5 Budget-Friendly Short-Form Videos Every Company Can Produce

Engagement numbers don’t lie and the data is clear on this - video content is king. We know that producing high-quality videos can seem daunting and expensive, especially for small businesses. But you don’t need a big budget to create engaging short-form videos that connect with your audience. Here are five types of budget-friendly videos your company can produce with ease:

1. Behind-the-Scenes Sneak Peeks

People love a glimpse behind the curtain. Showing how your product is made, what a typical day in the office looks like, or how your team collaborates can humanize your brand and build trust. All you need is a smartphone and a willingness to share your authentic story. Capture candid moments and keep it real—audiences value authenticity over polished perfection.

Tips:

• Keep it short (30-60 seconds works great).

• Use captions for accessibility and to ensure your message lands even when muted.

• Highlight unique aspects of your work or processes.

  
  

2. Quick How-To or Tutorial Videos

Share your expertise! Whether it’s a quick tip, a step-by-step guide, or a hack related to your industry, tutorial videos are a fantastic way to educate and engage your audience. For instance, a bakery could show how to frost cupcakes, or a tech company could explain a simple software shortcut.

Tips:

• Focus on one specific topic or problem.

• Use simple props and visuals to enhance clarity.

• End with a call-to-action (e.g., "Try this tip today!" or "What’s your favorite trick?").

3. Customer Testimonials and Reviews

Nothing builds credibility like a happy customer. Ask satisfied clients to share their experiences in a short video. This can be as simple as recording a quick clip during a product handover or asking them to submit a selfie video. Combine snippets into a montage, or share each testimonial as a standalone post.

Tips:

• Make it easy for customers by providing prompts or questions.

• Keep the editing light to preserve authenticity.

• Include subtitles and the customer’s name and location for added trustworthiness.

4. Employee-Generated Videos

Your employees are some of your best brand ambassadors. Encourage them to create and share their own videos showcasing their day-to-day tasks, favorite aspects of their job, or team camaraderie. This not only adds a personal touch to your content but also fosters a sense of community within your team.

Tips:

• Provide clear guidelines to ensure content aligns with your brand.

• Highlight employee achievements or milestones.

• Use these videos to showcase your company culture and values.

5. Fun and Relatable Content

Don’t underestimate the power of humor and relatability. Memes, trends, and lighthearted videos help your brand stay relevant and approachable. Participate in trending challenges, create a "day in the life" video, or showcase fun moments in the workplace.

Tips:

• Keep it light and aligned with your brand’s personality.

• Balance entertainment with subtle messaging about your brand.

• Don’t hop on every trend out there - not every trend is relevant to your business.

Time to Press Record

Creating effective short-form videos doesn’t have to break the bank. You can create video content that resonates with your audience and drives engagement by leveraging what you already have—a smartphone, your team of experts, and your unique story. Remember, the key is to stay authentic, have fun, and experiment with different formats to see what works best for your brand.