Video newsletters are as the name says it, a mix of email newsletters & videos, with a simple goal of standing out in a crowded inbox.
Our brains process visual information 6x-600x faster than text so by incorporating dynamic visuals we can take advantage of this cognitive preference and create content that draws attention and sticks with the receiver.
Let’s see how to create them and increase your engagement up to 10 times:
How to Create Engaging Video Newsletters
Video newsletters are more than short clips you can edit in CapCut and send out in minutes. They require a strategy to ensure the receiver sees, enjoys, and responds to it.
Here is how to build successful video newsletters in 6 steps:
Step 1: Define Your Objectives
What is your end goal with the video newsletter? Are you looking to boost open rate, time on page, engagement, increase brand awareness, or showcase new products?
You can use video newsletters to share company announcements, do quick onboarding, product demos, or behind-the-scenes content.
The possibilities are endless but consider how your video newsletter will contribute to your larger marketing objectives. For example, if your goal is to increase sales, your video content should focus on product demonstration and visually appealing CTAs.
Or if your goal is to create brand loyalty, consider sending behind-the-scenes footage or sharing customer success stories in a fun way.
Having well-defined objectives will guide your content creation process and help you measure the success of your video newsletter campaign.
Step 2: Choose the Right Tools
To create high-quality video newsletters, you need tools to easily create, edit, and distribute your videos.
When evaluating potential platforms, consider those that provide intuitive video editing capabilities, so you can easily trim clips, add text overlays, and incorporate branding elements.
Look for tools that offer reliable video hosting and seamless integration with your email marketing software. This integration will ensure that your video content is properly displayed across various email clients and devices.
Other features to consider include customizable templates, analytics tracking, and audience segmentation, which will make your job ten times easier.
AKOOL has several tools that can be useful for creating video newsletters:
- Talking avatar: Create videos from text using AI-generated avatars and voices, ideal for quick testing of how your audience reacts.
- Streaming avatar: Create real-time interactive avatars, great for live or recorded video content.
- Video translation: Break language barriers by translating existing videos for international audiences.
- Face swap: Swap faces in mainstream videos to create fun and engaging videos for your audience.
How to generate your magic videos on AKOOL Face Swap
Step 3: Work on the Video Content
Begin by writing a brief, clear script for what you want to convey in your video. Keep it concise and ensure it can be used for a video, so no long essays!
- If you’re using an avatar, you’ll simply type your script, and the AI will generate the video for you.
- For real-time videos, use AKOOL’s streaming tool to create dynamic video content.
- You can also record yourself or use stock footage if you prefer to appear on camera.
You can use AKOOL’s Talking Avatar tool to turn your script into a video by selecting an avatar and generating the video with AI. This is especially useful for making personalized or corporate messages.
How to Generate Your Personal AI Avatar on AKOOL | Step-by-Step Guide
Add graphics, captions, and transitions to keep the video interesting. AKOOL allows for some of these through its features, but you can also use external video editing software (like Adobe Premiere, Final Cut Pro, or online editors such as Canva or InShot) for additional effects.
Step 4: Make the Full Package
Now that you have your video content ready you need to write the supporting text to introduce the video, a CTA, and an eye-catching subject line.
A subject line needs to be short, concise, and stand out in any inbox. For example, “Watch the Latest: Exciting Updates in Our New Video Newsletter!”
This will ensure a better click-through rate so your email even gets a chance to see the light of day.
Now for people to click and view the video you’ll need supporting copy introducing the video. For example:
“We’ve summed up the latest product update in this 1-minute video. Hit play to catch up on how you can use our tool X to increase your Y”.
Finally tell your audience what you want them to do after watching the video, in the form of a call to action. Do you want them to respond to the email, go to your website, or click on something else? Let them know!
Step 5: Personalize Content
If you already have a newsletter and just want to upgrade to video, you probably have different audience segments and you engage an email list based on relevant criteria, such as past purchases, content preferences, or engagement levels.
Address them directly and only send out video newsletters to specific audience segments. For example, don’t send product demos or onboarding videos to old customers.
You can use AKOOL to translate your videos live into any language your audience speaks!
AKOOL’s Video Translation Tool: Break Language Barriers!
Step 6: Analyze and Optimize
After a couple of video newsletters such as open rates, click-through rates, video views, and conversion rates.
A/B testing is a powerful method for optimizing your video newsletters. Experiment with different subject lines, video thumbnails, layouts, and messaging to determine what resonates best with your audience.
Test one variable at a time to isolate the impact of each change, and gradually refine your approach based on the results.
How to Increase Engagement on Your Video Newsletter
To increase engagement with your video newsletter, consider implementing the following strategies:
- Be Mobile Friendly
Most video views come from mobile devices, so your content needs to be optimized for small screens. Include large text, simple visuals, and a focus on high-impact information in the first few seconds. Keep your videos under 2 minutes to retain viewer attention.
- Include Others
People trust the opinions of others. Including social proof or customer testimonials in your video newsletters builds credibility and encourages others to take action.
Feature a satisfied customer, client, or influencer in your video who shares their positive experience with your product or service. This could be a short clip or a direct quote from a testimonial integrated into your video.
AKOOL Personalized Video: Create Your Unique Content!
- Double Down on Interactivity
Interactive content increases engagement by encouraging viewers to participate directly within the video or email, making it feel less passive.
Include polls or clickable links directly in your video or within your email platform. For example, you could create a quick poll related to the video content (e.g., "Which feature of our new product excites you most?") or add a quiz to further engage the audience.
Examples of Video Newsletters
Here are two examples of brands using video newsletters to help you get inspired:
1. ClickUp
ClickUp uses short videos in its newsletters to announce features and improvements to its platform. Their videos are short, concise, full of colors, and get right to the main points.
2. Lush
Lush uses video newsletters to show the behind-the-scenes of their product production. The video is fast-paced, with lots of interactive elements and bold colors.
Start Creating Video Newsletters Today
In this article we’ve covered everything you’d need to get started with video newsletters. Try and test them to see how your audience responds!
Try AKOOL’s Talking Photo , Talking Avatar, and Face Swap to make your newsletters more fun, engaging and attractive to your audience.
