A few years ago now, Jenny Abamu left the education beat — and journalism — for what she thought was going to be forever.
On her way out the door, she gave The Grade a frank interview about her experiences on the job — an illustration of her insight and candor that remains valuable to this day.
Eventually, Abamu returned to journalism — this time as a politics and government reporter — and last year she launched a TikTok to supplement her coverage and published a piece about why she was making the move.
A year later, Abamu is back to talk about the challenges and — mostly — successes that she’s experienced making vertical videos as part of her coverage.
She’s got nearly 14,000 followers on TikTok, and her most popular videos have generated tens of thousands of views.
Watch the interview or read the transcript above (or on YouTube).
Listen to the conversation on Spotify or Apple.
Among the many lessons that Abamu shared from her experience:
People want to know what you’ve found out; they just don’t want to have to look elsewhere for it.
Daily or near-daily videos help build momentum and community.
Vertical video helps win readers and generate new sources and story ideas.
Ninety seconds is a good length for vertical video — not too long, not too short.
Original stories work a lot better than roundups.
Writing a script takes time — but it also can save time (and prevent mistakes).
Putting something out on social media can help generate tips, sources, and inform the final product.
Set a time limit for working on each video or you’ll edit it all night.
Don’t worry about being scooped; it doesn’t happen (or matter) as much as you may think.
Be prepared to be recognized in public, and maybe even hugged?
Don’t start with fancy equipment or try to make too many edits.
It’s OK — or even good — to be doing something else (cooking, walking to the car) while you’re talking to your audience.
People want to feel like they know you through your videos.
Think about vertical video as telling a story to an interested friend, not the anonymous masses.
If you want to get fancy, pull in a screenshot of the story you’re talking about — or a meme you find relevant and amusing.
The first few seconds of your video are the hook that determines whether folks stay or keep scrolling, so pay attention like you would to a good headline.
The initial awkwardness of recording yourself on camera can turn into a kind of intimacy with your audience.
Your videos will generate sources, tidbits, and scoops.
Previously from The Grade
Why I finally joined TikTok (and you probably should, too)
Star reporter Jenny Abamu explains why she left journalism — and ways to fix education news
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