How To Shoot and Edit Short-Form Video For Instagram Reels & TikTok

Do you want to extend your reach, increase engagement, and build your community? Short-form content, specifically Instagram Reels and TikToks, is the ideal way to do that in this day and age of the Internet. Whether you like it or not!

Their undeniable popularity and viral potential can be a powerful tool in your social media branding. In this guide, we'll show you how to harness the power of short-form content, create your own, and provide tried-and-tested advice for making them even better. We'll chat about the gear you need, software programs to make your life easier, and other knowledge from our creative filmmaker team and community.

Buckle in, this is a fun one.

1. What Is Short-Form?

First, what the heck is short-form content anyway?

You've probably heard this term thrown around more often this year than ever, so let's break down what it is and why it's a better strategy than YouTube.

TikTok: The viral app birthed from pandemic blues and late-night dance moves. What was initially run by teenagers and young adults for lip-syncing, dancing, or comedy skits — it's used by everyone these days. Beyond the silly audio tracks and hip thrusts, this app is a fantastic way to showcase everyday creators, tutorials, or other means of innovative pursuits. It's a great way to discover new trends, connect with people, and express yourself creatively.

Instagram Reels: Think of it like a mini TikTok; with Reels, you can record and edit 15 to 90-second vertical videos set to popular music, plus add filters and text. The best part? Your content will be suggested to users based on their interests, allowing you to reach a whole new, engaged audience.

YouTube Shorts: Often regurgitated cuts from Reels or TikToks, these clips populate the Youtube feed as another platform to place short-form.

2. Short Form — The Better Content Strategy

Like it or not, short-form content is a better social strategy than YouTube in 2024 and beyond because of the growing trend of people wanting to consume content quickly and conveniently.

Platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and even Twitter, allow users to watch videos for 15 seconds or less, making it easier for them to fit into their busy schedules. Additionally, users on these platforms are more engaged than those on YouTube, with a much higher audience engagement rate.

Transparently, we often see some of our 90-second gear tutorials perform better than our long-form content on Youtube. We place the same gallant effort behind both platforms, mind you, with short-from single-handedly beating out the beautifully produced 10-minute production every time.

Lastly, TikTok and other short-form content platforms are more cost-effective for businesses or influencers looking to advertise quickly and reach new audiences.

3. Creating Short Form In the Apps

Creating short-form clips or content can be as easy as making it in your app of choice, uploading, and done. Here's how:

Instagram Reels:

1. Open the Instagram app and tap the plus icon in the top right corner of the screen.

2. Select the "Reels" option from the menu at the bottom of the screen.

3. Choose a background or audio track for your Reel.

4. Record your video by tapping and holding the circular record button. You can record up to 90 seconds or add clips from your camera roll.

5. Once your video is recorded, you can add effects, text, and stickers.

6. When you're happy with your Reel, tap the "Next" button in the top right corner of the screen.

7. Add a caption and tags to your Reel, then tap the "Share" button in the top right corner of the screen to share your Reel.

TikTok:

1. Open the TikTok app.

2. Tap the “+” icon in the bottom-center of the screen.

3. Select the type of video you want to create. You can choose between a "React" video, a "Duet" video, or a "Video."

4. If you selected "Video," you can now record a video or upload one from your camera roll.

5. You can also add music, effects, and text to your video.

6. When you're done creating your video, tap "Next."

7. Enter a caption and hashtags for your video.

8. Tap "Post" to share your video.

5. Creating High-Quality Short Form

Or better yet, here's how the Moment team makes our Reels and TikToks.

If you're a creator who wants to elevate your social media game, then these tips are for you. The truth is, short-from is going to be around for a while. It's wise to get ahead of the curve and succumb to quality work that matches your brand.

Your phone is a perfect tool for most short-form. However, filming or vlogging is difficult when you want the premium quality of the smartphone's back camera (the selfie camera is NOT that high quality). In that case, it might be time to upgrade to a camera with a flip-LCD screen.

Sony ZV-1F

This little camera is the perfect solution to that problem.

The Sony ZV-1F is the perfect camera for short-form creators and vloggers because it is small and lightweight, making it easy to carry around. Its flip-out LCD screen allows users to monitor their shots and make adjustments if needed quickly.

You can't beat its reasonable price point, $499, making it accessible to creators on a budget. The camera carries features such as the Product Showcase setting and the Background Defocus mode, allowing users to create professional-looking videos easily. It even has a Smooth Skin feature, mirroring the popular built-in filters on Instagram and TikTok.

Additionally, the ZV-1F is compatible with a wide range of accessories, such as a microphone and a lens adapter, making it easy to customize the camera to suit individual needs.

Think of it as your phone — but with noticeably better camera quality, the ability to see yourself more efficiently, and a step-up in production quality with mountable mics or lights to make your videos that much better.

Hot Tip: The best settings are 4K Ultra HD in S-log at 24 FPS — such juicy quality footage for such a tiny little camera.

4. Other Accessories

If you're new to the filmmaker or video world, don't let additional accessories intimidate you. Gear, like mics or lights, helps improve the quality of your content. Brands like JOBY or Lume Cube foolproof these products by making them accessible for beginners and professionals. Spend more time shooting! Work smarter, not harder.

5. Personal Tips

Creating engaging and authentic short-form content as a digital creator involves understanding various platforms' specific features and community expectations. Here are a few of my personal tips for posting to Moment's channel or my own...

Understand Time Constraints

Each social media platform has its unique video length limits, which are subject to change. Familiarize yourself with these limits to optimize your content:

• Instagram Reels: Videos on Reels are limited to 90 seconds.
• YouTube Shorts: These videos have a maximum duration of 60 seconds.
• TikTok: Originally known for shorter clips, TikTok now allows videos up to 10 minutes and is experimenting with longer formats of up to 30 minutes as it expands its capabilities.

Opt for the Correct Video Orientation

Vertical videos (9:16 aspect ratio) are the standard for TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts. If your footage is in a different ratio, be cautious when resizing to avoid cutting out important elements. Tools like Descript or Cap Cut can help you quickly adjust your video dimensions. The more real estate your video takes up on the phone, the more likely someone is going to stop and watch. Facts!

Embrace Imperfection

While polished videos with sleek transitions can be impressive, short-form platforms often celebrate raw and genuine content. Popular videos might include quirky technology uses, like attaching microphones to household items or recording in informal settings like a bedroom. These elements can add a relatable and down-to-earth feel to your content.

Incorporate Captions

Utilize the auto-captioning features provided by most platforms to make your videos more accessible. Always review and correct any inaccuracies in these captions. Add permanent captions to ensure they are clear and visible across various devices and viewing settings.

Stay True to Yourself

It's cheesy but true. Stop adopting a persona or engaging in trends that feel unnatural to your style. If dance challenges are not your strength, focus on content showcasing your talents and interests. Authenticity tends to resonate more with audiences, helping to build a genuine connection. Plus, you find your people!