Why vertical wins
The phone screen is vertical, and that’s where most time on social media is spent. A 9:16 video fills the whole screen, captures full attention and the algorithm pushes it to more people. A photo competes with the thumb; a good video stops it.
The 30-second structure
- Second 0-2: the hook. The car entering the frame or the price big on screen.
- Second 3-15: a visual tour — exterior, wheels, interior, screen, boot.
- Second 15-25: the closing detail — mileage, year, warranty, financing.
- Second 25-30: call to action — “Message us on WhatsApp”.
How to film it with a phone
You don’t need a professional camera. Phone in portrait, stabilised with a cheap gimbal or well propped up, natural light (best early or late in the day), slow and clean movements. Film more than you need and keep the best.
Use music from the app itself (it boosts reach) but always add subtitles: most people watch with no volume. Without on-screen text, you lose half the message.
Reuse one video in four places
The same Reel works for Instagram, TikTok and YouTube Shorts. And an 8-second cut is perfect for a WhatsApp status. Film once, post four times: that’s how you build volume without burning out.
Vertical video is the cheapest, fastest way to show stock in motion. Don’t chase studio perfection: chase consistency, good light and a hook in the first two seconds.