Shortform Storytelling: Creating Impactful TikToks and Reels

Shortform Storytelling: Creating Impactful TikToks and Reels

This course is part of Content Creation: Confidence, Storytelling & Vlogging Specialization

Instructor: Skillshare

Included with Learn more

4 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

Beginner level

No prior experience required

5 hours to complete

Flexible schedule

Learn at your own pace

4 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

Beginner level

No prior experience required

5 hours to complete

Flexible schedule

Learn at your own pace

Skills you'll gain

Tools you'll learn

Details to know

Shareable certificate

Add to your LinkedIn profile

See how employees at top companies are mastering in-demand skills

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Build your subject-matter expertise

This course is part of the Content Creation: Confidence, Storytelling & Vlogging Specialization

When you enroll in this course, you'll also be enrolled in this Specialization.

Learn new concepts from industry experts
Gain a foundational understanding of a subject or tool
Develop job-relevant skills with hands-on projects
Earn a shareable career certificate

There are 4 modules in this course

By the end of this class, you’ll be able to craft compelling shortform stories, create engaging videos in 90 seconds or less, and develop a workflow that takes your content from the first idea to publishing. In this class, Sophia Smith Galer shares her tried-and-tested approach to storytelling on TikTok and Instagram Reels, helping you turn your ideas into videos that capture attention and connect with an audience.

Whether you’re a beginner looking to find your footing on social media or an intermediate creator ready to refine your skills, you’ll learn the principles of shortform storytelling, how to structure a narrative, and how to approach scripting, editing, and publishing more efficiently. You’ll also explore how TikTok and Instagram can be powerful platforms for journalism and sharing impactful stories. This class is about more than just making videos; it’s about finding a story worth telling and making every second count. You’ll put what you learn into practice by creating a video optimized for TikTok, Instagram Reels, or both. No professional video production experience is required, just an idea you want to share and a willingness to experiment. By the end, you’ll have a finished video and a repeatable strategy for telling stories that resonate with your audience.

Successful shortform content starts with a strong understanding of the format, audience, and creative landscape. In this module, you’ll explore why vertical video has become such an important format for content creators and review the goals of the course project. You’ll also learn how to analyze competing content to identify patterns and opportunities. By the end of the module, you’ll have a stronger foundation for developing shortform video ideas that are suited to the platform and audience you want to reach.

What's included

4 videos1 reading1 assignment

A great shortform video needs a focused idea and a script that gets to the point quickly. In this module, you’ll learn how to choose an idea that can work within the constraints of shortform video and determine how much content you actually need. You’ll then explore the role of the hook and learn how to open your videos in a way that captures attention and encourages viewers to keep watching.

What's included

3 videos1 assignment1 discussion prompt

Once your script is ready, you need to turn your idea into a video that keeps viewers engaged. In this module, you’ll explore techniques for building engagement into your script and learn practical approaches to framing and lighting vertical video. You’ll then move into editing, using cuts, pacing, and other techniques to shape your footage into a more compelling shortform story.

What's included

3 videos1 assignment1 discussion prompt

The final stage of shortform storytelling is turning your edited video into a polished piece of content that is ready to share. In this module, you’ll learn how music, subtitles, captions, and cover images can strengthen the viewer experience and presentation of your video. You’ll then prepare your finished content for publication and explore the final steps in the shortform creation process. By the end, you’ll have a repeatable workflow for developing, producing, polishing, and publishing impactful TikToks and Reels.

What's included

4 videos1 assignment1 peer review1 discussion prompt

Earn a career certificate

Add this credential to your LinkedIn profile, resume, or CV. Share it on social media and in your performance review.

Instructor

Skillshare

242 Courses165,796 learners

Offered by

Skillshare

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Frequently asked questions

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