If you’ve touched your mobile phone today you were most likely holding it vertically. But that’s no surprise since research has shown we hold our phones in portrait mode for around 94% of the time.
Unsurprisingly, our behaviour has not gone unnoticed by Silicon Valley tech giants. Snapchat, Instagram Stories, Facebook and now YouTube (yes YouTube) are all embracing vertical content.
If you think about it, however, we’re already vertical filmmakers we post vertical content instinctively on stories across a variety of social platforms. Traditionally, they’re associated with raw and authentic content shot by celebrities giving you exclusive access or everyday people capturing memorable moments.
Today, however, we’re seeing more refined vertical content from established brands. Platforms such as Facebook and Instagram are speeding up the rise of vertical video.
For mobile journalism enthusiasts, this presents an exciting opportunity for journalists and newsrooms. Along the way in trying to embrace vertical, there’ll be guaranteed challenges. So I’ve decided to share a few tips that could help you produce refined vertical videos:
1. The first three seconds
Whilst this rule applies to all social videos it’s even more important for vertical content. With a plethora of stories, it’s so easy for users to swipe after the first frame or even worse exit.
I would start with the most compelling shot you have that clearly explains your point to help you leave an impression.
So it goes without saying, avoid title cards, long intros and generic atmosphere shots that don’t inform your audience, don’t waste those precious three seconds.
Read more – 5 tips to create an engaging news Instagram story
2. Fast-paced narrative
If someone is watching vertical content on their mobile phone they’ll have countless distractions available at their fingertips. Let’s not forget most vertical content will be watched on the go too. If it doesn’t immediately grab their attention they’ll just move on.
Until vertical content becomes part of the mainstream experience you’ll have to adapt and produce a fast-paced narrative. Most users are used to watching vertical videos in short bursts so you’ve got to re-create the same pace and rhythm for longer pieces.
Make sure you have footage from different angles, voices and themes to keep your audience enticed for the full video.
3. Mix and match
Vertical video has moved on from the raw and rough content pioneered by Snapchat. What has lived on from the early days of Snap is a mix and match mindset – that involved overlaying footage with text and filters.
With easier access to editing tools, you could bring your content to life by experimenting with cut-scenes, filters, animated graphics, gifs and sound. As long as you keep your subject centered, the rest is fair game.
It’s such an exciting time to be creating vertical content and right now there is no correct formula. So all you can focus on is producing stories that grab your audience’s attention whilst leaving behind voices and characters that won’t be forgotten anytime soon.
And there’s only one way to find out by shooting your next story- vertically.
If you need inspiration tune in to the Guardian’s weekly Friday Story “Fake or For Real” on Instagram or Uncovered on Facebook Watch. Both examples are leading the way.
Read more – 5 editing apps for Instagram that you need to be using