How to make a professional and engaging video in 1-2 minutes

Jamie Perez • September 1, 2023

In the ever-evolving landscape of digital content world, the phrase "less is more" has never held more truth. In a world where attention spans becoming shorter and shorter, capturing your audience's attention has become an art form. This is where the importance of keeping videos under 2 minutes comes into play. So how do you make a professional and interesting video in one to two minutes? Let’s dive in!

Short Attention Spans, Big Impact

Our attention spans continue to grow smaller and smaller. Studies show that our attention span is only about 8 seconds. With our age of scrolling combined with a constant stream of notifications, social media updates, and endless content choices, the ability to engage viewers within seconds is crucial. Videos that exceed the 2-minute mark risk losing their grip on the audience. By adhering to this time limit, you're more likely to hold their attention and convey your message effectively. I would even go so far to say, keep it under 60 seconds for videos you’re posting to social media. The two-minute rule is good to follow for videos posted to your website, YouTube or videos you play at events.

Concise Messaging

In today's fast-paced world, brevity is key. A two-minute video forces you to laser focus your message down to its core, cutting out any other unnecessary details. Rather than overwhelming viewers with an information overload, focus on highlighting the most compelling aspects of your business or product. Emphasize the points that answer the question, “Why should I care?” Remember, the goal is not to explain every facet of your biz, but to spark curiosity and encourage further exploration.

The Teaser Effect

Think of your short video as a teaser trailer for your business. Just like how a movie trailer leaves you eager to watch the entire film, a well-crafted video under two minutes can ignite curiosity and leave viewers craving more. It's the first step in a tactful plan that leads your audience to learn more about you, spend more time on your page, share, or take action.

Encouraging Further Exploration

The beauty of a brief video lies in its ability to serve as a gateway to deeper engagement. By keeping your content succinct, you pique viewers' interest and prompt them to delve deeper into your website, social media profiles, or other platforms where they can access more comprehensive information. This not only allows you to maintain control over the narrative but also enables you to tailor the user experience to match their level of interest.

Final Thoughts

In a world where digital content competes for our attention at every turn, the value of brevity cannot be overstated. By adhering to the 2-minute rule, you're not only adapting to the realities of modern attention spans but also crafting a strategic tool that entices viewers to learn more. Use these tips to create a video in one to two minutes! And remember: keep it short, keep it focused, and keep them coming back for more.

Camera Lens

Here's Why Nonprofits Should Be Sharing Donor Stories

By Jamie Perez • May 29, 2025
Most of the time when nonprofit organizations are sharing stories, we are hearing from staff members, the founder and clients. All of these are perfectly fine stories to tell... but what about sharing the donor stories? When a nonprofit has regular donors, there's probably a story behind WHY they believe in your cause so much. There's a heartfelt element to why out of all the nonprofits they could donate to -- why do they choose YOURS to give to time and time again? They most likely relate to your mission. They believe what you believe about a problem that needs to be addressed and they wanted to be part of the solution. Maybe they went through a traumatic situation that your organization is helping people solve. Get to know your donors. Be curious. They're just as much a part of your organization as your staff and clientele. By sharing their stories, they not only feel more involved in an organization they already care so deeply about, but it also could be a great way to attract MORE donors who can relate to their story. Donors give because of stories -- their gifts don't come from coercion; they come from emotion, a desire to connect. It opens up a relationship and this is how wallets open and lives are transformed. People want to know they belong to something and that they're making a difference. It feels good for anyone to know they're needed, wanted and appreciated. Show them the impact of their gift through storytelling. Don't just focus on them when you need something from them. Engage them. Make them part of the organization's journey. To help get you started, here are a couple questions that could ignite some great soundbites when interviewing your donors: What happened in your life that makes you so compelled to support our cause? Why is this need so important to address? With these questions, you're not only asking them to address the need that your organization is addressing, but you're still focusing on THEIR story. By bringing them along this journey and asking these questions, it helps remind them why they give monetary gifts to you. And their story and their reasons could encourage others to do the same. BE CURIOUS. THESE ARE THE TYPES OF STORIES THAT ARE NEVER TOLD BECAUSE WE NEVER ASK . By being curious, sharing THEIR story, you're showing them you not only care about them helping your cause, but you care about them as people. And who doesn't like to share their story with someone who is truly interested?
Owner of Beyond Words Jamie Perez interviews woman on camera in studio setting

3 Tips for Ethical Storytelling

By Jamie Perez • April 30, 2025
Owner of Beyond Words Jamie Perez interviews woman on camera in studio setting
A person is holding a video camera on a tripod.

Three Mistakes Organizations Make When Creating Video

By Jamie Perez • April 28, 2025
We see this time and time again... organizations wanting to tell an emotive story through video and then being disappointed that the final product wasn't as heart-tugging as they'd hoped. This mainly happens for three reasons: 1. Controlling the narrative. There are too many cooks in the kitchen. Organizations want to include everyone in the conversation and then there's too many opinions on what should be included in the video, who should be included, what should be shown, etc. This convolutes the message and becomes a jamboree of information and takes away from the natural flow of what the true story should be. 2. Trying to fit everything into one video. Organizations often don't think about what it truly means to tell a story. It's not talking about all the facts and features of the organizations, the different types of programs, showing the building, etc. We don't need to know everything about you. We KNOW you're doing incredible work, but we can read the facts and figures through the caption or text on your website. What we want to see and feel is the stories and emotions that accompany what you do. Which brings us to the next point... 3. Focusing on the features rather than the people. While it's great to inform people of the logistics of your organization -- those things are often not unique and they don't really retain people's attention. What does accomplish these two things, however, is gripping people by the heartstrings by focusing on one or two people's stories to show the audience the impact you make. It's not about telling me all the generalities of your organization. We really need to hyperfocus on ONE story that embodies the difference you make in people's lives. Remember what a story truly is. It has characters, it follows a journey, it presents a problem, a solution, has layers, and evokes emotion. If your videos are mostly just a summary of what you do as an organization, then you haven't really told a story. You've told me WHAT your organization does. The true heartfelt stories are always found in the WHY.
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