Trend vs. Originality: How Videographers Can Stand Out on Reels
Irene Allen
Trend vs. Originality: How Videographers Can Stand Out on Reels
The Great Debate: The Pros and Cons of Trends
Pro: Increased Discoverability and Reach
Pro: Lower Barrier to Entry
Con: Risk of Being a 'Copycat'
Con: Short Shelf Life
Defining Your Unique Value Proposition as a Videographer
Identify Your Niche and Expertise
Define Your Visual and Verbal Style
What's Your 'Why'?: The Storytelling Component
The 'Trend Twist' Method: Making Trends Your Own
Applying a Trend to Your Niche
Elevating a Trend with Your Skills
Subverting a Trend with Humor or a Unique Take
Building Original Content Pillars for Long-Term Growth
Content Series: 'Behind the Scenes'
Content Series: 'Tutorial Tuesdays'
Content Series: 'Client Spotlights'
Finding Your Perfect Balance
References
Trend vs. Originality: How Videographers Can Stand Out on Reels
For videographers on Instagram, a critical question constantly looms: should you jump on every trending audio and format, or should you focus on creating purely original content? Chasing trends can bring quick views, but it risks blending in. Sticking to originality builds a unique brand but may grow more slowly. The sweet spot lies in finding a strategic balance. This guide explores how to leverage what's hot while carving out a distinct identity, using advanced techniques and slick editing tricks to make your mark.
Whether you're just starting out or looking to refine your strategy, understanding this balance is crucial. Many businesses and creators hire reels videographers specifically for their ability to blend trending content with unique creative vision. Let's dive into how you can master this delicate balance and build a thriving presence on Instagram Reels.
The Great Debate: The Pros and Cons of Trends
Understanding the benefits and drawbacks of trend-based content is the first step toward building a sustainable content strategy. Trends are a powerful tool, but they can be a double-edged sword.
Think of trends like waves in the ocean. You can ride them to shore quickly, but if you're not careful, you might wipe out or get lost among all the other surfers. The key is knowing when to paddle out and when to wait for your perfect wave.
Pro: Increased Discoverability and Reach
Tapping into a trend exposes your content to a massive audience already consuming that specific format or audio. The Instagram algorithm often prioritizes trending content, giving you a significant visibility boost and helping you reach users who don't yet follow you.
When you use a trending audio, your Reel enters a pool of content that Instagram actively pushes to users. It's like getting a VIP pass to the explore page. I've seen videographers go from 500 views per Reel to 50,000 simply by using the right trending audio at the right time.
The algorithm loves engagement, and trending content naturally generates more likes, comments, and shares. This creates a snowball effect where your content gets shown to even more people. It's basically free marketing if you play your cards right.
Pro: Lower Barrier to Entry
Trends provide a pre-made template for content, which can be a lifesaver when you're short on ideas. They offer a proven format, reducing the creative pressure and allowing you to produce content more consistently.
Let's be real - we all face creative blocks. When you're juggling client work, editing deadlines, and trying to maintain your social presence, having a trend to fall back on is incredibly helpful. You don't have to reinvent the wheel every single time.
Plus, trends give you a framework to work within. Instead of staring at a blank canvas, you have a starting point. This can actually spark more creativity as you figure out how to adapt the trend to showcase your videography skills.
Con: Risk of Being a 'Copycat'
If you only replicate trends without adding a personal touch, your brand can get lost in a sea of similar videos. It becomes difficult to build a memorable identity or showcase what makes your videography skills unique.
I've scrolled through hundreds of identical Reels using the same audio, same transitions, and same format. After a while, they all blur together. If someone can't remember who created the content five minutes after watching it, you've got a problem.
Your goal as a videographer isn't just to get views - it's to build a recognizable brand that attracts clients. When you're just another face doing the same dance or transition, potential clients won't see what sets you apart from every other videographer on the platform.
Con: Short Shelf Life
Reels trends have a notoriously short lifespan. What's viral today could be irrelevant tomorrow. Building a strategy solely on trends means you're constantly chasing the next big thing, which can be exhausting and unsustainable.
The average Instagram trend lasts about 1-2 weeks before it starts feeling stale. By the time you've perfected your version, the audience might already be over it. This creates a hamster wheel effect where you're always running to keep up.
More importantly, trend-based content rarely has lasting value. While that trending audio might get you views this week, will anyone care about that Reel in three months? Probably not. This makes it hard to build a portfolio of content that continues working for you over time.
Defining Your Unique Value Proposition as a Videographer
Before you can effectively balance trends with originality, you must first define what makes you different. Your Unique Value Proposition (UVP) is the core of your personal brand. It's the promise of value you offer to your audience and potential clients.
Think of your UVP as your creative fingerprint. No two videographers shoot, edit, or tell stories exactly the same way. The trick is identifying what makes your approach special and then amplifying it across all your content.
Identify Your Niche and Expertise
What kind of videographer are you? Do you specialize in cinematic travel videos, dynamic product commercials, or authentic wedding films? Clearly defining your niche helps you attract the right audience and filter which trends are relevant to you.
Start by looking at your best work. What projects made you most excited? Which videos do clients rave about? These patterns reveal your natural strengths. Maybe you have a gift for capturing raw emotions at weddings, or perhaps you excel at making products look irresistible.
Once you know your niche, everything becomes clearer. A wedding videographer shouldn't waste time on trends meant for fitness influencers. A commercial videographer doesn't need to follow every lifestyle vlog trend. Focus on what serves your specific audience.
Your expertise also extends beyond just the type of videos you create. Maybe you're the videographer who always captures golden hour perfectly. Or you're known for your smooth gimbal work. These technical specialties become part of your brand identity.
Define Your Visual and Verbal Style
Establish a consistent visual aesthetic—your color grading, shot composition, and editing pace. A recognizable style makes your content instantly identifiable in a fast-scrolling feed. Your tone of voice in captions and voiceovers should also be consistent, whether it's witty, educational, or inspiring.
Visual consistency doesn't mean every video looks identical. It means there's a thread connecting all your work. Maybe you always use warm, nostalgic color grades. Or perhaps your signature is dramatic contrast with deep shadows. Whatever it is, stick with it.
Your editing rhythm matters too. Some videographers are known for quick, punchy cuts that create energy. Others let scenes breathe with longer takes. Find your natural pace and let it shine through your work.
Don't forget about your written and spoken voice. The way you write captions and speak in voiceovers becomes part of your brand. Are you the friendly teacher sharing tips? The mysterious artist who lets the work speak for itself? Pick a lane and own it.
What's Your 'Why'?: The Storytelling Component
A strong personal brand is built on authentic storytelling. Share your journey, your creative process, your challenges, and your successes. This humanizes your brand and creates a deeper connection with your audience, making them invested in you, not just your videos.
People connect with people, not just pretty videos. Share why you became a videographer. Was it a childhood dream? A career pivot? A happy accident? These stories make you relatable and memorable.
Don't be afraid to show the messy parts too. Talk about the shoot where everything went wrong but you still delivered. Share the client rejection that taught you a valuable lesson. Vulnerability builds trust, and trust builds lasting relationships.
Your 'why' should shine through in every piece of content. When viewers understand your passion and purpose, they're more likely to become fans, not just followers. And fans are the ones who become clients or refer you to others.
The 'Trend Twist' Method: Making Trends Your Own
The most successful creators don't just follow trends; they adapt them. The 'Trend Twist' method involves taking the structure of a popular trend and infusing it with your unique expertise and style. This allows you to reap the benefits of discoverability while still reinforcing your brand.
This isn't about completely ignoring what's popular. It's about being strategic and selective. Every trend you participate in should serve a purpose beyond just getting views.
Applying a Trend to Your Niche
Take a trending audio or format and ask, 'How can I apply this to videography?' For example, a 'get ready with me' trend could become a 'get my camera bag ready for a shoot' video. This is relevant to your audience and showcases your professionalism.
The key is translation, not replication. When you see a trending format, break it down to its core appeal. What makes it engaging? Then rebuild it with videography-specific content that your audience actually cares about.
I've seen videographers turn the "day in my life" trend into "day in the life of a wedding videographer," complete with behind-the-scenes footage of gear prep, client meetings, and editing sessions. It uses the familiar format but delivers value to aspiring videographers and potential clients.
Another example: those "things in my home that just make sense" videos? Transform it into "camera gear combinations that just make sense." You're riding the trend wave while establishing yourself as a knowledgeable professional.
Elevating a Trend with Your Skills
Use a trend as an opportunity to flex your technical skills. If a simple transition is trending, create a version with more advanced, seamless cuts. If it's a lip-sync trend, use cinematic lighting and camera angles to make it visually stunning. This demonstrates your superior quality.
Never just do the bare minimum with a trend. If everyone's doing a basic jump cut transition, add motion blur, speed ramping, or match cuts that showcase your editing prowess. Make other creators wonder "how did they do that?"
Your technical elevation should feel natural, not forced. The goal isn't to overcomplicate things just to show off. It's to demonstrate that even in simple content, you bring a level of professionalism that sets you apart.
Remember, potential clients are always watching. When they see you elevate a simple trend into something cinematic, they start imagining what you could do with their project. Every Reel is a mini portfolio piece.
Subverting a Trend with Humor or a Unique Take
Sometimes the best way to stand out is to poke fun at a trend or offer a completely different perspective. This can be highly engaging and memorable, positioning you as a creative thinker.
Humor is incredibly powerful on social media. If you can make people laugh while showcasing your skills, you've won. Maybe create a parody showing what clients think video editing is like versus reality. Or flip a romantic trend to show the "romance" between a videographer and their camera.
Subversion doesn't always mean comedy though. You could take an upbeat trend and create a moody, cinematic version. Or use a trend format to deliver unexpected educational content. The surprise factor makes people stop and pay attention.
The best subversions feel authentic to your brand. Don't force humor if you're naturally more serious. Don't go dark and moody if your brand is bright and cheerful. Find subversions that align with your established voice.
Building Original Content Pillars for Long-Term Growth
While trends provide bursts of visibility, original content pillars build a lasting foundation for your brand. These are recurring content series or formats that are unique to you and provide consistent value to your audience.
Content pillars are like the load-bearing walls of your content house. They provide structure, consistency, and reliability. Your audience knows what to expect and when to expect it, creating anticipation and loyalty.
Content Series: 'Behind the Scenes'
Show your audience the work that goes into creating a final product. This could be a series on how you set up a specific shot, your color grading process, or how you collaborate with clients. This content is highly valuable and positions you as an expert.
Behind-the-scenes content serves multiple purposes. It educates aspiring videographers, impresses potential clients with your process, and satisfies the natural human curiosity about how things are made. It's a triple win.
Make your BTS content more than just pointing a camera at yourself working. Structure it like mini-documentaries. Show the problem, your solution process, and the final result. Add voiceover explaining your decision-making. This transforms simple footage into educational content.
Don't shy away from showing challenges either. Did the weather not cooperate? Did you have to problem-solve on the fly? These moments make for compelling content and show your professionalism under pressure.
Content Series: 'Tutorial Tuesdays'
Dedicate one day a week to sharing a quick tutorial or tip. This creates anticipation and provides consistent educational value, encouraging users to save your content and come back for more.
The beauty of tutorial content is its evergreen nature. A tutorial on achieving a specific look or using a particular technique remains valuable long after posting. This builds a library of content that continues attracting viewers and potential clients.
Keep tutorials bite-sized and actionable. Nobody wants a 10-minute lecture on Instagram Reels. Show one specific technique in 30-60 seconds. Make it something viewers can try immediately. This increases engagement and shares.
Vary your tutorial difficulty levels. Mix beginner tips with advanced techniques. This keeps your entire audience engaged, from hobbyists to fellow professionals. Just clearly indicate the skill level so viewers know what they're getting.
Content Series: 'Client Spotlights'
Showcase the work you've done for clients (with their permission). This acts as a powerful portfolio and provides social proof, demonstrating your ability to deliver professional results.
Client spotlights do heavy lifting for your business. They show your range, build trust with potential clients, and often get shared by the featured client, expanding your reach. It's some of the most valuable content you can create.
Structure these spotlights as mini case studies. Show the client's goal, your approach, and the results. Include testimonial quotes as text overlays. This format tells a complete story in a short time.
Make sure to get proper permissions and releases before featuring client work. Nothing damages professional relationships faster than using someone's content without permission. A simple email asking for approval goes a long way.
Finding Your Perfect Balance
The truth is, there's no one-size-fits-all formula for balancing trends and originality. Your perfect mix depends on your goals, your audience, and your brand identity. Some videographers thrive on 80% original content with occasional trend participation. Others find success with a 50/50 split.
Start by experimenting. Track what resonates with your audience. Pay attention to which content attracts quality engagement versus just views. Quality engagement means comments from potential clients, saves from fellow creators, and shares from people in your target market.
Remember that building a sustainable presence on Instagram Reels is a marathon, not a sprint. Trends might give you quick wins, but original content builds the foundation for long-term success. The videographers who last are those who find their unique voice and stick with it, using trends as tools rather than crutches.
Your goal should be creating content that serves your business objectives while providing value to your audience. Every Reel should move you closer to your goals, whether that's attracting dream clients, building industry authority, or growing a community of fellow creators.
The most successful videographers on Instagram Reels aren't necessarily those with the most followers. They're the ones who've built engaged audiences that trust their expertise and hire them for projects. Focus on building that trust through a strategic mix of trend participation and original content creation.
Keep creating, keep experimenting, and keep refining your approach. Your perfect balance is out there - you just need to find it.
References
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Posted Jun 30, 2025
Should you follow Reels trends or create 100% original content? Find the perfect balance to build a unique brand and attract clients without chasing every fad.
