Make your brand unforgettable in 60 seconds
The original version of the song, ‘It only takes a minute to fall in love’ was sung by American R&B group, ‘Tavares’. For the laws of attraction to strike, your brand’s story doesn’t need to be a biopic adventure. Today’s attention-deficit audiences respond well to personalities that pack a punch in bite-sized chunks of 20 seconds and upwards. So, what’s the silver bullet? Whilst attention spans are shrinking, your brand doesn’t have to. In this article, we signpost how to stop the scroll and make your message matter:
Four short-form video secrets
1. Obsess about your customers
- Get under the skin of your dream customers
- Find out what makes them tick or gives them the ‘ick’
- Uncover their preferences and understand their pain points
- Use surveys, social media analytics, and interviews, and develop audience personas
2. Real stories. Real impact
- Humanise your brand with real, authentic storytelling
- Behind-the-scenes content builds trust
- Customer testimonials increase credibility
3. Inspiration you can relate to
- Overcoming challenges
- Put yourself in their shoes
- Relatable humour
- Trends that align with brand values
4. Polish and production quality
- Optimise by platform and audience preferences
- Visual quality, audio clarity, editing, pace and style
- Brand consistency builds trust (regardless of social media algorithms)
Your short-form videos should complement your digital and social strategy and objectives.
Short-form videos that work
Product teasers (6 to 30 seconds): Upcoming products or features, tease new releases, create a buzz before launch.
Behind the scenes (15 to 60 seconds): Uncover the people, personalities and processes behind your brand. Humanise your brand with storytelling that builds trust, turning followers into fans.
User-generated (under 60 seconds): Content created by your community, customers or employees is incredibly powerful and reflects brand advocacy and loyalty.
How-tos (30 seconds to 3 minutes): Valuable information delivered as practical solutions. Video guides on how to do a common task or challenge relevant to your audience. Establish credibility by becoming a trusted authority in your area of expertise, providing audiences with actionable advice.
FAQ’s : Videos that address frequently asked questions, concerns, and misconceptions about your brand, services or product address barriers to purchase and build confidence.
Reels and montages (15-90 seconds): Tell compelling stories and showcase your brand, products and services with video snippets in vertical format. Utilise fast-paced editing techniques, high-quality sound, and visuals to capture attention and leave a lasting positive impression.
Customer stories, reviews, and testimonials (15-60 seconds): Customer reviews, testimonials, and case studies are a great way to authentically showcase your product's benefits.
Where your 60 seconds go further
YouTube’s short-form video feature allows users to craft and watch clips filmed vertically (up to 60 seconds long). Also, helpful for searchability. YouTube is the second-largest search engine in the world after Google. You can repurpose existing content for YouTube Shorts.
Instagram: known for Reels features (15 to 90 seconds), craft and discover short, entertaining clips set to music or audio. Instagram stories are the preference.
TikTok: share, popular short creative content, ranging from lip-synching to comedy sketches to dance challenges (3 seconds to 10 mins).
Other short-form video platforms
Facebook: posts, reels and stories to share brief, short-form video content. Sound or voice-overs drive better engagement.
Snapchat spotlight: messaging app, short-form video with a discover section where consumers watch short clips from publishers and creators.
Twitter: Share short video clips (up to 2 minutes and 20 seconds) or use the Tweets feature for disappearing videos, similar to Instagram Stories. Tweets with video get 10 x more engagement.
LinkedIn: users want value, not corporate speak. Sharing educational product information is a top priority, followed by managing communities and offering customer support. Short form video (under 15 seconds and 15-30 seconds).
Likee: focused on short-form video content, known for its vibrant community and creative features.
Triller: designed for music-based short-form videos, emphasising user-generated content and collaborative features.
Pinterest: video and idea pins utilise video content to engage users and increase brand awareness. Both formats can be used in advertising campaigns.
Social media use by age (US)
18-29 years: YouTube (93%), Instagram (76%), Facebook (68%), Snapchat (65%)
30-49 years: YouTube (94%), Facebook (78%), Instagram (66%), Pinterest (43%)
50-64 years – YouTube (86%), Facebook (70%), Instagram (36%), LinkedIn (30%)
65+ – YouTube (65%), Facebook (59%), Pinterest (22%), Instagram (19%)
,Sources: Statista and Sprout Social -
Soundtracks that stick
The right track can turn a video into a masterpiece, but hitting the play button without permission can be expensive and result in legal action. Some platforms offer royalty-free tracks you can use with your short-form videos, but don’t assume all is clear. The rules may be different for brands and personal (non-commercial) content. For anything protected by copyright, you need the green light from the rights holder. Music from popular artists can’t be used without a license. Even ‘royalty-free’ music has specific terms that require paid licensing for business use.
YouTube's Creators can access copyright-free music and sound effects from partners who have agreed to YouTube Shorts terms. Use does not extend to business (or commercial use) or other platforms.
Instagram's licensed music library is for personal, non-commercial use only (not for business accounts). Brands can use Meta’s Sound Collection, which offers royalty-free music suitable for commercial purposes within Meta platforms
TikTok Brands can legally use music from TikTok's audio library, subject to specific guidelines. Use music from the Commercial Music Library (CML), a pre-cleared library specifically designed for commercial use. Using music from the general library without the CML's clearance can lead to copyright issues
Facebook Brands can access royalty-free music and sound effects for their videos and reels using the Meta Sound Collection.
LinkedIn doesn’t have a built-in library with royalty-free music that brands can directly use. Brands need to source their own music for videos.
X doesn’t have a built-in library of royalty-free music for brands to use. Brands must obtain permission from the copyright holder for any use of music on the platform
Pinterest Brands cannot use music from the Pinterest audio library for commercial purposes without permission.
Brands can use reputable royalty-free music libraries that clearly state what is and isn’t covered by the license.
Discover industry-leading music
Sphere Trax
Founded by composer Sefi Carmel, Sphere Trax connects artists with content creators using blockchain. Artists keep a larger percentage of royalties and the platform offers unique features like music mixed in Dolby Atmos
USP: Sphere Trax is a modern music discovery and licensing platform that uses AI to streamline search, supports immersive formats ‘Dolby Atmos’ and gives artists a higher share of revenue.
Key Features: Includes an AI-powered ‘Search With Feeling’ engine to find music by mood, energy, and tone, supports Dolby Atmos tracks for immersive sound, team collaboration and playlist tools for creative workflows, transparent, artist-friendly licensing - artists retain the majority of revenue.
Pricing: Custom pricing per project; browsing is free. Artists receive over 50% of sync income.
Priority Use Case: Perfect for filmmakers, brands, and post-production teams seeking cinematic, high-fidelity music and fair licensing models.
Twisted Dukebox
A British production music library founded in March 2009 by Adrian Augustin and Matt Welch of acclaimed breakbeat DJ/production duo Atomic Hooligan
USP: Boutique music library offering unique and eclectic tracks.
Key Features: Curated collections, bespoke compositions, and niche genres.
Pricing: Custom pricing based on project requirements.
Priority Use Case: Ideal for creators seeking distinctive sounds to set their content apart
Extreme Music
Run by CEO - Russell Emanuel, the company was co-founded by Emanuel and Dolphin Taylor in 1997 with a ‘punk rock ethos’ to revolutionise the production music industry. Acquired by Sony Music Publishing in 2008, they offer an extensive, highly curated library and are known for high-profile collaborations with world-renowned artists and composers, including the late Quincy Jones, Hans Zimmer, and Sir George Martin, as well as Snoop Dogg.
USP: A premium production-music library offering broadcast-quality tracks from top composers and producers.
Key Features: Industry-leading catalogue curated by professionals, high-quality WAV and MP3 formats, Advanced search, playlists, and album organisation, custom licensing tailored to usage, territory, and media.
Pricing: Quote-based pricing—varies by project scope and rights.
Priority Use Case: Best for film, TV, and advertising professionals needing high-end, fully cleared music for commercial or global distribution.
Voice Swap
Co-founded by musician DJ Fresh (Dan Stein) and Nico Pellerin, a tech and music expert. They launched the platform to enable music producers to utilise AI-generated voice models of artists in a manner that ethically compensates the artists for the use of their voices.
USP: Innovative AI voice cloning for content personalisation. Their exclusive roster of artists receives royalties for the use of their AI voices.
Key Features: Custom voice models, real-time voice swapping, and integration with various platforms.
Pricing: Subscription-based; pricing details vary.
Priority Use Case: Ideal for creators seeking to diversify their voiceovers and character voices in their content.
Envato
Envato (acquired by Shutterstock) offers digital creative assets (music, video, photos and design templates)
USP: An all-in-one creative subscription that offers unlimited downloads across music, graphics, video templates, and more.
Key Features: Unlimited downloads of 26M+ creative assets, including music, SFX, templates, stock video, and design resources, simple commercial license covering most online uses, continuous library updates with global creator contributions.
Pricing: From $16.50/month (billed annually) for unlimited access.
Priority Use Case: Creative assets marketplace
Other popular music libraries
Artlist.io
USP: All-in-one creative suite with unlimited assets and AI tools.
Key Features: Unlimited music, SFX, footage (up to 8K), video templates, AI voiceover, plugins, and apps.
Pricing: Starts at $9.99/month for Music & SFX Social; $39.99/month for Artlist Max (billed annually).
Priority Use Case: Ideal for creators seeking a comprehensive toolkit to produce high-quality content across various platforms.
Epidemic sound
USP: Extensive royalty-free library with direct licensing and no PRO hassles.
Key Features: Over 50,000 tracks, 200,000+ sound effects, stems, loops, and AI-powered search.
Pricing: Personal Plan at $15/month; Commercial Plan at $49/month (billed annually).
Priority Use Case: Perfect for content creators and businesses needing hassle-free music for monetised platforms
LickD
USP: Licensed mainstream music from major labels for creators.
Key Features: Access to chart-topping tracks, pre-cleared licenses for YouTube, and monetisation options.
Pricing: Pay-per-track licensing; prices vary based on track and usage.
Priority Use Case: Great for creators wanting popular music to enhance their content without copyright issues
Soundstripe
USP: Unlimited downloads with simple licensing for various media projects.
Key Features: Extensive music and SFX library, curated playlists, stems, Adobe Premiere Pro integration, and AI song editing.
Pricing: Creator Plan at $9.99/month; Pro Plan at $19.99/month; Pro Plus at $33.99/month (billed annually).
Priority Use Case: Ideal for filmmakers and content creators needing diverse audio assets with straightforward licensing
Songtradr
USP: Global music licensing marketplace connecting artists and buyers.
Key Features: Customisable licenses, direct artist collaborations, and an extensive music catalogue across genres.
Pricing: Varies per license; custom pricing based on usage and distribution.
Priority Use Case: Suitable for businesses and creators seeking tailored music solutions and direct artist engagement.
Creator Mix
USP: Free music platform designed specifically for content creators.
Key Features: Royalty-free tracks, genre-based playlists, and simple attribution requirements.
Pricing: Free to use with attribution.
Priority Use Case: Perfect for new creators needing accessible music options without budget constraints
The power of original music
Commissioning your own music and sound isn’t just a creative choice; it’s a way to help your brand stand out, captivate audiences and support talented creators along the way. At PlatformAlt5™, our roster of skilled music producers is ready to team up and craft something unique for your next project. Let your brand’s sound tell a story that sticks.
What it costs to license a hit
Music can make or break a movie, TV show, or game and licensing it may require deep pockets. Most tracks cost $15k–$60k, but some go full rockstar: Varsity Blues dropped $500k on one song, later featured in Deadpool 2, Thor: Ragnarok, and Iron Man 2. Kate Bush proved a single placement can rewrite history. “Running Up That Hill” shot her to #1 in eight countries after Stranger Things, pulling in millions in royalties. And let’s not forget John Williams’ Star Wars score - the gold standard for cinematic music.
Music isn’t just background noise; it shapes mood, pulls you into the story, and creates moments that matter. To celebrate that magic, we crafted our cult movie playlist, handpicked for maximum impact.
Our Cult movie music playlist
Locations and other releases
Want to film on location? Whether public or private, the right permissions are key. For parks like Regents or Hyde Park, submit requests to The Royal Parks (allow 5–10 days). The City of London Corporation covers the city, and TFL manages the underground and station shoots. Anyone appearing on camera requires a model release, and children require parental consent.
Lights, camera, algorithm
AI is rewriting the rules of filmmaking with faster edits and virtual actors, but who really owns what you create? Let’s unpack the tech with the truth behind the tension.
AI video tools are enabling bold new ways for creators to create, allowing you to generate, edit, and enhance footage at the speed of light. With this power comes blurred lines: copyright law still favours humans, meaning fully AI-generated content can raise serious ownership questions, and that’s a dealbreaker in most client or agency contracts.
Tools like Synthesia, Runway Gen-3 and Google Veo 3 are pushing the boundaries by putting cinematic, avatar-driven storytelling at your fingertips.
If your AI model learned from copyrighted material without permission, you could be sailing straight into choppy waters. And beyond legality, ethics matter. Every creator needs to stay alert to consent, bias, and transparency, especially when synthetic voices or deepfakes are in play.
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Further reading: The ultimate guide to digital campaign specs here.
