How to Use Video Content to Improve Your Social Media Engagement
Your social media feed is like a shy person at a party.
They stand in the corner with a drink, waiting for someone to notice their funny comments about the weather.
Meanwhile, video content is over there doing karaoke.
It's telling amazing stories, including user generated content and somehow getting everyone to gather around laughing.
Guess which one people remember on most social media platforms?
In a world where attention spans are shorter than your patience for updates, video content is what makes people say, "Wow, tell me more!" It's like a superpower.
Instead of flying or reading minds, you can make people stop scrolling their feeds with in depth videos (which, let's be honest, might be more impressive).
For businesses in Canberra, using video marketing isn't just a trend. Learn how social media drives local business growth when done right.
Your social media management approach can transform your online presence from that quiet library corner into the bustling coffee shop everyone wants to hang out in.
Here's the thing about video content: it's not just another item on your digital marketing checklist.
It's the golden retriever of content formats, perfect for driving engagement.
Enthusiastic, engaging, and impossible to ignore.
From live streams that make your audience feel like VIPs, to explainer videos that simplify complex topics, it's important to create engaging content that resonates.
In this guide, we'll show you how to turn your quiet social media into a lively space with videos.
We're discussing content that not only supports your digital marketing goals but also helps achieve them.
In the attention economy, video content is king.
Why Video Content Works on Social Media
Video always beats static posts on social media.
We're talking Instagram Stories, YouTube Shorts, and Facebook Live generating up to 1,200% more shares than text and images combined.
That's not a mistake.
Your well-made infographics are being outpaced by video content in terms of social media engagement, as if they're standing still (because they are).
Why? Because social media videos are dynamic, emotionally engaging, and perfect for mobile viewing.
They send messages fast, creating an emotional connection.
They grab attention with motion and sound before anyone can scroll past.
Platforms now prefer short-form videos in vertical or square formats.
This platform's favouritism improves video performance and brand visibility within your social media strategy.
Videos engage viewers more than static content, making them stay focused longer.
Plus, formats like customer testimonial videos and behind-the-scenes content help build personal connection and trust with your audience.
It's like reading a resume versus meeting someone for coffee, where social proof plays a key role .
One gives you facts, but the other makes you think, "I’d love to grab lunch with this company."
High-Impact Video Types for Engagement
You don’t need a big budget to make great content. Just use your creativity and maybe a little coffee to fuel your ideas.
Here are some powerful video formats, including behind the scenes footage, that boost engagement and work across social media platforms:
Behind-the-Scenes and Day-in-the-Life Videos
Take your audience inside your Canberra business with candid clips. These need to be authentic. A Braddon café could share videos of its coffee roasting. This turns a simple process into engaging user content.
Partnering with a professional Canberra photographer ensures your behind-the-scenes visuals are not only authentic but also polished and on-brand.
How-To and Educational Videos
Offer valuable insights and practical tips that make people think, "Finally, someone who gets it!" A local stylist could post quick outfit guides, while a fitness coach shares workout routines that don't require a degree in advanced yoga. These videos are often saved and shared like precious family recipes, boosting your marketing efforts . If you’re deciding who should create your videos, explore the pros and cons of agencies vs freelancers for content creation.
Customer Testimonial Videos
Real stories from real people build credibility fast. Featuring satisfied Canberra clients encourages others to comment, trust, and convert. Because nothing says "we're legit" quite like actual humans saying nice things about you without being paid. Make sure you're choosing the right content creator to help bring these stories to life.
Product Demos and Reveals
Got a new product or service? Use a punchy short-form video to highlight benefits and drive curiosity, comments, and sales. Viewers are 64% more likely to buy after watching a product video. That's probably because seeing something in action beats reading about it on social media platforms.
Live Videos and Q&As
Use live streaming tools like Facebook Live or Instagram Live for real-time engagement. This makes your followers feel like VIPs getting backstage access. Host Q&As, product launches, or share updates. These live streams grab followers’ attention and keep them watching longer.
Seasonal or Topical Videos
Connect your content to events like Floriade or the Multicultural Festival. Doing this shows your role in Canberra's happenings. It also boosts your social media strategy and strengthens community ties.
Tips for Creating Engaging Social Media Videos
Effective social media videos don't need to be complicated.
They just need to not put people to sleep. Here's how to capture your audience's attention and improve video performance without needing a film degree or a trust fund:
Hook Viewers in 3 Seconds
Lead with a bold scene or question that grabs attention fast. Kick things off with excitement, like zip-lining over a gorge in Canberra. You only have a moment to catch their attention, just like the time it takes to skip a YouTube ad.
Keep It Short and Focused
For most platforms, less is more. Think espresso shot, not drip coffee marathon. Aim for under 60 seconds, and if you need longer, use a series to explore topics in-depth over time. Your audience's attention span isn't what it used to be (thanks, TikTok).
Add Captions for Silent Viewers
Many people scroll with the sound off, especially during meetings. Captions help make your video easy to watch for those stealthy scrollers. This simple step boosts retention and clarity while keeping you inclusive.
Use Eye-Catching Branding
Bright visuals and consistent colours or logos boost your brand's visibility. They work better than just shouting your company name from rooftops. Even DIY videos shot on your phone can look polished with simple edits. No film school required.
Encourage Users to Interact
Ask questions or prompt feedback in your captions with phrases like "Tag a friend" or "What's your top challenge?" These interactive videos invite comments. They turn your content into real conversations, not just digital monologues.
Stay Consistent
A reliable posting schedule builds anticipation and familiarity. Use platform insights to post when your audience is active. Timing matters a lot, especially in comedy, where it’s everything.
Focus on these key elements: eye-catching visuals, short messages, strong branding, and clear calls to action. This will quickly convert passive viewers into active followers.
Canberra-Specific Video Content Tips
At J-Aura, we know that local relevance matters a lot. It’s like knowing your barista’s name leads to better coffee. But here, we see clear results in ROI. Here's how Canberra businesses can win with video:
Tell Local Stories
Canberra's tight-knit feel means community content performs. A video of your stall at the Old Bus Depot Markets or a Floriade pop-up will likely get local love. Nothing shows "we're one of you" better than being part of the community.
Be Authentic
Forget the hard sell. Canberrans can spot corporate BS a mile away. Given our proximity to the government, we've had plenty of practice. A casual selfie video at Lake Burley Griffin often gets more engagement than a polished ad. Authenticity wins over production value.
Educate Thoughtfully
Canberra's educated people value smart, useful content over poorly timed roundabout merging. Keep your tone friendly and simple while delivering valuable insights on a topic you know well.
Match the Season or Trend
Promote seasonal fun. Enjoy outdoor adventures in summer and try indoor activities in winter. Stay aware of local trends and hashtags to join broader conversations. Timing your content right is like timing the traffic lights on Northbourne; when it works, it's beautiful.
Conclusion: Make Your Social Media Videos Count
If you're aiming to grow your social media presence, investing in quality video content is a smart move.
From animated videos to live video Q&As and explainer videos, there's a format for every business and every goal.
This means no more excuses about your industry being "too boring for video."
Your competitors are probably still posting stock photos with inspirational quotes in Comic Sans.
While they're stuck in the social media stone age, you could be creating content that actually makes people stop scrolling.
J-Aura, based in Canberra, helps local brands create content that connects and converts.
Their work builds a community that’s even stronger through behind the scenes content an the bonds formed over complaints about Northbourne Avenue roadworks.
No matter if it's your first campaign or you're tweaking your efforts after a lackluster performance, we can help.
Use video to boost your results on all social media platforms by understanding social media metrics that track your success.
Because let's face it: in the attention economy, standing out isn't just nice to have. It's everything.
Your brand has a story worth telling, and video content is how you tell it without putting people to sleep.
Let's tell your story. Contact J-Aura today to create engaging video content that showcases your brand.
You don’t need a Hollywood budget, just some Canberra authenticity and maybe a bit of coffee to spark creativity.
Frequently Asked Questions
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It combines motion, visuals, and sound. This makes it easier to hold your audience's attention. Think of it as the difference between reading a restaurant menu and actually watching someone cook your meal. One tells you what's available; the other makes you hungry and drives interaction.
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Short-form videos, customer testimonials, engaging interactive videos, and behind-the-scenes clips usually do well. They all avoid the feel of a boring workplace training session. These formats succeed because they are genuine, fun, and short.
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Start strong! You need to hook them fast. Use captions for the stealth scrollers, and speak directly to your audience like you're having coffee with a friend. Be consistent and always add a call to action.
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It improves reach, builds trust, and complements every stage of your funnel, from awareness to conversion. Video content is like a Swiss Army knife for digital marketing. It offers engagement, builds a strong emotional connection, and delivers real results. This can make your analytics dashboard more dynamic, not just a flatline.
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No! Even smartphone-shot content can shine with good lighting, strong messaging, and simple editing. Your phone probably has better video capabilities than most TV studios had twenty years ago (thanks, technology). The secret sauce isn't expensive equipment. It's knowing what story to tell and how to tell it without putting people to sleep.
Jaymie Dean is the founder of J.Aura and a passionate content creator based in Canberra. With years of hands-on experience in digital storytelling, she helps brands connect with their audience through creative, strategy-driven content. Known for her eye for detail and authentic style, Jaymie brings a fresh and professional approach to content creation in Canberra.
