Mastering Short Form Video Content for TikTok: A Guide

Posted on 29th Nov, 2024.

The ideal length of a TikTok is somewhere between 20 and 35 seconds. If you're looking to make money from the Creator Fund, you might choose to make videos that are over 60 seconds long. But TikTok videos are rarely over 2-5 minutes long.

If you're new to TikTok or you're used to using a platform that prioritises longer-form videos, like YouTube, you might struggle to keep your videos concise. Luckily, we've put together a guide to mastering the art of short form video. Let's get into it.

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Why Are Short Videos Important on TikTok?

Users come to TikTok for short-form content, not to watch documentaries. This video-sharing platform relies on short, snappy videos that hook users in within seconds and don't last longer than a couple of minutes. Short videos enjoy more views and more likes, resulting in a higher chance of going viral.

If your videos are too long, you'll start out from the crowd for all the wrong reasons. TikTok users aren't used to tuning in for long content, so you risk them switching off if the content isn't snappy and interesting enough. Not every video has to be 30 seconds long or less, but avoid going over two minutes unless it's a must-do for the type of video you're making.

Tips for Making Short Videos

New to making short videos? Here's how to do it.

1. Conciseness is Key

If you're struggling to keep your videos to two minutes or fewer, you're probably struggling with conciseness. Conciseness means saying what you have to say in as few words as possible - missing out filler works and unnecessary waffle.

Rather than dragging out a story with a long convoluted introduction, get straight to the point. Not only will it help you keep the video as short as possible, but it will also be more engaging, increasing the chance of users watching your video right until the end.

2. Edit, Edit, and Edit Some More

Rather than uploading a video that's filmed all in one take, most creators choose to put snippers together using edits. That way, you can remove any waffling, awkward or silent moments, and create a video that flows as one.

You don't need any specialist editing skills or software. You can either edit directly in the app, or, for access to more tools, CapCut. As well as editing the video to keep it short, you can add filters, transitions, and captions to make the video more engaging.

3. Create Series/Parts

Got a long story to tell but don't want to make your video long and rambling? That's where playlists, content series, and video parts come in. You can split your story up into chunks, one video at a time. Tell your followers to come back for the second/third installation, and that way you won't have to make a waffling video all in one go.

Plus, by using series, playlists, and multi-part stories, you'll also see an increase in follower count as people follow you to follow along with the story. Just like in movies, books, and TV, a good cliffhanger will always leave people wanting to find out what happens next.

4. Follow Trends

Because of the nature of TikTok that lends itself to short-form videos, most of the trends and challenges are all short, whether it's a lip sync to a short clip or a dance video to the sped-up version of a popular song. By following the majority of the trends that appear on the app (as long as they fit into your niche), you're more likely to make videos that are short enough to capture and sustain your followers' attention.

5. Start With a Hook

One of the most effective ways to keep your videos concise is to start with a hook that throws you straight into the action. Ask a rhetorical question or try the 'put a finger down if...' trick to start off a story. Using a hook not only forces you to get straight into the story, but also makes it impossible for viewers to look away.

Visual hooks have the same effect - that's when you do something while you're speaking that draws the viewers attention, such as applying lipstick or plating up your dinner.

6. Leave Cliffhangers

Tying in with the idea of creating parts and series of content, leaving cliffhangers is one of the most effective ways to keep your content short without alienating your audience.

When you film shorter videos - especially for stories - there's a risk your audience might switch off if you don't complete the story in one video. But, on the other hand, if you complete the story, it might make the video too long. The easy solution is to leave a cliffhanger, an undeniably juicy hook that will keep viewers coming back to your profile to hear what happens next.

7. Reply to Comments

As tempting as it is to cover everything in one video, answering any questions that might arise would make your video too long. Instead, post your storytelling clip and then wait for questions to come in via the comments. That way, you can make a response video to each comment.

This not only allows for plenty of short, concise videos rather than one long one, but it's also a great way to connect directly with your audience, and encourage further interaction with your videos in the form of comments and likes.

While keeping your videos concise is a must, don't over think video length too much. An engaging video won't not go viral just because it's 40 seconds instead of 30. As well as focusing on video length, put quality and creativity front and centre of your content plan.