Boost Your Brand: 5 Reasons to Use Short-Form Videos

Over the last decade, the short-form video format has surged in popularity. Some would say it began back in 2013 when Vine first hit the scene and then in 2016 when Instagram Stories became all the rage. Then TikTok entered the chat and stole the show in 2020 as the most downloaded app in the world with a staggering 850 million downloads worldwide.

During COVID, screen time and social media usage surged – what else was there to do besides learn to make sourdough, teach ourselves to play guitar, and master silly dance routines?

This boom of media consumption made short-form video content even more valuable as the demand for bite-sized consumable content increased and our attentions spans waved “buh-bye”.

Keep reading to see why we think this format has exploded, why it’s got staying power, and why your company should consider incorporating it into your marketing strategy.

There have been a few studies over the past two decades that have focused on our shrinking attention spans and ability (or inability) to focus on a task for long periods of time. In fact, one study said that the average amount of time a person would spend on one screen dropped from 2.5 minutes to just 47 seconds (as of the early 2000’s).

Is this a result of the overwhelming amount of content available at our fingertips, the pressures of keeping up with work and personal notifications, and the constant lure of social media? I know I used to sit through an entire movie without playing on my phone – now, not so much!

Short-form videos play into this by delivering quick bursts of entertainment or information, triggering a dopamine response and encouraging us to consume content more rapidly. It’s a powerful way to snatch attention and deliver a key message – whether it’s a new product, client testimonial, or an instructional “How-To” video – before viewers lose interest and move on.

In the words of Maximus Decimus Meridius from Gladiator, “Are you not entertained?” The answer is we are, and we want even more. That is why user and engagement rates on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube continue to climb – they were built for entertainment.

These platforms allow you to showcase your products and services to a global audience in a fun and engaging way that is easily digestible and constantly available. According to HubSpot’s 2024 Video Marketing Report, short-form videos have proven to have a higher ROI than any other media format. By utilizing this tool, you can tap into trending topics, boost visibility, target a broader audience, and connect with new customers. Short-form video is also easily shareable, which broadens your reach – #GoViral.

Got a cell phone or basic camera equipment? Then you are all set to create a 30-60 second video reel. Short-form is not only easier to produce than traditional long-form content but can also be more budget-friendly. Just upload your footage into tools such as Canva, Adobe Express, CapCut, or just use the built-in editing features found in most social media platforms. Add a few creative touches – scene transitions, text, some trendy music – and you are ready to share your content with the world.

Want a few tips from the pros?

• Plan ahead: Write out what you want to say or how you want to engage your audience.
• Embrace natural lighting: No ring light needed! The “golden hour” early morning or late afternoon is your friend.
• Keep it clean: Too many crazy transitions can distract from your message.

These days, most browsing happens on our mobile devices. The magical, pocket-sized screens that let us stay connected no matter where we are. Short-form video content is tailor-made for this fast-paced, on-the-go experience. Whether you are in the doctor’s waiting room or on your subway commute, these short videos make the experience a heck of a lot more enjoyable.

If you are skilled at editing and optimizing your content to be mobile friendly, that’s fantastic! But if you are not sure how to frame your shot or choose the right transitions, then this is where a professional videographer can help. They will ensure that your video is perfectly framed, visually engaging, and captivating right from the first shot.

Our team specializes in crafting video content designed to shine on mobile screens. Whether you’re aiming for something simple or cinematic, we can help bring your vision to life with creative strategies and expert execution.

Businesses now have unparalleled opportunities to get their products in front of eyeballs and connect with a global audience in fun, creative, and engaging  ways. Condensing your content to meet a 60-second time limit pushes you to crystallize your message and get to the point.

By weaving in humor, music, or stunning visuals you can hook your viewers and drive home your brand’s unique personality. Connecting in this deeper way establishes a direct, authentic relationship with your viewer. This makes your brand more memorable and relatable and, in turn, fosters a sense of ownership on the part of the viewer – they identify with your story as if it were their own and become enthusiastic about watching it unfold to its happy, triumphant conclusion. That is the type of investment and brand loyalty that keep customers coming back for more.

People want authentic connections. As a competitive company in a sea of content and media platforms, short-form video is a powerhouse tool for boosting brand awareness, increasing sales, and expanding your marketing reach. It’s time to recognize that these videos are more than fun and frivolous bits of entertainment – they are a critical part of any successful marketing strategy.

We understand that not everyone has the resources to bring these ideas to life. That’s where we step in! Partnering with a professional videographer unlocks new opportunities and fresh ideas. High-quality videos don’t just look great – they drive engagement, build trust, and convert loyal viewers into established customers. You focus on what you want to convey, and we’ll handle the rest!

Ready to take your marketing to the next level with short-form videos? Get in touch with our expert videography team today to start creating compelling content that stands out in the digital landscape.