Video Marketing

---
name: video-marketing
description: Video content strategy, YouTube optimization, short-form content, and video production best practices.
allowed-tools: Read, Glob, Grep
---

# Video Marketing

> Create compelling video content that drives engagement and conversions.

---

## 1. Video Platform Overview

| Platform | Best For | Length | Format |
|----------|----------|--------|--------|
| **YouTube** | Evergreen, tutorials | 8-15 min | 16:9 landscape |
| **TikTok** | Viral, trends | 15-60 sec | 9:16 vertical |
| **Instagram Reels** | Discovery | 15-90 sec | 9:16 vertical |
| **YouTube Shorts** | Discovery | <60 sec | 9:16 vertical |
| **LinkedIn** | B2B, professional | 30 sec - 5 min | 16:9 or 1:1 |
| **Facebook** | Community | 1-3 min | Multiple |

---

## 2. Video Types

| Type | Purpose | Best Platform |
|------|---------|---------------|
| **Tutorial/How-to** | Educate, SEO | YouTube |
| **Product demo** | Showcase features | All |
| **Testimonial** | Social proof | Website, ads |
| **Behind-the-scenes** | Authenticity | Instagram, TikTok |
| **Interview** | Authority | YouTube, LinkedIn |
| **Live stream** | Engagement | All |
| **Explainer** | Complex topics | YouTube, website |
| **User-generated** | Community | All |

---

## 3. YouTube Strategy

### Video Structure

| Section | Purpose | Duration |
|---------|---------|----------|
| **Hook** | Grab attention | 0-15 sec |
| **Intro** | Set expectations | 15-30 sec |
| **Content** | Deliver value | Main body |
| **CTA** | Next steps | 15-30 sec |
| **End screen** | More content | 20 sec |

### YouTube SEO

| Element | Best Practice |
|---------|---------------|
| **Title** | Keyword front, 60 chars, curiosity |
| **Description** | Keyword-rich, links, timestamps |
| **Tags** | 5-10 relevant tags |
| **Thumbnail** | Custom, faces, text overlay |
| **Chapters** | Timestamps in description |
| **Cards** | Link to relevant videos |
| **End screens** | Subscribe + next video |

### Thumbnail Best Practices

| Element | Guidance |
|---------|----------|
| **Faces** | Expressive emotions |
| **Text** | 3-5 words max, readable on mobile |
| **Colors** | Bright, contrasting |
| **Branding** | Consistent style |
| **Size** | 1280x720 minimum |

---

## 4. Short-Form Video

### TikTok/Reels Best Practices

| Element | Best Practice |
|---------|---------------|
| **Hook** | First 1-3 seconds crucial |
| **Length** | 15-30 sec optimal |
| **Audio** | Use trending sounds |
| **Text on screen** | Key points, accessibility |
| **Vertical** | 9:16 native |
| **Captions** | 85% watch without sound |

### Short-Form Content Types

| Type | Description |
|------|-------------|
| **Trend participation** | Jump on viral trends |
| **Tutorial snippets** | Quick how-tos |
| **Behind-the-scenes** | Authentic glimpses |
| **POV** | Storytelling format |
| **Before/after** | Transformation content |
| **Day in the life** | Personal brand |

---

## 5. Video Production

### Equipment Tiers

| Tier | Investment | Equipment |
|------|------------|-----------|
| **Beginner** | $0-$200 | Smartphone, natural light |
| **Intermediate** | $500-$2K | DSLR, ring light, lav mic |
| **Professional** | $5K+ | Cinema camera, full lighting, pro audio |

### Production Checklist

| Phase | Tasks |
|-------|-------|
| **Pre-production** | Script, storyboard, location, equipment |
| **Production** | Setup, filming, backup recordings |
| **Post-production** | Edit, color, audio, export |
| **Distribution** | Upload, optimize, promote |

### Audio Quality

| Priority | Why |
|----------|-----|
| **#1** | Bad audio = unwatchable |
| **Tip** | Invest in good mic before camera |
| **Check** | Monitor audio while recording |

---

## 6. Video Metrics

### YouTube Metrics

| Metric | Target | Why It Matters |
|--------|--------|----------------|
| **Watch time** | High total hours | Ranking factor |
| **Avg view duration** | >50% | Engagement quality |
| **CTR** | 4-10% | Thumbnail/title effectiveness |
| **Subscribers gained** | Growing | Channel health |

### Short-Form Metrics

| Metric | Indicates |
|--------|-----------|
| **Views** | Reach |
| **Watch time** | Engagement |
| **Shares** | Viral potential |
| **Comments** | Community |
| **Saves** | Value |

---

## 7. Video Content Repurposing

### Long to Short

| Source | Derivatives |
|--------|-------------|
| **10-min YouTube video** | 3-5 TikTok clips |
| **Interview** | Quote graphics, short clips |
| **Webinar** | Tutorial snippets |
| **Podcast** | Audiogram, highlight reels |

### Repurposing Workflow

```
1. Identify key moments
2. Cut into short clips
3. Add captions
4. Optimize for platform
5. Post with platform-native text
```

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## 8. Live Video

### Live Streaming Best Practices

| Element | Best Practice |
|---------|---------------|
| **Promotion** | Announce 24-48hrs ahead |
| **Equipment** | Test audio/video before |
| **Engagement** | Acknowledge comments live |
| **Duration** | 15-60 min depending on platform |
| **CTA** | Clear next step during/after |

### Live Content Ideas

| Type | Description |
|------|-------------|
| **Q&A** | Answer audience questions |
| **Tutorial** | Live demonstration |
| **Interview** | Guest conversations |
| **Product launch** | Unveil new products |
| **Behind-the-scenes** | Team, office, events |

---

## 9. Video Ads

### Ad Formats by Platform

| Platform | Format | Length |
|----------|--------|--------|
| **YouTube** | Skippable, non-skip, bumper | 5-30+ sec |
| **Meta** | Feed, Stories, Reels | 5-60 sec |
| **TikTok** | In-feed, TopView | 5-60 sec |
| **LinkedIn** | Sponsored video | 15-30 sec |

### Video Ad Structure (ABCD)

| Element | Description |
|---------|-------------|
| **Attract** | Hook in first 5 seconds |
| **Brand** | Early brand mention |
| **Connect** | Emotional/functional appeal |
| **Direct** | Clear CTA |

---

## 10. Video Tools

| Tool | Purpose |
|------|---------|
| **Adobe Premiere** | Professional editing |
| **DaVinci Resolve** | Free professional editing |
| **CapCut** | Mobile editing, TikTok |
| **Canva** | Simple video creation |
| **Descript** | Podcast/video editing |
| **VidIQ/TubeBuddy** | YouTube SEO |
| **Frame.io** | Review and collaboration |

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> **Remember:** The best video is the one you publish. Start with good content and improve production over time.