In today's media landscape, short-form video (like Instagram Reels, TikToks, and YouTube Shorts) is one of the most effective ways to reach a broad audience. By creating engaging, bite-sized video content with candidates, you can educate voters who may never read a full questionnaire or listen to a long-form podcast. The key is to be creative, concise, and, as always, strictly nonpartisan.
Why Go Short-Form?
- Reach: Short-form video algorithms are designed for viral reach, exposing your content to a much wider audience than your existing followers.
- Engagement: These videos are highly engaging and shareable, making it easy for your supporters to spread the word.
- Accessibility: A 60-second video is an easy, low-commitment way for a voter to get a quick impression of a candidate.
- Authenticity: A less formal, on-the-street video can often feel more authentic and less rehearsed than a polished studio interview.
Creative, Nonpartisan Video Concepts
Expanded details for this section
Long section
Creative, Nonpartisan Video Concepts
Expanded details for this section
Creative, Nonpartisan Video Concepts
You must offer the exact same opportunity to every candidate. The easiest way to do this is to have a single, repeatable format that you can film with each candidate who agrees to participate.
Here are a few proven concepts:
1. "3 Questions in 60 Seconds"
- The Concept: Ask each candidate the same three rapid-fire, issue-based questions. The challenge is for them to give a concise answer for each within the time limit.
- Why it Works: It's fast-paced, fair, and easily comparable. It respects the candidate's time while creating engaging content.
- Pro-Tip: Film this on a well-known street corner or in front of a relevant landmark to give it a sense of place.
2. "Explain This Location"
- The Concept: Take the candidate to a specific location in your city—a dangerous intersection, a successful new bike lane, a transit stop—and ask them to explain what they see and what they would do to improve it.
- Why it Works: It grounds the conversation in a real-world example that voters can see and understand. It tests the candidate's ability to think on their feet and apply their knowledge.
3. "Finish the Sentence"
- The Concept: Give the candidate a series of prompts related to your issues and ask them to complete the sentence.
- "My vision for transportation in our city is..."
- "A safe street is one where..."
- "The first thing I would do to improve bicycling is..."
- Why it Works: It's a fun, creative format that encourages concise, memorable answers.
Production and Publication
- Keep it Simple: You don't need fancy equipment. A modern smartphone with a clean lens and a simple $20-$30 bluetooth external microphone will produce excellent results.
- Film Vertically: Always film in a vertical 9:16 aspect ratio for these platforms.
- Use On-Screen Text: Add captions or key takeaways as on-screen text, as many users watch videos with the sound off.
- Tag the Candidates: When you post the videos, be sure to tag the candidates' official campaign accounts.