8 Personal Brand Videos Strategies To Level Up Your Content
Video has become the most effective way for business leaders to connect with their audiences and build real credibility. As a CTO, CEO, founder, or entrepreneur, your ability to communicate authentically through video can help you attract investors, recruit top talent, and win loyal customers.
Over the past decade, video has evolved from basic webcam recordings into a core tool for personal brand building. Modern leaders use video content to share their expertise, demonstrate their vision, and develop genuine connections with viewers around the world.
However, success with video requires more than just pointing a camera and talking. You need a strategic approach that considers your audience, messaging, and on-camera presence. The most impactful video content combines clear communication principles with an understanding of what resonates with your specific viewers.
This article outlines 8 proven video strategies to strengthen your personal brand and establish yourself as a leader in your field. You'll learn practical techniques for creating compelling content that builds trust and delivers real value to your audience.
1. Storytelling-Driven Content
Building a strong personal brand means going beyond polished presentations to create real connections with your audience. Storytelling-driven video content lets you share authentic experiences and lessons learned, helping forge emotional bonds with viewers. For business leaders and entrepreneurs, this approach makes your brand more relatable and builds genuine trust.
The power of storytelling comes from its classic narrative structure – much like a mini-documentary about your journey. Take inspiration from content creators like Casey Neistat who shares his daily entrepreneurial life, Gary Vaynerchuk who offers candid business insights, and Peter McKinnon who brings viewers into his creative process. Their success shows how being real and vulnerable helps create lasting audience connections.
Features of Storytelling-Driven Content:
Personal Narrative Structure: Clear beginning, middle, and end with a defined story arcEmotional Connection Emphasis: Focus on resonating with viewers over pure informationCharacter Development: Show the human side with personality and valuesStory Arc Implementation: Build rising action, climax, and resolutionPros:
Creates Strong Emotional Bonds: Human stories lead to deeper viewer engagementHighly Memorable and Shareable: Compelling narratives spread naturallyBuilds Authentic Connections: Personal experiences create genuine trustDifferentiates from Competitors: Real stories stand out from standard corporate contentCons:
Time-Consuming to Produce: Quality narratives need careful planning and editingRequires Vulnerability: Opening up personally can feel uncomfortableMay Not Suit All Brands: Some industries need different approachesNeeds Strong Storytelling Skills: Good narrative creation takes practiceTips for Implementation:
Start with a Compelling Hook: Grab attention in the first few secondsFocus on Authentic Experiences: Share real stories from your journeyInclude Conflict and Resolution: Show how you overcame challengesUse Visual Storytelling: Enhance your story with strong visuals and musicWhy Storytelling Matters:
For tech leaders, personal branding plays a key role in success. Storytelling helps you connect deeply with your audience while establishing thought leadership. By sharing real experiences, you become more relatable and trustworthy. This moves beyond basic promotion to create lasting impact through genuine human connection and valuable insights.
2. Educational Value-First Content
Sharing knowledge and teaching others is one of the most effective ways to build your personal brand. When you consistently create educational content that helps your audience learn and grow, you naturally position yourself as an expert in your field. This approach works especially well for CTOs, CEOs, startup founders, and entrepreneurs who need to establish credibility with talent and investors.
The key is creating practical, useful content like tutorials, guides, and videos that offer real value. Focus on clear step-by-step instructions, specific tips people can use right away, and visual examples that make complex topics easy to understand. This helps build not just your brand, but a community of engaged followers.
Here are some great examples of educational content done right:
Neil Patel's marketing tutorials: He takes complex marketing concepts and breaks them down into simple, actionable steps anyone can follow. This has made him a go-to source for digital marketing advice.Marques Brownlee (MKBHD)'s tech reviews: His detailed product breakdowns and comparisons help viewers make informed buying decisions. His straightforward, honest approach has built massive trust with his audience.Roberto Blake's creator tips: He shares practical advice to help content creators grow their channels and businesses, focusing on actionable strategies.More people than ever are looking to learn new skills online. When you share your expertise generously and help others succeed, you become a valued resource in your industry.
Why this matters for leaders: Creating educational content helps establish your expertise, builds trust with potential clients and investors, and demonstrates your industry knowledge. It's a long-term investment in growing both your brand and your audience.
Key Elements:
Clear instructions: Make it easy for viewers to follow alongPractical tips: Share advice people can use immediately Expert perspective: Offer unique insights from your experienceVisual examples: Show concepts in action to improve understandingAdvantages:
Shows expertise: Demonstrates your deep knowledgeBetter visibility: Educational content tends to rank well in searchLong-lasting value: Quality tutorials stay relevant over timeBuilds relationships: Creates trust through genuine helpChallenges:
Requires expertise: Need deep subject knowledgeOngoing maintenance: Content needs regular updatesProduction work: Quality videos take time and equipmentLess emotional impact: Pure education may not create strong feelingsTips for Success:
Simplify complex topics: Present information in digestible chunksUse strong visuals: Include helpful graphics and examplesShare real examples: Connect concepts to practical situationsOffer resources: Create downloadable tools like templatesWhen you focus on creating truly helpful educational content, you naturally build authority in your field and attract an engaged audience that values your expertise.
"Behind-the-scenes content offers a unique way to build trust with your audience. Let me show you how.
3. Behind-the-Scenes Authenticity
People want to see the real you. Behind-the-scenes content lets your audience peek behind the curtain and connect with the human side of your brand. This approach works especially well for business leaders and entrepreneurs focused on building authentic relationships.
The key is capturing genuine, unpolished moments from your business and daily life. Think raw footage, day-in-the-life content, process walkthroughs, and candid interactions – not overly scripted corporate videos.
Features and Benefits:
Raw Footage: Simple, minimally edited clips that feel real and spontaneousDay-in-the-Life Content: Honest glimpses into your workday routines and challenges Process Reveals: Showing how you work, make decisions, and solve problemsCandid Moments: Natural instances of humor or reflection that create emotional connectionsReal-World Examples:
Peter McKinnon: His studio tours give aspiring creators an inside look at his workspace and gear setupPat Flynn: Through transparent business updates and income reports, he builds trust with fellow entrepreneursAli Abdaal: His productivity vlogs share practical workflows and tools that inspire his audiencePros:
Builds Trust: Showing your authentic self helps earn credibility with viewersCreates Connection: A more human approach makes you approachable and relatableEasy Production: Less scripting and editing means faster, more affordable contentSparks Discussion: Raw content often leads to better audience engagementCons:
Polish vs Authenticity: Finding the right balance of professional but realPrivacy Line: Being careful not to overshare sensitive detailsPersonal/Professional Mix: Maintaining brand image while being genuineConsistency: Making time for regular behind-the-scenes contentTips for Success:
Keep Basic Standards: Ensure good lighting and clear audio even in casual contentShare Learning Moments: Be open about challenges and how you handle themCreate Regular Series: Build anticipation with weekly updates or project diariesInclude Your Team: Feature collaborators to showcase your work cultureWhen done right, behind-the-scenes content helps you build real connections with your audience through honesty and openness. The key is staying true to yourself while maintaining professional standards."
4. Short-Form Quick ValuePhones and social media changed how we watch content. Short-form videos on platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts pack information and entertainment into bite-sized 15-60 second clips. Business leaders, especially CEOs and founders, benefit from this format to share insights and connect with their audience.
The Strategic Value of Short Videos:
For business and tech leaders, short videos create an authentic way to share expertise and build relationships with audiences. The format makes complex topics approachable and helps establish thought leadership organically.
Core Elements:
Sweet Spot Duration: 15-60 seconds – Perfect for busy viewers to absorb key messagesOpening Hook: Start strong in first 3 seconds to grab and keep attention Single Focus: Each video delivers one clear takeaway or messagePlatform Specific: Adapt content style and features for each social platformKey Benefits:
High Engagement: Short videos typically see more likes, comments and sharesQuick Consumption: Viewers can watch and learn while on the goShare-ability: Easy to pass along, increasing reach potential Simple Production: Basic equipment like a smartphone is often enoughChallenges to Consider:
Limited Detail: Short format restricts depth of topicsPlatform Changes: Social media algorithms and trends shift frequentlyContent Needs: Regular posting requires ongoing content creationResults Vary: Platform algorithms affect reach unpredictablyImplementation Tips:
Strong Opening: Use compelling visuals or statements in first 3 secondsMusic Selection: Pick trending audio that fits your messageClear Next Steps: Tell viewers exactly what action to take after watchingConsistent Schedule: Post regularly to build and maintain audienceGrowth and Examples:
Leaders like Gary Vaynerchuk showed how valuable quick, consistent content can be. Medical professionals like Doctor Mike use short videos to share health knowledge and build trust with patients.
Real Application:
Picture a CTO breaking down a technical concept in 30 seconds, or a CEO giving a quick company update. These short videos help leaders connect with employees, investors and customers in an engaging way.
When used well, short-form video helps business leaders share their message effectively and stand out in their industry.
5. Live Streaming EngagementLive video has become a powerful way for business leaders to connect with their audiences. This format enables real-time conversations, meaningful community building, and genuine engagement that you can't get through other content types.
When done right, live streaming allows you to directly interact through live chats and Q&A, facilitating natural two-way conversations. The impromptu nature of live video helps you build authentic connections. Plus, the limited-time aspect creates excitement and encourages people to tune in live rather than catch the replay.
Several factors explain why live streaming is taking off – better internet speeds, widespread mobile access, and growing demand for real interaction online. Major platforms like YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn now make it easy to go live and reach viewers worldwide.
Real-World Examples:Pat Flynn's Ask Pat: Pat engages his community through live Q&A sessions focused on online business and marketing. This regular format helps establish his expertise while providing concrete value.
Lewis Howes' Interviews: Lewis hosts unscripted conversations with industry leaders, giving his audience unique access and insights through a candid discussion format.
Tim Ferriss' Q&As: Tim connects directly with his community through live sessions covering his key topics like self-improvement, business growth, and investing strategies.
Pros:Real-Time Feedback: Get instant audience input to adjust your message on the flyDeeper Connections: Interactive format builds trust and communityUrgency Factor: Live, one-time nature drives viewership and participation Natural Feel: Unscripted moments create genuine connectionsCons:Tech Issues: Need reliable internet and equipment setupTime Investment: Planning and executing live sessions takes workUnpredictability: Live format means expecting the unexpectedStage Fright: Going live can be nerve-wracking for someTips for Implementation:Outline Key Points: Have a loose structure while staying flexibleTest Equipment: Check internet, camera, mic and lighting beforehandBuild Buzz: Share session details across your channels ahead of timeStay Interactive: Respond to comments to keep viewers engagedUsed strategically, live streaming helps business leaders build meaningful audience connections, grow their brand presence, and share their expertise in an engaging way.
6. Expert Interview SeriesBuilding a compelling expert interview series is one of the best ways to grow your personal brand. When you regularly host insightful conversations with leaders in your field, you establish yourself as a knowledge curator and connector. This format helps you reach new audiences, gain credibility through association, and give your followers access to fresh perspectives and expertise.
The rise of YouTube and demand for expert-driven content has made interview shows increasingly popular and effective. Success stories like Impact Theory by Tom Bilyeu, MarieTV by Marie Forleo, and School of Greatness by Lewis Howes show how interviews can help build a strong following and authority in a niche. These shows excel at uncovering compelling stories, practical advice, and valuable insights.
Features and Benefits:
Focused discussions: Well-structured interviews extract meaningful insights while staying on topicDifferent viewpoints: Expose your audience to diverse expert perspectives that expand their understandingKnowledge exchange: Create a platform for sharing expertise on key industry topics and challengesRelationship building: Connect with influential figures to enable future collaborationsPros:
Access to expertise: Bring in specialists to cover topics outside your direct knowledgeCredibility boost: Association with respected guests enhances your own authorityContent diversity: Keep your content fresh with different guest perspectivesNatural networking: Build relationships organically through the interview processCons:
Calendar coordination: Aligning schedules with busy experts takes significant effortGuest reliance: Series quality depends heavily on guest engagement and insightsTechnical needs: Quality video interviews require proper equipment and production skillsAdministrative work: Managing guest communication and production tasks requires organizationTips for Creating an Expert Interview Series:
Do thorough research: Study each guest's background to craft questions that draw out unique insightsFocus on stories: Ask guests to share personal experiences and practical lessons learnedCreate promotional assets: Develop engaging trailers and social content to expand reachKeep format consistent: Use a standard structure to build familiarity and professionalismAn expert interview series combines authority building, value creation and networking in a powerful way. With consistent high-quality interviews, you can become a respected voice in your industry while developing meaningful relationships with other leaders.
7. Video Blog (Vlog) SeriesA video blog, or vlog, series helps build real connections with your audience through regular personality-driven video content. It's a natural way to share your business insights, industry knowledge, and glimpses of your daily life. For business leaders like CTOs, CEOs and founders, a good vlog series helps you stand out and build trust with your target audience.
YouTube played a big role in making vlogs mainstream. Early creators like Casey Neistat showed how daily vlogging could build massive followings by giving viewers an authentic look behind the scenes. Others like Ali Abdaal and Amy Landino found success by focusing on specific niches like productivity and morning routines, creating engaged communities around shared interests.
Here's what makes vlogs work:
Regular schedule: Post consistently, whether daily, weekly, or bi-weekly, to keep viewers coming backReal perspective: Share honest thoughts and experiences to connect authentically Content variety: Mix up formats with tutorials, Q&As, behind-the-scenes, and personal storiesLife + work blend: Show both professional insights and personal moments to create a complete pictureBenefits:
Real connection: Viewers feel like they truly know and trust youSteady presence: Regular content establishes you as a reliable voiceAdaptable format: Works for different content styles and lengths Full picture: Shows different sides of your personality and expertiseChallenges:
Time commitment: Quality video content takes significant effortPersonal boundaries: Sharing your life requires careful privacy choicesContent demands: Regular posting can be creatively drainingFinding balance: Mixing personal and professional content effectivelyTips for Success:
Batch filming: Record multiple videos at once to save timeUse themes: Create recurring segments for structureMix content types: Balance personal stories with business insightsKeep it consistent: Maintain your visual style and toneA vlog series earns its spot on this list because it creates authentic connections with your audience while building your personal brand and expertise. Though it needs dedication and planning, the potential benefits in audience engagement, trust, and business growth make it worthwhile for leaders who want to make a real impact.
8. Branded Mini-Documentary
Creating a branded mini-documentary is a powerful way for business leaders to share their story and expertise. While it requires significant resources, this format can create lasting impact and help establish real authority in your field. A well-crafted mini-documentary serves as a key part of your content strategy to attract investors, partners, and top talent.
Mini-documentaries use high-quality storytelling to create an engaging viewer experience. They reveal the human side of your brand and help build genuine connections with your audience. This format has grown alongside platforms like YouTube, where viewers increasingly seek authentic, in-depth content that goes beyond basic promotional videos.
Key Features:
Professional Quality: High-end video, audio and editing create a polished final productStory-Driven: Focuses on your journey and mission rather than just facts and figures Production Team: Requires experienced filmmakers and storytellersBrand Integration: Naturally incorporates key messages without feeling like an adBenefits:
Authority Building: Shows your expertise and thought leadershipLong-Term Value: Creates content that stays relevant for yearsVersatile Asset: Works as a powerful portfolio pieceContent Creation: Can be split into shorter videos and social clipsChallenges:
High Cost: Major investment in equipment, crew and editingExtended Timeline: Takes months from concept to completionResource Heavy: Needs dedicated team and managementComplex Planning: Requires detailed pre-production workReal Examples:
Gary Vaynerchuk's DailyVee shows an unfiltered look at entrepreneurial lifeTony Robbins' I Am Not Your Guru reveals his unique coaching approachChase Jarvis' Creative Live features deep dives with industry leadersImplementation Tips:
Develop Your Story: Identify the core message before starting productionHire Experts: Work with skilled filmmakers who understand your visionPlan Distribution: Choose platforms where your audience already spends time Maximize Content: Create shorter pieces from the main documentaryBy taking a thoughtful approach to mini-documentary creation, you can build a strong personal brand, connect with your target audience, and achieve key business goals through compelling storytelling.
8-Point Comparison Guide for Personal Brand Video StrategiesMethodDifficultyTime RequiredResultsBest ForKey BenefitStorytelling-Driven Content🔄 High⚡ Slow📊 High emotional impactPersonal brands⭐ Builds emotional bondsEducational Value-First Content🔄 Medium⚡ Moderate📊 Authority & longevityEducators/Experts⭐ Establishes expertiseBehind-the-Scenes Authenticity🔄 Low⚡ Fast📊 Enhanced trustTransparent brands⭐ Genuine relatabilityShort-Form Quick Value🔄 Low⚡ Very fast📊 Viral potentialSocial media creators⭐ High engagementLive Streaming Engagement🔄 High⚡ Time-intensive📊 Instant interactionInteractive audiences⭐ Real-time connectionExpert Interview Series🔄 High⚡ Moderate📊 Credibility boostIndustry networks⭐ Leverages expert insightsVideo Blog (Vlog) Series🔄 Medium⚡ Long-term📊 Consistent engagementPersonal branding⭐ Flexibility & authenticityBranded Mini-Documentary🔄 Very High⚡ Slow📊 Premium impactHigh-end brands⭐ Deep storytellingLights, Camera, Personal Brand!Making a great personal brand video comes down to a few essential principles. First, you need to know your target audience inside and out. Then, pick the right video format and create quality content consistently. When you focus on storytelling and provide real value through educational content, you start building trust as an expert in your field.
Show people the real you by sharing behind-the-scenes glimpses into your world. Quick, helpful video tips help forge stronger connections with viewers. Going live on social media and interviewing other experts adds energy and engagement. For more in-depth content, try video blogging or creating mini-documentaries that showcase your expertise.
Start by testing different video styles to find what works best while staying true to your brand message. Pay attention to how your audience responds and adjust accordingly. Keep an eye on emerging video trends like short-form content and interactive features, but don't chase every new thing.
The key is being genuine, adaptable, and focused on serving your audience. Video is a powerful tool – use it not just to inform, but to connect with and motivate your viewers.
Want to take your personal brand to the next level? Bhavik Sarkhedi & Co. specializes in helping professionals become recognized voices in their industries. Their proven approach combines compelling storytelling with smart content distribution. With experience across major publications, they know how to build real influence that lasts.
Ready to grow your personal brand? Partner with Bhavik Sarkhedi & Co. to craft your story, position yourself strategically, and make a lasting impact in your field.
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