Are captions for pictures and videos worth writing?
In the eye-catching and attention-captivating digital world that we live in today, do people pay any attention to captions attached to a picture/video post?
Great question At first I did not give it much importance until I received a message from someone thanking me for posting what the class was - I took it for granted and did not realize that some individuals would like to know what I am posting and it is eye catching as well as informative so 90% of the time I write a caption or one word - it is important to connect with people and not to take for granted that they know what it is.
Absolutely and I did years of test marketing (BBQ restaurant) to be able to prove it. First to garner any attention an eye-popping pic (or a stock graphic image from the web) is required to even be noticed and just using words is ineffective. People like to look at people which is always a good subject matter. I take a number of shots to get the best pose selection and delete the extra's but more important I quickly edit the pic before posting (enhance the image and crop out bad spots) before posting or sending it. If it is important enough to post than it is worth the few minutes it takes to crop and edit the image. The pic/video caption then becomes as important as a headline is to a newspaper. A call to action (eat discounted ribs now) is needed, if your customer has to guess what to do he will generally do nothing. Posting the caption in the form of a question gets far more attention and comments. Be modest, humble and thankful and have a sense of humor & let people poke (a little) fun at you goes farther than arrogant, loud and obnoxious (unless that is your schtick and you have perfected it is still risky if you are not as good as Sam Kinnison). I often completely sold out of whatever my caption and image was promoting in advance of even making it. The right caption along with the right image became our BBQ Joint most effective form of advertising and marketing and was (basically) free.
Definitely. If for no other reason than making it possible for those with hearing impairments to be able to consume your content.
Business from Bolton, ON
Answered on Jun 5th, 2018
I think you have to use your discretion, I don't think every photo and video needs a caption. It also depends on your message your trying to send with the photo or video. Some photos and videos need no explanation, it's like the saying a photo can say a 1000 words. It also comes down to how much time really want to spend on posting via social media. A lot of times you get lost while scrolling instead of being productive. Are captions worth writing, Yes, but not for every single one.
Yes, people actually do! How do you think all these Meme's and motivational pictures and sayings were created..:). Writing a caption on videos, and pictures will allow your audience to see and feel the energy and atmosphere you provide. This will also allow other people to relate to you and where you were/felt in the pic or video.
it depends on the purpose of the image. if it's for a news article then the caption add a little more detail to the story. if it's used a graphic or on a website that is using it to enrich content, then no the picture should be able to stand alone. i believe the saying is "1 picture is worth 1000 words".
Ask yourself this: ‘Why am I posting this photo/video?’ To promote your business? To feature a member/client? To demonstrate an exercise? Identify (a) what you want people to take away from the post, and (b) add a caption or message telling people what to do next in order to get the takeaway. Should they visit your website? Call for a consult? Join your newsletter?
I absolutely believe that the captions on our photos can make a world of difference. In going through the photos, you are sometimes wondering just what room this may be? Your caption will solve that. Remember, while they are looking at the photos, they are also trying to imagine layout. It could make the difference in scheduling a showing.
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Answers (1-10)
Great question At first I did not give it much importance until I received a message from someone thanking me for posting what the class was - I took it for granted and did not realize that some individuals would like to know what I am posting and it is eye catching as well as informative so 90% of the time I write a caption or one word - it is important to connect with people and not to take for granted that they know what it is.
Absolutely and I did years of test marketing (BBQ restaurant) to be able to prove it. First to garner any attention an eye-popping pic (or a stock graphic image from the web) is required to even be noticed and just using words is ineffective. People like to look at people which is always a good subject matter. I take a number of shots to get the best pose selection and delete the extra's but more important I quickly edit the pic before posting (enhance the image and crop out bad spots) before posting or sending it. If it is important enough to post than it is worth the few minutes it takes to crop and edit the image. The pic/video caption then becomes as important as a headline is to a newspaper. A call to action (eat discounted ribs now) is needed, if your customer has to guess what to do he will generally do nothing. Posting the caption in the form of a question gets far more attention and comments. Be modest, humble and thankful and have a sense of humor & let people poke (a little) fun at you goes farther than arrogant, loud and obnoxious (unless that is your schtick and you have perfected it is still risky if you are not as good as Sam Kinnison). I often completely sold out of whatever my caption and image was promoting in advance of even making it. The right caption along with the right image became our BBQ Joint most effective form of advertising and marketing and was (basically) free.
I do most of the time! Sometimes I think up my own as well.
Espc since an image can be interpreted differently by people based on emotion/demographic.
YES! The picture/video draws me in to know what's under the surface. No caption, it loses meaning or depth for me.
Definitely. If for no other reason than making it possible for those with hearing impairments to be able to consume your content.
I think you have to use your discretion, I don't think every photo and video needs a caption. It also depends on your message your trying to send with the photo or video. Some photos and videos need no explanation, it's like the saying a photo can say a 1000 words. It also comes down to how much time really want to spend on posting via social media. A lot of times you get lost while scrolling instead of being productive. Are captions worth writing, Yes, but not for every single one.
Yes, people actually do! How do you think all these Meme's and motivational pictures and sayings were created..:). Writing a caption on videos, and pictures will allow your audience to see and feel the energy and atmosphere you provide. This will also allow other people to relate to you and where you were/felt in the pic or video.
it depends on the purpose of the image. if it's for a news article then the caption add a little more detail to the story. if it's used a graphic or on a website that is using it to enrich content, then no the picture should be able to stand alone. i believe the saying is "1 picture is worth 1000 words".
Ask yourself this: ‘Why am I posting this photo/video?’ To promote your business? To feature a member/client? To demonstrate an exercise? Identify (a) what you want people to take away from the post, and (b) add a caption or message telling people what to do next in order to get the takeaway. Should they visit your website? Call for a consult? Join your newsletter?
Post with intent!