Let's create a video series (pt. 2)

Last week, we started a new video series. This week, we improve upon it!

What I made

I created another magical effect, except this time I plainly explain how to teleport an object.

The lesson last week was that I needed to better establish context for what's about to happen. To do this, I utilized the comment reply feature in IG, TikTok, and YouTube.

I had a friend leave a comment asking, "What's the best way to teleport something?" Then I posted my new video as a reply to that comment. What that does is feature the comment as an on-screen element.

My thinking is that having me 'reply' to a comment makes the video feel more candid (better setting up the magical effect) as well as immediately establishing what's going to happen. Teleport an object - what??

Did it work?

First, let's look at view retention. This week, 45% of viewers on IG stayed past the first 3 seconds - compared to last week's 30%.

That's a really good increase considering the goal was to hook viewers better in the opening few seconds!

Second, let's look at overall views. Across all platforms, views were generally twice as high for both the magical effects and the behind-the-scenes!

What I'm going to fix

👉 In next week's video, I'm going to film in a different location (most likely outside). The fact that this video was filmed in the same spot probably didn't help.

👉 Do I need to say exactly what's written in the on-screen comment? There's theory that opening a video with the word 'you' can better connect with an audience. So I might further refine my opening by pairing the on-screen comment, "What's the best way to…?" with me saying, "YOU can easily…"

✨ What excites me about this series is that it finally allows me to connect with my audience through my videos. I'm not 'performing' for the camera and instead I'm speaking directly with viewers. Hopefully, once I build trust in this series it'll convert to responding to actual comments!

(here's some behind-the-scenes)