January 2024

As we welcome in a new year, we also welcome a new era brimming with digital innovation and artistic opportunities in videography. Among the top trends transforming the landscape are drone or aerial shots and vertical framing. Let’s dive into how these trends can elevate your next video project.

Drone Videography: Sky’s No Longer the Limit

Drone technology has revolutionized videography, offering once unimaginable perspectives. With advancements in AI, drones are now more autonomous and capable of navigating and analyzing environments with unprecedented precision. This technological leap is not just about capturing breathtaking aerial shots; it’s about telling stories from a vantage point that ground-level cameras cannot reach.

Consider the potential impact for a range of sectors:

• Executive trips: Offering an aerial view of incredible locations celebrating the employee experience – aimed at retention and recruitment 
• Nonprofits: Showcasing the scale of environmental projects from above, making the message more compelling.
• Corporate Events: Offering a bird’s-eye view of trade shows or corporate gatherings, providing a unique perspective of the event.

Here is an example of drone footage showcasing the incredible destination trip that the top sales people at SmartRoof enjoyed in December. As you will see, the drone footage elevates their brand and really celebrates the experience. 

But with great power comes great responsibility, especially when it comes to

compliance with evolving safety and regulatory standards. This includes respecting no-fly zones, especially in sensitive areas like Washington, D.C.

The FAA and Drone Regulations in Washington D.C.

In the heart of the nation’s capital, strict no-fly zones are enforced due to national security concerns. The presence of critical government infrastructure necessitates these measures. The FAA rigorously enforces these regulations, and drone operations are off- limits in these areas without specific authorization. This stringent control is essential to prevent potential security threats from unauthorized drones.

Furthermore, when traveling with drones, you are advised to check location regulations and be aware, you might be charged a fee at customs. 

Vertical Videos: The Rise of a New Format

As most of the internet’s user base engages with content on mobile devices, vertical videos have become increasingly important. Platforms like Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram are driving this trend, where the vertical format ensures optimal use of screen real estate.

Why Vertical?

• Optimal Screen Real Estate Utilization: Vertical videos fill the entire screen on mobile devices, creating an immersive and focused viewing experience. This is crucial in a world where mobile devices are the primary medium for content consumption.
• Enhanced Engagement: Studies have shown that vertical videos have higher completion rates and engagement levels, particularly on social media platforms where users are scrolling through feeds.
• Adaptation to Social Media Trends: Social media algorithms favor content that maximizes user engagement. Vertical videos, being more in line with these platform preferences, tend to perform better in terms of visibility and engagement.

Below is an example of vertical content created for The University of Exeter. This is the short version designed specifically for social media. Longer versions of this content exist in both 2 minute and 5 minute form. 

Content Suitability and Creativity

While the vertical format has its advantages, it’s essential to match the video format with the content type:

Ideal for:

• Social Media Clips: Quick, engaging content designed for platforms like TikTok or Instagram Stories.
• Short-form Content: Ideal for bite-sized storytelling or advertising where message delivery needs to be concise and impactful.
• Mobile-Centric Audiences: Content specifically tailored for an audience predominantly accessing via mobile devices.

Not Ideal for:

• Sweeping Landscapes: Where the objective is to capture wide, panoramic views.
• Large-scale Events: Such as concerts or sports events, where a horizontal frame can capture the scale and atmosphere more effectively.

2024 is going to be an incredible year in digital media content. Videographers will create highly immersive projects that transport viewers, stakeholders, partners, and clients into new worlds we could never have imagined in the past. Now is the perfect time to take advantage of such innovations so your business has actionable video information showcasing essential information, events, future endeavors, and more.