ATHLETE FEATURE
I created these elements to help promote a player feature while I was working for a regional sports network based out of Sioux Falls, SD. I made decisions on graphics, text, videography, timing, and all other additional editing aspects based on the target audience, how the target audience absorbs and engages with media, and of course, how to best tell the story of the athlete. Additionally, I preserved the network's branding (while still using my own creative ideas) with the network’s standard corner logo and lower third graphics (for personnel).
INSTAGRAM FEED "TEASER" POST (1:00)
At the time of posting (October 2019), Instagram's maximum length for feed videos was one minute (1:00). Now in 2022, that length has been upped to one hour. With the full video being 6:35 in duration, I wanted to make sure I included an intriguing soundbite of the athlete's interview. More importantly, however, I utilized eye-catching motion graphics, NAT sound and music within the first five seconds of playing. That combination grabs the attention of viewers instantly, and in this particular video, also immediately informs them on how to access the full video (@MidcoSN's IGTV).
The average human attention span while watching a video on social media is eight seconds.
Fun Fact:
Full 1-minute teaser video (enlarged)
CLICK TO PLAY
How it looked to viewers in their Instagram feed
[ Actual IG Teaser post (left) was still 1:00 in length ]
INSTAGRAM STORY "SWIPE UP" VIDEO (0:15)
[ NOW: LINK STICKER REPLACES "SWIPE UP" ]
Instagram stories are fast-moving, and people tend to click right through them if nothing catches their eye (or ear) right away. With that in mind, I made sure to use full-screen video and motion graphics right from the start. From there, I kept the video clips short/choppy with quick transitions, engaging NAT sound, and intriguing quotes from both the player and his coach.
[ NOTE ] With this content being posted in October of 2019, the "navigation" of getting from an IG story to an IGTV video (now a Reel) was to "swipe up." For this particular video, a "swipe up" GIF was added prior to posting, and that action by viewers navigated to the IGTV video.
As of August 30, 2021, "swipe up" has been replaced by adding a "link sticker," (clickable sticker linking directly to any website/content).
Additionally, the maximum length of an IG story video in 2019 (without breaking it up into sections), was 15 seconds. As of September 2022, IG story videos that are 60 seconds or less are no longer broken into 15-second increments. However, given the average attention span of humans while viewing a video on social, a fast-paced/short video would still be the most ideal for maximum engagement.
This vertical video could also be used as a promotional tool on TikTok.
COVER IMAGE FOR IGTV
[ NOW: COVER IMAGE FOR A REEL ]
Knowing this graphic represented the profile of an athlete, I looked to make it sporty/action-themed, but not too busy. I made sure to keep the "identifying" factors (player picture and last name) fairly big so this cover image was easily identifiable on the small screen of a mobile phone (or tablet) amongst the grid of other IGTV stories (left). Given the vertical format, however, it could also be used as an IG Story and link to the full video.
Additional option:
IG STORY WITH LINK TO FEATURE
[ NOTE ] THE FULL VIDEO WAS ALSO POSTED TO YOUTUBE
FACEBOOK POST (FULL VIDEO)
Although Facebook is widely considered an "outdated" medium for content sharing, it can be incredibly effective in certain scenarios (like this one).
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Facebook is a medium where we often see longer videos (and now even full television programs), so with this video being 6:35, it fit in well.
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It's extremely easy for friends and family members to "share" content publicly to their friends, tag people, etc., which all brings about more reach and engagement.
to view on Facebook
