THE VIRAL SHORT FORM FORMULA
A Step-by-Step Guide to Creating Converting Videos
CORE STRUCTURE:
EMOTIONAL HOOK (First 3 seconds)
Example 1: Looking stressed “I almost lost my biggest client until I did this…”
Example 2: Showing excitement “This $400 hack made me $4,000 in one day”
Example 3: Looking shocked “I can’t believe no one talks about this photography secret”
PROMISE/PROOF (Next 5 seconds)
Example 1: “In just 2 months, I went from charging $500 to $5,000 per shoot”
Example 2: Show before/after results
Example 3: Show screenshots of client messages/paymentsVALUABLE CONTENT (15-30 seconds)
Share ONE main tip/secret/methodKeep it simple and actionable
Example Format:
“Here’s exactly how: [First step with visual][Second step with visual][Final step with visual]”
Real Example: “Here’s how I get high-end clients while traveling: Show Google Maps Find 5-star hotels
Show walking in Sit at their restaurant with camera visible
Show interaction
Let rich clients approach you”
CALL TO ACTION (Last 5 seconds)
Template: “Comment [word] for my free [valuable item/tip/advice/next step]”
Example 1: “Comment ‘GUIDE’ for my free client-getting template”
Example 2: “Comment ‘PRICES’ for my pricing calculator”
VISUAL RULES (Simple Version):
Keep main subject in upper center frame.
New visual every 2-4 seconds
Bright lighting
Match your target client’s style
TO TURN THIS INTO AN AI PROMPT:
Simply write: “Create a short-form video script following The Viral Short-Form Formula.
Topic: [your topic]. Target audience: [your audience].
Main emotion: [desired emotion].
Include specific visuals and text overlays for each segment.”
QUICK START GUIDE:
Pick one of these proven formats:
Before/After transformation
High price vs. low price comparison
“Secret” method reveal
“This is how I [achieved result]”
“This is …”
Film this order:
Emotional hook shot
Talking head explaining
Supporting visuals (screenshots, examples)
Call to action
INSTAGRAM CAPTION FRAMEWORK – SAM EYE AM
Core Structure:
IMMEDIATE ACTION (If video provides clear value)
Start with “Comment [simple word]” for [specific freebie]
Word should be easy to type (e.g., “guide” “tips” “editing”)
Only capitalize first letter
Must connect to an actual freebie you have
PROBLEM-SOLUTION STORY
Start with relatable problem (“Most photographers are broke…”)
Share personal experience/transformation
Keep it conversational, like coffee shop talk
Include specific numbers/timeframes
Show the journey wasn’t easy (builds credibility)
VALUE STACK (Optional)
Bullet points of what they’ll get
Each point should solve a specific pain point
Include surprising benefits (“AI tools most people don’t know about”)
Make it scan-friendly
REPEAT CALL TO ACTION
Remind them to comment for the freebie
Can add urgency (“before spots run out”)
Keep it casual and natural
Match Freebie to Video Content:
Photography tips → Free strategy call
Editing tutorials → Editing course + presets
Business growth → Marketing training
Instagram growth → Instagram training
Client problems → Free advice call
Example Template:
CopyComment “[simple word]” for [specific valuable freebie]
[Relatable problem many face]
[Your personal experience with this problem]
[How you solved it + proof it works]
[Optional: 2-3 bullet points of extra value]
Comment “[same word]” and I’ll send you [repeat what they get]
#relevanthashtags
CORE STORYTELLING PRINCIPLES:
1. STAKES & TENSION
– Start with a problem/challenge that seems almost impossible
– Create tension early (“I had 24 hours to save my business”)
– Make the stakes clear (“If this fails, I lose everything”)
Examples:
– “I tried running a business with zero experience for 24 hours”
– “Last to leave the client meeting wins $10,000”
– “I offered my worst client double the money back”
2. PACING & STRUCTURE
proven structure:
– Hook (First 3 seconds) – Most dramatic moment
– Context (Next 10 seconds) – Explain the challenge
– Escalation – Add complications
– Small wins & setbacks – Create emotional rollercoaster
– Big payoff – Resolution that was worth waiting for
3. ATTENTION GRABBERS
Types of stories that consistently work:
– David vs. Goliath challenges
– Transformation stories (Before/After)
– “I lost everything and here’s how I came back”
– “The secret that changed everything”
– “What they don’t tell you about…”
4. KEEPING VIEWERS ENGAGED
– Create mini-cliffhangers (“But then something crazy happened…”)
– Add unexpected twists
– Show rather than tell
– Keep segments short (2-4 seconds per shot)
– Remove any boring moments
– Promise a payoff at the end
5. STORY THEMES THAT WORK:
– Impossible challenges
– Crazy experiments
– Life-changing moments
– Expensive vs. Cheap comparisons
– Behind-the-scenes revelations
– First time trying something
– Extreme timeframe challenges (24 hours to…)
6. AUTHENTICITY ELEMENTS:
– Show real struggles
– Include mistakes
– Share genuine emotions
– Document the process
– Show proof/evidence