Video is nothing new on Facebook, but am I the only one whose newsfeed is flooded with food videos? I’ll admit it: I do enjoy them. They’re beautifully produced, informative and extremely creative. But why are all my 1,222 friends on Facebook sharing these videos on a daily basis?
Cheesy Lemon Pepper Fries. // via Just Eat LifeFull recipe: http://taste.md/1mRodrG
Posted by Tastemade on Wednesday, January 13, 2016
Every day I find myself subconsciously awaiting to see what recipe comes to life in my newsfeed.
“Maybe I’ll actually try this one.” I’ll say to myself.
But let’s be serious, probably not. I’ve got to hand it to Facebook though: The way they suck you in is genius. Having videos automatically play in your newsfeed, insisting that users watch them – incredible. Due to that, I find myself so invested in these videos because I MUST know how the final product turns out and if I can really make it (if they can show you how to make pesto mozzarella balls in 30 seconds, how hard can it actually be?). Who doesn’t want to try Loaded Sweet Potato Skins? Or perhaps make Ice Cream Bites?
Regardless if you love ‘em or hate ‘em, these videos are here to stay and I’ll tell you why.
1. #Foodies are Still a Thing
Yes, we all love food. In fact we’re obsessed. Right before we indulge in a delish meal, we take a pic and upload it to every social platform. Time and time again we see just how successful each food post is on social. Don’t believe me? Just check out Reading Terminal Market’s Instagram. Because of how crazy everyone goes over food images, it only makes sense that users will go bananas (see what I did there?) over videos. I mean, who doesn’t want to try and make this Hot Chocolate Cookie Cup from Tastemade?
2. Video This, Video That
Video is here to stay. You’ve been hearing this over and over again, and I’m going to say it one more time – videos are everything. However, you have to be careful when it comes to producing a video. Users are extremely picky. We want something that is visually appealing, informative and most importantly: quick and to the point. One thing is for sure though: Video marketing on Facebook is only going to get bigger and better.
3. Short-Form For The Win
You must remember that long form video is dead. We were calling in way back in the fall of 2014 after the insane success of the casino online ASL Ice Buck Challenge. And it’s catching on; more and more people are discovering you can say a lot in 30 seconds. All of those Tasty videos are prime examples of using short form video to their full advantage. These videos are strategically structured to show how “effortless” this is, visually and manually. On top of that, each video is pleasant on the eye, which is a recipe for a successful social post.
Pigs In A Pretzel Blanket
Posted by Tasty on Sunday, January 10, 2016
4. Sharing Is Caring
We all love to share. My mom, cousin and some rando with whom I’m not entirely sure how we’re Facebook friends are all sharing these short form videos. Why? Besides the fact that we love food, we also appreciate creativity and appealing videos – so why not share it with all your followers? Better yet, why not try to recreate the dish and share what you’ve created?!
Clicking the share button is not the only way these videos are making the rounds. You’ll see many users tag their friends, and their friends tagging their other friends and so on and so on. #Engagement
While these videos are fascinating and informative, I hate that I love them. As someone who prides himself on not being a part of the latest social trend, I’ve succumbed to this. If you think about it though, it’s interesting to see how effective this strategy is and how Tasty and Buzzfeed are owning the short-form video market on Facebook.
It’s no secret that Facebook wants users to stay on their platform, as we’ve seen with the launch of their Instant Articles app. The social media giant also wants to own the video field (aka replace YouTube). With popular trends such as the how-to-make-creative-food videos, Facebook will dominate the video space.
I know you’ve seen the different food videos, but have you tried to make any? Comment below and tell me which ones you’ve (successfully) created.
