You’re using video wrong (here’s why)

Author

Mai An Tran
January 10, 2026

What’s New in the Social Media world

  • Instagram Chief Outlines the Challenges of AI Content
    Mosseri explained that AI tools now enable anyone to replicate creators’ work. He also highlighted that AI content is getting better, and will soon be indistinguishable from human-created content

  • YouTube Updates Search Filter Terms and Functions
    YouTube now has a dedicated Shorts filter and has renamed “Sort by” to “Prioritize.” Views are now grouped under “Popularity,” which looks at more than just view count. More focus on watch time and quality signals.

  • Meta Adds New Features To Edits, Including AI Segmentation of Objects
    Meta’s Edits app now includes AI effects you can apply to specific people or objects in a video, plus tools for remixing public Reels. New storyboards and title options make planning and editing easier.

  • Instagram: Ins/Outs

    Everyone’s sharing what’s in and what’s out, and brands are joining the fun. These lists spark opinions, comments, and easy engagement. Jump in by adding your brand to the “ins,” aligning with what your audience wants more of, or playfully calling out what you’re leaving behind to start conversation.

👋 Hey there,

Video is everywhere right now. Reels, Shorts, TikToks, talking heads, B-roll, trends that change weekly. And if you’re feeling like you should be doing more video but aren’t sure if what you’re posting is even working, you’re not alone.

The issue isn’t that brands aren’t using video. It’s that most are using it without a plan. Posting for the sake of posting.

So this week, I want to talk about how to actually use video in a way that supports your brand.

How to use video properly:

Design the first frame first.
Decide what someone sees before you decide what you say. If the first frame doesn’t clearly signal the point, the video won’t get watched.

Use video to answer repeat questions.
Pricing context, expectations, how things work. Turn the conversations you keep having into one clear video.

Pick formats and repeat them.
Same structure, same vibe, different topics. Familiar formats stop the scroll faster than new ideas every time.

Use video for tone, not info-dumps.
If it’s mostly information, make it a carousel. Use video when reassurance, confidence, or context matters.

Say the uncomfortable thing.
Video is the best place to be honest. Call out misconceptions, set boundaries, share what clients don’t always want to hear. Clarity attracts the right people and filters out the wrong ones.

Keep the frame simple.
Less text. Less movement. Less effects. Calm, clear videos stand out more than busy ones right now.

AI Tip of the week

If video feels hard, it’s usually not because you don’t know what to say. It’s because you can’t picture what the video should actually look like.

This is where tools like Nano Banana are really useful, not just for scripting, but for helping you visualize the video before you film it.

Once you know the idea of the video, use AI to map out the visual flow so you’re not guessing on camera.

Try this prompt:

“I’m creating short-form video content for [describe your brand and audience].

The goal of this video is to explain or show [one clear idea].

Please help me visualise this video by outlining:

1. The setting and camera style (talking head, B-roll, screen recording, etc.)

2. What’s happening visually in the first 3 seconds

3. Any simple on-screen text that would help clarity

4. The overall pacing and vibe of the video

Keep it realistic and easy to film.

The video should feel natural, clear, and human. Not overproduced or trend-based.”

Final Thoughts 📝

If video feels hard right now, that’s okay. It doesn’t mean you’re behind or doing it wrong. It usually just means things need a bit more structure and a bit less pressure.

Focus on clarity. Say the things you actually want people to understand. Use video when it helps, not because you feel like you should.

Additional Resources 🪄

If you want a couple of helpful things to read this week, these two are worth your time. They pair really well with building clearer systems and smoother client relationships.

How to Create a Successful Social Media Marketing Campaign
This guide breaks down how to create successful strategies from the beginning, from setting a clear goal to mapping out content that actually makes sense together. A good read if you want campaigns to feel planned and intentional instead of rushed.

Top 6 Tools for Productized Services: Agency Guide
This guide breaks down the tools that make running a productized agency feel simpler and more scalable.

Take what you need, bookmark what you don’t, and make your workflow a little easier this week.