Here is a simple piece of advice to make your social media videos better: stop saying “Hey, everyone.”

I can’t tell you how many times I hear this when I’m scrolling through Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, or any other social media platform. It’s “everyone,” “all,” “guys” or any other plural form to refer to viewers.

To put it bluntly, you’re making a mistake. Why, you ask? The answer is simple: for a viewer, the experience of watching a video is personal. They choose to press play, invest their time, and consume your video with their eyes and ears only. Sure, your video is intended to reach numerous viewers, but it should be a personal experience for each and every one of them.

Stop saying hey everyone on your videos Tim Lewis KOMO
That’s me anchoring a sportscast at KOMO-TV in Seattle

This is one of the first things I learned in my television news career. It’s Broadcasting 101. Just like in vlogging, marketing videos – or whatever you’re putting together – the goal is to make a personal connection with your viewers. When you refer to them as “everyone,” you’re talking to them as a mass; without the “everyone” reference, you’re making it personal.

There’s a reason people came up to me on the street to say hello when I worked in television. They felt connected to me. They watched me at home with their family. And I talked to them like it was a one-on-one conversation. Often times, they never even introduced themselves to me – because they felt like I already knew them. That’s powerful stuff, and I know that’s exactly what you’re looking for.

It’s great to know hundreds, thousands, or even millions of people will watch your videos. But just remember that number is made up of hundreds, thousands, or millions of individuals. Think of them as one in a million every time, and they’ll respond with a personal connection to you.

Stop saying hey everyone in your videos
That’s me hosting a webcast for HomeStreet Bank

If you’re craving more tips to make your videos better, be sure to check out Moarly Creative. We specialize in storytelling, content creation and video production in Seattle and beyond. You can also connect with us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram, and watch our videos on Vimeo and YouTube.

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About the Author

Hello, my name is Tim Lewis. I spent more than a decade as a television news reporter and sportscaster. After stepping away from broadcasting, I started Moarly Creative, a Seattle video production company. I love telling stories – and – helping others tell amazing stories. Connect with me on LinkedInTwitter and/or Facebook.