Thanks to AI, we now have a new tool to play with that may help us connect with our audiences and generate excitement: video. Yes, I know that it’s been around forever, but we now have image-to-video AI apps and other goodies that make it simpler than ever to create eye-catching videos for our books.
A short, compelling clip can convey your book’s tone faster than text alone, put a face or voice to your author brand, and encourage shares across platforms where video is favoured by algorithms. Simply put, video makes people stop scrolling and pay attention.
Even though the tech now exists to create a video in seconds, you still have to be smart about it!
Types of Videos That Work for Authors
Not every video serves the same purpose. Mixing different formats lets you reach audiences in fresh ways while keeping your content aligned with your author brand. Here are some ideas:
1. Book Trailers
Think of these as mini-movies for your story. A trailer can showcase mood, setting, and character without giving away too much. For non-fiction, focus on the problem your book solves and the benefits readers will gain.
2. Behind-the-Scenes Clips
Readers love to see how a book comes together. Share snippets of your writing process, research trips, or even the challenges you faced. These videos make your journey relatable.
3. Author Introductions
A personal introduction builds trust. A simple video where you talk directly to the camera about why you wrote the book can feel authentic and persuasive.
4. Reader or Influencer Testimonials
Nothing builds credibility like others speaking about your work. Collect short clips from early reviewers or influencers who connect with your message.
5. Event Highlights
If you host a book party, live reading, or Q&A, record the highlights. These not only document the moment but can also be repurposed into promotional snippets later.
6. Video Launches
Speaking of events, video can be particularly helpful for book launches. I have written in the past about launching a book and how a launch is more than announcing its availability. It’s about creating a moment that draws readers into your story before they even flip the first page. Today, video has become one of the most effective ways to make that moment happen. A well-planned video campaign can transform a book launch from a quiet release into an event people can’t ignore.
Readers live in a world saturated with content. Between social media posts, ads, and endless recommendations, it’s easy for a book release to get lost. Videos cut through that noise because they engage more senses at once—sight, sound, and often emotion.
Planning Your Video Strategy
While many video creation and editing tools can even work on your phone, jumping straight into recording without a plan often leads to scattered results. A structured strategy makes your videos consistent and impactful.
Define Your Goal
Ask yourself: Do you want to build awareness, drive pre-orders, or strengthen long-term readership? Each goal requires a slightly different approach.
Identify Your Audience
Are you targeting young adult readers, professionals in a niche industry, or general fiction lovers? The style of your video should match the audience’s expectations.
Choose Your Platforms
You don’t need to be everywhere. Pick two or three platforms where your readers are most active. For example, Instagram and TikTok work well for younger audiences, while LinkedIn or YouTube may suit non-fiction or business titles.
Create a Timeline
Work backward from your launch date. Schedule teaser videos leading up to the release, a major push on launch day, and continued content in the weeks following.
Scripting and Storytelling
Even short videos benefit from a loose script. A clear narrative makes them easier to follow and remember.
- Hook the viewer early: Start with a striking line, visual, or question.
- Keep it concise: Aim for under two minutes unless it’s an in-depth Q&A.
- End with action: Add a Call to Action (CTA) at the end, encouraging viewers to pre-order, visit your website, or share.
Think of each video as a miniature story. Just like your book, it should have a beginning, middle, and end.
Tools to Make Video Creation Easier
Not every author has a background in film production, but that doesn’t mean you can’t produce polished videos. The good news is, technology has made it easier than ever.
- Editing software: A reliable video editor tool helps refine clips, add subtitles, and polish sound.
- AI resources: An image-to-video AI app can turn book cover art or illustrations into short animations that capture attention. This is an author’s best friend – use it to create professional-looking videos in seconds.
- Recording equipment: Many smartphones now record in high quality. Pair with a lapel microphone and ring light for professional-looking results.
Affordable tools allow you to focus on storytelling rather than worrying about technical limitations.
Using Social Media Effectively
Social media is where your videos will likely live, and understanding how to tailor content for each platform can increase reach.
TikTok and Instagram Reels
These platforms favor vertical formats, and keeping videos under 30 seconds helps maximise engagement. Using trending sounds when appropriate can also boost visibility.
YouTube
This works best for longer content such as interviews or readings. Consistent posting builds subscriber loyalty, while well-designed thumbnails and titles attract clicks.
This platform is particularly useful for older demographics (including myself) and is ideal for sharing live streams or longer event recordings. Boosting key videos with ads can extend reach even further.
Paid vs. Organic Promotion
Organic reach—people finding and sharing your videos naturally—can be powerful but is often limited, especially for new authors. Sharing content across your own channels, collaborating with bloggers, and encouraging friends and readers to repost helps build momentum. Adding even a small paid budget allows you to target readers by interest, age, or location, with platforms like Facebook and YouTube offering detailed targeting. A mix of both organic and paid balances authenticity with scale.
Engaging Viewers Beyond Views
Success isn’t just about how many people watch your videos but about how they interact with them. Comments, discussions, shares, and click-throughs to your sales page are strong indicators of engagement. Responding to comments and starting conversations helps transform casual viewers into loyal readers.
Measuring Success
Tracking performance ensures you learn what works and what doesn’t. Key metrics to monitor include view count, which shows basic visibility; watch time, which reveals if people are staying engaged; conversion rate, which measures how many viewers bought the book; and engagement rate, which covers likes, shares, and comments. Analysing these numbers allows you to adjust your approach in real time.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even good videos can fail if basic mistakes creep in. Watch out for:
- Poor audio quality: Viewers tolerate lower visuals more than unclear sound.
- Overly long clips: Keep attention spans in mind.
- Lack of subtitles: Many watch without sound. Adding captions increases accessibility.
- No clear call to action: Always guide the viewer toward next steps.
Avoid these pitfalls to keep your campaign professional.
How Videos Build an Author Brand
Beyond a single book, video content strengthens your identity as an author. When you consistently show up on screen, you build recognition and trust, develop a distinct voice and personality, and lay the groundwork for promoting future projects. Video is not just about selling a single book—it’s about shaping how audiences perceive you over time.
Practical Marketing Tips for Authors
Much as most of us hate this fact, authors must juggle writing with promotion. Keeping things simple makes it manageable:
- Reuse footage: Cut longer videos into smaller clips for different platforms.
- Plan batches: Record several videos in one sitting.
- Collaborate: Partner with fellow authors for joint promotions.
- Track results weekly: Quick check-ins prevent wasted effort.
These small adjustments save time and keep campaigns consistent.
Working with Professionals
Sometimes, outsourcing is worth the cost. Hiring a videographer, motion graphics designer, or publicist can elevate your launch. Professionals bring technical expertise, freeing you to focus on creative direction and reader engagement.
You don’t need a Hollywood budget, but investing strategically can pay off in sales and visibility.
Building Long-Term Momentum
Building long-term momentum means recognising that launch day isn’t the finish line but the beginning of your book’s public life. Keep creating video content that shares updates on reader feedback, highlights media mentions or awards, and teases your next project. Maintaining a consistent presence ensures readers stay engaged well after the initial buzz fades.
Final Thoughts
A successful book requires more than a release date announcement. Videos create experiences that readers connect with, remember, and share. They transform passive awareness into active interest.
By mixing different video formats, using accessible tools, and building a thoughtful strategy, you can reach readers on a deeper level. Treat your videos as part of your storytelling, not just a marketing afterthought. When done right, they turn your launch into an event worth celebrating.
Happy writing—and happy video creating!
