Video storytelling is essential in today’s world. At this point, every major social media platform has adjusted their algorithm to prioritize video content above images, carousels, links and written posts. For nonprofits who’s marketing budgets will never be able to compete with for-profit brands, it’s more important than ever to share content that compliments the algorithms and captures attention. As such, nonprofit video storytelling is a powerful tool that can enhance your online presence, build trust with your audience, and promote engagement on your channels. 

Let’s dig into exactly why your nonprofit needs to move “video” off the “to-do list” and start crafting great visual content now.

Why is Nonprofit Video Storytelling so Important? The Facts: 

• You’ll Raise More Funds: Fundraising campaigns that incorporate video receive 114% more funding than campaigns that don’t, according to Classy. 

• It’s More Memorable: According to the Stanford Graduate School of Business, stories are remembered up to 22 times more than facts alone.

• It’s What The People Want: In Sprout Social’s most recent report, they found that 62% of users said they’ve become more interested in a product or brand after seeing it in a short-form video.

These are statistics you simply can’t ignore! But I also recognize that, as nonprofit professionals, just because we know we should do a task (like sharing video content), it doesn’t always mean we have the strategy to do so. 

But here’s the good news: Great video content is no longer reserved for professionals! With advanced technology at our fingertips and a new-found emphasis on authentic marketing, you don’t need a film degree to create video content worth sharing. You can simply use the camera available on your smartphone to create engaging videos to better market your nonprofit.

As an avid Instagram and TikTok user, videos that receive the most views, likes and engagement are “selfie”-style, authentic narratives with one person speaking directly to the forward-facing camera. Luckily, these are also the easiest videos to film, since it only takes one person to do so! Whether you’re brand new to recording yourself or a seasoned pro, you can take your selfie videos to the next level with the following 10 tips. 

Top 10 Tips to Take Great Selfie Videos 

1. Keep it short
2. Be specific
3. Find good lighting
4. Consider your angles
5. Be deliberate with your background
6. Prioritize crisp, clear audio
7. Film vertically
8. Restate the question
9. Be authentic
10. Smile & relax

To learn more about how to implement each of these 10 tips, and to keep this list handy for later, download the “10 Tips to Tell Great Video Stories” PDF. Get it directly to your inbox now by filling out this form:

As video continues to dominate, it’s time to think outside of the traditional nonprofit storytelling box. You can put the power of nonprofit video storytelling directly in the hands of your community by sharing these tips with:

• Your program participants
• Your volunteers
• Your donors
• Your staff
• Your board members
• Your special event attendees
• Your email list & social media followers

Now that you are equipped with your newest tool, today is the day to start collecting and sharing great video stories. Embracing this medium not only enhances visibility but also builds trust and emotional resonance with your audience.