Only about a year ago, a small business was able to generate a 300% surge in engagement by using just one clever TikTok strategy. Amazing, right? What if you could achieve similar results on TikTok and Instagram Reels to elevate your social game to the next level?
With the 1.12 billion monthly people using TikTok and the 2 billion monthly engagements of Instagram Reels in 2025, short-form video is clearly the cornerstone of any social media marketing. Family-focused brands, along with younger consumers or even those who are neurodivergent, are gravitating toward these bite-size, digestible snippets for being genuine and fast-paced.
This guide will equip you with 10 practical tactics to increase engagement on TikTok and Reels. Filled with stats, expert insights, and neurodiversity-centric tips, it is your master plan for creating videos that captivate and convert in 2025.
Why Short Video Is Key in 2025
The power of short-form video
Short videos (less than 60 seconds) are the most likely to be shared on social media, receiving 1200% more shares than text and image content combined. Platforms like TikTok and Reels have also changed the way people consume content, highlighting short, engaging videos that are aimed at keeping people addicted.
The power of TikTok’s algorithm, which tailors the feed to the user, beats out Reel’s shopping integration element, which is meant to drive higher purchase intent. This is why TikTok’s U.S. revenue reached $10 billion a year in 2024 and 71% of people on Instagram watch videos weekly.
Why these videos work so well
What is beautiful about short-form videos is they catch attention right away. Within 3 seconds, a viewer decides whether or not a video is worth watching, and tapping into viral trends can make a video go viral literally overnight. For people with neurodiverse brains, this kind of bite-sized content in a visually captivating format is a slam dunk.
The stats speak volumes:
Videos that have a strong hook increase clicks by 2.1x.
61 percent of users who are into brand truths like when you jump all over a trend.
Raw, unscripted videos with imperfect audio and video quality outperform polished content by 30%.
Expert opinion
“The short-form video landscape is changing quickly,” said Erica Santiago, a TikTok strategy specialist. “Three-minute videos are more prevalent, but still, the key is catching on in seconds.”
Now that we know why short-form videos should matter to you, here are 10 strategies to give you the edge at engagement.
Top 10: Short-Form Video Strategies on TikTok and Reels
I5 Minute Journal Writing go 8.Craft scroll stopping hooks in 3s.TouchableOpacity Isec.
Start strong. Make capital claims like, “This hack doubled my sales!” or combine dramatic narratives with in-your-face visuals. You can also use Canva for text overlays to have those hooks “pop”.
Why it works
71% of consumers decide within 3 seconds whether they’ll continue watching. Get up to 40% higher watch time with scroll-stopping Hook, making sure your message is seen and remembered.
Neurodiversity tip
Make your hooks accessible and easy to read with clear, high-contrast text.
Ride the wave of trending sounds and hashtags
Jump on viral trendsTap into TikTok’s Explore page, or trending audio on Reels, to leverage trendsworthy posts. Combine this with niche hashtags which are brand voice fitting (ex: #EcoFriendlyHacks).
Why it works
Trending sounds lead to a 50% increase in views on video, and relevant hashtags help you appear in discovery.
Neurodiversity tip
Consider including closed-caption options for sensory-sensitive viewers who find loud or rapid audio disruptive.
Make some real, gritty industry truthsCreate real, gritty truths of the industry (>less than 1 minute, low production mashups)
Raw, behind-the-camera video from a smartphone feels more authentic than polished, over-produced content. Display your team in the field, candid moments, or how your products are made.
Why it works
Trust: Authentic videos help build 30% more trust. Almost 59% of consumers find user-generated content (UGC) to be more authentic than content edited by a brand.
Neurodiversity tip
Keep your sound effects minimal and your visuals clear to prevent sensory overload.
Add a few interactive features (polls, Q&As)
Facilitate engagement Add more polls, questions, or posts like “Comment below with your favorite. ….” TikTok’s Q&A feature is also ideal for engaging in conversations.
Why it works
Interactive videos will get up to 150% more comments, telling the algorithms to recommend more of your content.
Neurodiversity tip
Keep it simpleUse bold text to guide your questions.
Repurpose long form in to bites
Boil YouTube videos, blog or webinar down to 15-60-second clips. Apps like CapCut or Canva can assist with cropping and formatting these for TikTok or Reels.
Why it works
Content repurposing increases your return-of-investment by up to 50% and extends the life of your content.
Neurodiversity tip
Use the same pictures and style and type in all shots to make it easy to understand.
Work with micro-influencers Sub-title If it is about the sophisticated approach.
Work with micro-influencers (those who have less than 15,000 followers) with high engagement rates. Their niche audiences also tend to be more receptive to real campaigns.
Why it works
Micro-influencers generate 18% engagement rates versus the 1-2% average of others and are more cost-effective for brand marketing campaigns.
Neurodiversity tip
Forge relationships with creators who reach wider audiences, and who can bring more inclusivity to the platform.
TikTok and Reels search best practices
Let’s start integrating the SEO-friendly keywords into your video by using descriptive titles, captions and voiceovers (ex: “Quick DIY Tips”). Using popular keyword let your content rank even on google.
Why it works
TikTok is also starting to function like traditional search engines, with 40% of Gen Z utilizing it as their primary new platform.
Neurodiversity tip
Use captions wherever possible to add additional accessibility.
Hop on viral challenges and trends
Join existing hashtag challenges or start your own with a branding that revolves around your product or niche.
Why it works
Challenges drive 60% lift in visibility and create UGC assets.
Neurodiversity tip
Keep challenges simple and aesthetically simple to give instructions.
Story telling for emotional bonding Deploy storytelling createAction for emotional bonding.
Share mini-stories such as “How we started our business” to create an emotional connection with your audience. Throw in some toe-tapping music and rapid-fire cuts.
Why it works
Retention is boosted 95% by storytelling and content with an emotional trigger is 12 times more likely to be shared.
Neurodiversity tip
Keep the narrative arc predicable to induce less anxiety.
Post at optimal times
Break down when your audience is most active on TikTok using TikTok Analytics or Sked Social. Posts can be scheduled during engagement times, such as in the evenings on weekdays (7–9 PM).
Why it works
Timing matters. So at high posting volumes, posts experience an up to 30 per cent exposure boost.
Neurodiversity tip
Map it out visually with tools and content calendars for consistent posting.
Navigating the Pitfalls of Short-Form Video Advertising
In short, short video marketing can deliver many advantages between these challenges:
“Modifications of the algorithm necessitate ongoing adjustment. Spread your content across platforms to stay indestructible.
But if trends are overplayed, content fatigue can drive people away. Be creative with niche ideas and experiments.
Accessibility problems can also preclude neurodivergent viewers from viewing them. This can be resolved with the addition of captions and high contrast images.
By anticipating these barriers, your short-form video strategy will continue to be successful and future-proofed.
Creating a Successful Short-Form Strategy
In 2025, short-form video is no longer a marketing-nice-to-have. It’s a necessity. With these practical Editorial strategies, you can inspire your audience, increase engagement and get ahead of the competition.
Why wait? Start creating your scroll-stopping videos today and share your wins on LinkedIn for even more exposure.