If you are considering using video to market a business, fundraise for a non-profit or to gain social media traction, then you most likely have a lot of unanswered questions floating around. One that tends to surface a good amount is exactly how long should my video be? That of course, depends on what story you are attempting to tell. No matter the business or non-profit, finding the story and the message is the most important factor before you begin analyzing how long the video should be.
Is it something visual and simple, like creating a vibrant dish in the kitchen of a local restaurant that can be done in a 30 second social media spot? Or is there a lengthy history behind your organization that requires a few more minutes with much more dialogue? No matter the case, there is never a need to worry. With the proper equipment and story telling skills, there will always be a way to get your message across to the targeted audience.
For example, if what you are putting onto video is purely visual and can be done without much dialogue (Such as food, art, clothing, etc.), then short cuts into a 30 second - 1 minute video is very effective.
If you are running a non-profit organization and are looking to fundraise through a powerful story, then a 3-5 minute video is recommended. This will give you more time to display a connection with your audience.