Forget pizza parties, the video challenge was the best engagement tool I ever experienced at work. Sometime in the early 2010s, my company sent out a challenge to teams to create the most innovative and creative videos promoting our values. They even sent us a digital video recorder because video on our phones wasn't a thing yet.

I requested one and started to play with it. I would record voices and messed around with perspective. Eventually, I put on my best Australian accent (not very good but funny enough...) and filmed my teammates. I was the Steve Irwin of the cubicle jungle!

We even won an award the name of which I've long forgotten. I had so much fun playing with video to create something entertaining and valuable at the same time.

So, when I got onto TikTok during the pandemic as an amusing pastime, I immediately had visions of my former video glory.

Until now, though, I haven't done anything about it. After all, there's plenty of work to do in my business as is. Could we really add more video content to support what we're doing?

Perhaps you feel the same. You know that short form video is all the rage today. And you've wondered whether it's time to start doing more video.

The short answer is yes. Absolutely do more video. But not all videos are created the same. 

In this post, I'm going to share 10 ideas you can use to create video content to promote your podcast. Some of them are super simple. Others will require more work and creativity.

The payoff is greater the more entertainment value you can add so don't immediately go for the lowest bar you can reach. Contemplate what you want to do over the long haul and have fun with it.

Here are 10 ideas complete with examples to check out:

1. Interview Style

The interview style video is the simplest of all because you can repurpose interview content and it does not add much time to your routine. With AI tools now like Opus.pro, you can easily grab a clip or five from content you're already making. That's a bonus.

Two of our members do great content in this regard. Tim Winders and Markus Watson both post really engaging clips of their shows and constantly turn up in my feed. Check them out.

Talking to Camera Directly

This category has several styles under it but it couldn't be simpler. You talk directly to the camera and the audience to share something that you've learned, an experience you've had, or go on a rant.

2. Simple Teaching

In this case, you teach on something that you know about. If you're a Bible teacher, this is a great way to about it. Just imagine that the camera is your friend and share with them what you want them to know. A variation can be taking the audience along for the ride.

A great example is Jacob Knowles who teaches about lobster fishing.

3. Storytime

In the early days of TikTok, it was customary to announce that you were going to tell a story by saying "Story time!" and then sharing your story. Today, people don't do that as much. But they still tell tremendous stories about events you just can't hear anywhere else. Just look at the camera and go. Don't leave too many gaps or give too many details that don't work for the story. Do this enough and it will become second nature.

The classic example is Elise Myers who isn't on the platform anymore but her stories live on.

4. The Imaginary Conversation

Have you ever wanted to say something that probably wouldn't go over well? You're not alone. A fun short form video idea is to say that thing out loud in an imaginary conversation.

HR Manifesto has many great examples of this.

5. Reporting On Your Niche

Our last variant of the speaking directly to camera is the reporter. Often, creators who do this really are reporters. They are able to share stories you might not otherwise have noticed with interesting inflection that draws in the listener. Imagine sharing a news story every week about your niche. Explain what is happening and why people want to know about it.

Julie Baker has one of the more interesting gags with her stupid news segments. Notice how she whispers "Stupid News," too. She's hooking you in right there. Next time you hear her do that, you'll know exactly what to expect.

6. The Rant

Sometimes you just have to get something off your chest. If you're good with words and metaphors, you could really make a splash by ranting online. If you're annoyed by it, chances are good you're not the only one. 

Andr3w is the finest ranter on the internet.

Skits

7. The Conversation with Yourself

This technique is easy to pull off if you face your two conversants toward one another. One of you is the question asker and the other has the answers. The style can allow you to step into your audience's shoes to ask questions while still serving as the one with the answers.

Mackenzie Barmen does great skits and this especially well. She uses it to poke fun at the ridiculous and say things we all want to say anyway.

8. Creating Characters

If you're feeling particularly adventurous, create a cast of characters complete with storylines, heroes, and villains. Not only is this a great creative outlet, it can be a wonderful way to get your ideas across by lowering the barrier to accepting them. Your audience can experience the implications of your message while being entertained.

The best at this is Kris Collins and Drew Talbert.

9. The Trend

I know what you're thinking. Your content is too important to be jumping onto TikTok trends. I'm here to inform you that that's short-sighted. When a trend hits and people start sharing stories or thoughts, those posts get extra attention in the algorithm because people want to see them and watch them all the way through.

In the last year, two examples spring to mind. Andi Tillman recently started one by starting a video with "Say the weird thing." It was followed by many people responding with the weirdest facts and thoughts they had, like this. The other recent trend was a video from Susi Vidal about how she didn't like pesto. It was a cooking video. But people jumped on her line about it being crazy she didn't like store bought pesto and it skyrocketed her views.

Plus, make a strong statement at the beginning of your videos. You never know if it's going to catch on. You could be the next trendsetter. 

10. The Action Video

Lastly, record a video of you in action preparing for your podcast. This can be so simple but really effective at getting your point across. And, it goes for speaking engagements and other parts of life, too.

Jenn Witmer has a great video showcasing her work and inspiring her audience with her message.

Social video is meant to be fun! Shift your mindset from it being the work of marketing your podcast to being a fun way to connect and share your message with others and create a video.

Which idea will you try first?