A Micro-Skit as Citizen Journalism: A Multimodal Discourse Analysis of Short-Form Video Aesthetics on Nigerian TikTok and Instagram Reels

This study examined how short-form video creators used satirical and sarcastic micro-skits as a form of citizen journalism in Nigeria. The study was anchored on three basic theories: Media Ecology, Social Semiotic Multimodality, and Participatory Culture. Using a Multimodal Discourse Analysis framework, supplemented by descriptive quantitative content analysis, the research examined how digital micro-skit creators deployed visual, auditory, textual, kinetic, linguistic, and editing aesthetics to document social realities, critique political governance, and circumvent mainstream media censorship. The research analysed a stratified sample of 80 micro-skits (TikTok Micro-Skits: N = 40; Instagram Reels: N = 40) produced by Oga Sabinus, Taaooma, Brain Jotter, and Mr Macaroni between January 1 and June 30, 2026. Using a mixed-methods content analysis (quantitative and qualitative), the study discovered 9 emergent civic themes, 7 visual technical metrics, 9 linguistic modes, 12 literary codes, 12 editing elements, and 11 auditory variables. The quantitative findings showed that platform design significantly affected creative choices. TikTok was dominated by high-density production elements, featuring a higher use of Trending Sounds (77.5%) and Comedic Zooms (82.5%). Conversely, Instagram Reels leaned towards longer narrative structures, showing a higher presence of Continuous Background Music (70%) and Medium Shots (55%). Qualitatively, the study demonstrated how digital creators combined sound and imagery to critique complex socio-political issues, such as Economic Survival, Corruption & Accountability. By blending local cultural styles with platform-specific tools, these creators, transitioning from ordinary comedic entertainers into vital digital archivists, turned short digital comedy into an effective platform for public critique and civic expression.