Scrolling through my LinkedIn feed the other day, a particular post caught my eye that had me feeling a little ticked off. It was a reflection shared by a video editor venting frustration over a bogus offer made by a YouTuber. The offer? Editing 20 videos for $100.
I found myself nodding in agreement as I read the posters comments. Feeling worked up myself, I clicked the 'celebrate this' button, and swiftly shared the post with my network. After taking a moment to pat myself on the back (as I too have come across similar posts in my hunt for the next gig), I couldn’t help but contemplate a little deeper: What does this scenario reveal about the broader landscape of video content creation, particularly in the realm of social media?
Any professional video editor will tell you there is no way that the Aesthetic Quality of a video created on this budget would be amazing. But does it have to be?
Content Quality vs. Aesthetic Quality:
At its core, social media is a platform for storytelling, connection, and value exchange. Content Quality refers to the substance, relevance, and authenticity of the message conveyed through a post or video. Compelling storytelling, informative insights, and genuine human experiences are the pillars of high-quality content.
While Content Quality forms the foundation, Aesthetic Quality adds a layer of visual appeal and professionalism to social media content. Visual composition, colour palette, image/video resolution, and overall production value all contribute to this. So which one is more important?
In essence, the goal should always be to produce high-quality content. While an attention-grabbing title or captivating thumbnail may initially draw viewers to your channel or social profile, it's the substance of your content that will keep them engaged and coming back for more. In today's digital landscape, where social media serves as the primary platform for engaging with your audience, both the content itself and its presentation play pivotal roles. Video quality in social media refers to the harmonious blend between compelling content and appealing aesthetics that cultivate meaningful connections and fosters sustained engagement with your customers.
Successful personalities on YouTube make creating content look so easy. They make you feel like anyone can do it (i feel like this every time I look up a new recipe). One example that comes to mind is Sam Sulek; this man was able to amount a staggering 3.2M subs in a mere year. And if you haven't seen any of his content; from a video editors stand point, there is little to no video editing, no motion graphics and the quality of the captured footage is your standard Vlog piece to camera.
But, he is authentic and raw. Sam's videos do so well because the Content Quality they serve is exactly what his audience wants; genuine insights, the journey he is on and the experiential value he brings to his audience. This is a perfect example of where consistent Content Quality is used to build loyalty and quickly grow a fan base.
Conversely, his reels across YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok boast elevated aesthetic quality. These reels feature rapid, dynamic editing showcasing highlights from his primary YouTube channel, accompanied by captivating captions and meticulously crafted sound design. This strategic approach effectively nurtures his audience funnel, piquing interest with visually striking short-form content. This, in turn, entices viewers to delve deeper into his extensive YouTube video library, thereby fostering engagement and loyalty.
Summary:
In today's social media landscape, finding the right balance between content and aesthetic quality is essential for creating engaging and impactful content. While content quality forms the foundation by providing value, authenticity, and relevance, aesthetic quality enhances visual appeal and brand perception.
So, can you get 20 videos edited for $100? Absolutely! You could probably find someone who will do it for recognition or experience. But, will the quality of the content or the aesthetics be to a standard that you want representing your brand? Successful creators understand the importance of delivering compelling storytelling and valuable insights while leveraging visual enhancements to capture attention and foster connections with their audience.
Ready to take your social media content to the next level? Whether you're looking to refine your storytelling skills, enhance your visual aesthetic, or explore new strategies for engagement, we're here to help.
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