappear after 24 hours.
Here’s what makes them special:
– **Super casual** – nobody expects Hollywood production here
– **Behind-the-scenes gold** – show your team having lunch, setting up for a shoot, whatever
– **Quick updates** – “Hey we’re having a sale” type stuff
– Usually **15-30 seconds max**
I’ve seen local cafes absolutely crush it with stories. Just quick shots of them making coffee, boom, done.
## **The Main Event: Feed Videos**
These are your bread and butter. The videos that live on your profile forever (or until you delete them because you hate how your hair looked).
Feed videos come in a few flavors:
**Square videos** (1:1) – These work great on Instagram and Facebook. Old school but still effective.
**Vertical videos** (9:16) – Taking over everything. TikTok started it, Instagram Reels ran with it, now YouTube Shorts is in the mix too.
**Horizontal videos** (16:9) – Still the king for YouTube proper and LinkedIn. More professional feeling.
The key with feed videos? They gotta stop the scroll. You’ve got like… 3 seconds. Maybe less.
## **The New Kid: Reels/Shorts/TikToks**
Okay so technically these are different things but let’s be real – they’re all the same concept. Short, punchy, usually with trending audio.
What works here:
– **15-60 seconds** (though shorter usually performs better)
– **Trending sounds** are your best friend
– **Quick cuts and transitions**
– **Text overlays** because half the people watch without sound
I’ve seen accounting firms go viral with these. ACCOUNTING FIRMS. If they can do it, you can do it.
## **The Long Game: YouTube Videos**
YouTube’s still the place for longer content. We’re talking:
– **How-to videos**
– **Product demonstrations**
– **Company culture videos**
– **Customer testimonials** (but like, the real ones, not the super scripted ones)
These can run anywhere from 2 minutes to… well, however long you want. But data shows 7-15 minutes is kind of the sweet spot for engagement.
## **The Professional: LinkedIn Native Videos**
LinkedIn’s weird because it’s trying to be professional but also… social? Their native videos perform way better than YouTube links.
What crushes on LinkedIn:
– **Thought leadership content**
– **Industry insights**
– **Team introductions**
– **Project walkthroughs**
Keep these between 30 seconds and 5 minutes. LinkedIn users have jobs to pretend to do.
## **The Wildcard: Live Videos**
Live video scares people but honestly? It’s magic for engagement. Facebook Live, Instagram Live, LinkedIn Live (if you have access)…
Great for:
– **Q&A sessions**
– **Product launches**
– **Behind the scenes tours**
– **Event coverage**
The beauty of live? People forgive imperfection. In fact, they kind of expect it.
## **So What Does This Mean For Your Business?**
Here’s the thing – you don’t need to do ALL of these. Pick 2-3 that make sense for your audience and actually commit to them.
A local restaurant might crush it with Instagram Stories and Reels.
A B2B software company? LinkedIn native videos and YouTube tutorials might be the move.
A retail shop? TikTok and Instagram Reels showing off products.
The point is… **video isn’t optional anymore**. But it also doesn’t have to be scary or crazy expensive. Start with your phone. Start with one type. Just… start.
Because while you’re reading this, your competitor is probably filming their third TikTok of the day.
And they’re not even good at dancing.
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*Want help figuring out which video types work for YOUR business? The team at Pivotal Moments Media actually knows this stuff inside and out. They’re local, they get it, and they won’t make you do a TikTok dance if you don’t want to.*
*Promise.*
