Since its introduction to social media, video content has been a crucial part of our lives. Whether it’s a way to share experiences, educate audiences, or communicate, everyone relies on video to stay connected and up to date.
Platforms like Vimeo (2004), YouTube (2005), Twitch (2011), Vine (2013), and TikTok (2016) have made visual content the core of their business and have forced other platforms to adapt to visual content as well.
Nowadays, it is rare to find a social media platform that does not accept video content. With people spending more time watching videos online than ever, video content is important for anyone wanting to be online.
Is Video Better Than Text or Images?
Overall, humans are visual creatures. According to a study and infographic by iScribblers, “Visuals are processed 60,000 times faster than text, and it takes twice as long to process and recognize words.”
Videos are more engaging than static images or text-based content because they capture attention quickly and convey information in a digestible, entertaining way.
Besides the actual research done on this, there is a ton of Social Media data that backs up the performance of Video content over other forms of visual content:
- Reels account for 50% of time spent on Instagram (Adam Connel)
- In 2023, social video app TikTok had approximately 102 million users in the United States. This figure is projected to increase by over five percent year-over-year, reaching 107.8 million users in 2024 (Statista)
- 82% of people have been convinced to buy a product or service by watching a video (wyzowl)
Short-Form vs. Long-Form Video: Which is Better?
Deciding between short-form and long-form video is more complicated than it seems. Ultimately, the decision will depend on your goals, audience, message, and platform. Both formats have advantages and can be highly effective, but understanding when and how to use each is key to maximizing your video content’s impact.
Short-Form Video: Quick, Snackable Content
Short-form video typically lasts under 60 seconds, with platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts leading the charge. This format is perfect for capturing attention quickly, delivering bite-sized content that audiences can engage with while scrolling through their feeds. The goal here is to grab your audience’s attention and encourage interaction.
Short-form videos usually have higher engagement, are great for building brand awareness, and have a higher virality rate (when was the last time you saw a 30-minute video go viral? Never!); however, the challenge with short-form video is that it limits how much information you can convey. It’s ideal for quick tips, product teases, or playful content but not for more in-depth storytelling or complex topics.
Long-Form Video: Depth and Detail
On the other hand, long-form video content—anything from 2 minutes to an hour or more—offers the chance to dive deep into a subject. Platforms like YouTube, Vimeo, and even Facebook support long-form content, which is excellent for detailed tutorials, product demonstrations, interviews, webinars, or storytelling that requires more context.
Long-form videos can be used for in-depth storytelling, keep your audience engaged for longer, and even benefit your SEO: platforms like YouTube prioritize content that keeps viewers on the platform longer, which can help your long-form videos reach a wider audience.
The trade-off with long-form content is that it requires more effort to keep viewers engaged. You need a clear narrative or purpose, and the production quality should match the depth of the content to hold attention.
Ultimately, the most effective video marketing strategy often combines short- and long-form video content. Short-form videos can spark interest and drive engagement, while long-form videos can deepen relationships and provide comprehensive information.
By understanding your audience’s preferences and balancing both formats, you can create a dynamic video marketing strategy that delivers results across multiple platforms.
What is stopping you from jumping into creating more video content?
