What kind of multimedia should I create and upload onto social media? Which ones work better than others?
Social Media Marketing or SMM is the art of using various forms of media and techniques to draw attention to certain products or services. This involves creating attractive graphics, videos, and other types of media to get consumers to click through links to websites and take actions like signing up, buying, etc.
Video is the number one form of visual communication. The average person spends at least three hours a day watching videos. Social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Snapchat are now primarily driven by video. In addition, research has shown that images perform twice as well as text as they can capture emotions much faster than words can.
Music has always played a very important role in our lives. From ancient times until today, music has always helped us express ourselves. It helps us to connect emotionally with each other and to create a special atmosphere.
Now, let’s explore each of these further.
Types of Multimedia You Need to Know
1. Videos
Video is undoubtedly the most effective way to communicate your message across the world. Videos also allow you to explain visually how your product works. As people spend more time consuming online content on mobile devices, the video becomes even more powerful because it automatically plays inside the web browser. Many businesses have used video to successfully promote their brands.
2. Images
Images help convey your brand’s identity. An image speaks louder than written content. When someone sees an image or graphic, he/she immediately recognizes that there is something meaningful behind it, simply put; this makes them trust it more. They assume that the website created the graphic itself and therefore, treat it as a reliable source for information.
3. Animated GIFs
There is no doubt about the importance of GIFs. Since its inception, GIFs have been hugely popular and continue to be so. Because it is easy to use, GIFs have become extremely popular among internet users. Most Internet users have a great deal of love in store for GIFs due to their ease of use.
4. Podcasts
Podcasting refers to the audio version of what we call vlogging (video blogging). A podcast is an audio version of a blog where people share interesting ideas, thoughts, and opinions. Like any form of digital marketing, podcasts are gaining popularity fast because they provide a unique opportunity to learn new things quickly. People who listen to podcasts are not only interested in getting knowledge but also in sharing their views.
5. Infographics
An infographic is a chart or graph designed to display data. Using visuals allows you to engage your audience because people love looking at pictures. But infographics are different from some other kinds of slideshows because they usually include data analysis and statistics. There are two main ways to make money out of infographics:
- You can sell products related to the infographic directly
This includes products that contain the same elements you have presented in your infographic. For example, if you have a presentation on “the best online shopping app”, then you can later sell apps like Shopify to your potential customers.
- Or you can use it to generate leads
If you want to increase traffic to your website, you should opt for this strategy because people will visit your site after reading your infographics. So, when they visit your site, they will find all sorts of products they were looking for.
6. Slideshows
Slide shows come in many forms but the fundamental concept remains the same- presenting graphics, photos, and videos to audiences. While PowerPoint is still the leading tool for creating slide shows, Google Slides has proved to be quite popular recently.
7. Whiteboard Animation
Whiteboarding can be defined as the act of using whiteboards and dry erase markers to record ideas, solve problems, or teach concepts. This type of animation is becoming extremely popular among business owners today since it conveys emotions better than text alone. It engages people and draws attention faster than any other format of digital marketing.
8. Live Streaming
Live streaming services allow businesses to stream live events or educational sessions over the internet. The value of these streams is obvious – most of us would rather watch an event streamed live than wait until it airs on TV.
Also, live streaming allows brands to interact with their customers directly without the need for expensive television commercials. In recent years, YouTube has emerged as one of the leaders in this space. Recently, Facebook announced a partnership with Twitch to bring its platform to mobile devices.