Tips for making a TikTok or Reel
In our last Perthshire Media Co article, we talked about trends for 2022, and one of them was TikTok. Another was video content, including Reels. So what are they and how do you get started?
First of all, it’s important to understand that a TikTok and an Instagram Reel are basically the same thing. And that same thing is a short video of a minute or two or less, usually filmed portrait, on in other words with your phone upright.
There’s no question that TikTok is the next big thing on social media, nor that Instagram is going to keep pushing Reels to compete with it. So most of us are going to have to start using them if we haven’t already. But the prospect can seem daunting, so this article is designed to show that it doesn’t have to be too hard.
If you have even a half decent smart phone then you’re all set up with the equipment you need to make your video. We suggest starting really simply and just filming something for 30 seconds on your phone and uploading it to Instagram, TikTok or both from there. Ideas for your first few videos could be: some scenery from a weekend walk, your pet, local wildlife, your latest creation, what you’re currently working on, or a walk round your premises.
The beauty of these suggestions is that, if you’re nervous about appearing on screen, you don’t have to yet. You might want to commentate in the background, but you can simple add a written explanation if you prefer.
As you grow more confident, you can start to appear in the videos yourself, even if it’s only briefly. Start imparting top tips, telling stories about your working life, chatting to staff or customers, doing guided tours, sharing things you love and delivering news and updates.
Once you’re confident with those things you can move on to making sure you incorporate more strategic ways of delivering your content. So your video concept is the same, but you know what you can do to get it seen by more people. For example, you could deliver the same top tip as you did in an earlier video, but this time:
Get into the content more quickly using a good ‘hook’.
Use several different camera angles and piece them together.
Speak more enthusiastically and genuinely.
Choose a good ‘cover’ for the video as seen in an Instagram feed.
If you’re currently panicking thinking ‘I don’t know how to do any of this’, it’s okay! They can come later as you get more familiar with creating and uploading your videos. For now, just try going out, recording something for 30 seconds, and putting it on Instagram and/or TikTok. And if you need further training or assistance you know where to find us!