Want to know why your events aren’t selling out? It’s because you’re still only posting static graphics on Instagram to promote your events. 

Social algorithms are constantly pushing short form video ads and prioritizing them over static content. While you can still post graphics that provide all the information a guest needs to know about your event, you should be pairing them with the video ads that both the algorithms and audiences prefer. 

People don’t buy tickets to an event just because they read the text on the screen. They buy tickets because they can see what the experience will be like and picture themselves there. You do not need a high end production crew or a massive ad budget to run video ads that convert. As long as you have a smartphone, you can launch short form video ads that turn passive scrollers into prepaid guests.

The 3 Second Hook Rule

You have to capture the audience’s attention within the first 3 seconds of your video, that’s the rule. If your video doesn’t have a strong hook at the start, users will scroll right past it. You really only have 3 seconds to convince viewers to stay and watch the entire video. 

Your video needs an immediate hook, a visual element or a vocal line that stops the user from scrolling. Whether that’s engaging viewers directly by tapping into a niche interest or highlighting a common pain point that your target audience faces. 

It is also essential to make sure you include a bold title and on screen captions, considering roughly 85% of mobile users scroll through social feeds with their sound off. 

Visuals That Build the Fear of Missing Out (FOMO)

Your video needs to show guests the unforgettable experience they’ll miss out on if they don’t buy a ticket. Ditch the generic stock images and put together a short video using clips from past events to show guests the exact vibe they can expect. 

Include a clip of guests lining up outside, cheering crowds, a team celebrating a trivia win, or the DJ on the mic interacting with the crowd. Whatever your event is, keep the edits fast paced and include lots of clips which will keep interest high and stop users from scrolling. 

You don’t need expensive cameras or professional videographers. In fact, raw smartphone footage filmed on an iPhone or Android consistently performs better than commercial productions because it feels authentic and organic to the user’s feed. 

Once you have all the clips you need, you can easily use a free mobile editing app to trim them down, add text overlays, and generate captions to capture your audience. 

Turn Video Views into Event Ticket Sales

You’ve got the video created now you have to make sure it actually converts. When a user clicks your ad, they should be redirected straight to a high converting checkout page that makes buying tickets frictionless. To maximize your venue’s revenue before doors even open, optimize your checkout flow with AdmitONE by doing the following: 

• Include a direct call to action link attached to your video which redirects viewers straight to your checkout page. 

• Sell group packages to guarantee larger guest counts and reduce no shows. 
• Offer instant checkout add ons like skip the line passes, drink tokens, or merchandise directly during checkout to boost your average order value. 

Capturing real venue energy on camera and pairing it with a frictionless ticketing system is the ultimate formula for a sold out night. With short form video ads, you’ll capture attention in seconds, eliminate no shows, and maximize overall bar spend before guests even walk through the doors. Book a demo with AdmitONE today to see how our built in marketing features can help event organizers maximize ticket revenue effortlessly.