Can we learn from short video? How short is short? Does the platform matter? These are just a few of the questions we might ask today that we never even considered 5 or 10 years ago. It used to be that we thought of eLearning as short video content. In fact, that is about the only place we saw it. Now with the proliferation of platforms like TikTok and the addition of short form video to Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube, short video content is everywhere. The question is, is it valuable?
What is Short Video Content?
Advertisers might say that their television commercials have long been short video content, but this isn’t what I am talking about. Yet, the 30 or 60 second spot proves the validity of the point. A story can be told, and a point can be made in a short time. Now that anyone and everyone has the tools to produce and even edit video advertisers aren’t the only ones who can educate and persuade a wide audience quickly.
Just as not all commercials are “educational or inspirational” clearly not all the short content on video platforms is either. On the other hand, it doesn’t take long to search for and find 1-3 minute videos on specific topics of interest and value either.
Whether you are looking for leadership or interpersonal content or want to caulk a window, change a wiper blade, or bake a cake, you can get valuable tips in short video content.
Finding The Good Stuff
For all the concerns many have with the algorithms of the social media platforms, those algorithms do serve us up more of watch we watch. While what shows up in your feed will be related or similar, it won’t all be good or exactly what you need. You can help the platform help you by “liking” the content and following or subscribing to the content creators you value/like/enjoy.
While I have long been a video content provider (with increasingly more short video content myself), I might be biased, but I believe finding the providers you value and following them is one of your best choices. If you like the voice, style, and philosophy of a provider you will easily be able to find their newest content and ideas by subscribing and following them.
You can also create searches for providers and/specific topics so you can continue to cast your net for content that meets your interests and needs. Consider searching both with in your favorite platform and more broadly across the entire internet too.
Making it Part of Your Learning Plan
If you are trying to solve a specific problem in the moment, you can use short video content to give you tips. I less than five minutes you might be able to Search – find -watch – learn. But you can also make short video content a part of your on-going learning. I have long been a believer in creating and using learning goals – intentional short and intermediate length goals to focus us on learning specific topics or skills. Once you have those goals in place you include short video content as one of your learning inputs.
Now, rather than mindless scrolling or aimless watching you can curate your own learning by watching high quality video content – the highlights and key ideas of top thinkers and future stars – right from your phone or device 24 hours a day.
Short video has been around for decades – but never has it be as accessible and prevalent as it is now. When you realize the potential and become intentional about using it, it can help you get a quick answer to a question and be a part of your ongoing learning.
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While I have shared video content for years (focusing on YouTube mostly – here’s my channel ) Recently we added a TikTok Channel. If that is your platform of choice for short video content I hope you will follow me there.
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