For Thanksgiving, Miami University created a short-form video centered on a single question: What or who are you thankful for? Rather than producing a scripted holiday message, the university elevated student voices. The video was filmed in a high-traffic campus location using a simple microphone setup and a handwritten sign inviting participation. Students shared heartfelt, funny, and deeply personal reflections, thanking friends, family, professors, and more. The approach prioritized emotional honesty, minimal production, and platform-native execution tailored for Instagram reels and TikTok. The video was shot vertically, edited with quick cuts to maintain attention, and subtitled for accessibility and silent viewing. Natural lighting, ambient sound, and a seasonal campus backdrop reinforced warmth and authenticity. Published on Nov. 26, the video invited viewers to reflect on gratitude alongside the Miami community. The results significantly exceeded performance benchmarks. On Instagram alone, the video generated 211,603 views, over 8,600 engagements, and more than 1,100 shares, with engagement rates reaching as high as 9% per impression. On TikTok, the video earned more than 37,300 views organically. Comments consistently praised the video.
From the Judges
Done on a shoestring, this Thanksgiving video demonstrated that quality holiday content is possible with minimal resources. Judges appreciated the well-chosen background, good framing, and simple, yet effective sign. The authentic responses resonated, with high views on social media.
