So, you are planning a community event and thinking… how do we get people excited? Ugh, we all know just posting a flyer or a picture on social media rarely works anymore. People scroll way too fast. That is where video comes in. But not just any video… one that actually makes people feel the fun before they even show up.

Videos can do something words just cannot. They show energy, laughter, even the little chaos of setting up. But pointing a camera and hitting record? Nope, not enough. You need a plan, a story, and some understanding of the people you want to reach.

Know Who You’re Talking To

First things first… who is your audience? Families looking for weekend fun? Young professionals wanting to network? Local artists hoping to get noticed? Knowing this shapes everything… from the style of the video to where you post it.

Short clips are gold for social media. Think Instagram Reels, TikTok snippets, Facebook Stories. People scroll fast, so grab them in seconds. But some folks want a deeper look. YouTube or your event website is perfect for behind-the-scenes footage, interviews, or a sneak peek at what’s happening.

Show a Story, Not a Schedule

Nobody wants a boring list of events. People connect with stories. Show performers rehearsing, vendors setting up, or volunteers talking about why they love being part of the community. Even a 30-second teaser with upbeat music and a few quotes can make a big difference.

And don’t be afraid of humor. Maybe a volunteer gets too excited decorating or a funny setup mishap happens… people love that. Perfectly polished videos are nice, but real moments stick.

Work With Local Talent

Hiring a local video production companies can really level things up. They know the town, the spots that make locals proud, the quirks people love. If you are in Michigan, for instance, a Michigan-based company knows what works with the community. Plus, they care about the event… because it is their town too.

Make Videos for Each Platform

One video does not fit all platforms. Vertical videos work best for TikTok and Instagram. Horizontal is better for YouTube or your website. Captions are key too… many watch without sound, so the story should still make sense.

Try releasing a few videos leading up to the event: a 15-second teaser a week before, a 30-second behind-the-scenes mid-week, then full highlights after. This keeps people engaged, builds hype, and gets them sharing.

Get People Involved

Community events are about participation. Videos can encourage it. Ask people to submit clips, vote on event ideas, or share what they are excited about. User-generated content feels real and spreads naturally. If someone cannot attend, try live streaming parts… they feel included and might come next time.

Keep It Real

Authenticity wins. Overproduced videos can feel fake. Let volunteers, attendees, and performers shine naturally. Capture laughter, excitement, and yes, even small mistakes… they make your event relatable.

Check What Works

Lastly, pay attention to metrics. Which videos got the most views? Where did people stop watching? Which platforms worked best? Use that info to make your next event even better.

Promoting a community event with video is more than marketing. It is about connection, about showing what makes your town special, and making people feel like they belong. Get help form local video production company in Michigan, tell real stories, and make people excited… your event could end up being the talk of the town.