We’re in the middle of the content world changing—and it’s being driven by videos in under 60 seconds. From TikTok to Instagram Reels to YouTube Shorts, short-form video is taking over the digital world. If you’re a brand, content creator, or marketer, adapting to this trend is essential.
3 Reasons Why Short-Form Video Works
- Instant Gratification: In a world of endless scrolling and shrinking attention spans, quick videos that deliver entertainment or value fast—often in just 15 seconds satisfy a user long enough to either be intrigued or not interested.
- Platform Push: TikTok rewrote the rules with short form videos and now Instagram and YouTube are heavily promoting Reels and Shorts, making them powerful tools to gain and discover what’s going on.
- Higher Engagement: Short-form content sees higher engagement rates than traditional videos. Why? Well, it’s quick to consume and easy to share, so becoming viral doesn’t seem that hard when short form content is taking over
What are the apps leading in short form content?
TikTok, known for trends, authenticity, and algorithms like no other, is perfect for building brand personality and reaching the younger crowd as 40% of the GenZ population use TikTok to search for information instead of using Google.
Instagram offers reels, a platform where creators have access to create up to 90-second vertical videos that are put across users feed, explore page, and Reels tab, making them easier to discover. With built-in editing tools, trending audio, and cross-posting to Facebook, Reels is a powerful tool for both creators and brands to grow their reach organically.
YouTube was late to the game with their extended platform YouTube Shorts. This platform allows creators to share vertical videos up to 60 seconds long, designed for mobile and specifically to be featured on the YouTube app. Supported by YouTube’s powerful algorithm and monetization tools, Shorts helps creators reach new audiences and grow faster than ever.
How to Win with Short-Form
- Your Hook: You have 1–3 seconds to stop the scroll. Start strong with something visual, funny, or emotionally gripping.
- Stay Consistent: Post regularly. These platforms reward consistency, and audiences remember brands that show up often this builds a peak in interest and can lead to more trustworthy customers
- Work smarter not harder: One video to three platforms. Make slight tweaks to format and your word play can extend your content’s life and reach.
- Stay up to date with trends: Using trending sounds, challenges, and hashtags strategically and in line with your brand’s image can help grow your account.
Companies who have won using these platforms:
- Duolingo: Blew up on TikTok by turning their mascot into a meme machine.
- Nike: Uses Reels for storytelling that aligns sports, culture, and motivation.
- Creator MrBeast leverages shorts for massive global reach.
Short-form video isn’t just a trend—it’s the future of the digital world. Whether you’re building a brand or growing a following, mastering this format is key to staying relevant and reaching audiences where they spend their time most. Now is the time to hit “record” and grow that dream of yours.