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Content Creation · MS elective · 3 credit hours · 16 sessions

Video Storytelling for Social Media

Video is the dominant language of the internet. This course teaches students to adapt traditional storytelling principles to the fast-paced, vertical world of social media. Students will learn to hook viewers in the first three seconds, structure micro-narratives for retention, and optimize video content for the unique algorithms of TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts.

§ 01 By the end you can
  1. Adapt the "Hero's Journey" for short-form video (15-60 seconds)
  2. Master the "Hook, Value, CTA" structure to maximize retention
  3. Utilize visual storytelling techniques (Show, Don't Tell) in vertical formats
  4. Edit for rhythm and pacing using mobile-first tools (CapCut/Premiere Rush)
  5. Analyze retention graphs to iterate and improve storytelling performance
§ 02 Sixteen sessions

The whole semester.

  1. 01The Shift to Vertical: 9:16 Storytelling
  2. 02The First 3 Seconds: The Art of the Hook
  3. 03Micro-Narratives: Beginning, Middle, End in 30s
  4. 04Visual Grammar: Framing & Eye Contact
  5. 05Scripting for Short-Form: Writing for the Ear
  6. 06Production: Lighting & Sound on a Budget
  7. 07Mobile Journalism (MoJo) Basics
  8. 08 · MidtermMidterm Examination
  9. 09Editing Techniques: Pacing & Jump Cuts
  10. 10Text Overlays & Captions for Sound-Off Viewing
  11. 11Using Trending Audio as a Narrative Device
  12. 12The Vlog Format: Authenticity & Connection
  13. 13Educational Content: How-To & Tutorials
  14. 14Serialized Storytelling (Part 1, Part 2...)
  15. 15Analytics: Understanding Watch Time & Drop-off
  16. 16Final Project: The Viral Video Series

Midterm around session 8. Final project briefed at session 8 or 9 and developed in stages until the juries.

§ 03 Final project

Final Project: The Viral Video Series

How it’s judged

Recommended reading
  1. The Content Fuel Framework by Melanie Deziel
  2. Made to Stick by Chip Heath and Dan Heath
  3. YouTube Secrets by Sean Cannell
  4. Smartphone Movie Maker by Bryan Michael Stoller
  5. Storynomics by Robert McKee
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