The Types of Social Media Videos That Drive the Highest Engagement for Somerset and Southwest Brands
Social media is one of the most powerful marketing tools for businesses across Somerset and the Southwest. Whether you are based in Taunton, Bath, Bristol, Exeter, or anywhere across the region, your audience expects engaging, professional, and meaningful video content. But not all video content performs the same. Some types of videos naturally generate more views, more interaction, and more shares across platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Facebook, and LinkedIn.
For Southwest brands, the key to a successful social media presence is understanding which video styles resonate most with local and wider audiences. This guide explores the types of social media videos that consistently deliver the strongest engagement and how Somerset and Southwest businesses can use them to grow online.
1. Short form vertical videos for rapid engagement
Short form videos dominate modern social media. TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts have become essential for businesses wanting fast and wide reach. For brands across Somerset and the Southwest, short vertical videos offer a quick way to deliver messages and capture attention.
Why this format performs well
Designed for mobile users
Easy to watch and quick to digest
Prioritised by social media algorithms
Highly shareable
Great for reaching younger audiences in Bristol, Bath, and Exeter
Short form videos are ideal for businesses in hospitality, retail, fitness, tourism, lifestyle, and creative industries.
Effective examples include
Local product showcases
Food and drink highlights for Somerset restaurants
Behind the scenes clips filmed in Bristol studios
Day in the life moments
Mini tutorials or tips
Event snippets from Southwest festivals
This format is essential for brands that want consistent and fast moving engagement.
2. Product demonstration videos that show clear value
When customers understand how a product works, they are far more likely to buy it. Product demo videos simplify complex features and show real value. They also perform well across both paid and organic content.
Benefits for Somerset and Southwest brands
More clarity around your offer
Increased confidence in purchasing
Higher conversions on e commerce sites
Better performance in paid ads
Easier customer education
These videos are popular among Somerset retailers, tech companies, beauty brands, outdoor brands, and makers across the Southwest.
3. Behind the scenes videos that feel authentic
Audiences love authentic content, and nothing shows authenticity better than a behind the scenes video. Whether filmed in a Somerset workshop, a Bristol studio, or at a Southwest event, these videos help people connect with the real story behind your business.
Behind the scenes video ideas include
Staff introductions
How your product is made
A look inside your workspace
The process of preparing for an event
Packaging and shipping
Creative production moments
Authentic content builds trust and helps customers feel closer to your brand.
4. Story based videos that connect emotionally
Some of the most powerful social media videos are story driven. They create emotional connection, build brand loyalty, and encourage people to share your content. For Southwest brands, storytelling is a chance to highlight your values and your community.
Examples include
Local customer stories
Founder or origin stories
Community projects in Somerset
Charity partnerships
Transformational journeys
When viewers feel emotionally invested, engagement increases dramatically.
5. Testimonial videos that build trust and credibility
Social proof is essential in marketing. Testimonial videos allow real customers to explain the benefits of your product or service in their own words. These are especially helpful for Southwest businesses in service industries, hospitality, property, education, and fitness.
Why testimonials work
They feel honest and relatable
They reduce uncertainty
They build reputation and trust
They improve conversion rates
They are powerful for paid ads and websites
Testimonials filmed locally feel even more authentic to a regional audience.
6. Educational and how to videos that provide value
Educational content positions your brand as a knowledgeable, trustworthy expert. For Somerset and Southwest businesses, how to videos can showcase your skills and give your audience practical value.
These videos might include
Tutorials
Industry insights
Quick tips
Tool breakdowns
Step by step demonstrations
Educational videos receive high watch times because viewers stay to learn something useful.
7. Trend based videos for increased visibility
Trends move quickly across platforms, but brands that participate early see strong engagement. Somerset and Southwest businesses can take advantage of trending audio, themes, and formats while keeping content relevant to their brand identity.
Trend examples
Popular audio clips
Viral challenges
Regional trends or events
Creative transitions
Humour and relatable moments
Trends offer short bursts of visibility and can attract new viewers.
8. Animated videos that simplify complex topics
Animation and motion graphics are great for brands that need to explain something technical or abstract. They are clean, modern, and visually appealing.
Animation works well for
Data visualisation
Process explanations
Technical product breakdowns
Service explainers
Story driven graphics
Animation is especially useful for tech companies, finance firms, and educational organisations in the Southwest.
9. Event highlight videos that capture atmosphere and excitement
Events are a major part of the Southwest culture, from festivals and exhibitions to corporate events and creative gatherings. Highlight videos help brands share these moments online in a dynamic and engaging way.
Event videos work well for
Local festivals
Southwest tourism campaigns
Hotel or venue showcases
Conferences
Workshops and training events
Event highlights create strong engagement because they capture movement, energy, and real experiences.
10. User generated style content that feels personal
UGC style videos are simple, conversational, and natural looking. Even when professionally produced, they mimic the casual style audiences expect on platforms like TikTok.
Why UGC style videos engage
They feel personal and genuine
They blend naturally into social feeds
They create a sense of trust
They match platform expectations
They are relatable and easy to watch
These work especially well for beauty, fashion, lifestyle, health, and hospitality brands across Somerset and the Southwest.
11. Looping micro videos for short attention spans
Micro videos are extremely short clips that loop seamlessly. These videos grab attention in under two seconds and often receive repeated views.
Effective examples
Fast product close ups
Satisfying processes
Speedy transitions
Micro storytelling moments
Simple creative visuals
Repeat watches boost engagement and help your content perform better in algorithms.
12. Long form videos for deeper storytelling
While short form videos dominate, long form content still plays a crucial role, especially on YouTube and Facebook. Southwest brands can use long form video for storytelling, education, or showcasing expertise.
Ideal long form content includes
Brand films
Interviews
Tutorials
Case study videos
Documentary style content
These videos build strong loyalty and deeper brand connection.
Conclusion
Different video styles create different types of engagement, and the most successful brands across Somerset and the Southwest use a strategic mix of formats. From short form vertical clips to story driven films, testimonials, behind the scenes videos, and educational content, each type has a specific purpose and impact. By working with a professional social media video production team, businesses can create consistent, high performing content that resonates with local and wider audiences.
If your Somerset or Southwest brand wants to increase engagement and create video content that truly performs, our social media video production services can help bring your storytelling to life.