Understanding  Long-form Video

Long-form video is becoming an increasingly popular format for content marketers to tell brand stories and engage with their audiences. With the rise of platforms like YouTube, Vimeo, and Facebook Watch, long-form video has become more accessible than ever before. In this post, we'll look at the benefits of using long-form video in your content marketing strategy and answer some of the most common questions about this format.

What is Long-Form Video?

Long-form video refers to any video that is longer than 10 minutes in length. This format allows content creators to dive deeper into a topic and tell more complex stories. Long-form videos can be documentaries, tutorials, interviews, or any other type of content that requires more time to fully explore.

Why Use Long-Form Video in Content Marketing?

Long-form video has several benefits for content marketers:

1. Storytelling

With long-form video, you have the time to tell a more complete story. You can build characters, develop plot lines, and create a narrative arc that hooks your audience and keeps them engaged.

2. Branded Content

Long-form video is an excellent format for branded content because it allows you to showcase your brand's personality and values in a more authentic way. You can use this format to create a brand documentary or tell the story of how your product was created.

3. Engagement Metrics

Long-form video can help improve your engagement metrics because it encourages viewers to spend more time with your content. If someone watches a 15-minute video, they are more likely to remember your brand than if they only watched a 30-second clip.

4. Distribution Channels

With so many platforms now supporting long-form video, you have more distribution options than ever before. You can upload your videos to YouTube or Vimeo, share them on social media platforms like Facebook or Instagram, or even create your own OTT (over-the-top) channel.

How Do You Create Long-Form Video Content?

Creating long-form video content requires a different approach than creating shorter videos. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Plan your content carefully. Long-form videos require more planning and scripting than short videos.
• Use visual storytelling techniques to keep your audience engaged.
• Include interviews and other talking head segments to break up the visuals.
• Use high-quality production values to make your video look professional.

How Do You Measure Success with Long-Form Video?

Measuring the success of long-form video requires a different set of metrics than shorter videos. Here are some metrics to consider:

• View count
• Watch time
• Engagement rate (likes, comments, shares)
• Social media mentions
• Conversions (if you're using the video as part of a larger marketing campaign)

What Are Some Examples of Successful Long-Form Video?

Here are some examples of successful long-form video content:

• Nike's "Breaking2" documentary, which told the story of three runners attempting to break the two-hour marathon barrier.
• Red Bull's "The Art of Flight" snowboarding documentary.
• Coca-Cola's "Small World Machines" campaign, which aimed to bring people from different cultures together through technology.

Where Can I Learn More About Long-Form Video?

Here are some resources to help you learn more about long-form video:

1. "The Art of Long Form Video Content Marketing" by Tara Walpert Levy
2. "Long Form Video: A Guide to Telling Compelling Brand Stories" by Tubular Insights
3. "The Power of Storytelling in Content Marketing: Using Long-form Storytelling Techniques for Maximum Impact" by Content Marketing Institute
4. "Turning a 60-second Ad into a Full-Length Movie: The Power of Branded Long-Form Content" by HubSpot
5. "Long-Form Video Content: An Essential Guide" by Think with Google

In conclusion, long-form video is a powerful format that can help content marketers tell more engaging stories and connect with their audiences on a deeper level. By following the tips outlined in this post and learning from successful examples, you can create compelling long-form video content that resonates with your target audience.

References:

1. Levy, T.W. (2018). The Art of Long Form Video Content Marketing. Think With Google.
2. Tubular Insights. (2019). Long Form Video: A Guide to Telling Compelling Brand Stories.
3. Content Marketing Institute. (2019). The Power of Storytelling in Content Marketing: Using Long-form Storytelling Techniques for Maximum Impact.
4. HubSpot. (2020). Turning a 60-second Ad into a Full-Length Movie: The Power of Branded Long-Form Content.
5. Think with Google. (2021). Long-Form Video Content: An Essential Guide.