Unleashing Video Power: Top 5 Social Media Platforms You Shouldn’t Ignore

In the dynamic world of digital marketing, it’s crucial to stay on top of the latest trends. One trend that’s not going anywhere is video content. With its ability to engage audiences and convey messages in a visually appealing way, it’s no surprise that businesses are leveraging video content to reach their target audience.

So, where’s the best place to share these compelling videos? Social media platforms, of course. But with so many options available, it’s tough to know which platforms will give your videos the most visibility. That’s why I’ve put together a list of the top 5 social media platforms for video content. Let’s dive in and explore these platforms to help you make an informed decision.

YouTube

When discussing video content, it’s impossible to overlook the behemoth that is YouTube. Founded in 2005, this platform grew rapidly and now boasts over 2 billion logged-in users monthly. This phenomenal reach, along with user-friendly features for content creation and sharing, places YouTube at the top of the list for social media platforms to share videos.

YouTube’s appeal extends beyond its wide reach. This platform is versatile, with the capability for live streams, premieres, and standard video posts. You can build community through comment sections, create playlists to organize your content and even monetize your videos once you meet certain criteria.

Let’s not forget the SEO advantages of YouTube either. Google owns YouTube, and as a result, YouTube videos often appear high in Google search results. That’s a significant boost for your content’s visibility. Just ensure your video descriptions, titles, and tags contain relevant keywords to make the most of this benefit.

Sharing Video Content on YouTube

Posting video content on YouTube is straightforward. Here’s a brief guide on how to do it:

• Visit the YouTube website or app.
• Click on the ‘create’ icon (looks like a video camera).
• Select either ‘Upload Video’ or ‘Go Live’ as per your preference.
• Follow the prompts to upload or live stream your video.
• Remember to add an appealing title, enticing description, and relevant tags.

Here are some key YouTube usage statistics to consider when strategizing about where to share your video content:

| Youthful user base | Over 50% below 34 years |
|Daily usage| Average user spends 40 minutes per session |
|International reach| Available in over 100 countries and 80 languages |
|% of businesses using YouTube| 62% |

Remember, it’s not just about posting your video content and calling it a day. Engage with your audience via comments, ask for likes and shares and, most importantly, be consistent in your posting to ensure you capitalize fully on the immense potential YouTube offers. You’ll soon see why it’s such a popular platform for sharing video content.

Facebook

After the groundbreaking success of YouTube, Facebook emerged as a strong contender in the video content arena. It’s a platform that’s not just known for connecting friends and family, but also for its wide-ranging video functionalities.

Facebook allows users to upload pre-recorded videos, share live broadcasts, and maintain an active interaction with their audience through likes, shares, and comments. In addition, Facebook’s built-in algorithm promotes trending content, making it easier for users to discover new video content.

Just like on YouTube, consistency plays a critical role when it comes to gaining traction with video content on Facebook. Regularly sharing quality videos can keep your audience engaged and broaden your scope of influence. Facebook’s algorithms favor active users, so continuous activity can enhance your video’s visibility.

In recent years, Facebook has introduced features like Facebook Watch and Facebook Live, enhancing the video experience for users. Facebook Watch is a personalized video feed that curates content based on a user’s preference, while Facebook Live allows real-time broadcasting to your audience.

Facebook usage statistics (source: Hootsuite 2021) :

These figures highlight the immense potential of Facebook as a platform for sharing video content. From its diverse range of features to its ample active user base, Facebook makes its case as a must-consider platform in a comprehensive social media video content strategy.

What’s more, videos on Facebook outperform photos in regards to user engagement. With 35% more engagement for video content, it isn’t just YouTube users who’re placing a higher value on video content.Embrace this trend and enrich your Facebook strategy by dialing up your video content production.

So, for unparallel reach and engagement, don’t underestimate the power of sharing video content on Facebook. Just remember, to achieve success, it’s critical to understand the platform’s nuances and best practices. Don’t get deterred if your initial attempts don’t go viral. Patience and perseverance are the keys to unlocking video content success on Facebook.

Instagram

On moving from Facebook, another standout platform for sharing video content is Instagram. Initially launched as a photo-sharing app, it quickly branched out into video content. Now, Instagram has numerous video features, including IGTV, Reels, Stories, and traditional posts, giving content creators a variety of options to engage their audience.

Interestingly, Instagram is not just a sidebar in the realm of video sharing. For many brands and influencers, it’s become a primary platform. We all love scrolling through our Instagram feeds, and there’s something about those 15-second stories or longer IGTV videos that trap us within the app’s framework.

Instagram Stories, a feature that allows users to post videos and photos that vanish after 24 hours, are a big hit. They are not just easy to make but also lighthearted, informal, and incredibly popular.

Another engaging feature of Instagram is Reels. Instagram Reels are short, 15 to 30-second videos set to music, and they are Instagram’s answer to TikTok. Since its introduction, Reels have seen a massive uptake with brands, influencers, and regular users alike.

The long-form content answer from Instagram is IGTV, allowing videos up to 10 minutes for most accounts and up to 60 minutes for larger or verified accounts. It offers the potential for deep dives into topics, extended product showcases, or serialized content.

Let’s not forget the traditional video posts that let users share videos up to 60 seconds long in their regular feed. These are suitable for sharing significant events, short tutorials, or promotional videos.

Audience interaction is readily embraced here with heart reacts, views, shares, and comments readily available under video sections. It’s also worth mentioning Instagram’s algorithm, which prioritizes interaction. So when a video gets a lot of engagement, it’ll appear more frequently in other users’ feeds – a massive win for video content producers.

Being successful with Instagram involves understanding these different features and using them to your advantage. Video is a growing focus on Instagram, be sure to make it a focus of your digital strategy too. This way, you can make the most of all the different ways this platform lets you share video content.

TikTok

Shifting gears now, let’s delve into the dynamism of TikTok, the social media explosion that has taken the world by storm. Primarily targeted at younger audiences, TikTok has effectively amplified the role of video content in the social media space.

What sets TikTok apart? It’s the platform’s 15-second video format and its user-friendly editing tools. Virtually anyone can become a content creator on TikTok – you don’t need high-end gear or a professional studio for that. And that’s the beauty of it. This platform encourages creativity in bite-sized formats, and it’s all about instant gratification.

The TikTok algorithm tailors content to the viewer’s preference, learning from their behaviour in real-time. So, you’ll likely get hooked on a loop of videos that cater specifically to your interests. Not just that, but the Explore Page allows users to discover trending hashtags and sounds, giving you an insight into popular content.

There’s more you can do with TikTok. The platform also gives you the opportunity to use sponsored content or partnerships. It’s an excellent space for brands and influencers alike. This, coupled with their recent introduction of TikTok shopping in collaboration with Shopify, shows how TikTok is rapidly blossoming into a powerful marketing tool. Making it work for you though, hinges on understanding the platform’s short-video format and fun-oriented content creation.

Here are some key statistics that showcase TikTok’s power:

Keep in mind, continuously engaging your audience and staying relevant in a fast-paced platform like TikTok can be challenging. However, if you can navigate these waters successfully, the exposure and engagement will be well worth the effort. With the fast rise of TikTok, it’s essential to keep an eye on this platform while crafting your future video content strategies.

LinkedIn

Moving on from the realm of short, quirky videos, let’s delve into a platform tailored for the professional world: LinkedIn. Renowned for its networking capabilities, LinkedIn has evolved beyond a mere job search tool; it’s a powerhouse for professional video content.

Predominantly, LinkedIn’s audience comprises an educated, affluent demographic with most users being 30 years and older. This platform is a prime choice for B2B (business-to-business) marketers, where a more serious, professional tone is the norm.

Ideation and execution for LinkedIn videos differ vastly from TikTok. This platform’s audience gravitates towards insightful, valuable content – industry news, tips and tricks, expert interviews, and behind-the-scenes views of your business are top performers. There’s an emphasis on delivering informative, value-filled video content that bolsters your professional credibility and sparks insightful discussions.

LinkedIn’s video performance isn’t shy of impressive. A LinkedIn report reveals that videos earn 20 times more shares than other post types. This underutilized feature can be a game-changer for businesses and professionals aiming to enhance their online presence.

One unique feature is LinkedIn Live. It’s a real-time video streaming tool that allows you to host Q&A sessions, webinars, tutorials, or events. With built-in analytics, LinkedIn Live not just boosts your brand’s exposure, but it also provides valuable insights into viewer demographics, engagement, and overall performance.

A crucial aspect to remember is that LinkedIn prioritizes native video, i.e., videos uploaded directly to the platform as opposed to shared links. Native videos autoplay in users’ feeds, creating a seamless user experience with less chance for bounce.

That said, crafting engaging, professional video content for LinkedIn is about striking the right balance of storytelling, useful insights, and a touch of personal flair.

The shift to LinkedIn presents an opportunity to experiment with a different content style that appeals to a professional audience. Implementing effective LinkedIn video strategies could unlock new doors to brand visibility, engagement, and influential connections.

Conclusion

So there you have it. LinkedIn’s shift towards becoming a powerhouse for professional video content cannot be ignored. It’s the perfect platform for B2B marketers who want to connect with an educated and mature audience. LinkedIn’s emphasis on valuable content like industry news, expert interviews, and behind-the-scenes looks, sets it apart.

With videos on LinkedIn getting more shares than any other post type, it’s clear that this platform is a winner for video content. Using LinkedIn Live for real-time streaming and focusing on native video uploads can significantly boost your brand’s visibility. Remember, a mix of storytelling and insights is what will keep your audience hooked. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to build meaningful connections in the professional world with LinkedIn’s video content.