Do & Don’ts You Need to Follow When Creating Short Videos

Video Tips
Hi, Seller!
As a TikTok Shop by Tokopedia seller, you probably already know that short videos have been game-changers, reshaping social media trends since 2019. What used to be all about photos and lengthy videos has shifted to bite-sized content lasting only 15–60 seconds.
It’d be a shame not to leverage short videos as an effective strategy to boost your shop's visibility, captivate more audiences, and ultimately drive sales.
To ensure your short videos have a high impact on your account, shop, and business growth, follow these do’s and don’ts for creating short videos shared in this article.

Do’s: 5 Key Points to Make Captivating Short Videos

How do you create short videos that captivate your audience? Patience—below are some special tricks and a complete guide to crafting short videos. Read to the end!
  1. High-Quality Visuals & Audio

Creating short video content requires top-notch visuals and audio. But what does that mean? Here are some parameters:
  • High-quality visuals look sharp and clear.
  • Balanced composition of images, text, and colors.
  • Steady, non-shaky footage.
  • Clear, noise-free audio at a balanced volume.
Why is high-quality important? It's not just about grabbing attention; it’s about providing viewers with a comfortable, immersive watching experience.
💡 Pro Tips:
  • Record in HD to ensure superior visual and audio quality.
  • Use a tripod and external microphone to stabilize footage and capture crisp audio.
  • No DSLR? No problem! Many Android smartphones now support HD video recording.
  1. Keep It Short but Engaging

The name says it all, short videos must be short. There’s plenty of evidence showing that videos lasting 15–30 seconds can effectively grab attention.
With decreasing attention spans due to high mobility and the demand for quick information, here’s how to tackle limited durations:
  • Have a clear purpose and focus on one specific theme, e.g., “What are short videos?”
  • Convey concise, informative messages.
  • Add a hook at the beginning to immediately capture attention.
  • Use trending background music to boost reach.
  • Don’t forget a powerful call-to-action (CTA).
  1. Keywords Are a Must

Incorporating keywords is a critical rule for short videos, especially when they’re used for promotions and marketing.
  • Why keywords matter:
  • Strengthen content.
  • Improve visibility.
  • Expand exposure.
  • Increase recommendations on platforms.
How do you insert keywords into short videos? Embed text with relevant keywords in your video, focusing on details like pricing, product benefits, and popular search queries.
  1. Apply “Show, Don’t Tell”

Ever heard the phrase “Show, Don’t Tell”? It means showing your message visually rather than just explaining it in words.
Example 1: Creating a lip serum review video? Instead of just talking about the product, show before-and-after footage of your lips throughout the application process.
Example 2: Highlighting the benefits of an air fryer? Create a tutorial video on cooking various meals with it rather than merely listing its advantages.
This technique leaves a stronger impression, right?
  1. Build a Consistent Brand Identity

The competition on social media is fierce, with countless sellers and millions of new products popping up.
How can you win it? Have a specific characteristic and be unique so that you and your brand are obvious.
Create a consistent brand identity, such as a logo, brand colors, design, name, and a distinct and unique tagline. More specifically, adopt a distinct voice, visual tone, and storytelling method.

Don’ts: Avoid These 5 Mistakes in Your Short Videos

While it’s crucial to focus on what you should do, it’s equally important to avoid common mistakes. Here are the big no-no’s:
  1. Don’t Overload Information

Short videos are meant to be concise, with a recommended duration of just 15–30 seconds.
Overloading your video with too much information can overwhelm viewers, causing them to lose interest and stop watching.
  1. Avoid Distracting Backgrounds

Remember the importance of visuals? That includes ensuring your background doesn’t distract viewers.
Audiences want to focus on the product or information you’re showcasing. A busy background can turn them off, making them quickly move on to another video.
  1. Don’t Upload Poor-Quality Videos

The main attraction of short videos lies in their high-quality visuals and audio. Avoid uploading content that’s:
  • Low-volume, unclear, noisy, or poorly mixed.
  • Blurry, overly dark, or visually unbalanced.
  • Low resolution, making the video look pixelated.
  • Recorded with distracting, shaky footage.
  1. Don’t Use Misleading Content

TikTok Shop by Tokopedia has strict guidelines for the type of videos allowed on the platform. Violating these rules can have consequences.
One major prohibition is creating misleading content. This includes:
  • Hoaxes or false claims.
  • Inaccurate or exaggerated information.
  1. Avoid Inappropriate Music or Themes

For promotional videos, adhere to platform regulations by avoiding:
  • Copyrighted music.
  • Shocking, gory, or dangerous themes.
  • Sexual content, nudity, or excessive exposure.
  • Content involving gambling, alcohol, or tobacco.
  • Hate speech.
Follow these do’s and don’ts to create top-notch short videos that reach a wider audience. For more video creation tips, check out the guides available on TikTok Shop by Tokopedia Academy.