Creating video content isn’t just about pointing a camera and hitting record. It’s about capturing attention, sparking emotion, and driving action, and the best content creators know there’s a bit of science (and a few secrets) behind the magic.
Here are five insider video tips that even the pros don’t always shout about, but they can make all the difference to how your video performs.
1. Avoid Burned-In Subtitles
You might think adding subtitles directly into your video is helpful, but it can actually work against you. Many platforms, like LinkedIn and YouTube, now offer automatic captions and reward videos that include caption files (like SRTs). These make your content more searchable and accessible, and they let viewers toggle captions on or off. Burned-in text? Not so flexible, and less friendly to algorithms.
2. Your Thumbnail Can Make or Break You
The first frame isn’t always the best one. A scroll-stopping thumbnail can dramatically increase your click-through rate. You’ve got a split second to earn that tap, so choose a bold image, clear text, and something that tells viewers exactly what to expect. Pro tip: design it like a billboard, not a brochure.
3. Silent Autoplay Isn’t Going Away
On most social platforms, videos autoplay silently, meaning if your content relies on sound to make sense, you’re losing people fast. Use on-screen text, expressive visuals, and animated titles to ensure your message lands, even if your audience never turns the volume up.
4. Know Where (and How Long) to Play
Not all platforms are equal, and neither is video length. A 2-minute case study might work wonders on YouTube but flop on Instagram. Tailor your content length and style to the platform. On TikTok? Jump in quickly and keep it short. On LinkedIn? Consider value-driven content that’s around 60–90 seconds. Context is everything.
5. Native Uploads Always Perform Better
Tempted to share a YouTube link everywhere? Don’t. Most platforms suppress external links to keep users on-site. Instead, upload your video natively to each platform (LinkedIn, Facebook, etc.). You’ll see better reach, better engagement, and happier algorithms.
At Sherbert Lemon, we help businesses create video content that not only looks the part but performs where it matters most.
Want help putting these strategies into action? Get in touch and let’s make your next video your best one yet.
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