Video content is really important for your Church to be producing. The pandemic really strengthened platforms like TikTok as people were home for long periods of time and they were consuming short form videos. TikTok had such an impact that YouTube introduced Shorts and Instagram introduced Reels. All three of these platforms are really encouraging people to produce real, authentic, short form content to share with others.
Recently, there has been lots of chatter about Congress is looking to ban TikTok over security concerns with China. In fact, they have banned it already on all government devices and more states are looking at banning in on a more local level. We have heard this before, when President Trump was in office, but now it seems like it has broader bi-partisan support. That could mean that TikTok would ultimately be banned on all App Stores in America.
While there is still a lot of uncertainty over whether it will be banned or not, one thing is for sure. If you are primarily sharing your content on one platform like TikTok, you might want to look into diversify. TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, just like every other social media platform, is rented space. At any time they can take that space away from you and you are left with nothing. TikTok has been an amazing platform for people of all ages and businesses have been able to share and connect with people. But, there are many other platforms out there your Church or Digital Missionaries can be sharing on.
What does it mean to diversify your content?
The first step in diversifying your content simply starts by taking the content you would normally share on one platform and share it across a variety of other platforms. You don't have to create tons of different content. You can use the same content on different platforms and continue to reach new people. For example, use what you would post on TikTok on Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts. There are different people on those platforms and you could use that short form video to reach people for Christ.
If you diversify your content on different platforms, that means that if one of those platforms changes an algorithm or deletes your content, you will not be as stressed because you can still get your message out to others on the other platforms.
Types of Content
While it is important to share your content across different platforms, it is also important to change up your content and diversify the types of content you are producing. The more variety you can have in the video content you produce, the less likely people will get "bored" with your content. For instance, here are different videos your Church can be producing:
- 5-10 minute devotionals (long form).
- 60-90 second devotionals or mediations (long form).
- Bible reading. You can pick a chapter or section of the Bible and read through it, encouraging people as you read.
- Prayers.
- Highlights from past events. This could be video clips but also a slideshow of pictures put to music.
- Testimony videos.
- Behind the scenes. Show people what it is like in the office or before a service.
- Meet the Staff. They see you on Sunday morning, but who are you really? Let people in on who you are and what you enjoy.
- Trends. These are really popular but only do them if they are appropriate and align with the culture of your Church.
Conclusion
Diversifying your video content is really important for you and your ministry to reach more people for Christ. These are just some of the many different types of content you can create, but not the only kinds. Prayerfully consider what God is placing on your heart to share and how you can share it. Just because one Church or ministry is producing a certain type of content and having success doesn't mean that you should. Make sure it aligns with your culture and that you share it through a variety of different platforms.
What do you think? What are other ways you can diversify your video content? Share your ideas below or on social media.
Through the Digital Church Network we are helping physical and digital churches better understand the discipleship process, and helping churches and church planters understand this and other decentralized mindset shifts. Joining the DCN is free and be encouraged!
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