When your creative well is running low, evergreen video trends have your back. Even on your busiest weeks as a small business owner or social media manager for a brand, you can fall back on trusty “behind the scenes” or “day-in-the-life” videos to satisfy your audience (and the algorithm gods). As long as you’re putting in the work in your business, you have something to share. In this post, we’re giving you the low-down on vlog-style content. 

Vlogging 101 

Let’s rewind. If you haven’t filmed this type of content before, here are the basics:

• “Behind the scenes” videos: this is where you give your audience an insider look at business operations. That might be you filming yourself filming content, creating products, having team meetings, etc. You can take your followers behind the scenes of anything you do for your business, as long as it’s interesting. These videos tend to focus on one task or project. 

• “Day-in-the-life” videos: these are similar to “behind the scenes” videos, but they span an entire day instead of zeroing in on one task or project. You’ll take your followers with you throughout the day, turning them into flies on the wall of your small business. 

Traditionally, vloggers would create “day-in-the-life” videos on YouTube, providing audiences with a detailed perspective of their workday. These videos would range from 10-20 minutes and beyond. Now that we’re in the golden age of short-form video, the concept is evolving into 30-second or less rapid-fire glimpses.

The best part about vlogging-style content– it’s evergreen. Unlike short-form video trends like “this is perfect” or “as it was”, vlog-style videos don’t have a lifespan. They’ll continue to  circulate, racking up views and engagement and building brand awareness as long as you let them. 

How to Organically Share Products in Vlogging-Style Videos

Vlog-style videos give brands the opportunity to shamelessly plug products and services on social media anytime they want. These product mentions feel natural to customers– they know that what you sell is a huge part of what you do every day as a small business owner.

If you’re not sure where to start, film your day vlog style and see what moments naturally call for a product mention. Maybe you’re working on a new addition to your product catalog or showing a customer how to use your latest launch. You could even throw in a subtle plug when stocking shelves or updating your e-commerce site. 

Brands and Creators Who Do It Well

The videos don’t have to be long. In fact, many creators vlogging via Reels and TikTok are compressing their days into mere seconds. Take this @ellaarose shopping vlog, for example:

You don’t have to film your whole day for this concept, either. You can do a simple “get ready with me” style video featuring some of your products. Here’s an example of that in action:

Glossier has also found success filming vlog-style unboxing videos. Here’s an example:

Notice that this PR box unboxing uses ASMR (the soft, soothing noises) for added appeal. ASMR is a hugely popular video style on both Instagram and TikTok. Some users browse ASMR videos purely for the satisfying sounds, which can boost your brand’s exposure.

Another idea– share vlogging footage of customers using your products like we do in our #howiplanoly videos like this one:

Music Tips for Vlog Content

Because most “day-in-the-life” videos include voiceover, you need to pick background music that won’t be distracting if you speak over it. Opt for something soft and instrumental so viewers can still understand what you’re saying.

Here are some go-to sounds TikTok creators use for these videos:

• “She Share Story (for Vlog)” — 夕依 

• “Up Beat (Married Life)” — Kenyi

• “Dog Days Are Over” — Florence & The Machine

• “Ice Dance (From ‘Edward Scissorhands’)” — Ashton Gleckman

TikTok’s licensing rules aren’t as strict as Instagram’s, but if you plan to use the video on both platforms, opt for royalty-free background music. 

Many “day-in-the-life” video creators add fast-talking voice overs to narrate everything they do in the video. You can script this beforehand or jump right to using the in-app voiceover feature to narrate the video as it plays. One of the most important tips for short-form video voiceover– speak fast and leave no dead space, or you risk losing your viewers’ attention spans. 

If you're looking for other simple ways to quickly refine your photos and videos - PLANOLY now offers advanced photo & video editing on our Web Dashboard or in the Mobile App. These photo & editing capabilities are part of our product integration with a top video editing tool. Simply upload your raw content into PLANOLY, then adjust filters, crop, trim videos & more.