Those first 10 seconds

I notice more and more credit unions interested in producing a viral video to get noticed by the masses.  Harnessing this visual power might seem like an attractive option, but there’s a tall order to fill if you want to “go viral.”

Consider the following:

  • Viral videos have an extremely short shelf life, and they are difficult to capture by nature of their spontaneity.
  • Most of them are not educational or financial-related.
  • Most viral videos kind of “just happen”—they aren’t planned.

Instead, credit unions should consider creating promotional videos showing the benefits of membership. These videos can be emotional, serious, or funny, but they still have the educational aspect.

Research shows you have about 10 seconds to capture the attention of someone watching your video. If they are intrigued, they’ll keep watching for another 20 seconds. What impact do you want to make in those first 10 seconds? And more importantly, are you showcasing your brand promise?

Going viral will deliver your short window of fame, but viewers probably won’t understand your message. Creating a video that educates, enhances your brand promise, and is entertaining is the way to go.

Joe Keller

Joe Keller

Joe Keller (jkeller@ccul.org or 909-212-6020) is vice president of C-Sun Studios (www.csunstudios.com) and digital media for the California and Nevada Credit Union Leagues. He was formerly ... Web: www.csunstudios.com Details