Notes from The Content Growth Academy by Marco Zavala — 8 short-form video formats to grow your audience on Instagram and TikTok, with practical tips for each.
The 8 Short-Form Video Formats
1. 1-on-1 Q&A
Answer questions from someone else on camera.
Feels authentic and natural, and is a creative way to share your knowledge. The conversational dynamic makes it easy for viewers to follow along — it doesn't feel like a lecture.
2. Stitch / Reaction Video
Show a viral or popular video, then add your own clip right after.
Keep the transition smooth to keep viewers watching. You can react to the whole clip or just part of it, then share your own ideas or tips. This format adds new insight to trending content — you're riding existing momentum.
3. Comparison / Split Screen
Show two things side by side — people, ideas, or objects.
This makes it easy to explain differences or show "right vs. wrong." You can also show two screens at once: one doing things the right way and one the wrong way. Works well for comparisons and minimizes the need for heavy editing.
4. Day in the Life
Show what your everyday life looks like.
The key: highlight things your audience is curious about, not just what interests you. This shifts the frame from self-expression to audience service — which is what actually drives follows.
5. Multitasking / Walk & Talk
Do something while talking.
Movement keeps the video visually interesting and feels more natural than just sitting and talking to a camera. Even a simple walk or cooking something in the background adds energy.
6. Clone Effect / Location Changes
Clone Effect: Show two versions of yourself in one shot. Perfect for comparisons or explaining different perspectives when filming alone.
Location Changes: Change locations between shots. This makes your video more dynamic and unpredictable — though it takes longer to film.
7. Whiteboard, Shot Angles & Greenscreen
Whiteboard: Explain ideas with a whiteboard. The familiar "school" setup helps visuals stick. Simple drawings work best — don't overthink it.
Shot Angle Changes: Switch camera angles often. Use wide, medium, and close-up shots, or place the camera in different spots. Makes your video feel more cinematic with minimal extra gear.
Greenscreen: Place yourself in front of changing visuals. Use a real green screen or editing software. Lets you film less but requires planning the background visuals ahead of time.
8. Raw Video & Read Caption
Raw Video: Film straight from your phone with little editing. Feels authentic and spontaneous — sometimes lo-fi performs better than polished.
Read Caption: Keep the video short (4–8 seconds). Show a pain point or problem, then tell viewers to "read caption" for the answer. The real value is in the caption itself — write the solution clearly in an engaging way.
Key Takeaway
Most people overthink the format. Pick one from this list that matches your energy and content type, execute it consistently, and optimize from there. The format is just the container — your knowledge and point of view are what keep people coming back.
Source: The Content Growth Academy — Marco Zavala