Why Will Short-Form Video Dominate in 2023?

Are you tired of sifting through endless hours of long-form video content? Do you find yourself losing interest in videos that drag on and on? If so, you're not alone. 

As attention spans continue to dwindle and mobile devices dominate our daily lives, short-form video is set to take over the digital landscape in 2023. Bite-sized videos that capture and hold viewer attention are becoming the new standard for digital content, and it's time to embrace the power of this trend. 

In this article, we'll explore why short-form video is poised to dominate the video marketing trends in 2023, and what you can do to stay ahead of the curve in the fast-paced world of online media.

The Beginning and the Rise of Short Form Content Platforms

Short-form video has become increasingly popular in recent years due to several factors, including the rise of social media platforms that prioritize short-form video content and increased consumption of video content on mobile devices.

The history of short-form video can be traced back to the early 2000s, when platforms like YouTube and Vimeo emerged as popular destinations for user-generated video content. However, the rise of social media platforms like Vine, Instagram, and TikTok in the 2010s led to a significant increase in the popularity of short-form video content.

These platforms prioritized short, easily consumable videos that could be shared quickly and easily. Vine, for example, was known for its six-second looping videos, while Instagram introduced 15-second video posts in 2013.

As mobile devices became more prevalent, the consumption of video content on these devices increased dramatically. Short-form video content was particularly well-suited to mobile consumption, as it could be quickly consumed on the go without requiring significant time or attention.

Platforms like TikTok, which launched in 2016, have further popularized short-form video content, with users now able to create and share videos up to 60 seconds in length. TikTok's algorithmic feed and "For You" page also prioritize short, engaging videos, leading to a surge in popularity for the platform.

Advantages of Short-Form Video Content

Short-form videos have become increasingly popular in recent years, and for good reason. Let's explore the advantages of short-form video and why businesses and individuals alike are embracing this format!

• Cater to the decreasing attention span of viewers: In today's world, people are often bombarded with information from multiple sources, making it challenging to focus for extended periods. In fact, attention spans are shortening leaving marketers with 2.7 seconds to capture audiences. Short-form videos are an effective way to deliver content that is easily consumable, engaging, and attention-grabbing. This format caters to the decreasing attention span of viewers by delivering concise and engaging messages that can be quickly understood.
• More easily consumable than long-form videos: Unlike long-form videos, which can take anywhere from a few minutes to several hours to watch, short-form videos are generally under a minute in length. This makes them easier to consume, especially on mobile devices, where people tend to watch videos while on the go. Short-form videos can be consumed quickly, making them perfect for busy people who don't have the time or patience to sit through long videos.
• Ability to capture and hold viewer attention: Short-form videos are designed to capture and hold viewer attention. Creators use eye-catching visuals, sound effects, and other elements to make their videos stand out from the crowd. Social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram have also embraced short-form video, creating an environment where creators can share their content with a vast and engaged audience.
• Cost-effective to produce high-quality video content: Short-form videos are generally less expensive to produce than long-form videos. Creators can shoot and edit videos quickly and with less equipment, making it easier to produce high-quality video content on a budget. This makes it an ideal format for businesses and individuals who want to create video content without breaking the bank. Whether you want to edit short YouTube videos or Instagram Reels, you can do it super easily.
• Ideal for businesses and individuals looking to create video content without breaking the bank: Short-form videos are a great option for businesses and individuals looking to create video content on a budget. It's an ideal format for startups, small businesses, and solopreneurs who don't have the resources to produce expensive long-form videos. Short-form video advertising can help them get their message across to their target audience in a way that's engaging and cost-effective.

Current Trends in Short Form Video

Short-form video content is rapidly evolving, with new trends emerging regularly. In this section, we'll explore some of the current trends in short-form video!

• Use of User-Generated Content (UGC): With the rise of social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram, user-generated content has become a critical component of short-form video content. UGC is authentic, relatable, and often showcases the creativity and personality of the creator. Brands are now incorporating UGC into their marketing strategies, leveraging it to create engaging and personalized content that resonates with their target audience.
• Adoption of Vertical Video Format: The vertical video format, once considered taboo, is now widely accepted and has even become the preferred format for short-form video content. This format is ideally suited for mobile devices and social media platforms, where users tend to hold their phones vertically. The vertical format allows for a more immersive viewing experience, with full-screen visuals and fewer distractions. This is a popular video format for YouTube Shorts, Instagram Reels, or TikTok. If you want to turn your landscape video into a vertical one, you can easily do so with the help of an online video editor.
• Emergence of Short-Form Video Platforms like TikTok: Short-form video platforms like TikTok have disrupted the video content landscape, creating a new generation of influencers and content creators. These platforms offer a range of creative tools and features that allow creators to produce highly engaging and visually stunning content. As a result, more brands are now leveraging these platforms to reach a younger, highly engaged audience.
• Branded challenges:TikTok's branded hashtag challenges have transformed marketing strategies by providing an innovative and captivating way to engage with audiences. These challenges encourage participation from the TikTok community and leverage popular trends to create content that is creative and exciting. As a result, brands are able to aggregate user-generated content and connect with their target audience in a more authentic and compelling way.
• Educational Content: Utilizing educational animated explainer videos is an effective method to communicate complex concepts and sensitive topics to diverse audiences. By prioritizing educational content in their marketing plan, brands have the potential to generate more leads and strengthen customer loyalty. When an explainer video is skillfully produced, it has the ability to sway customers who are contemplating a 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.

Ready to Give the Short Form Video Format a Chance?

Video content has become an indispensable component of marketing campaigns owing to its numerous benefits and trendsetting nature. Without it, campaigns may lack completeness. From enhancing brand awareness to engaging with customers and conveying messages quickly, videos offer a range of benefits that traditional marketing approaches cannot match. 

For businesses seeking to bolster their online presence, short-form videos can be a game-changer, providing a speedy and effective means of conveying messages and promoting brand awareness.

If you're looking to take your marketing game to the next level, consider incorporating engaging video content into your campaigns!