Too many artists are dropping 20-second “teasers” that show the whole thing: the main scene, the beat, full bars. That’s not teasing—that’s oversharing. If fans have already seen the scene and heard the song, why would they press play when the full version drops?
Here’s how to actually tease a music video in a way that creates curiosity, builds momentum, and increases reach—without giving it all away.
Table of Contents
Teasers Are for Artists With a Real Fanbase
Let’s be honest: if no one’s checking for you, a teaser won’t magically create demand. Teasers are a powerful tool—but only for artists with a growing, organic fanbase. Without that, you’re just tossing content into the void.
If you don’t have real fans yet, focus on building community first. Then tease.
Keep It Under 10 Seconds—Always
The best video teasers are under 10 seconds. This isn’t just about attention spans—it’s about platform performance. Short videos tend to get higher average watch times, which means better reach on platforms like Instagram Reels and TikTok.
- Use fragments, not full scenes
- Pick one angle or element—never the whole moment
- Two teasers max, and each one should feel totally different
Always Use Vertical Format
Teasers should always be shot and posted in vertical format (9:16). Whether you’re dropping on Instagram Reels, TikTok, or YouTube Shorts, vertical video is how fans consume content. Horizontal is for the full drop—teasers are for scrollable, mobile-first delivery.
Vertical format = maximum reach where fans are actually watching.
Audio: Less Is More
Tease with a sliver of sound. That could be:
- A few words with no beat
- The beat with no words
- A vocal echo or effect
Whatever you do, don’t give them the hook or any memorable bars. The goal is to intrigue, not preview.
Show Fragments, Not Scenes
Don’t show your best shot. Don’t reveal the storyline. Just hint. Focus on a raised eyebrow. A close-up of a hand twitch. A split-second frame from the main scene—but not the whole thing.
People should walk away thinking, “I have no idea what this video is gonna be, but I know I want to see it.”
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