{"id":2267,"date":"2025-03-25T10:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-03-25T11:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/nurseagence.com\/?p=2267"},"modified":"2025-03-27T12:40:33","modified_gmt":"2025-03-27T12:40:33","slug":"3-short-form-video-trends-marketers-should-watch-in-2025-new-data","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/nurseagence.com\/index.php\/2025\/03\/25\/3-short-form-video-trends-marketers-should-watch-in-2025-new-data\/","title":{"rendered":"3 Short-Form Video Trends Marketers Should Watch in 2025 [New Data]"},"content":{"rendered":"
In the 2025 HubSpot State of Marketing Report<\/a>, we found that short-form video remains king. It\u2018s the top-performing content marketers are using, and it\u2019s set to grow in 2025.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n No surprise there \u2014 short-form videos are everywhere. Even Google<\/a> is testing a short-form video tab to boost its short-form content. So, how can you tap into this trend to grow your business? And what trends should you watch for in the coming year?<\/p>\n In this post, I\u2019ll share advice from video marketing experts. Read on to discover how to make short-form video content work hard for your brand.<\/p>\n Table of Contents<\/p>\n <\/a> <\/p>\n The general consensus among marketers is that any video under 60 seconds is considered short-form, with the optimal length between 31 and 60 seconds.<\/p>\n Erica Santiago, who is spearheading HubSpot’s Blog Video Program, considers anything under 60 seconds to be a short-form video.<\/p>\n However, she notes the definition could be changing as platforms like TikTok<\/a>, Instagram Reels<\/a>, and YouTube Shorts<\/a> extend the duration of their short-form content.<\/p>\n \u201cAt one point, TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube Shorts only allowed users to upload content that is between 60 to 90 seconds long, depending on the platform,\u201d she explains. \u201cNow, TikTok allows users to record up to 10 minutes of content on the platform. YouTube Shorts and Instagram Reels both recently extended their content durations to 3 minutes.\u201d<\/p>\n She believes this could change the definition of short-form content later down the line.<\/p>\n \u201cIn my opinion, a 3-minute video could eventually fall under the short-form video umbrella because it’s still bite-sized content that doesn’t require much commitment to watch all the way through,\u201d she says. \u201cAnd short-form platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube Shorts seem to agree as they push longer content more and more.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBut attention spans are getting shorter and shorter, so I still suggest companies stick to 60-seconds-or-fewer videos as they experiment with short-form videos,\u201d Santiago advises.<\/p>\n Regardless of the duration, one thing’s clear: shorter videos really are the star of 2025 marketing trends. According to our report, short-form video is the most used content format by marketers, with 30% of both B2B and B2C marketers leveraging it in their marketing strategy.<\/p>\n Furthermore, the majority of marketers agree that short-form video yields the highest ROI compared to other content formats.<\/p>\n <\/a> <\/p>\n People are short on time, but that doesn\u2019t diminish their desire for content. They want it\u2014just faster. Here\u2019s how investing in short videos can impact your business:<\/p>\n We\u2019ve all heard about the shrinking attention span<\/a>. Various studies support this, so it\u2019s fair to say short-form is the way to go.<\/p>\n For example, personal care brand Dr. Squatch reports that 250,000 videos were watched on its site. Each visitor spent an average of 1 minute and 40 seconds<\/a> watching these short-form videos, adding up to 5,800+ hours of total viewing time.<\/p>\n Impressive, right?<\/p>\n Concise, multisensory video content is a game-changer because it sticks with you. These videos tap into multiple cognitive channels by blending visual, auditory, and textual elements, making the information more memorable.<\/p>\n I\u2019ve noticed that these videos effortlessly grab attention, engaging our brain’s intuitive and quick processing networks.<\/p>\n And if creating captivating short-form videos sounds daunting, there are plenty of tools and software available that make video creation accessible to everyone, regardless of experience.<\/p>\n Movavi, a free video editing software<\/a> with a built-in template library and stock media, can help create compelling content. HubSpot also provides Clip Creator, another free video editing software.<\/a><\/p>\n Storykit, with its text-to-video<\/a> AI tool, also makes it easy to turn written content into short-form videos.<\/p>\n The result? A richer, more engaging experience that\u2019s hard to ignore. Frequent exposure and repetition of brand elements further solidify brand recall.<\/p>\n I strongly believe that social media platform algorithms favor short-form content, pushing it out to a broader audience.<\/p>\n Just look at the latest features \u2014 YouTube\u2019s Shorts, Meta\u2019s post-loop ads, and Reels, or even the entire premise of TikTok. They\u2019re all about quick, engaging content.<\/p>\n Another reason is shareability. The brevity of shorter videos makes them perfect for social sharing and boosting brand awareness.<\/p>\n Influencer Vipasha Malhotra shared her experience with The Economic Times<\/a>, confirming this preference: \u201cIf I get 10,000 views on long-form YouTube videos, I receive 500,000 views on Shorts. Even on Instagram, my reels typically get over 100,000 views on average.\u201d<\/p>\n As I said earlier, short-form videos have the highest ROI<\/a> and outperform other content marketing trends. Even video marketers at HubSpot have noticed the benefits of incorporating short-form content into their strategy.<\/p>\n In the past year, HubSpot invested in a mix of both short- and long-form videos in our YouTube strategy. As a result, Marketing Against the Grain, our video podcast, has 45,000 subscribers, and The Hustle reached 140K subscribers.<\/p>\n \u201cIn just a few months, the team grew The Hustle YouTube channel to over 400,000 views per month, created hundreds of sponsored videos, and built six long-term creator partnerships with YouTubers,\u201d says Kyle Denhoff, Sr. Director of Marketing at HubSpot.<\/p>\n None of this is surprising when you consider consumer preferences.<\/p>\n Your audience craves quick, effective access to useful information, and short-form content delivers just that. From my experience, investing in short-form video has always paid off by meeting this demand and driving higher returns.<\/p>\n <\/a> <\/p>\n Santiago notes, \u201cShort-form videos can highlight your band’s personality, succinctly explain and promote your products and services, and build trust with your audience.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOne of my favorite videos from the Blog Video Program features my colleague, Alana Chinn<\/a>, as she casually shares return-to-office information while walking her dog,\u201d she says. \u201cIn another video, contributor Ramona Sukhra<\/a>j does her makeup while giving advice on how to go viral as a brand. This is content that can’t be replicated because our creators have unique voices, experiences as marketers, and their own method of storytelling.\u201d<\/p>\n Short-form videos can also help keep your brand in tune with current topics amongst your audience.<\/p>\n On TikTok<\/a>, for instance, viral songs, trends, and challenges dominate. Brands must join the fun to get on the \u201cFor You\u201d page.<\/p>\n As with any new trend or platform, former HubSpot Senior Content Strategist Amanda Zantal-Wiener<\/a> says you should always consider your audience first:<\/p>\n \u201cIt all goes back to an ancient question: Which channels are your audiences using and for what? And therefore, for which channels does it make the most sense for your business to create this short-form content?\u201d<\/p>\n This means that while short-form video is known for its entertainment value, you can adapt it to align with your brand<\/a>.<\/p>\n If you consider your audience and sufficiently prep for your short-form videos, there\u2019s no trend you can\u2019t tackle in 2025.<\/p>\n <\/a> <\/p>\n A short-form video content strategy is a well-thought-out plan to leverage brief, engaging videos (typically under 60 seconds) to achieve specific marketing goals. It covers creating, distributing, and analyzing video content to make the most impact.<\/p>\n Here’s how to create a robust short-form video content strategy.<\/p>\n Your strategy’s foundation lies in clear objectives. Without specific goals, your efforts might lack focus.<\/p>\n Here\u2019s how I approach my content goals:<\/p>\n You can’t create resonant content without knowing your audience.<\/p>\n I use Google Analytics, Facebook Insights, and Instagram Analytics to gather demographic data, such as age, gender, location, and interests.<\/p>\n I analyze psychographic factors \u2014 values, attitudes, interests, and lifestyles \u2014 by gathering feedback through reviews, comments, and direct messages to gain deeper insights.<\/p>\n You can also use social listening tools<\/a> to monitor conversations and sentiments about your brand, identifying common themes and interests.<\/p>\n Next, you need to stay informed about your competitors and current trends. This will keep your brand relevant while helping you capitalize on popular content formats.<\/p>\n Here\u2019s my two-step approach:<\/p>\n First, I define the main content themes or categories my videos will cover, like tutorials, behind-the-scenes looks, or product demos.<\/p>\n This structured approach helps me brainstorm specific video concepts for each theme, ensuring they align with my brand voice and objectives.<\/p>\n Pro tip:<\/strong> Think about how each idea can provide value to your audience while promoting your brand.<\/p>\n Then, I establish content pillars to represent my client’s core topics and reinforce their brand message over time. Each pillar should cover different aspects of your brand to provide variety. For instance, one pillar would focus on educational content, while another highlights customer success stories.<\/p>\n I also plan the resources needed for video production, including time, budget, and personnel. This gives me a realistic view of what can be published without compromising quality.<\/p>\n Determining the video posting schedule is another crucial factor \u2014 how often I\u2019ll post. Remember, consistency is key to keeping your audience engaged. My go-to tool for scheduling posts in advance is Buffer \u2014 it’s user-friendly and offers multi-platform support.<\/p>\n A well-told story makes a lasting impact even in a short time frame.<\/p>\n The key is having structured videos with a clear beginning, middle, and end. I also try to evoke emotions \u2014 whether it\u2019s humor, inspiration, or curiosity \u2014 since emotional content is more likely to be shared.<\/p>\n I also like doing as much prep work as possible before a video shoot. Video marketer Tanner Francom<\/a> describes this as \u201cgathering inspiration.\u201d<\/p>\n He says this \u201chelps to craft shots in both pre-production and on set. Before putting together a shot list, we gather an inspiration board full of shots we want to replicate or have certain aspects we\u2019d like to include in the video.\u201d<\/p>\n Each social media platform has its own unique style and user habits. To make the most impact, I tailor my videos to fit each platform\u2019s format and aspect ratio.<\/p>\n I also use platform-specific features like polls, questions, and stickers to boost interactivity and engagement.<\/p>\n Here\u2019s a quick guide to help you:<\/p>\n Once my video posts are live, I share the links in my email newsletters to keep my audience engaged. I respond to comments, participate in discussions, and share user-generated content to build a loyal community around my brand.<\/p>\n Cross-promotion is another great strategy \u2014 I include video snippets in my blog posts and podcasts, guiding my audience to watch the full content.<\/p>\n If you have the budget, don’t forget paid advertising. Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube can help your videos reach the right people, especially for new campaigns or key promotions.<\/p>\n The last step is continuous analysis, where I refine my short-form video content strategy to ensure ongoing improvement and relevance.<\/p>\n I rely on analytics tools \u2014 Google Analytics, TikTok Analytics, and Instagram Insights \u2014 to track performance metrics like views, engagement, shares, and conversions. Regular performance reviews also help me identify what\u2019s working and what needs improvement.<\/p>\n Additionally, I conduct A\/B testing with different video formats, lengths, and styles to see what resonates most with my audience. This provides valuable insights into their preferences and behaviors.<\/p>\n Pro tip:<\/strong> Encourage viewers to leave comments and suggestions to help adjust the content strategy. I\u2019ve found that asking for direct feedback improves content quality and increases engagement.<\/p>\n <\/a> <\/p>\n Short-form videos first gained popularity through viral content based on dances, songs, and sounds. Today, brands can make their own sounds, filters, and challenges go viral.<\/p>\n According to our most recent social media trends report<\/a>, 20% of marketers surveyed leveraged branded challenges, and 42% said they performed better than expected.<\/p>\n Fenty Beauty found a clever way to gain traction on TikTok while showcasing its wide range of beauty products. Over the last few years, the makeup brand has created numerous TikTok filters that help users find the right products and try out new looks.<\/p>\n One of their most popular filters is called \u201cWhich RiRi are You?\u201d and it shuffles through different lip liner and color combinations worn by the brand’s founder, Rihanna.<\/p>\n What I like: <\/strong>Filters, dances, and song trends are catchy, fun, and shareable ways to build brand awareness and steer your audience toward your products and services.<\/p>\n Brands have been leveraging influencer marketing for years\u2014that\u2019s nothing new. However, I’m now seeing more brands leverage smaller influencers over mega ones. According to our Marketing Trends Report, marketers greatly benefited from leveraging influencers with audiences smaller than 100K.<\/p>\n For context, there are three types of influencers:<\/p>\n Our trends survey found that 45% of marketers saw the most success with micro-influencers and creators. According to marketers in our survey, the top three benefits of working with smaller creators and influencers are:<\/p>\n Eyewear company Zeelool often partners with micro-influencers to promote their latest glasses designs. In the video below, TikTok influencer @kryspiikreme<\/a> tries on several pairs and includes a discount code in the caption for her followers to use.<\/p>\n Pro tip:<\/strong> Choosing which influencer to represent your product isn\u2019t easy. You want someone who stands for the same values as your business. Check out this blog<\/a> on how to choose the best influencer for your brand.<\/p>\n According to our 2025 State of Marketing Report, 1 in 4 marketers<\/a> are exploring creating content that authentically reflects their brand’s values.<\/p>\n This is largely because more brands will target Gen Z and Millennials in their marketing this year, two demographics known to value authenticity and prefer to buy from companies that share their values.<\/p>\n How can you authentically show your audience that you share their values in a short-form video? One way is to send your products to those who may need them the most.<\/p>\n For example, pet product brand Kong sent animal rescuer and foster parent Rachael Robertson a massive bag of Kong products to gift a cat she’s fostering named Garbanzo, who recently went viral on TikTok.<\/p>\n This shows that Kong supports animal rescuers, foster parents, and cats like Garbanzo, who need extra attention and resources, things the brand’s target audience of pet and animal lovers care about.<\/p>\n Pro tip:<\/strong> Brainstorm with your marketing team on how you can pull back the curtain on your company and let customers know more about what makes your brand tick.<\/p>\n This might look like an interview with your CEO or a video explaining the history of your company. Let your viewers see why you\u2019re passionate about what you do and what you have in plan for the future.<\/p>\n <\/a> <\/p>\n You can shoot your videos horizontally, but I recommend you don\u2019t.<\/p>\n Platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok prefer vertical videos because they fill the entire screen and look more natural on mobile devices.<\/p>\n When you shoot horizontally, you need to crop them, making it look awkward and reducing overall quality.<\/p>\n The first few seconds of your video are crucial for capturing your audience\u2019s attention. Start with a strong hook, like a question or surprising fact, and use eye-catching visuals to pique curiosity.<\/p>\n For example, if you’re doing a branded challenge or funny video, start with a preview of the funniest moment. For a tutorial, immediately address the problem that needs solving. Make sure to get the main message or value proposition across quickly \u2014 no unnecessary filler.<\/p>\n When I say quality content, I mean stable footage, good lighting, and crisp audio.<\/p>\n Poor audio and video quality can distract from your message and reduce engagement. Before you start filming content, invest in basic equipment like a good camera, proper lighting, and a microphone.<\/p>\n Think of the quick transitions and dynamic scenes in movies like Quentin Tarantino\u2019s Django Unchained<\/em> or Charli XCX’s Boys<\/em> music video.<\/p>\n Try recreating the same fast, engaging vibe for your short-form videos. Use fast transitions and avoid long, static shots that can cause viewers to lose interest.<\/p>\n Also, animations, text overlays, and other visual effects should be integrated to emphasize key points and add dynamism.<\/p>\n Don’t go overboard, though. Your video shouldn\u2019t be too busy or hard to follow.<\/p>\n Pro tip: <\/strong>For a crisp, professional touch, I also use editing software like Adobe Premiere Rush and built-in editors on platforms like Instagram and TikTok.<\/p>\n Many viewers watch videos without sound, especially when scrolling social media.<\/p>\n To make your videos accessible and improve viewer retention, use subtitles for dialogue and captions for key points. This simple addition makes your video accessible to those who are hearing impaired or watching in silent environments.<\/p>\n Next, incorporate visual storytelling. Use strong visuals and on-screen text to convey your message effectively without sound.<\/p>\n What works on my website might not work on Instagram Reels, and what works on Instagram Reels might not work on TikTok.<\/p>\n To create a broad reach, I adjust my editing slightly for each platform. For example, I place subtitles higher on a reel so they\u2019re not covered by other elements when published on TikTok.<\/p>\n TikTok and Instagram prioritize trending content, showing it to more users. That’s why I regularly check trending challenges and hashtags before suggesting video ideas<\/a> to my clients.<\/p>\n However, I don\u2019t follow trends blindly \u2014 I give them my own spin. The idea is to integrate the trends creatively into your content for a visibility boost, and not to be dictated by it.<\/p>\n Without a CTA, viewers might enjoy your content but take no further action, defeating the purpose of your video.<\/p>\n My advice is to be direct, specific, and seamless: Clearly state what you want viewers to do, whether it\u2019s visiting your website, following your account, or making a purchase.<\/p>\n Use phrases like \u201cShop now\u201d or \u201cClick the link in the bio.\u201d Ensure the CTA fits naturally into the video, whether it\u2019s a visual cue at the end, on-screen text, or a verbal prompt.<\/p>\n <\/a> <\/p>\n Social Media Content Manager Kelsi Yamada<\/a> says using short-form videos is a low-commitment and engaging way to connect with your audience.<\/p>\n \u201cYou can get a good laugh or learn something new in a minute or less on TikTok or Reels,\u201d said Yamada.<\/p>\n \u201cOn the flip side, it’s also relatively easy to create, which means there are more people who can share their humor or points of view. Because of this, brands should figure out what their unique point of view is and how they can stand out in the noise.\u201d<\/p>\n While jumping on every trend is tempting, Yamada advises brands to be selective.<\/p>\n “Not every viral TikTok sound<\/a> or meme format will fit your content strategy or brand, so don’t force it,\u201c she notes. \u201dFocus on catering to your niche and staying authentic. Don\u2019t be afraid to create something new \u2014 trends have to start somewhere!”<\/p>\n Finding the balance between what\u2018s trending and what\u2019s true to your brand is key. For more on video marketing, check out HubSpot Academy\u2019s courses on Video Marketing<\/a> and Developing a Video Marketing Strategy<\/a>.<\/p>\n <\/a> <\/p>\n TikTok is the go-to platform for Millennials and Gen Z, with about 70% of 18-19 year-olds and 56% of 20-29 year-olds<\/a> using it.<\/p>\n The TikTok homepage has two main tabs: \u201cFollowing\u201d for videos from accounts I follow and the algorithm-driven \u201cFor You\u201d page that curates content based on my activity. I often explore the \u201cDiscover\u201d tab for trending topics and hashtags \u2014 it\u2019s a great resource for generating new content ideas.<\/p>\n The \u201cDiscover\u201d tab on TikTok highlights trending topics and hashtags and, in my experience, is a great resource for marketers to generate new content ideas.<\/p>\n As a creator, I love how TikTok’s algorithm tailors content to my interests, keeping me engaged for longer periods. As a creator, though, standing out can be tough due to the sheer volume of content uploaded every second.<\/p>\n Some call it TikTok 2.0, but for me, Instagram Reels<\/a> is proving to be its own beast.<\/p>\n Reels is a scrollable video timeline, similar to Instagram’s Explore page. Users can tap on the music in a Reel to see other videos featuring the same sound.<\/p>\n With over 2 billion active monthly users, Instagram already commands a vast audience. Since launching Reels in August 2020, it\u2019s become a powerful marketing tool, rivaling TikTok.<\/p>\n Instagram targets a wider age range than TikTok<\/a>, and with its suite of marketing features, Reels offers brands a way to extend their reach in a snappy, engaging format.<\/p>\n I particularly enjoy how Reels integrates smoothly with the rest of Instagram, making it easy for me to switch between photos, stories, and videos. It’s also super user-friendly for quick editing and sharing content.<\/p>\n Shorts<\/a> is YouTube’s answer to the short-form video craze. Launched in September 2020, Shorts has quickly amassed over 2.3 billion monthly active users<\/a>.<\/p>\n Using the YouTube mobile app, I\u2019ve found the dedicated Shorts tab super convenient. You can easily create and edit videos up to 60 seconds directly within the app. The potential to reach YouTube\u2018s massive audience and the robust monetization options are other reasons why I\u2019d recommend Shorts.<\/p>\n With its strong music integration, Triller makes content creation really enjoyable.<\/p>\n However, I\u2019ve noticed it\u2019s not as intuitive as TikTok, which can be a bit challenging for new users. Despite this, Triller remains a solid platform for sharing my short videos.<\/p>\n Triller’s homepage feels familiar, similar to other short-form video platforms, but with a unique twist \u2014 music is front and center. The platform is popular among musical artists and allows me to edit 60-second videos with music, filters, effects, and transitions.<\/p>\n Triller gained traction during the uncertainty around a potential TikTok ban in the U.S. and has since become a worthy competitor<\/a>. I find it exciting to use music as a storytelling element in my videos.<\/p>\n For example, a song like \u201cYou Got It\u201d by Vedo, which is about unlocking potential, could be perfect for creating a video targeting job seekers or promoting business coaching services.<\/p>\n \u201cIf you’re a B2B marketer, I absolutely encourage you to post your short-form marketing videos on Linkedin,\u201d Santiago says. \u201cWhen experimenting with our own short-form videos for the Blog Video Program, we found that we’d get hundreds, even thousands, of more impressions than what we’d see on platforms like YouTube.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n
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What are short-form videos?<\/h2>\n
<\/p>\n
Why use short-form video?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
High Engagement Rates<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Enhanced Brand Recall<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Increased Reach and Visibility<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Higher ROI<\/strong><\/h3>\n
How do short-form videos fit into your content strategy?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Short-form Video Content Strategy<\/strong><\/h2>\n
1. Define your objectives.<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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2. Understand your audience.<\/strong><\/h3>\n
3. Research competitors and trends.<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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4. Plan your video content calendar.<\/strong><\/h3>\n
5. Make compelling videos.<\/strong><\/h3>\n
6. Optimize for different platforms.<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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7. Promote your videos.<\/strong><\/h3>\n
8. Analyze and adjust.<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Short-form Video Trends to Look Out For<\/strong><\/h2>\n
1. Brand Challenges<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Short-form video example: Fenty Beauty Filters<\/strong><\/h4>\n
2. Nano- and Micro-Influencer Collabs<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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\n
Short-form video example:<\/strong><\/h4>\n
3. Authentic, Value-driven Content<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Short-form video example: Formula One<\/strong><\/h4>\n
Short-form Video Best Practices<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Tip 1: Film vertically.<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Tip 2: Engage viewers quickly.<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Tip 3: Ensure quality content.<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Tip 4: Use quick cuts and dynamic editing.<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Tip 5: Optimize for mute viewing.<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Tip 6: Optimize for different platforms.<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Tip 7: Leverage trends and hashtags.<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Tip 8: Include a clear CTA.<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Takeaways for Video Marketers<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Best Platforms for Short-form Videos<\/h2>\n
1.<\/strong> TikTok<\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n
2.<\/strong> Instagram Reels<\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n
3.<\/strong> YouTube Shorts<\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n
4.<\/strong> Triller<\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n
5.<\/strong> LinkedIn<\/strong><\/a><\/h3>\n