From the course: Mastering Ideas and Script Writing for Short-Form Content
What makes a content idea good?
From the course: Mastering Ideas and Script Writing for Short-Form Content
What makes a content idea good?
In this video, we are going to talk about one of the most important parts of creating short-form content, coming up with binge-worthy content ideas. You can be amazing at filming, editing, or have the best cameras in the world, but if your idea is boring or confusing, people will just scroll past, especially in this first-page social media world. So let's break it down what makes a content idea actually good and how you can come up with ideas that people want to watch? So what makes a content idea good? Well, a good content idea, it's basically one that steals someone's attention. That's it. If it stops someone from mid-scrolling, it's doing its job. And if it makes someone stop scrolling even for a few seconds, you already won half the battle. So what does a good content idea even look like? Well, let me introduce you to a little shortcut that I use. It's called H-E-R or HER. Well, what does HER stand for? Let's break it down. H is for helpful, E is for emotional spark, and R stands for relatable. Now, don't worry, this isn't some super-strict formula that you have to follow every single time. Think of it more like a helpful checklist, kind of like, hey, if my idea has at least one of these things, it's probably going to work. And you don't need to use all three in every video, but the more of them you use, the more powerful your idea becomes. So let's break down each one. Let's begin with one of the most straightforward elements in the HER framework. H for helpful. Honestly, this one always works. When you create content that helps someone solve a problem, learn something new, or just make their life a little bit easier, people pay attention. Think about it. We're all constantly searching for answers, whether it's how to edit a video, how to flirt, or what the heck is going on in the world, whatever. We go straight to places like YouTube, TikTok, or Google. So when your content is helpful, it's not only valuable, it's searchable. Also, by answering someone's questions or solving someone's problem will help position your content as the go-to resource, fostering trust, and reliability. All right, let me give you a few examples. Matthew Hussey. He talks about relationship, like actual practical advice that you can use. For example, in the short, are they lying or telling the truth? He delivered actionable insights in under a minute, he addresses common concerns, making his content highly relatable, and shareable. So yes, helpful content doesn't have to be dry or boring. It can be really powerful, personal, and even fun as long as it's actually helping someone. That's the kind of stuff that people are searching for, saving, and sharing. And when you become the person who gives them that value, they remember you and they come back for more. All right, let's move on to the next letter in the HER framework. E, which stands for emotional spark. Now creating content that taps into that emotions, whether it's joy, surprise, inspiring, or even sadness, it doesn't matter what you're making them feel. When people feel something, they're more likely to remember your content and share it with others. It's that emotional spark that turns a simple video into something memorable. This is what creates virality. All right, let's look at some creators who excel at infusing emotion into their short videos. The first one is Jeenie Weenie. So Jeenie's videos cracks me up every single time. She used to be a flight attendant and now she makes these really hilarious, funny sketches about airline travel and dealing with passengers. All of her videos focus on topics that are not only funny, but you also get to learn something about cabin crew life. The second creator is Pang Jing Xian or @busypang. So Pang's videos are truly inspiring. He shares his journey about personal growth and cultural experiences by opening up about what he deals with in life. He encourages others to step out of their comfort zone and explore new horizons. His content is a testament to the power of embracing change and pursuing one's passions. So yes, when you're creating your own video, think about how you can evoke emotion. Whether it's humor, inspiration, or nostalgia, connecting with your audience on a deeper level will make your content more engaging and shareable. Now let's dive into the next letter in our HER framework, R, which stands for relatable. You know that feeling when you're watching a video and think, wow, that's exactly what I do. That's the magic of relatable content. When people see their own experiences mirrored in your videos, they're more likely to engage, share, and keep coming back for more. It's all about tapping into those everyday moments that make your audience feel seen and understood. And short-form videos are perfect for showcasing these little life snippets we all go through. And here's an example of a creator who nails relatable content, Bridey Drake. Her videos are so relatable especially when she shares the ups and downs of her adult life. A lot of people who watch her video could see themselves in her content, and it creates an instant bond. As a result of that, people love sharing content that reflects their own experiences. So by making a content relatable, you're creating a space where your audience feels understood and valued. This connection encourages them to engage more and stick around longer.