Ready to book more gigs? Lead with media that instantly grabs an event planner’s attention. With a thoughtful promo video, you can spotlight your skills, let your personality shine, and give potential clients a front-row seat to what makes your act truly unforgettable.
The importance of videos
Video is the most popular form of media consumed today, and for good reason. It grabs attention quickly, tells a story visually, and helps potential clients connect with your personality, style, and professionalism before they ever reach out. A strong video can showcase your talent better than any description or photo, giving event planners the confidence to know exactly what they’ll get when they book you.
On GigSalad, videos are an invaluable tool for landing gigs and standing out from the competition. Beyond highlighting your talent on your profile, videos work as an excellent addition to introductory messages sent to those requesting quotes. They add a warm, personal touch that helps planners feel confident and also quickly understand what you do.
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Types of videos to consider
It’s best to have a variety of videos showcasing your talent across different platforms, from social media to your GigSalad profile. Depending on where and how viewers will be watching, you can tailor the style and length to fit. Here are a few popular video ideas to consider:
🎞️ Highlight reel – Think of this as your greatest-hits montage. Combine short clips from a variety of performances to show your range, personality, and energy. Keep it dynamic, well-edited, and under three minutes so viewers stay engaged from start to finish.
🎤 Live performances – Capture the magic of the moment! Footage from actual gigs lets potential clients see audience reactions, real-time energy, and how you command a stage. Choose videos that feature great lighting, clear sound, and a lively crowd to help planners picture you at their own event.
🎥 Professional/high-quality videos – These include music videos, promotional shoots, or cinematic showcases created with professional equipment. They highlight your brand and artistry in a polished, visually stunning way, perfect for your website or press materials.
🏠 Staged private performances – If you don’t have live footage yet, set up a mock performance in a studio, rehearsal space, or even your living room. Focus on clean visuals, good lighting, and clear audio. This format gives you complete control over your presentation and is a great way to introduce your act to potential clients.
Video examples
See the different types of videos in action from some of our awesome GigSalad members. Use these as guides and inspiration when creating great media for your GigSalad profile, website, and social media.
🎞️ Highlight reels
Multi-instrumentalist Gio Barabadzé gives potential clients a highlight reel that hits every note of his versatility. From elegant solo classical performances to smooth jazz sets and lively DJ services, Gio showcases each side of his talent so viewers can see exactly what he brings to any event.
🎤 Live performances
Magic by Brielle features a short clip from a larger event that captures her in action — engaging the audience, sparking laughter, and leaving guests wide-eyed with wonder. By showing how naturally she connects with the crowd and fits into the flow of an event, potential clients can easily picture her at their own. The delighted reactions from her audience help build trust and make her magic feel real, even through the screen.
🎥 Professional high-quality videos
Jazz band, The Apollo Trio, turns up the class with a polished music video that highlights their smooth sound and stage presence. By including this professionally produced piece in their media kit, they not only showcase their musical skill but also signal that they’re ready for upscale events.
🏠 Staged private performances
A staged performance filmed at home can be surprisingly effective, and it makes updating your videos a breeze. Ventriloquist DC Mickan, for example, recorded a polished promo against a simple, solid-color backdrop, keeping the focus on his performance and personality rather than any background distractions.
Pro tips
Regardless of the type of entertainment or service provided, all great videos have a few elements in common. Consider the following tips to put your best foot forward and impress potential clients.
Do:
✅ Highlight each type of entertainment or service you offer with clear examples. Show variety while keeping each clip cohesive.
✅ Keep videos short and engaging. Aim for 1–3 minutes for promotional content — long enough to show your skills but short enough to keep viewers watching.
✅ Show audience reactions. Laughter, applause, or smiles help potential clients imagine the energy you bring to their event.
✅ Use captions. Many people watch with the sound off, especially on mobile devices. Include captions to reach a larger audience.
✅ Be authentic. A well-shot video that captures your true talent and personality will always outshine something overproduced but impersonal.
Don’t:
🚫 Assume you need to spend a lot of money. While a professionally made video is money well spent, you can create great media on a limited budget.
🚫 Use low-quality footage. Poor lighting, blurry footage, or shaky videos can make even the best acts look unprofessional.
🚫 Overload the video. Be careful not to overuse text, effects, or music that distracts from your performance.
🚫 Forget to include a call to action. End with your name and how to book you.
🚫 Create one video and move on. Refresh your videos periodically to keep your content current and exciting.
🌟 Want inspo and gigging tips from GigSalad members? Read this: Expert Advice for the New Year from Successful GigSalad Members
A professional, well-crafted promo video can open the door to more gigs and reach a bigger audience. With a little planning, personality, and polish, your talent will speak for itself and leave a lasting impression. 🎥✨
Ready to show off your talent? Create a free profile on GigSalad today and start getting leads from event planners near you.
Matt Holland is a Customer Happiness Agent at GigSalad. With 10+ years of experience performing as a jazz drummer, he has gained insights into the life of a gigging musician as well as what makes an event go off without a hitch. Outside of work, he enjoys traveling, hiking, reading, cooking, and watching the newest TV shows with his wife.