Plan and produce engaging short-form video content for social media that captures attention, communicates your message effectively, and extends your church’s reach beyond Sunday mornings. This prompt helps you create compelling videos even with limited equipment and experience, using smartphone-friendly techniques and best practices.
Create short-form video content strategy with these details:
Video purpose: [e.g., "Sermon clip" or "Event promotion" or "Testimony" or "Behind-the-scenes" or "Teaching snippet"]
Platform: [e.g., "Instagram Reels" or "TikTok" or "YouTube Shorts" or "Facebook Reels" or "Multi-platform"]
Target length: [e.g., "15-30 seconds" or "60 seconds" or "90 seconds max"]
Available equipment: [e.g., "Smartphone only" or "DSLR camera" or "Full production setup" or "Minimal gear"]
Team size: [e.g., "Solo creator" or "2-person team" or "Full media team"]
Please provide:
1. Video Specifications:
A. Format Requirements:
- Vertical video (9:16 aspect ratio for Reels/TikTok/Shorts)
- Resolution: 1080x1920 pixels minimum
- Frame rate: 30fps or 60fps
- File format: MP4 (H.264 codec)
- Maximum file size: [varies by platform]
B. Length Guidelines by Platform:
- Instagram Reels: Up to 90 seconds (sweet spot: 15-30 sec)
- TikTok: Up to 10 minutes (sweet spot: 15-60 sec)
- YouTube Shorts: Up to 60 seconds
- Facebook Reels: Up to 90 seconds
- Rule: Shorter is often better for engagement
C. Safe Zones:
- Keep critical text/visuals in center 1280x1920 area
- Avoid bottom 250px (caption area)
- Avoid top for profile icon/UI elements
- Leave 5% margin around edges
2. Pre-Production Planning:
A. Content Strategy:
- Hook (first 3 seconds): What grabs attention immediately?
- Main message: What's the one thing you want people to remember?
- Call to action: What should viewers do next?
- Value proposition: Why should they watch to the end?
B. Script or Outline:
- Write for vertical viewing
- Account for no sound (many view muted)
- Keep it conversational and natural
- Time it out (read aloud = actual length)
- Plan visual elements that support speech
C. Shot List:
- List every shot needed
- Include b-roll for visual interest
- Plan for transitions
- Note any special angles or movements
D. Location Scouting:
- Good natural lighting (face windows if possible)
- Clean, uncluttered background
- Minimal echo/good audio environment
- Appropriate for message (church, office, outdoors)
- Permission to film (if needed)
3. Recording Best Practices:
A. Smartphone Setup:
- Always shoot vertical (hold phone upright)
- Use back camera (better quality than selfie mode)
- Lock exposure and focus (tap and hold screen)
- Clean your lens before filming
- Use gridlines to frame shots
- Airplane mode (prevent interruptions)
B. Lighting:
- Natural light is your friend (face windows)
- Golden hour (early morning/late afternoon) for outdoor
- Avoid harsh overhead lights
- Even lighting on face (no shadows)
- Ring light or softbox for indoor consistency
- No backlight (don't face windows)
C. Audio:
- External mic highly recommended (lavalier or shotgun)
- Get mic close to subject (6-12 inches)
- Record in quiet environment
- Test audio before full recording
- Monitor with headphones if possible
- Record backup audio on separate device
D. Framing and Composition:
- Rule of thirds (eyes in upper third)
- Headroom: Small gap above head
- Lead room: Space in front of face when talking
- Steady shots (use tripod or phone gimbal)
- Vary shot types (wide, medium, close-up)
- Intentional camera movements only
4. Content Types That Work:
A. Sermon Snippets (30-60 seconds):
- Most powerful 30-60 seconds from sermon
- Add text overlay with key quote
- Compelling hook or story moment
- Controversial or thought-provoking statement
- Clear takeaway or application
- Drives to full sermon link
B. Event Promotions (15-30 seconds):
- High energy opening
- Clear event details with text overlay
- Show excitement and preview content
- Who, what, when, where in first 5 seconds
- Call to action (register, RSVP, more info)
- Use trending audio or original
C. Testimonies (30-90 seconds):
- Real people, authentic stories
- Clear structure: Before, turning point, after
- Emotional but concise
- Relatable struggles
- Hope-filled outcomes
- Natural, not scripted perfection
D. Behind-the-Scenes (15-30 seconds):
- Show church life beyond Sunday
- Team prep, setup, teardown
- Humanize staff and volunteers
- Create connection and familiarity
- Fun, lighthearted, authentic
- Builds community feeling
E. Quick Teaching (30-60 seconds):
- One clear point per video
- Simple illustration or example
- Practical application
- Engaging delivery
- Visual aids or graphics
- End with question or challenge
5. Editing Fundamentals:
A. Editing Apps:
- Free: CapCut, InShot, iMovie (iOS)
- Paid: Adobe Premiere Rush, Final Cut Pro (iOS)
- Platform native: Instagram/TikTok built-in editors
- Choose based on comfort and needs
B. Basic Editing Workflow:
- Import footage to editing app
- Trim to best takes (cut ruthlessly)
- Add text overlays (large, readable fonts)
- Insert b-roll for visual interest
- Add music or trending audio
- Color correct if needed (brightness, contrast)
- Export in correct format and resolution
C. Pacing and Cuts:
- Cut out pauses, ums, ahs
- Fast cuts maintain attention
- Change shots every 3-5 seconds
- Match cuts to music beats
- Jump cuts are acceptable (embrace them!)
- Don't over-edit (maintain authenticity)
D. Text Overlays:
- Captions for accessibility (auto-generate + edit)
- Key phrases or quotes (emphasize main point)
- Large, bold, readable fonts (minimum 48pt)
- High contrast (white text on dark, or vice versa)
- Minimal animation (simple fade in/out)
- Follow safe zone guidelines
E. Music and Audio:
- Use trending sounds (helps algorithm)
- Royalty-free music (Epidemic Sound, Artlist)
- Platform music libraries
- Volume: Music at 20-30%, dialogue at 100%
- Sync cuts to music beats
- Consider no music for serious content
6. Hook Strategies (First 3 Seconds):
- Pattern interrupt: Unexpected visual or statement
- Bold text: Large, compelling question or statement
- Movement: Quick cuts, zoom, camera motion
- Curiosity gap: "Here's what nobody tells you about..."
- Emotional: Relatable problem or pain point
- Direct address: "If you're struggling with..."
- Trending audio: Familiar sound grabs attention
- Visual interest: Unique location or setup
Examples:
- "This changed how I read my Bible..."
- "3 things pastors wish you knew..."
- "You're not alone in feeling this way..."
- [Text: "WAIT FOR IT"] + unexpected revelation
7. Caption and Hashtag Strategy:
A. Captions:
- Hook in first line (before "...more")
- Brief context or expansion on video
- Call to action (comment, share, follow)
- Emoji for visual breaks (don't overdo)
- Ask question to drive comments
- Tag location if relevant
B. Hashtags:
- Mix of broad and niche (#faith + #youngleaders)
- 5-10 relevant hashtags
- Research what's working in your niche
- Create branded hashtag (#YourChurchName)
- Avoid banned or spam hashtags
- Put in first comment or end of caption
Example Hashtags:
#church #faith #jesus #christian #ministry #god #bible #prayer #worship #hope
8. Platform-Specific Tips:
A. Instagram Reels:
- Cover photo matters (choose good thumbnail)
- Trending audio boosts reach
- Share to feed + stories
- Engage with comments immediately
- Post when audience is active
- Consistent aesthetic with feed
B. TikTok:
- Embrace trends and challenges
- Duet/stitch with relevant content
- More casual and authentic tone
- Hashtag challenges
- Reply to comments with videos
- Post multiple times per day okay
C. YouTube Shorts:
- Different algorithm than long-form
- Can be clips from longer videos
- Include in Shorts shelf
- Cross-promote with main channel
- Less trend-dependent than TikTok
D. Facebook Reels:
- Older demographic typically
- Can be slightly longer
- Native upload performs better
- Share to groups
- Community-building focus
9. Quality Control Checklist:
Before Posting:
- [ ] Video is in focus and properly exposed
- [ ] Audio is clear and balanced
- [ ] Captions are accurate and readable
- [ ] Text overlays visible on mobile
- [ ] No spelling or grammar errors
- [ ] Respects safe zones
- [ ] Appropriate length for platform
- [ ] Hook grabs attention in 3 seconds
- [ ] Clear call to action
- [ ] Aligns with church brand/values
- [ ] Music/audio rights cleared
- [ ] Tested on actual phone before posting
10. Common Mistakes to Avoid:
- Shooting horizontal (unless for YouTube)
- Poor audio quality (invest in mic!)
- Too much text on screen
- Assuming everyone watches with sound
- Boring first 3 seconds
- Too long (cut it shorter!)
- Overly produced (lose authenticity)
- Inconsistent posting
- Ignoring comments and engagement
- Not analyzing what works
- Copying trends without church context
- Filming in vertical with black bars
11. Content Calendar Ideas:
- Monday: Motivational/encouraging message
- Tuesday: Testimony or transformation story
- Wednesday: Quick teaching or Bible insight
- Thursday: Behind-the-scenes or team spotlight
- Friday: Weekend service preview or event promo
- Saturday: Community highlight or recap
- Sunday: Sermon clip or worship moment
Recurring Series Ideas:
- "Ask a Pastor" (answer common questions)
- "Staff Spotlight" (meet the team)
- "This Week at Church" (preview Sunday)
- "30-Second Theology" (quick teaching)
- "Real Talk" (honest faith discussions)
12. Measuring Success:
Key Metrics:
- Views (reach)
- Watch time (engagement)
- Likes and comments (engagement)
- Shares (valuable!)
- Saves (very valuable!)
- Profile visits from video
- Click-throughs to link
- Follower growth
What to Track:
- Which content types perform best
- Optimal posting times
- Trending audio that works
- Topics that resonate
- Hook styles that work
- Adjust strategy based on data
Important Principles:
- Authenticity over production quality
- Value + entertainment = engagement
- Consistency beats perfection
- Mobile-first everything
- Hook in 3 seconds or lose them
- Captions are not optional
- Quality audio is non-negotiable
- shorter is usually better
- Engage with every comment
- Analyze and adapt
Content Philosophy:
Create videos that honor God, serve people, and extend your church's reach beyond the building. Every video should provide value, whether through encouragement, teaching, invitation, or connection. Excellence in creativity is worship, and effective communication amplifies the gospel message.
Tone: Authentic and relatable, professional but not overly produced, engaging without being clickbait-y, purposeful in every frame. Make content that stops the scroll and points people to Jesus.