Avoiding Short Form Content: Creation and Enjoyment

Short from content has many alternatives that rival its booming popularity, join me as I dig into this.

Writing has been a crucial part to the history of Mankind. Throughout the past century mediums of content has shifted from printed and written to digital. Recently, short form videos have been a trendy way to receive news, entertainment and education for younger age groups.

This is hurting more than it helps…

Unless being addicted to your phone is what you envision each day, Short form media is something to be weary of. Not that it should be emitted entirely, but staying aware of usage amounts is key. However, there are many healthy alternatives to creating, consuming, and disseminating content.

If you have been a victim of short form content taking away your days, you know the struggle. If not, I will explain it to you and then present some alternatives.

What is Short Form?

For those who do not know the term, “Short Form” refers to videos that range from a few seconds to arguably a few minutes. Think of things like TikTok, Youtube Shorts, Instagram Reels, and even an early form of this content - Vine.

Over the past few years these platforms have grown greatly in popularity due to the ease of watching.

The main reason of the growing popularity is the frequent dopamine hits that occur while viewing this media. This impact on the brain mixed with a low energy consuming action of scrolling leads to hours lost.

This can lead to anxiety as well as just regret for wasting so much time.

Even though there are negative tendencies, using this medium for better intentions can result in building a fan base and community for some.

The Last Hope

Despite the insane growth for short form, I believe that alternative forms are making a long awaited return.

For a content medium to hold its popularity and make sense to use I believe in a few simple criteria:

• Is it easy to receive content?

• Is it easy to create content?

• Are you able to promote/grow?

• Are you able to search/find others content?

Whether you are reading this as someone who wants to start growing an audience or you just love creating things, all of these options are great.

If starting something, it’s important to find a niche you’re interested in. However, it is also perfectly fine if it shifts over time.

Just. Stay. Consistent.

If you are starting something just for yourself, then have fun!

Podcasts

Personally, there is something appealing to being able to listen to podcasts in such an accessible way. Not only does this medium fit all of my criteria, but it is so easy to consume.

Going on a roadtrip? Perfect

Need something for your drive to work? So many options

You can look up the trending podcasts for whatever your interest is, or go off of some recommended to you on YouTube or Spotify. Everything from starting your real estate journey to cooking and so much more can be found.

Not only do you have a huge selection of podcasts to listen to, you can also start your own - on Spotify. Could it be any easier?

Writing

There are more options than ever in 2023. Not only is there Substack, there is also Medium, Beehiiv and others.

There are a few positives of writing on these kind of websites.

The first is that no matter your audience size you can start and grow. Just starting off? No worries, you can start writing and get your first few subscribers from friends and family. On the other hand, if you have built up an audience elsewhere, you can bring them over to your writing and possibly have a few paid subscribers right away.

You can find your niche in weekly news letters, recipe of the week, daily stock market recaps, whatever idea you have you can find your audience.

Journals

Not all content is meant to be public.

If you simply just need something to track your thoughts or plan your days there are many journaling techniques to learn.

Journaling is more than just a trendy thing. Those that have been doing it for an extended period of time know the clarity, peace of mind and other benefits to the method.

Personally, a simple leather-bound journal holds some of my best ideas and fun writing pieces.

Not every Journal or technique is for you.

I have tried daily prompted journals and they have not necessarily been just right for me. I enjoy open pages to fill with my endless thoughts to keep them organized.

This primitive alternative relaxes the brain, instead of leaving it on an endless dopamine cycle.

No matter your preference, finding a form of idea expression can drastically change your lifestyle, focus, and mental health too. If you are trying to grow an audience, stay consistent. If not, the world is truly your oyster.

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