Short-form video is no longer just “the future” of digital marketing—it’s here and it’s dominating. Whether you’re trying to capture attention on TikTok, Instagram Reels, or YouTube Shorts, it’s all about magnetic content that sticks in your audience’s minds. But here’s the catch: it’s not just about flashy visuals and catchy music. It’s about strategic content that resonates, entertains, and drives action.
I’m not going to tell you to “post consistently” or “use popular hashtags”—that’s advice everyone knows. Instead, let’s dive deep into some pro-level, actionable tips to craft videos that hook viewers instantly and keep them coming back for more.
1. The 3-Second Rule: Captivate Immediately
You have about three seconds to make an impression. TikTok and Reels audiences scroll fast—like “blink and you miss it” fast—so if you don’t capture their attention right away, they’re gone. Here’s the secret: start with movement, curiosity, or controversy. The goal is to disrupt the typical scrolling pattern and give viewers no choice but to pause and watch.
Example: A local chiropractic clinic could start their video with a close-up of a person’s back being adjusted, followed by the satisfying “pop” sound. Then, they quickly switch to the relieved reaction of the client with a text overlay that reads, “Did you hear that? Instant relief!” This approach immediately intrigues viewers, prompting them to stay and see the full experience.
2. Keep Your Videos Moving: The 2-Second Transition Trick
Here’s a pro trick to keep your viewers watching: don’t let any one shot linger for more than two seconds. Quick cuts, multiple angles, and on-screen movement keep the content visually interesting. Remember, people have short attention spans—constant change within your video helps keep their focus.
Example: A local fitness studio could record a workout video using multiple angles: a close-up of feet moving during a lunge, a quick switch to a wide shot of the entire move, then a transition to a smiling trainer offering a tip. These quick transitions prevent the video from feeling stagnant and ensure the viewer stays engaged.
3. Leverage TikTok & Reels Trends, But Make Them Yours
One of the best ways to get on people’s For You Page (FYP) or Explore tab is to use trending sounds, themes, and challenges. But here’s the thing: don’t just copy what everyone else is doing. Put a local spin on it, make it niche-specific, or inject your brand’s unique voice into it. Using a trend just for the sake of hopping on it won’t resonate—it’s your twist that makes it pop.
Example: Let’s say you’re a home remodelling company, and there’s a trending sound featuring a dramatic transition effect. Instead of simply mimicking it, use it to highlight “Before & After” transformations of a recent kitchen renovation. Start with a close-up of an outdated tile countertop, and on the beat drop, reveal the gleaming marble upgrade.
4. Tap Into Storytelling (With a Twist)
People love stories, especially when they feel personal or relatable. But here’s the twist: your storytelling should be visual, not verbal. These short-form videos don’t have time for lengthy monologues. Use visuals to convey the narrative—think quick flashes of different scenes that build up to a satisfying conclusion.
Example: A flower shop could tell a story about “A Day in the Life of a Bouquet.” Start by showing flowers being delivered, then a quick transition to trimming the stems, arranging them in a vase, and finally, the happy customer walking out of the store with a big smile. Each shot is like a frame in a comic strip, conveying more through imagery than words could.
5. The Power of Looping Content
One of the easiest ways to boost engagement and play with TikTok and Reel algorithms is to create videos that naturally loop. When a viewer re-watches your video—intentionally or not—it signals to the platform that your content is engaging. The secret is to craft your video so it seamlessly starts over without it being obvious that it’s replaying.
Example: A smoothie bar could make a video where they throw all the ingredients into a blender, blend it, pour the smoothie, and then show a close-up of someone enjoying the first sip. The video could end with the empty blender, starting right back at the first frame—blending another smoothie. This creates a smooth loop that encourages viewers to watch multiple times.
6. Humanise Your Business: Go Beyond Products
Magnetic content is about connection, not just promotion. Go beyond just showcasing what you sell. Share the personalities behind your business. Show your team’s humour, your quirks, and the fun you have while running your business. Viewers love feeling like they know the “real you,” and it makes them more likely to become loyal customers.
Example: A local family-owned restaurant could make fun videos where staff members take turns showing their favourite dish or sharing cooking tips. It could be as simple as “How our chef spices the perfect steak” or a funny blooper reel of behind-the-scenes mishaps in the kitchen. These moments humanize your brand and make your content more shareable.
7. Use Text Overlays to Guide the Story
Not everyone watches videos with the sound on—especially on social platforms. That’s why text overlays are a powerful tool to guide the narrative, highlight key points, and keep viewers watching even without audio. Use captions, thought bubbles, or bold text to emphasize parts of your video and make it more digestible.
Example: A local cleaning service can post a time-lapse of a deep-cleaning job, with bold text overlays marking the progress: “Step 1: Clearing the Clutter,” “Step 2: Scrubbing Down Surfaces,” and finally, “Step 3: Fresh and Spotless!” This text guides viewers through the cleaning process, making the transformation even more satisfying.
8. Ask Questions and Spark Engagement
Questions are a great way to spark interaction and comments. The more engagement your video gets, the more likely it is to reach new audiences. However, don’t just ask generic questions; make them specific to your audience and relate them to the content in your video.
Example: A pet supply store could post a video featuring different types of pet toys and ask, “What toy does your dog love most—chew, squeak, or tug-of-war?” This not only engages viewers who are pet owners but also draws them into the conversation around your products.
9. Repurpose and Recycle Your Best Content
You don’t always have to create new content from scratch. Repurpose your existing content to get more mileage out of it. Videos that performed well in the past can be slightly re-edited, updated with new trends, or simply reposted at a later date. Don’t let good content fade away—keep it alive by finding new ways to repackage it.
Example: A bike repair shop that made a successful video on “How to Check Your Tyre Pressure in Under a Minute” could recycle that content during different seasons. Maybe reframe it for summer rides and then repost it with a winter biking angle later in the year. Each repost allows you to reach different segments of your audience.
10. Create Challenges and Tag Users
Encourage user participation by creating challenges or dares that encourage users to post their own content and tag your business. The idea is to inspire creativity among your audience, which boosts your brand’s visibility and strengthens community ties.
Example: A barber shop could launch a “Fresh Fade Challenge,” daring customers to post videos of their new haircuts with a hashtag like #FreshFade[YourCity]. To sweeten the deal, offer a reward—like a free haircut—for the most creative or popular submission. This not only draws attention to your services but also turns your customers into advocates.
Takeaway: Get Creative, Be Authentic, and Keep Your Audience in Mind
Creating magnetic video content isn’t just about being flashy—it’s about resonating with your audience on a personal level. Use these advanced strategies to make videos that aren’t just entertaining, but that also drive engagement, action, and loyalty. Be willing to experiment, stay up-to-date with trends, and remember that people are drawn to authenticity. The more you connect, the more you’ll see your engagement soar.
So, grab your camera, start recording, and let your business’s personality shine through. With these tips in your arsenal, you’re ready to make waves on TikTok, Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, and beyond. Your audience is out there—show them what makes your brand magnetic.
