Public health agencies do not need a film crew or a multi-step production schedule in order to create compelling video content. Sometimes, a 30-second Reel filmed on a phone is exactly the right tool.

Here are 10 public health topics that are perfect for Reels:

1. “Do This, Not That” Health Tips

Simple side-by-side advice works well on Reels.

Examples:

“Do this: wash your hands for 20 seconds. Not that: quick rinse and go.”

“Do this: stay home when you have a fever. Not that: power through and infect the office.”

2. Seasonal Illness Reminders

Flu, COVID, RSV, norovirus and tick season all need repeated messaging. Reels are great for quick seasonal nudges before people tune out the longer advisories.

3. Vaccine Clinic Promos

A quick Reel showing the location, date, time and what to bring can do more than a text-heavy flyer. Show the entrance, the check-in table and a friendly staff member waving people in.

4. Myth vs. Fact

Public health agencies live in a world of rumors, half-truths and Facebook science. Reels are perfect for simple myth-busting.

“Myth: The flu shot gives you the flu.”

“Fact: It does not.”

Keep it calm. Keep it direct.

5. Food Safety Tips

Food safety content is made for short video. Show how to use a meat thermometer, how to store leftovers, how long food can sit out, or why you should not wash raw chicken in the sink.

6. Mosquito and Tick Prevention

A quick “check yourself after being outdoors” Reel can be incredibly useful. Show socks over pants, EPA-registered repellent, standing water being dumped and where ticks like to hide.

7. Behind-the-Scenes Public Health Work

Most residents have no idea what public health departments actually do. Show inspectors, nurses, epidemiologists, emergency preparedness staff and health educators doing their jobs.

This builds trust before the next crisis.

8. Emergency Preparedness Reminders

Make Reels about go kits, cooling centers, warming centers, power outage safety, extreme heat, flooding, sheltering and evacuation basics.

Public health agencies should not wait until the emergency to teach the public how to respond.

9. “One-Minute Explainers”

Some public health concepts need translation into normal human language.

Examples:

“What is contact tracing?”

“What does wastewater surveillance mean?”

“What is a boil water order?”

“What is a public health advisory?”

10. Staff Faces and Voices

Trust is easier when residents recognize the people speaking to them. Let the public health nurse, inspector, director or outreach worker explain one practical thing in plain English.

No script full of jargon. No podium. Just a person helping people.

Bottom Line

Reels are not mini-documentaries. They are not PSAs. They are quick, human, practical pieces of communication.

For public health agencies, the best Reels answer one question:

“What does the public need to know, do or understand right now?”