The old adage that the best camera is the one that’s with you couldn’t be more apt for the social era. Today, that camera is your smartphone. It’s the best way to catch an image when you need it. But for video, just because you can doesn’t mean you should.
Still, don’t shy away from shooting video with your smartphone when the moment requires it. Build a foundation for video storytelling. Find the faith to take the leap for down and dirty video when you need it.
- Get the team in place.
Make sure you have a production team (sound, lighting, editing, post-production, et al.) to make great video work for you. - Add to an existing mix.
Dedicate high-quality video to building your brand and serving a campaign. But when you need quick video hits, reaction commentary or more, use what you have. Mix quick videos with high-quality production work. If you want to use old home videos from vhs tapes, you may visit sites like https://everpresent.com/home-movies-to-digital/ to convert them into digital copies. - Use the tools you have.
When you need to move fast, you should. Go live with Periscope. Use the short edits in Vine or Instagram. Take those links and publish them on different platforms. Use the tools you have to showcase your company’s smallest functions or story opportunities. - Tap your influencers.
Leverage PR programs. Work with influencers to generate video content you can use to amplify your story. Produce videos. Advocate opinion pieces. Get creative.
Video plays an important role in the content we develop for social media. When you don’t have a full video department at your beck and call, your smartphone – that best camera you have ready when you need it – serves your storytelling needs nimbly and in a way that keeps your brand standards front and center by adding chapters to your story.
-Colin Deval is social media strategist at Milwaukee-based Core Creative.
