Video ideas for museums
As more museums are utilizing technology and video to create interactive exhibits, it seems fitting that videos be embraced on social media and marketing for museums. Videos can be used by museums to:
help visitors feel comfortable before even entering your doors
provide additional information within exhibits
keep engaged with your exhibits and mission after their visit through social media
share how to be involved through membership, volunteering, and support
In this article we’ll provide ideas and examples of the best types of videos for museums and suggestions for video making software.
Examples of best videos for museums
Collections
Use videos to discuss your museum collections. You could feature permanent exhibits or make teasers for upcoming traveling or new exhibits.
This video from the Taft Museum of Art showcases their collection from the American West.
Q&A
In today’s culture, it is important that any company or organization to be creating relationships with their customers and members. One way to do this is to make your organization feel more like a person or friend. A simple example of this for a museum is to ask your social media followers to submit questions for your museum curators, volunteers, or conservators. Then, create a video answering these questions.
Anne Umland, MoMA, answers questions about how curators decide which artworks go on display, how new exhibitions are designed, and even how to become a curator.
Behind the scenes
Everyone loves to take a look under the hood to see what is really going on behind the scenes. Making quick time lapse videos is a great way to do this.
A behind-the-scenes look at the installation of "Artists on the Move in 18th-Century Europe” at the Boston Museum of Fine Arts.
How to be involved
Using interviews with real volunteers can help paint a better picture of what it is like to volunteer at a museum. Videos like these can be used on your website, social media, and in campaigns.
The Mob Museum interviews their volunteers in this video to give an inside look of what it is really like to volunteer at this unique organization.
Planning a visit
Creating a video about what to expect before, during, and after a visit to your museum can help visitors feel more comfortable and prepared for their trip. Ask recent visitors what they wish they would have known before going to your museum to assist you in developing the best content for this video. This video was created by the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston to describe what to expect when taking an ASL tour.
Feature specific pieces
Showcasing specific, well-conserved pieces within your collection provides an opportunity to discuss why a piece is special and included in your collection.
How to create videos easily online for your museum
Today there are a variety of software solutions available that can help you make videos in a snap. A few examples include:
Most online solutions allow users to quickly upload photos and video clips to arrange into one cohesive video. Adding text and audio is simple and done in just a few clicks. Not looking to take on a new endeavor at this time? Partnering with a professional videographer is always an option and can result in impressive, professional videos.
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