Shortform Storytelling: Creating Impactful TikToks and Reels

By the end of this class, you’ll be able to craft compelling shortform stories, create engaging videos in 90 seconds or less, and develop a workflow that takes your content from the first idea to publishing. In this class, Sophia Smith Galer shares her tried-and-tested approach to storytelling on TikTok and Instagram Reels, helping you turn your ideas into videos that capture attention and connect with an audience. Whether you’re a beginner looking to find your footing on social media or an intermediate creator ready to refine your skills, you’ll learn the principles of shortform storytelling, how to structure a narrative, and how to approach scripting, editing, and publishing more efficiently. You’ll also explore how TikTok and Instagram can be powerful platforms for journalism and sharing impactful stories. This class is about more than just making videos; it’s about finding a story worth telling and making every second count. You’ll put what you learn into practice by creating a video optimized for TikTok, Instagram Reels, or both. No professional video production experience is required, just an idea you want to share and a willingness to experiment. By the end, you’ll have a finished video and a repeatable strategy for telling stories that resonate with your audience.