The video production industry as a whole has grown significantly over the years, with even more outstanding increases projected through 2030. This is not only due to more media companies turning to streaming services and on-demand videos, but the rise in popularity of live streaming and social media apps like TikTok.
And increase in demand is widespread, with more demand for engaging videos on various platforms, for various audiences, and for both personal and business purposes. Along with this rise in demand are more individuals and companies trying to stand out from the crowd.
You can leverage your videography experience and creativity to help others (creators, marketers, small businesses, individuals, and so on) craft quality, unique, and professional-looking content.
This also means that there are many types of videography services you can provide when just starting out or looking to branch out.
Turn Your Passion Into Profit With 8 Different Types of Videography Jobs
Along with the rise in production of all around video content is the rise in demand of visual media professionals. The projected growth rate for videographers is 10% from 2018-2028. The outlook for freelance videographers is even higher – 12% – which is well above the national average for all occupations.
Consider these niches when thinking about your business plan or business expansion plan.
1. Event Videography
Probably the most widely recognized job for independent videographers. And at the top of that list: weddings. This service could also include:
- Corporate events or functions
- Social events like anniversaries, birthdays, quinceañeras, and other parties etc.
- School activities such as big sport match-ups or theater productions
- Sporting events
- Concerts
- Competitions
- Classes and workshops
- Commercial and consumer tradeshows and conventions — and more
With event videography you may decide to specialize even further, pending your personal experience or comfort level with each setting.
They all usually involve large groups of people with many moving parts, with you as an afterthought or not a thought at all. Meaning, these clients want you to capture the experience but they don’t want you too involved in the event itself.
2. Marketing Videography
Companies use marketing and advertising videos to increase brand awareness, boost sales, increase engagement, and improve search engine optimization (SEO). They usually have a set script and messaging they want to convey, including a call to action (CTA).
As of early 2024, approximately 91% of businesses used videos in their marketing strategies. Of those, 24% said they exclusively use outside contractors or vendors to create video content, while 38% reported using both in-house and external teams.
- 38% only used in-house teams, which was down from 60% in 2023
- 85% of marketers plan to maintain or increase spending on videos in 2024
- 33% of marketers who do not use video state it is because they don’t have the time
All promising trends for freelancers looking to specialize in marketing videography services! Marketing videos can include things like:
- Video advertisements (across many marketing channels)
- Commercials
- Live/recorded employee and/or client testimonials
- Miscellaneous promos
- Demos
- Social media posts
- Product spotlight videos – and more
3. Instructional/Educational Videography Services
Instructional or educational videos typically involve presentation of information that is more focused on conveying information vs being overly artistic. They will likely have a script to follow and may need to contain interactive elements.
Educational videos could include things like:
- Employee/new-hire training videos
- How-to guides
- Tutorials
- Webinars for various organizations
- Online educational courses
- Documentaries
- Explainer videos
- FAQ (frequently asked questions) videos
4. Social Media Video Services
With social media video you could work with small or large businesses, other freelancers or independent business owners, artists, musicians, content creators, and more. Though technically akin to marketing videography, the vast array of social media channels justifies looking at this videography service option as a stand alone opportunity.
You need to know how the different apps work in order to tap into what successful videos look like on each. This includes everything from TikTok and Instagram reels to YouTube.
Regardless of who you are working with or creating videos for, you need to know how to create captivating short-form (and sometimes long-form) content that drives engagement on social media.
5. Real Estate Videography
Real estate videography is specifically designed to showcase properties that are for sale or rent, or to put the spotlight on a real estate agency or agent’s services. You will likely work with less actors and scripts compared to other types of videography services.
This niche often combines visual storytelling components with marketing goals. You’re telling the story of what it would be like to live here, and why potential buyers/renters would want to live there.
This category includes but is not limited to:
- Property tours
- 360-degree videos
- Aerial footage
- Highlight reels
- Before-and-after renovation videos
- Testimonials
- Real estate agent bio
- Real estate agency promotion
6. Creative/Cinematic Videography Services
More artistic forms of videography will require creative use of editing and superior visual storytelling skills. This includes:
- Music videos
- Short films
- Indie films
- Local live reality games (LRGs)
7. Community/Non-Profit Videos
Non-profit or community outreach programs may also need videos for promotional purposes, awareness campaigns, and more. Their video services can encompass a combination of the styles listed above, but their storytelling requires a more empathetic or understanding lens.
A passion for helping others is a key aspect of their organization. If you have a passion for similar causes as well, you could become their go-to media expert.
8. Videography Workshops and Classes
While not a specific style of videography per se, offering introductory videography classes or workshops is another way to widen your audience and boost both your credibility and your reach as a visual media professional.
How to Choose Which Type of Videography Service is Best for You
When deciding which types of videography services you would like to focus on, think about what stands out to you the most. Consider questions like:
- Did you have a gut reaction to one style or another?
- Do you have any prior experience with a specific type of videography service?
- Do you like working with a team of people or prefer working alone?
- What are your specific strengths? (Are you a really good communicator, a quick editor, a stellar collaborator, a compelling storyteller?
- Do you have a background in an adjacent field, like corporate training or marketing and advertising?
- Do you have any connections already in your network?
- Is there an underserved niche in your region?
So, what’s next? Where do you go from here? Check out some of the links below to learn more about what it takes to become a videographer, the business side of videography, and trends in the industry.
Protecting your career: Videographer insurance
Information and inspiration: Tips for new videographers
Trends and stats: Wedding videography statistics and trends
One Policy for All Your Videography Services
No matter what services you offer, you need to protect your career, finances, and business. Because no matter how careful you are, accidents and mistakes can happen.
- If someone gets hurt on your set, who pays?
- If your equipment fails and you can’t fulfill a contract and someone sues you, what happens?
- If you accidentally break an expensive vase setting up your equipment at a wedding, who’s on the hook?
As you start to ask yourself questions like these, it’s easy to see why videographer insurance is a must-have from day one. See what’s covered and protect yourself today!
FAQs
How Can I Find Out What the Most In-Demand Types of Videography Services Are in My Area?
Explore job boards and freelance platforms with filters set to your desired areas. Research local industry groups or gatherings, attend seminars or workshops. You can also use online tools like Google Trends and other social media platforms to locate online communities of other videographers.
Should I Specialize in One Type of Videography or Offer a Range of Services?
If you want a diverse income stream or specialize in a videography niche that can’t generate the revenue you need, offering a range of services is best. If the type of videography service you provide can support your business growth goals and requires a considerable amount of expertise and reputation-building, specializing is the better strategy.
How Do I Determine My Pricing Structure for Different Types of Videography Services?
Research what other videographers or similar professionals are charging in your area. Understand and track your costs or investments, like equipment, software, props, studio/office rental, and the time you actually spend in pre-production, filming, and post-production. You can then use this information to help you determine how you want to charge, such as hourly rates, flat fees based on time or project type, or project-specific pricing.
