How to Create Engaging Short-Form Videos for Social Media

Want to create short-form videos that grab attention? Learn how to craft engaging content for TikTok, Reels, and YouTube Shorts in this guide.

Short-form videos are everywhere. TikTok, Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts… you name it. People love them because they’re quick, engaging, and easy to watch on the go.

And if you’re trying to promote something—whether it’s a prop firm, a service, or just your personal brand—short-form videos can be a game changer.

But here’s the challenge: with so much content out there, how do you make people stop scrolling and actually pay attention to what you’re saying?

Let’s break it down.

1. Hook Viewers in the First Three Seconds

Have you ever noticed how fast people scroll? If your video doesn’t grab attention instantly, they’re gone.

So, what makes a good hook? You need something that makes people stop and pay attention.

Try starting with:

• A bold statement: “90% of traders fail—here’s why.”

• A surprising fact: “Most people trade the wrong way and don’t even know it.”

• A question that sparks curiosity: “Want instant funding? Here’s what you need to know.”

For prop firms, a killer hook could be: “Think you can pass a prop firm challenge? Let’s see.”

It’s direct, it’s engaging, and it makes the viewer want to stick around.

2. Keep It Concise and Clear

Alright, here’s the deal—short-form video is not the place for long-winded explanations. You have maybe 30 seconds to get your point across, so make every word count.

Instead of saying:
“Our prop firm has multiple account types and a strong funding model that allows traders to maximize their potential.”

Just say:
“Pick your account, get funded, start trading.”

Simple. Direct. Easy to remember.

Your audience isn’t here for a lecture—they want quick, valuable info that’s easy to digest.

3. Tell a Story with a Beginning, Middle, and End

Yes, even a 30-second video needs structure.

Here’s a simple way to do it:

• Beginning: Hook them in with a problem. “Struggling to pass prop firm challenges?”

• Middle: Give them a quick solution. “Here’s a strategy that actually works.”

• End: Tell them what to do next. “Try this method and start trading smarter.”

Let’s say you’re making a video about risk management. Instead of throwing random tips at the audience, structure it like this:

1. Start with the problem: “Most traders blow their accounts because they don’t manage risk properly.”

2. Give the solution: “Here’s a simple rule—never risk more than 1% per trade.”

3. End with a CTA: “Follow for more trading tips.”

When there’s a clear flow, people are more likely to stay engaged.

4. Use Engaging Visuals and Captions

Nobody wants to watch a boring video. That’s why how you present your content is just as important as what you’re saying.

Here’s what works:

• Text overlays and captions. A lot of people watch videos without sound, so make sure they can still follow along.

• Quick cuts and transitions. Keep the energy up—if the visuals stay the same for too long, people lose interest.

• Relevant images and charts. If you’re explaining a trading strategy, show it in action! A quick graph or a trade breakdown can make all the difference.

For prop firms, instead of just talking about your funding model, show it—flash your dashboard, display real-time trades, let people see the value you offer.

5. End with a Clear Call to Action

Alright, you’ve hooked them in, given them value—now what?

This is where most people mess up. They just… end the video. No direction. No next step. And guess what? The audience just scrolls away.

You need a strong CTA.

Here are a few that work:

• If you want engagement: “Drop a comment if you’ve ever blown a funded account.”

• If you want followers: “Follow for more trading tips.”

• If you’re promoting something: “Check out our funding programs—link in bio.”

Don’t assume people will take action on their own. Tell them what to do next.

Leverage Short-Form Video to Grow Your Prop Firm

Short-form video isn’t just a trend—it’s the way to grow your brand, reach more traders, and get people interested in what you offer.

But making great content isn’t just about hitting record. It takes strategy. It takes knowing what to say and how to say it in a way that keeps people engaged.

And that’s where we come in.

At GrowYourPropFirm, we help prop firms scale with high-impact content, from short-form videos to full-scale digital marketing.

If you’re ready to take your prop firm’s marketing to the next level, let’s make it happen. Contact us today!