Social media attracts massive audiences- currently, there are over 3.78 billion social media subscribers globally. The potential for brands to influence customers is immense. But with that potential also comes the challenge for a company to catch the eye of its target audience.
Social media strategy has to be much more than a “post and forget about it” type of tactic. It needs to tell a story, be visually appealing, bring entertaining value, and connect with users through common values and struggles.
If you find yourself at a crossroads of having to decide how to reinvent your social media strategy, here are 5 creative ways you can do it with animated videos.
Why Animated Videos Work for Your Social Media Strategy?
Animated videos work exceptionally well for your social media strategy.
Video is the most popular social content, it generates 48% more views than other types of posts.
To really make a user stop scrolling through an oversaturated social feed, however, you have to be able to instantly grab attention. Videos have the power to do that. Statistics show that videos generate 1200% more shares in comparison to text-based social posts.
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Not only that but 64% of social media users say they’ve made a purchase after watching a brand’s video. Over 80% of businesses using video share that it helped them increase ROI, gain high-quality leads, and increase traffic.
It is estimated that by 2022, almost 90% of all content shared on the internet will be in video format.
So if you want your brand to get ahead of competitors, provide content of true value to your customers, and better communicate your message to new audiences — you should focus your social media marketing efforts on creating more video content.
Animated videos, in particular, are extremely efficient in:
- Grabbing and holding the audience attention;
- Breaking down difficult topics;
- Connecting with audiences in a fun and memorable way;
Animated videos are also far less expensive than live-action production, which makes them a bit easier to include in your social media strategy.
How Animated Videos Add Diversity To Your Social Media Feeds
Animated icons are great in introducing more interactive social media content. They stand out and can be successful in:
1- Introducing Brand Values
Chipotle’s marketing team masterfully uses animated videos to take viewers on a whole emotional journey where they can share values and new initiatives.
Their “Back to the Start” campaign was a huge success. In a minute video, they tell the optimistic story of a family farm that goes back to its roots and the sustainable production practices that are fair and make them happy.
The video is ideal for their YouTube channel. But what’s more, is that it can also be utilized on other social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and even integrated into email newsletters. The video can be separated into a few smaller parts that gradually introduce the idea of the video while keeping viewers’ anticipating what’s next.
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2- Presenting a New Product
Oreo is a wonderful example of how a branded animated video can be effectively used to introduce a product.
Their ”Cupcake Flavored Oreo Cookies” video takes the viewer through Oreo’s virtual factory focusing on how their products are made. The campaign introduced its new product range in an exceptionally attention-grabbing way that sticks with audiences for a long time.
Related: How to Create Shoppable Videos?
3- Explaining How Something Works
Microsoft has a terrific explainer video, showing how users can take advantage of their Microsoft Whiteboard- a digital collaborative canvas.
The animated video is accompanied by upbeat music and is short and straight to the point. It explains in an easy-to-follow way how the product works and how users can start using it.
No-fuss and no filler- the video is perfect for any type of social media.
4- Launching New Initiatives
In a recent campaign, Apple introduced its new initiative to turn every Apple product carbon neutral by 2030.
In a short animated video, the tech giant explains their new project and how they plan to take carbon neutrality and zero waste culture to a whole new level with their renewable production practices.
In the bright-colored animated video, the company explains not only how their products will be completely environmentally friendly, but how they plan on turning their whole supply chain into a carbon-neutral collaboration.
Similar animated videos can be used on social media to attract more attention to an important issue for your brand and audience. You can even create a whole social media calendar circling around environmental and social causes close to your brand.
Related: Building A Personal Brand
5- Helping Customers
Animated videos are also a great way to help customers and cut the repetitive tasks from your support team duties.
Imagine creating a service video that explains how users can deal with an issue that occurs often.
That’s a wonderful way to decrease the time an issue gets resolved and free time for other tasks. Videos explaining how an issue can be solved will also help distribute the information on all possible social media channels that users can easily find and use.
Related: Video Marketing Trends
Panorama9’s approach to supporting videos is not only checking the box on practicality but is also fun and entertaining. The over 2-minute video is a sentimental trip to the past with an animation style reminiscing old video games. Combined with an epic voice-over, it truly transports you into the world of their protagonist- IT-MAN.
Animated Video Styles To Try In Your Social Media Strategy
The examples above are a great way to start with creating your own social media animated videos. But here are a few more styles that will expand your options and give you even more ideas on how to present information to your audience.
1- Motion Graphics
Motion graphics video uses text and shapes to present a story. They typically have a striking audio to increase the impact on viewers.
Infotechbuz shows a great example.
Related: PosterMyWall: Easy Design Tool For Social Media
2- Typography Videos
Moving texts or kinetic typography videos can be a subtle and extremely memorable approach to presenting ideas online. Concepts expressed with the format tend to stick in the minds of viewers and are easier to recall after.
Related: Popular Typography Trends in Web Design
Apple shows a beautiful typography video example you can get inspiration from.
3- Whiteboard Videos
Whiteboard videos are another great way to break down complicated concepts and keep users engaged in the process.
Asapscience is an educational channel that uses whiteboard animation to engage viewers in important and often funny topics.
To Sum It Up
Social media is the quickest way to get in front of new audiences and engage your current customers with relevant content.
Animated videos, in particular, are an indispensable helper to any social media strategy. They grab the attention, invoke an emotional response, and hold your viewers’ focus long enough for you to communicate your message.
These 5 creative tactics of incorporating animated videos in your social media will help you reinvent your strategy and up your whole marketing game, so your audiences are happy and your ROI high.
