How to Increase Engagement on Your Videos (Likes, Comments, Shares & More)

Let’s be honest—creating content takes effort.

You spent hours planning, filming, editing, and uploading a video… only to be met with silence. No likes. No comments. No shares.

Frustrating, right?

If you’ve ever felt like shouting into the void, this post is for you. Because here's the truth: engagement doesn't happen by accident. But with a few tweaks, your videos can start sparking real conversations and reactions.

Let’s break down how to actually increase engagement on your videos, step-by-step.

1. Hook Them Fast

The first few seconds matter more than anything else. If you don’t grab attention instantly, people scroll away.

✅ Use curiosity or emotion in your opening line
✅ Ask a bold question or make a surprising statement
✅ Add on-screen text for silent scrollers

Example:
Instead of “Today I’ll talk about video marketing…”
Try: “Most people waste hours making videos no one watches—here’s how to fix that.”

2. Speak to One Person

Your video shouldn’t sound like a public speech. Make it feel like a 1-on-1 conversation.

✅ Use “you” instead of “you guys”
✅ Pretend you’re talking to a friend
✅ Be authentic—no one likes a script reader

Pro Tip: Record your video imagining your ideal viewer’s face. It instantly changes your tone.

3. Include Clear CTAs (Call-to-Actions)

Want more comments? Ask for them.
Want more likes? Say it.

✅ Ask open-ended questions
✅ Pin your CTA in the comments or caption
✅ Include a quick reminder mid or end of the video

Example:
“If you’ve ever felt stuck creating content, comment ‘ME’ below—I want to hear your story.”

4. Tell Stories, Not Just Facts

People connect with emotions, not bullet points. Even if you’re sharing tips, wrap them in a story.

✅ Share a personal experience
✅ Use before-after transformations
✅ Tap into relatable struggles

Example:
Instead of: “Add subtitles to improve watch time.”
Try: “I used to post videos with zero subtitles, and no one stayed past 10 seconds. The moment I added captions, things changed.”

5. Use On-Screen Prompts and Visual Cues

Visuals boost engagement.

✅ Add arrows or text that say “comment below”
✅ Use emojis or reactions
✅ Show social proof (e.g., “Over 1,000 people liked this!”)

This is especially helpful on platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts where users scroll fast.

6. Engage Back

You can’t expect people to engage if you don’t engage with them first.

✅ Reply to every comment (especially within the first hour)
✅ Ask follow-up questions in the comments
✅ Mention viewers or top commenters in future videos

People love being seen. Make them feel heard.

7. Post at the Right Time

Timing matters. Post when your audience is most active.

✅ Check your analytics for peak times
✅ Test different days and hours
✅ Use scheduling tools to stay consistent

8. Leverage Trends, But Add Your Twist

Trends can boost visibility, but originality is what gets engagement.

✅ Join viral challenges, but make them relevant to your niche
✅ Use trending audio with a message that fits your brand
✅ Add your personality—don’t just copy

9. Keep It Short and Snappy (or Exceptionally Valuable)

Attention is a currency. Respect it.

✅ Edit out the fluff
✅ Keep videos fast-paced or packed with value
✅ Use pattern interrupts like zooms, cuts, or captions

If it’s a longer video, make sure every second earns attention.

10. End with a Conversation Starter

Leave your audience with something to say.

✅ Ask: “What would you do?” or “Have you tried this?”
✅ Offer a relatable dilemma and ask their take
✅ Encourage them to tag a friend

Final Thoughts

Video engagement isn’t about going viral overnight. It’s about creating genuine value, showing up consistently, and building real connections.

When people feel seen, heard, and helped—they engage.

Start small. Test. Tweak. Improve.

Your audience is out there. Let’s get them talking.