If posting a video on your personal social media platforms sends you running for the hills, you will need to get over your aversion when it comes to business.

According to Search Engine Journal, in 2022 86% of businesses used video as a marketing tool.  You'll be familiar with YouTube that has 2.1 billion active users and is the platform of choice for sharing video content.  Launched in 2005, it gave people the opportunity to post home videos, showcase talent, impart wisdom and latterly allow businesses the chance to share more information about their brands, products and services.  Videos help drive sales, website traffic, brand awareness and conversations.  Social Media Today claims that 88% of businesses using video report positive Return on Investment, allowing them to connect and engage with their customers and prospects.

TikTok may be the new kid on the block but in the last few years has proven to be a very successful platform -

• 1 billion global users*
• 92% of users globally take action after watching a TikTok video*
• In 2020, the TikTok app was valued at $50 billion by investors**
• The TikTok app had 30.8 million daily active users via iOS as of December 2021**
• It is projected there will be 15 million UK TikTok users in 2023**
• The average user opens TikTok 19 timer per day**
• TikTok was the most downloaded app of 2021, with 656 million downloads***
• TikTok was the number one grossing app in 2021, surpassing $2.5 billion in consumer spending***
• TikTok is the most engaging of all social media apps, with an average user session of 10.85 mins***

TikTok has a maximum video length of three minutes but recommends that the optimal time is between 21 to 34 seconds so keep your content short and sweet.  The platform also has TikTok LIVE, a feature for creators to connect in real-time with their audience that is perfect for demonstrations or Q & A's.

There are huge benefits to using videos as part of your marketing strategy, including making your brand more personal, influencing purchases, reaching out to new markets with no language barriers, they are easier to understand than reading text, can be viewed on all mobile devices when people are on the go, are ideally situated for social media campaigns and are more likely to be shared.

Youtube ranks as top 3 in the worldwide social media networks but if you are using videos for your business, TikTok is an essential tool to develop your marketing strategy.  It is so much more than dance challenges and animals behaving badly.

*Source TikTok.com

**Source thesocialshepherd.com

***Source blog.hootsuite.com