Rise Of Short-Form Video Content

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Everyone enjoys watching videos. In order to succeed as a business and meet the varied needs of your audience, you must take advantage of the growing popularity of video content. Prospects desire video content, according to data, 93% of marketers who use it feel it is an essential component of their marketing plan, and 86% of organizations utilize it as a strong marketing tool.

Therefore, if you are not employing video content, you are taking a risk since your competitors, who are video competent, are dominating the market. Although consumers do prefer video content, short video clips have recently gained popularity for a variety of reasons. As social media channels grow, short-form video is given more priority. People like watching short clips on their smartphones.

Why short form video content?

The emergence of YouTube and Vimeo as well-liked platforms for providing user-generated video material in the early 2000s represents the beginning of the short form video market. Short-form video content first became popular in 2010, when social media platforms like Instagram, Vine, and TikTok started to take off.

Because short-form videos can be shared easily and quickly in addition to being watched by viewers, platforms prioritize them. While Instagram started allowing 15-second video posts in 2013, Vine is known for its 6-second looping videos.

Due to the widespread usage of mobile devices, the use of these short videos has increased substantially. Such video content doesn’t require a lot of time or focus to watch while on the run. Users may now create and share movies up to 60 seconds in length through platforms like TikTok, which was introduced in 2016.

This increased the popularity of short video content. Short, interesting videos are also prioritized by TikTok’s algorithmic feed and “For You” tab, which has helped the platform become more well-known. Hence many platforms are promoting the use of short form video content which is liked by their audience.

Should you Capitalize on this trend?

Short-form video material is vying for your attention everywhere you look. This brief style, usually lasting no more than 60 seconds, has become increasingly popular as viewers’ demands for value and immediate gratification grow.

It’s not surprising that 24% of viewers only watch videos longer than 20 minutes when attention spans will only last an average of 8.25 seconds in 2022. Short-form videos are ideal for social media and extending brand reach because they have a higher shareability factor.

In fact, according to 75% of participants in a recent Content Marketing Predictions poll, the video will be the most popular type of content in 2023, with short-form video being the most often cited tactic. So, it’s time to capitalize on this trend.

Advantages of Short-Form Video Content

For good reason, short-form videos have become more and more popular in recent years. Following are some benefits of this format that both people and companies are embracing:

  • Addressing the viewers’ limited attention span: People in today’s fast-paced society are exposed to a lot of information from numerous sources. Because of this, consumers’ attention spans are getting shorter, offering marketers a shorter window of opportunity to grab their attention. Delivering interesting and comprehensible content in a short amount of time is a powerful approach to swiftly capturing consumers’ attention.
  • Simple to consume: Short-form videos are often under a minute in length, as opposed to long-form videos, which can take hours to view. Since people frequently watch videos on their mobile devices, they are the perfect fit for this. Short-form videos are ideal for people who are busy and don’t have the patience or time to view long videos because they may be rapidly devoured.
  • Interesting: Short-form videos are made to be interesting and attention-grabbing, with intriguing information. To make their videos stand out, creators incorporate a variety of visual and aural aspects. Short-form video has gained popularity because to social media sites like TikTok and Instagram, which give producers a platform to promote their work with a large and active audience.
  • Cost-effective: Producing short-form videos is typically less expensive than long-form video production. Creators can easily record and edit high-quality videos on a budget with less equipment and time needed. As a result, it’s a great choice for companies and people who wish to develop video content without spending a lot of money.
  • Ideal for creating video content on a budget: Short-form videos are a great choice for companies and people wishing to produce video content on a tight budget. For start-ups, small firms, and solopreneurs who lack the funding to create pricey long-form videos, this format is ideal. They can effectively and cost-effectively reach their target audience by using short-form video advertising.

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Short-Form Video Trends to Watch in 2023

Social media platforms have been dominated by short-form videos in recent years, and this trend is not expected to change. In fact, the popularity of short-form video content is expected to increase in 2023, according to HubSpot’s most recent study on marketing strategy and trends. 90% of marketers around the world intend to keep or raise their short-form video spending this year.

Knowing the most recent short-form video trends is crucial if you work for a brand or create content. To increase your participation in 2023, be aware of the following trends and best practices:

1. Focus on vertical videos:

As we move further into 2023, a potential strategy for creators and marketers alike could be to focus on vertical videos.

Vertical videos, or videos shot in portrait mode, are becoming increasingly popular due to the rise of mobile devices and the way users consume content on them. According to a study by Wibbitz, vertical videos have a 90% higher completion rate than horizontal videos, which means users are more likely to watch the entire video. Vertical videos also offer a more immersive experience for viewers, as they take up more screen real estate on mobile devices. This can help capture the viewer’s attention and keep them engaged with the content.

In terms of social media platforms, Instagram has already embraced vertical videos with its Reels feature, which allows users to create and share short-form videos in portrait mode. TikTok, another popular platform, also heavily features vertical videos. One potential strategy for creators and marketers could be to create content specifically for vertical videos. This could involve adapting existing content to fit the vertical format or creating new content that is designed to be viewed in portrait mode.

For example, a fashion brand could create vertical videos showcasing its latest collection, with each outfit modeled in portrait mode to give viewers a full-length view. A restaurant could create vertical videos showcasing its signature dishes, with close-up shots of the food and the chef preparing it.

2. Leverage user-generated content

User-generated content (UGC) has become an increasingly popular content strategy in recent years, as it allows brands to create more authentic and engaging content while also tapping into the creativity of their audience. In 2023, short-form video content is expected to be the dominant format, making it a prime opportunity for brands to leverage UGC as part of their content strategy.

Short-form video content, defined as videos that are 60 seconds or less, is becoming increasingly popular with younger audiences who prefer to consume content quickly and on-the-go. Platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts have emerged as leaders in this space, providing users with a platform to create and share short-form video content with millions of viewers.

One of the main benefits of using UGC as part of a short-form video content strategy is that it allows brands to tap into the creativity of their audience. By encouraging users to create their own videos and share them with the brand’s community, brands can generate a wealth of content that is not only more authentic but also more engaging.

UGC can also help brands build stronger relationships with their audience by giving them a sense of ownership and involvement in the brand’s content. When users see their own content featured on a brand’s social media channels or website, they are more likely to feel a sense of loyalty and connection to the brand.

In addition to these benefits, using UGC as part of a short-form video content strategy can also help brands save time and money on content creation. Rather than having to create all of their own content from scratch, brands can rely on their audience to generate a significant amount of content on their behalf.

To encourage users to create and submit UGC, brands can offer incentives such as shoutouts, prizes, or the opportunity to be featured on the brand’s social media channels. They can also leverage user-generated hashtags and challenges to encourage participation and generate buzz around their brand.

3. Collaborate with influencers:

Collaborating with influencers has been a popular marketing strategy for quite some time now. Influencer marketing involves partnering with individuals who have a large following on social media, to promote a brand, product, or service. In recent years, the rise of short-form video content platforms such as TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts has led to a shift in the way influencer marketing is done. Brands are now collaborating with influencers to create short-form video content that is engaging, shareable, and relevant to their target audience.

One of the main advantages of collaborating with influencers for short-form video content is the ability to reach a wider audience. Influencers have established followings on various social media platforms, and by partnering with them, brands can tap into these audiences and promote their products or services. With short-form video content, the potential for virality is even higher, as these videos are designed to be easily shareable and can spread quickly across social media platforms.

Another advantage of collaborating with influencers for short-form video content is the ability to create content that is authentic and relatable. Influencers are experts at creating content that resonates with their followers, and by working with them, brands can create content that feels genuine and authentic. Short-form video content is particularly effective for this, as it allows for quick and easy storytelling that can capture the attention of viewers in a matter of seconds.

In addition to the benefits of reach and authenticity, collaborating with influencers for short-form video content also offers the opportunity for creativity and innovation. Influencers are often at the forefront of new trends and are experts at creating content that is fresh and engaging. By partnering with them, brands can tap into this creativity and create content that is not only effective but also unique and memorable.

4. Experiment with new formats

As we move into 2023, it’s clear that short-form video content has become an increasingly popular medium for consuming information and entertainment. Social media platforms such as TikTok and Instagram have made it easier than ever for individuals and businesses to create and share engaging video content. However, with the abundance of short-form video content available online, it can be difficult for brands to stand out from the crowd. One effective strategy for cutting through the noise is to experiment with new formats.

The key to success with short-form video content is to capture attention quickly and convey a message efficiently. This requires careful consideration of both the format and the content. Brands that are willing to experiment with new formats will have an advantage over those that stick to traditional approaches. By innovating and testing new formats, brands can create more engaging and memorable content that resonates with their audience.

One format that has emerged in recent years is vertical video. This format, which is designed specifically for mobile devices, allows brands to take advantage of the full screen space on smartphones. Vertical videos are particularly effective for storytelling and capturing attention, as they allow for a more immersive viewing experience. Brands can experiment with different types of vertical video content, such as behind-the-scenes footage, product demonstrations, or user-generated content.

Another format that is gaining popularity is interactive video. This type of content allows viewers to engage with the video in real-time, providing a more personalized and engaging experience. Brands can experiment with interactive video in a variety of ways, such as adding clickable elements, polls, or quizzes to the video. Interactive video can be particularly effective for educational content, as it allows viewers to engage with the material and test their knowledge.

Live video is another format that has become increasingly popular in recent years. Live video allows brands to connect with their audience in real-time, providing a more authentic and personal experience. Brands can experiment with different types of live video content, such as product launches, Q&A sessions, or behind-the-scenes tours. Live video is particularly effective for building trust and loyalty with audiences, as it allows for direct interaction with viewers.

Finally, short-form video content can also be used in conjunction with other formats to create more engaging and immersive experiences. For example, brands can use short-form video content to create teasers or previews for longer-form video content, such as webinars or documentaries. This approach allows brands to capture attention quickly and generate interest in their longer-form content.

5. Create snackable content

As we enter 2023, the world of content creation continues to evolve rapidly. One trend that has gained significant traction in recent years is the rise of snackable content, particularly in the form of short-form video. This type of content is characterized by its brevity, typically ranging from a few seconds to a few minutes in length, and its ability to quickly capture the viewer’s attention.

Snackable content has become increasingly popular due to its ease of consumption, shareability, and ability to provide quick bursts of entertainment or information. For content creators, this presents an opportunity to create engaging content that can reach a wide audience while also catering to the ever-shrinking attention spans of consumers.

Short-form video content, in particular, has become a staple of many social media platforms, including TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. These platforms have made it easy for anyone to create and share their own short videos, leading to a flood of content that has captured the attention of millions.

One of the primary benefits of creating snackable content is the ability to tell a story or convey a message in a concise and memorable way. With limited time and attention, creators must focus on the most impactful elements of their content, leading to more engaging and memorable experiences for viewers.

For brands, snackable content provides a unique opportunity to connect with consumers and build brand awareness. By creating short videos that showcase their products, services, or values, brands can quickly and effectively communicate their message to a broad audience.

One of the keys to successful snackable content is the ability to capture attention quickly. Creators must focus on creating engaging visuals, using attention-grabbing music and sound effects, and incorporating humor or other elements that resonate with their audience.

Another important aspect of snackable content is its shareability. Short videos are easy to share on social media platforms, making it easy for viewers to share their favorite content with friends and family. This can lead to significant exposure for creators and brands, as their content is shared and viewed by a wider audience.

6. Optimize for discoverability

Short-form video content has become increasingly popular over the last few years, and it’s only going to become more important in 2023 as a content strategy. With platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts gaining popularity, optimizing for discoverability is critical if you want your short-form video content to be successful.

Optimizing for discoverability means creating content that is easy for users to find and engage with. This involves several different strategies, including keyword optimization, tagging, and utilizing relevant hashtags.

First and foremost, keyword optimization is crucial for discoverability. The title and description of your video should include keywords that are relevant to the content. This will make it easier for users to find your video when searching for content on a particular topic. You can also use keywords in your video’s caption to increase its visibility in search results.

Tagging is another important strategy for optimizing your short-form video content. Tags are keywords that you can add to your video to make it easier for users to find. You can add tags to your video when you upload it to a platform, and you should choose tags that are relevant to the content. This will help your video appear in the “related videos” section of the platform, increasing its visibility and engagement.

Hashtags are also critical for discoverability. They allow users to discover your content based on specific topics or trends. You should research trending hashtags related to your content and include them in your video’s caption or tags. This will increase the chances of your video appearing in the search results when users search for that particular hashtag.

Another way to optimize your short-form video content for discoverability is by creating content that is shareable. The more people that share your video, the more visibility it will get. You can encourage users to share your content by creating videos that are entertaining, informative, or visually appealing.

Finally, it’s essential to engage with your audience to increase discoverability. Responding to comments, liking and sharing other users’ content, and collaborating with other creators can all help increase your visibility on the platform purchase decision. By providing informative content that addresses consumer needs and concerns, brands can foster trust and build lasting relationships with their audience.

Short-Form Video Tips: Incorporating Them into Your Marketing Strategy

Short-form video has become an integral part of marketing strategies, with platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels gaining significant popularity. To effectively incorporate short-form video into your marketing plan, consider the following tips:

  • Keep it concise and engaging: Short-form videos are ideal for capturing viewers’ attention quickly. Ensure that your video is concise and delivers the message effectively. Keep it entertaining and engaging, so that viewers are compelled to watch it till the end.
  • Focus on storytelling: Storytelling is a powerful tool that can make your video memorable and shareable. Use your video to tell a story that resonates with your audience and leaves a lasting impression.
  • Leverage short form video trends and challenges: Take advantage of current short form video trends and challenges on the platform to create content that is relevant and engaging. Use trending hashtags and challenges to reach a wider audience and increase your video’s visibility, thus boosting your video marketing efforts.
  • Use captions and subtitles: Many social media users watch videos without sound, so it’s important to include captions or subtitles to ensure that your message is conveyed effectively.
  • Keep branding consistent: When working in short form video marketing, don’t forget to incorporate your brand’s visual elements, such as logo and colors, into your video to maintain consistency across all your marketing efforts.

By implementing these tips, you can create short-form videos that effectively communicate your brand’s message and engage your target audience.

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How can you incorporate short form video content in your marketing strategy?

Short-form videos are a common marketing tool for brands and companies of all sizes in today’s quick-paced digital era. These short, simple videos are a powerful tool for capturing viewers’ attention and conveying a message. The implementation of short-form videos into your marketing strategy, however, necessitates careful thought. Here are some guidelines to help you produce short videos that are effective and engaging and get results:

1. Keep it brief and interesting

Short-form videos are made to swiftly grab viewers’ attention. As a result, it’s critical that your video be brief, clear, and interesting. Make sure your topic is effectively conveyed and that your delivery is engaging and appealing enough to keep your audience’s attention throughout.

2. Accentuate your storytelling

A compelling tool for making your video shareable and memorable is storytelling. Use your short-form film to share a story with your viewers that they can relate to and will remember. This will not only keep your audience interested, but it will also enable deeper brand connections.

3. Take advantage of short-form video trends and issues

Utilizing current trends and challenges in short-form video on websites like TikTok and Instagram Reels is one of the best ways to engage your audience. Create compelling content by utilizing trending hashtags and challenges. As a result, your video marketing efforts will be strengthened as you are able to reach a larger audience and raise your film’s visibility.

4. Use subtitles and captions

To ensure that your content is effectively communicated, it’s crucial to add captions or subtitles in videos because many social media users watch them without sound. Additionally, by doing this, you’ll open up your video to a wider audience, including people who have hearing loss.

5. Maintain a consistent brand image

To maintain consistency throughout all of your marketing initiatives, don’t forget to include your brand’s visual aspects, such as your logo and colors, in your short-form movies. This will make your brand more immediately recognizable to your viewers and increase the recall value of your video.

Should you give short video content a chance ?

Yes, these short form videos should be given a chance. The ability of short-form videos to quickly communicate ideas to viewers is one of its biggest advantages. Marketers are compelled to present their message in a succinct and appealing way that is likely to capture the viewer’s attention because the majority of platforms only allow videos to be one minute or less in length. Short-form videos are therefore ideal for people who are constantly on the go because they may be readily seen during a brief break in their hectic day.

Short-form videos also have the chance to become popular online. Businesses may embrace the power of social media to reach a bigger audience and improve the visibility of their brand by using trending hashtags and viral challenges.

The videos are also simple to share, giving companies a low-cost way to market their brand. Incorporating short-form videos into marketing campaigns is essential for companies looking to make a name for themselves in the digital sphere.

These videos can be used to introduce new items, emphasize the distinctive qualities of your company, or just enthrall and engage your audience. Businesses can increase their brand’s online presence while staying current and relevant in their marketing efforts by utilizing the most recent trends and difficulties.

The bottom line is that short-form videos are a game-changer for companies trying to improve their online presence and engage with their target audience. These films provide organizations with a strong tool to effectively and succinctly communicate their brand’s message through the quick and entertaining messaging they deliver. Therefore, if you haven’t already, now is the time to try the short-form video format and up your marketing game.

Final Words:

In today’s digital age, video content has taken over as the most popular form of media used in marketing campaigns. With the rise of social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and Snapchat, short-form videos have become the latest trend in digital marketing, providing businesses with an effective means of reaching and engaging with their target audience.

Short-form videos are an efficient marketing strategy that can assist in capturing viewers’ attention and conveying your message clearly. With the help of these suggestions, you can produce brief videos that successfully convey your brand’s message and draw in your target market. Therefore, go ahead and include short-form videos in your marketing plan to increase engagement and expand your company.

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MTS Staff Writer

MarTech Series (MTS) is a business publication dedicated to helping marketers get more from marketing technology through in-depth journalism, expert author blogs and research reports.

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