How Video Storytelling Works & Why You Need It
There are countless advertisements and distractions built to attract people's attention. That’s why many of us have learned how to drown out most of what we see on the internet. Think about the last time you scrolled through social media — even if you saw hundreds of ads and videos, how many of them do you remember?
If you're being honest, it’s unlikely that any of them impacted you. So how can your business break through the noise and jump out at people? The answer is something ancient and deeply ingrained in our culture — storytelling.
This article will explain what storytelling means and how you can use it to make an impact on the people who you are trying to reach out. This secret hiding in plain sight can cement you and your brand in the minds of your audience.
What Is Video Storytelling?
When it comes down to it, video storytelling is exactly what it sounds like — it's using a video to tell a story. Since people see so many graphics and designs every day, companies need to put more effort into the actual foundation behind their advertising.
Video storytelling is an advertising technique that uses video's engaging format to tell a story. It can be done in both long and short form, and either way, it will leave a more significant impact than a quick still advertisement.
Why Is Video Storytelling So Important?
Instead of just stating facts, a story will introduce more into the viewers’ minds — emotions, reactions, expectations, and relatability. Stories have a particular way of getting stuck in people's minds, which is precisely what advertisers want to happen. This is what makes video storytelling so powerful and effective.
That's why so many people use storytelling to teach and engage with their audiences. Look at comedians, professional speakers, powerful speeches you've heard, and more. Using a story alongside a set of facts makes the critical information stick in people's heads more effectively than telling them straight up.
What Makes Up a Story?
To use video storytelling, you need to know the basic elements that make a story compelling.
Purpose
Before getting started, make sure you know why you're telling this story in a video. Figure out that goal, and then make sure every other decision you make lines up with it.
Many amateur advertisers get carried away with concepts to the point that they never fulfill their primary purpose and goal. Make sure that you remain focused on what you want to do so that your video can be as effective as possible.
Target Audience
The first goal behind every marketing and advertising campaign is to identify your target audience. This will allow you to relate to people who are already likely to engage with your videos. Do your research in this part first — it will inform every other decision you make regarding your story and video.
Plot and Storyline
A story has to go somewhere. Don't just show a couple of shots of people running around on a beach — tell a story. Even if you only have 30 seconds, include an introduction, rising action, climax, and resolution. A good storyteller and marketer can tell a powerful story in thirty seconds, as long as they put in the effort and planning.
Subject Matter
Choose subject matter that relates to and impacts your target audience. Have the cast of the video consist of people your target audience would relate to, and set it in locations that your audience would be familiar with.
How To Tell a Powerful Story With Video
Here are some great tips for how you can tell a great story.
Focus on Emotions
When creating a video, one of your goals should be to trigger emotional responses in people. Typically, these should be positive responses instead of angry or sad ones, but even negative emotions have their place in video storytelling.
Whatever you do, make sure that you're stirring up emotions and feelings inside your audience so that they feel changed by your video.
Don't settle for making something that looks pretty or sounds nice — make a video that creates a reaction because if your viewers remember nothing else, they'll remember that.
Cut Out Unnecessary Content
Every frame counts in the editing process. Even trimming a couple seconds can make a video more engaging, so it’s less likely that someone would shift their attention away from the video.
If even one shot doesn't excite you to see, get rid of it — it's always better to be concise and to the point. Most people will scroll away from a video in a couple of seconds, so make sure you get to the hook or the point as quickly as possible.
Make It Professional
If your video looks amateur, it won’t create a good first impression. If you're creating high-level and high-quality video advertising, do it right.
While it's easier than ever to get professional video equipment, few things can make up for the expertise and skill that accompanies professionals who've been making videos and marketing content for decades.
How 7 Wonders Can Help
If you're looking to up your marketing game, 7 Wonders can help. We've worked with all kinds of clients, ranging from small startups to Fortune 500 companies, and have received tons of accolades and awards for our services to them. We thrive off seeing our clients find success in their industry, and we're constantly looking for new ways to create a tangible impact.
If you want to make effective and powerful video content, 7 Wonders is here to help.
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