Social Media Video Production – Easier as a One-Person Production Team

Let’s be honest—social media video production is where it’s at if you’re a digital marketer, filmmaker, or product company. There is no way around it—you need video like a cat needs yarn! But most of us do not have huge marketing teams to support us. Most of us running small businesses are all we have when making video content. 

Creating engaging videos might seem daunting if you’re a one-person production team. The good news is that social media video production can be more straightforward and more forgiving than traditional commercial video production. You can create compelling content with the right approach without needing a large crew or expensive equipment. Whether you’re a lone wolf in your marketing department or a small business owner trying to get more Instagram love, here are some tips to help you make social media video production more accessible and effective as a solo creator.

Embrace Simplicity in Social Media Video Production

One of the most significant advantages of social media video production is its flexibility. Unlike traditional commercial videos, which often require high budgets and professional setups, social media videos can be created with minimal resources. This is particularly beneficial for one-person production teams, who must manage every aspect of the process.

You often need a smartphone with a decent camera to get started. Today’s smartphones have powerful cameras that capture high-quality video—I wish I had that when I first started filmmaking! Combine this with natural lighting and have a simple yet effective setup. Remember, audiences on social media value authenticity over perfection, and the algorithms will reward you for that spontaneity. Don’t worry about having the latest equipment.

Focus on Authenticity and Engagement

Authenticity is the biggest goal in social media video production. Viewers are drawn to content that feels real and relatable. As a one-person production team, you can create a personal connection with your audience by showing behind-the-scenes moments, sharing your thoughts, and letting your personality shine through. Consider the success of influencers on platforms like TikTok and Instagram. Many create engaging content using simple setups in their homes, campers, and even bathrooms – yikes! Nonetheless, their videos’ unpolished, genuine nature resonates with viewers and builds a loyal following. You can apply the same principles to your social media video production efforts even if you’re marketing a product or service.

Plan Production for your Social Media Video Content

Even though social media videos can be more spontaneous, having a basic plan can save you time and effort. Outline your video topics, key points, and message. This will help you stay focused and ensure your videos have a clear purpose.

Use Easy Editing Tools

As a one-person production team, you don’t have the luxury of a dedicated editor. Thankfully, plenty of user-friendly editing apps can help you polish your videos without extensive training. Apps like iMovie, Adobe Premiere Rush, and InShot offer potent features in a simple interface. Another thing to note is that some platforms like TikTok and Instagram have built editing tools to assemble reels. They are packed with excellent features. I have also heard that the algorithms, like videos edited within its platform, will sometimes perform much better than those uploaded as completed videos. Now, I cannot verify this claim for sure, but some of our most successful organic videos are ones we edited within the social app itself. Just saying…

Leverage Natural Lighting

Natural lighting is your best friend and worst enemy when creating a video. Most cameras these days are good at enhancing lighting. Plus, the sun is free, and filming outside has never been easier. Finding excellent natural lighting, both indoors and outdoors, can make your video shine. Whenever possible, use natural light by filming near windows or outside. If you’re filming indoors, inexpensive ring or softbox lights can provide a professional touch without breaking the bank.

Engage with Your Audience

Social media is all about interaction. Encourage viewers to comment, like, and share our videos. Respond to comments and build a community around your content. Engaging with your audience boosts your video’s reach and creates a loyal following. This means you should always respond to comments and express gratitude for shares and likes. Remember, saying thank you can go a long way and generate better engagement. 

Optimize with Keywords and Hashtags

Use relevant keywords and hashtags to maximize your video’s exposure. For instance, incorporating the keyword phrase “social media video production” in your titles, descriptions, and captions can help your content appear in related searches. Use trending hashtags to reach a broader audience and increase discoverability.

Keep Social Media Video Short and Engaging

Attention spans on social media are getting shorter by the day. Depending on your audience, aim for videos that are concise and to the point. On platforms like Instagram and TikTok, it’s advisable to keep your videos under a minute. For Facebook, where most 100-year-olds hang out, slightly longer videos can work, but ensure your content remains engaging.

Experiment and Learn

Social media trends are constantly evolving. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of content and styles. Analyze the performance of your videos and learn from the feedback, successes, and failures. This iterative approach will help you refine your social media video production skills over time.

The Wrap Up

It may seem odd that a video production company such as Indie Film Factory would dare to post a video encouraging people to create DIY videos. However, as a true indie filmmaker, we have always been committed to helping others take control of their visual destiny. Not all production will work through the lens of your pocket phone. Some stories and videos need to offer the audience a more cinematic approach; this is where video agencies like ours can help. But for most practical purposes, being a one-person production team doesn’t mean you can’t create high-quality social media videos. 

Just remember to embrace simplicity, focus on truth and authenticity, and utilize the tools you have. If you do, you can make social media video production more accessible and practical. The key to successful social media video production lies in understanding your audience, staying authentic, and continuously experimenting with new ideas.

If you want to learn more about what we do as a video production agency, contact us and let us know if we can help!

That’s all for now. Peace out!

-Kelly