Whether snippets or full-length features, videos are fast becoming the most consumed content online. But, through presumed lack of resource and time, charities are missing out.

Videos don’t have to be difficult. In fact, producing a quality video can be very easy. Make sure you don’t let the lack of video expertise stop your digital teams from creativity.

Here, we showcase how to successfully create and produce different types of video content for charity audiences.

Everyday video guidelines 

Planning daily, weekly, or monthly content is exhausting. Luckily, there are lots of great ideas out there. As a guide, video content should be short, instantly relevant, and aim to draw in and engage audiences.

Reason Digital outlines best practices for video production. They are:

1. Know your audience: videos should target specific types of supporters
2. Have a compelling, emotional story: the story should include a clear call to action. Immersive story telling does wonders for audiences
3. Make it something to talk about: videos can be controversial to start a dialogue
4. Let the numbers do the talking: Big Data can help fixate audiences
5. Include a shocking twist: videos with surprises tend to be memorable

Aside from best practices, there are so many videos that charities can learn from. Most, if not all, contain elements of Reason Digital’s advice.

Use video to create a connection with audiences 

Showing snippets of the charity’s work and purpose will engage and motivate supporters. Both large and small charities are producing videos that create an intimate feeling to build a connection with their audience.

Campaigns by Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity (GOSH) contain exemplary videos. In an earlier fundraising effort, they used 360-degree videos to showcase where funds go. Audiences get a behind-the-scenes look at how donations have funded cutting edge facilities.

Last year’s Christmas campaign was also full of emotion and delight. The animated clip showed children being whisked home while asleep. In a surprise ending, the animated clip turned into real footage, bringing audiences closer to the work that GOSH does.

Evidently, for GOSH, video is an excellent way to tell audiences about the work they do and share a compelling story.