It used to be that professional video production required a significant investment of time, money, and professional know-how – and thanks in part to the rising popularity of TikTok (and easy-to-use tools like WIbbitz of course!) that’s often no longer the case. In fact, there’s evidence to suggest that the long-maligned “talking head” videos can do quite well in the digital world, specifically via social media channels.  

That’s great news for entrepreneurs in small settings as well as marketing leaders in large enterprises. Talking to the camera, especially during times when so many people are socially isolated, can be a great way to build and maintain relationships. That’s why talking head videos are performing especially well in this post-COVID environment, because they can make up for a lack of in-person connections. On top of that, most algorithms are now prioritizing this type of video format on your audience’s social feed – meaning your content is more likely to be seen. 

When done well, talking head videos can help your audience get to know the “people behind the scenes” in your company, and provide a more personalized (and personal) experience than highly produced (and very expensive) videos. 

A look at how it’s done from the city of Mesa

Talking head videos can really bolster a content strategy for organizations of all industries and sizes – and the city of Mesa’s strong social media presence has demonstrated this nicely. Their communications team is using Wibbitz to create talking head videos that engage with their city residents online, and foster the tight-knit and supportive community that makes Mesa such a great place to live.  

Located in the greater Phoenix area, Mesa is home to more than half a million people and is the 35th largest city in the United States. That’s a lot of people to keep educated and informed. But, by embracing new digital technologies, Mesa’s marketing team has been able to reach their audience efficiently and cost-effectively. They’re consistently producing an average of 79 videos a month in less than 30 minutes per video. Check out their case study here to learn more about the city of Mesa’s success with video.

Here are five of our favorite talking video ideas from the city of Mesa’s communications team (created with Wibbitz, of course!)

1. Mesa’s Mayor, John Giles, made a video to recognize and celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, as Hispanics represent a significant portion of Mesa’s population and business owners. 

2. Mesa council member Francisco Heredia made a video to encourage residents to wear masks and maintain social distancing. A simple—but impactful message: “Stay safe. We’ll get through this together.” 

3. They’ve also created a plethora of videos to keep the Mesa community connected with the city-owned I.D.E.A. Museum, like this one with the museum’s executive director Sunnee O’Rork…

4. …and these two that showcase demonstrations of DIY projects that everyone in the family can participate in:

Tips for shooting great talking head videos

By incorporating demonstrations, props, being energetic and engaging, presenters in talking video posts can capture and keep the attention of their audiences. Here are some other ways you can shoot a great talking head video:

• Use two cameras to alternate perspectives and keep your audience’s interest.
• Vary your depth of field to keep the view from being static.
• Use tilting and panning to vary the scene and viewer point of view.
• Take advantage of b-roll (other existing video footage that can be edited into your talking head video).
• And, of course, the biggest tip of all: think carefully about the kind of content that will be of most value to your audience and then deliver it to them!

Building an engaged community while everyone is remote can certainly be challenging. But the city of Mesa’s team has mastered the tactic of using talking head videos to connect with their audience on an ongoing basis. Best of all, this type of engagement doesn’t require hiring or having professional video experience. 

Start a free trial of Wibbitz today and start making talking head videos for your brand!