Consider using video on as many of your social media platforms as possible if you want to relate with your audience in a new way. The rise of social video is one of the biggest trends in social media right now. One simple reason why storytelling videos are becoming increasingly popular is that they are effective. Using social video to tell stories increases engagement, drives sharing, and creates an opportunity for offline and online conversations about you. The following tips will help you combine storytelling and social video.

Video Storytelling: Why Is It So Great?

Storytelling is universal; everyone can relate to it. Since the dawn of time, information has been transmitted through storytelling. Storytelling is evident in cave paintings and stories from the Bible. Books and movies are popular examples of modern storytelling. A classic story is made up of a few elements. Among them are:

• An excellent introduction
• A protagonist with a mission
• Conflict arising from obstacles
• A climax
• A resolution

We will discuss these topics in more detail in the next section. When you are telling a story on social media, don’t overlook these points. You will use many of the same tools that movies and books use.

The delivery of a story is usually more concise than that of a sales pitch. It is an interesting way to convey a point and, rather than eliciting a practical explanation, more easily elicits an emotional response. The more you see, the more you believe.

The Art of Storytelling

Planning the production of a story through video requires you to ask yourself a few questions that will guide your action. These questions include:

• What is the plot of your story? How is it structured? An introduction, a conflict, and a resolution are necessary for a good story.
• What is your purpose in telling the story? After viewing your video, what are you hoping viewers will do?
• Who are the main characters in the story? In what way are they relatable to the viewers?
• Where does the video take place? What does this location contribute to the story?
• Who is the intended audience? Do you intend to reach new customers, current customers, employees, industry leaders, or someone else?
• How will you distribute the video? Where will you host it? Various social media platforms are available, so make sure your distribution channel fits the video’s purpose.

Social Media Storytelling Ideas

• Get customer reviews and stories to post.

When you’ve got a great business working, you probably get some great reviews from happy customers. You can tell a great story about the experience from your customers’ point of view by getting these reviews on video. The goal is to create an emotional connection between your company and your customers. Additionally, it enables viewers to relate to your company.

• Share a personal story.

You can also generate an emotional connection to your company by posting stories from the viewpoint of your company. This allows you to connect with your audience on a personal level. You can also share stories about how your business has taught you valuable lessons.

• Do in-depth interviews with guests in the industry.

Interviews or podcasts are an excellent way to find out what industry leaders, colleagues, or customers have to say. Conduct an interview with industry leaders. Ask questions that are relevant and regularly asked. A successful interview or podcast depends on engaging questions and a good guest.

• Produce a documentary-style video.

You can also use video to tell stories by shooting them in a documentary style. Make a short video documenting how your business came to be, or share some stories that would be of interest to your audience. You don’t need a celebrity or a big budget to create a documentary video. Just make sure the items featured are relevant to your audience.

• Give a behind the scenes look.

Going “behind the scenes” is always a great video. This type of video is best suited for companies that sell products and services. Show off a hidden part of your business. You want people in your company who can tell a good story and aren’t shy in front of the camera.

• Put together a how-to video.

Through social video, you can show your customers how to do stuff from their perspective. Make a video on “how to” for something at home. If you sell solar panels, for example, record a how-to on what to do before you even make the call to your solar panel company. The sight of people achieving their goals motivates viewers.

• Get the camera out and capture the funny moments.

Laughter is a wonderful thing, isn’t it? Create a video or videos, if possible, highlighting funny situations relevant to your brand. We have seen restaurants use real-life examples to demonstrate “what not to do”.

• Showcase your business’ activities and office challenges. 

What is your company culture like? Is your staff involved in appealing activities? Do you have some sort of office challenge going? Feature these stories in your social storytelling. Customers will like going on the challenge with you and it creates an emotional response seeing people meet their goals (and laugh along the way!)

Final Words

Once you start to get the feel of storytelling through video, you will be able to judge what will be good and bad storytelling. Good storytelling examples will always be the ones that make you laugh, cry, get angry, or at least make you think!

So, have you started video storytelling with your brand? Need some help? Call us at (314) 537-7974.

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