How to Create Authentic Reels/TikToks for Your Brand

Short-form video content has taken the social media world by storm. You know you have to start using it for your brand, but where on Earth do you begin!? Let's walk through it.

Who is your brand?

Before you dive in headfirst, there's something you need to do first: understand your brand's values and mission. This is important because it's what sets you apart from your competitors and helps guide your content creation.

Ask yourself, what do you stand for? What makes your brand unique? Knowing the answers to these questions will help you stay on brand and create content that resonates with your audience. Your values and mission statement should be the foundation of your content strategy.

When creating content, it's important to keep your brand's values and mission in mind. You want your content to align with your brand's message and purpose. This will not only help you create consistent content, but it will also help you connect with your audience on a deeper level.

So, take some time to reflect on your brand's values and mission. Write them down and keep them in mind as you start creating content for TikTok and Reels. By doing so, you'll be able to create content that not only stands out from the competition but also resonates with your audience.

Verloop is a brand that uses sustainable practices when developing their products. They value color and having fun with their products, and that shows clearly in the content.

Trends are a tool, not a plan

Sure, seeing a fun dance or lip sync video go viral is tempting, but it's important to remember that trends are just a tool, not a plan.

Using trends to your advantage can be a great way to attract new followers and increase your content's "shareability." But don't forget to stay true to your brand's values and mission. After all, your followers are following you for a reason. They want to see content that reflects your authentic voice and style.

So, while it's okay to jump on the latest trend every once in a while, don't make it the sole focus of your content. Remember to find the balance between being trendy and staying true to your brand. This way, you'll not only attract new followers but also keep your loyal ones engaged and connected to your brand's authenticity.

Dr. Miami rose to fame early in his career, but his social media presence brings in a different audience completely. He uses trends to go consistently viral and it has become somewhat of a niche for him.

Visually Communicate

First things first, let's make sure you have the right equipment. While you can use any smartphone to film, iPhones tend to translate better across devices than Androids. So, if you have an iPhone, make sure your photo settings are optimized for shooting video. Check out some online resources for ideal camera shooting stats to get the best possible footage.

Now let's talk about making your video visually appealing. When it comes to TikTok and Reels, more is definitely more. You want your videos to have a high clip-to-sound ratio, meaning that you have many different clips in a short period of time. This keeps the viewer engaged and interested.

Make sure to use bright, colorful visuals that really pop. The more exciting and eye-catching your video is, the more likely it is to get shared and go viral.

Adding text on screen is a great way to optimize your searchability. Think about what your potential audience would search for, and make sure those words are on the screen. For example, if you're making a video about organizing your living room, include the words "organize my living room with me" on the screen. This will help people find your video when they search for those keywords.

Consistency is key when it comes to video content. You always have to choose a "cover" image that will show up on your profile as the first thing people see. Use the same font and colors you always use to create a consistent visual appeal to your content and page. This helps your followers recognize your brand and feel connected to your content.

Don't be afraid to get real and transparent with your audience. In fact, it's encouraged! Share your brand's beliefs and values, and let people know why you're passionate about what you do. For example, if you're a company that creates leggings out of recycled plastic bottles, talk about the environmental issues that motivated you to start this venture. It's time to let your true colors show, and your followers will appreciate your honesty and passion.

When it comes to TikToks and Reels, don't be too concerned with being perfect and buttoned up. Let your feelings and vulnerabilities shine through! This is the perfect place to showcase your personality and let your audience get to know the real you. Remember, authenticity is hot! So, let's say goodbye to highly curated content and hello to genuine, relatable, and authentic social media posts.

Chunks is a hair clip company that is really transparent about their factory practices. The owner is on the account often dispelling rumors or rude comments (like you can see here). This is a good move because the brand transparency helps to develop trust with the viewer.

And now...

You're on your way to creating some amazing TikToks and Reels that will set your brand apart from the competition! Remember, knowing your brand's values and mission is key to creating content that is both engaging and authentic. Don't be afraid to let your personality shine through and show off what makes your brand unique.

Now that you have a solid foundation, it's time to start creating! Keep in mind the importance of high-quality visuals and a strong clip-to-sound ratio. Make your content colorful, exciting, and well-shot - your audience will thank you for it! And don't forget to optimize your search-ability by using text on screen that includes relevant keywords.

Last but not least, have fun with it! TikTok and Reels are all about entertainment and creativity, so don't be afraid to think outside the box and try new things. The more authentic and relatable you can be, the more your audience will connect with your brand. So go ahead, let loose, and create some killer content!