The Importance of Health Videos in Today’s Digital World
Health videos are critical to getting accurate and reliable information to a wide audience. With so many digital platforms and a wide reliance on the Internet for information, health videos have become increasingly popular and influential. Here are some reasons why health videos are essential:
- Health videos allow people from all around the world to access health information easily and quickly. They can be viewed on a broad range of devices, making them accessible to a diverse audience.
- Health videos can present information that is more engaging and relatable than text-based content. This can help keep the audience interested and encourage them to learn more about the topic.
- Social media platforms have allowed health videos to be shared and viewed by millions of users. This increased visibility and wide availability can significantly impact public health by raising awareness of important health issues and promoting healthy behaviours.
- Health videos can be easily and quickly updated to reflect new research findings or revised guidelines. This ensures that the information in the video is accurate and up-to-date.
- Health videos can be an effective tool for influencing behaviour change by presenting information compellingly and persuasively. When viewers see real-life examples and success stories, they may be more motivated to adopt healthier habits.
- Reputable organisations, experts and professionals can create health videos to provide accurate, evidence-based information. This helps to counter “fake news” and ensure the audience is correctly informed.
Understanding the different Social Media Platforms
Understanding the particular requirements and nuances of the different social media platforms is crucial to creating and sharing effective video content. Each platform has unique features, audience preferences, and technical requirements, so it’s essential to tailor your video production approach accordingly.
With over 2.8 billion active users, Facebook is a versatile platform for sharing various types of video content. Facebook supports short clips, longer videos, and live streams. The algorithm favours native videos, so uploading them directly to Facebook rather than sharing links from other platforms can help. When producing videos for Facebook, consider incorporating captions, as many users watch videos with the sound off.
Optimal aspect ratios: Landscape (16:9), Square (1:1), and Vertical (9:16)
Video length: 1-3 minutes for higher engagement.
Known for its visual focus, Instagram offers multiple video formats, including in-feed videos, Stories, IGTV, and Reels. In-feed videos should be concise and eye-catching, while Stories allow for more casual, behind-the-scenes content. Reels are perfect for short, engaging clips. Vertical video formats are popular on Instagram, so consider framing your content accordingly.
9 out of 10 Instagram users watch video content weekly. Post Reels regularly to grab their attention.
In-feed videos:
Supported aspect ratios: 1:1, 9:16 & 4:5, 16:9
60 minutes max
3 seconds minimum
Stories:
Square videos recommended
15 seconds limit (videos longer will be split into multiple Stories).
Reels:
Video Length: max 60 seconds
9:16 best aspect ratio
Videos with a 2:1 ratio are accepted, but will be cropped to a square shape if the height surpasses the width. Video clips must be shorter than two minutes and twenty seconds, with the minimum length being half a second.
Although primarily text-based, Twitter has increasingly embraced video content. Videos on Twitter should be short, should quickly grab your viewer’s attention, and be shareable. Optimise your videos and ensure they are concise and accompanied by a compelling caption to spark engagement and conversation.
Recommended aspect ratio: 1:1. (2:1 supported but will be cropped square when height exceeds width).
2min 20 secs max per video
Minimum length: 0.5 seconds
Youtube
As the world’s second-largest search engine, YouTube is the go-to platform for long-form video content. YouTube users often seek informative, educational, or entertaining content, so focus on high-quality production and a clear narrative. You can check out a blog on optimising youtube videos here.
Best aspect ratio: 16:9 (landscape)
Video length: Varies; 6-8 minutes for best results
Tik Tok
Known for its short-form social media videos, TikTok is ideal for creating fun, engaging, and shareable clips (think dancing). TikTok videos should be 15-60 seconds long and use popular sounds, hashtags, and challenges to increase visibility. Creativity and authenticity are highly valued on this platform.
1080×1920 px recommended for a normal smartphone
Square is accepted but won’t appear full screen
10 minutes max per video
LinkedIn is an excellent platform for sharing informative and educational video content targeted at professionals in your industry. Keep your videos concise, and ensure they provide value to your target audience.
Recommended aspect: 1:2.4 to 2.4:1
Vertical videos are cropped square
Video Length: 3-10 minutes
Understanding the differences between each social media platform is essential for optimising video production. Your approach should take in the platform’s unique features, audience preferences, and technical requirements to create engaging and shareable content that connects with viewers.
The Dos and Dont’s of Health Video Optimisation
The Dos: Proven Strategies for Success
Do use storytelling to make complex health topics more relatable and easier to understand. Share real-life examples, patient stories, or success cases to evoke emotions and increase engagement.
Do use high-quality visuals, graphics, and animations to grab the audience’s attention and illustrate important concepts. Clear, well-designed visuals can help convey your message effectively.
Do encourage viewers to take action, such as subscribing to your channel, sharing the video, or visiting your website for more information. Clear calls to action can boost engagement and drive desired outcomes.
Do maintain a consistent posting schedule and brand identity across all platforms. Regularly sharing relevant content helps establish credibility and fosters a loyal audience.
Do partner with influencers, healthcare professionals, or organisations to expand your reach and enhance the credibility of your content. Collaborations can also provide fresh perspectives and unique insights.
Do tailor your videos to each platform, considering factors like video length, aspect ratio, and audience preferences. Customising content for each platform can improve engagement and shareability.
Do foster community by responding to comments, addressing viewer questions, and incorporating user-generated content. Actively engaging with your audience builds trust and encourages further interaction.
The Don’ts: Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don’t cover too many topics in a single video; that may confuse or overwhelm your audience. Keep your content focused and concise, addressing a specific health issue or concept.
Don’t excessively promote products or services, as it can alienate viewers. Prioritise sharing valuable information and education over sales pitches.
Don’t share incorrect or outdated health information! That can badly damage your credibility and potentially harm viewers. Always fact-check and use evidence-based sources.
Don’t accept poor quality. Low-quality video or audio can detract from your message and discourage viewers from engaging with your content. Invest in decent equipment and editing software, or hire a professional video production company to help with your health video production.
Don’t ignore captions or transcripts, as they can exclude viewers with hearing impairments. Make your content accessible to a broader audience by including captions and alternative text.
Don’t fail to maintain consistent branding across platforms can create confusion and weaken your online presence. Ensure a cohesive visual identity and messaging in all your content.
Don’t ignore platform-specific requirements and best practices, as it can hurt your content’s visibility and engagement. Tailor your videos to each platform’s unique features and audience preferences.
Got any questions about the above? The Jasper Picture Company has been creating video content for some of Australia’s biggest health providers since 2014. Get in touch via our contact page if you would like to chat about your next health video project.