Predicting the success of a video in the social media environment is hard to do. However, the fact that more than two billion videos are downloaded ever day on YouTube alone makes crafting online videos a priority for your 2012 marketing plans.

Here are three tips that I believe will make the chances your video will be seen a bit higher:

1. Keep it Short & Start Strong -

People in social media have very short attention spans, so create a compelling opening and shoot for videos with a run time of 30-40 seconds. Facts are that the attrition rate for watching an online video after 30 seconds is roughly 82%.

2. Make it Simple & Sharable -

Humans can process no more than three simple messages in a short time frame and make sure that the proposition of the video will capture of your target audience’s interests. Make the video so compelling or entertaining that your target will want to share it with others within their circle of influence. Don’t forget to share the video in LinkedIn groups that you are a member of, Stumble Upon and other social media outlets.

3. A Clear Call To Action -

So what does your target suppose to do when they watch the video? Go to your web site? Call someone? Simply share it with a friend? Be clear in what you want to happen when they like what you have produced.