Why Short-Form Video Dominates Right Now

Short-form video has quickly become the powerhouse of digital marketing. In a world where attention is the most valuable currency, nothing captures and holds it quite like a punchy, well-crafted video under 60 seconds. Whether you’re showcasing products, sharing stories, or educating your audience, short-form video is outperforming nearly every other format across the board.

First, What Is Short-Form Video?

Short-form videos are bite-sized clips—usually under 60 seconds, sometimes up to a few minutes—that pack a punch. They’re quick, engaging, often fun, and super easy to consume. Think of them as the espresso shots of content marketing: small, strong, and energizing.

So, Why Is It So Effective?

There are a few big reasons short-form video is stealing the spotlight right now:

1. People Actually Watch It

We’re all scrolling—constantly. But what do we stop for? Something that entertains us, teaches us something fast, or makes us feel something. According to recent stats, short-form videos generate 2.5 times more engagement than longer-form content. That means more likes, comments, shares, and saves. More engagement equals more visibility and more opportunity to convert viewers into customers.

2. It Matches How We Consume Content Now

Let’s be real: most of us are glued to our phones. In fact, mobile video consumption rises every single year. Over 75% of video views now happen on mobile, and short-form fits perfectly into that format. No one wants to sit through a 10-minute explainer when a 30-second video gets the job done better.

3. It Helps Brands Show Personality

Short-form video isn’t just about selling—it’s about storytelling. Brands can use it to be funny, relatable, educational, or inspirational. You can show behind-the-scenes footage, answer FAQs, share quick how-tos, or let your customers do the talking with testimonials. These quick clips help people feel connected to your brand—and that emotional connection is gold.

4. Algorithms Love It

While we won’t dive into specific platforms here, it’s no secret that social media algorithms are designed to boost engaging content. And right now, that means short-form video. The more people engage with your videos, the more your content is shown to new audiences. It’s a self-feeding loop of visibility.

The Stats Speak for Themselves

Need a little more convincing? Here are a few numbers that say it all:

• 73% of consumers say they prefer to watch a short video to learn about a product or service.

• 96% of people have watched an explainer video to learn more about a product.

• Businesses using video grow revenue 49% faster than those who don’t.

• Short-form videos are shared 12x more than text and image content combined.

Those are big numbers. And they’re only growing.

It Levels the Playing Field

One of the best parts of short-form video? You don’t need a Hollywood budget. Small businesses, solopreneurs, and startup teams are crushing it just by using creativity and consistency. If your message is clear and your video is engaging, you’re in the game.

That’s huge—because it means every brand, big or small, has a shot at real visibility.

What’s Next?

In upcoming posts, we’ll walk through real-world examples of short-form video success, and then dive into how you can start leveraging this format for your own brand—without needing a studio, a big budget, or even a ton of experience.

For now, here’s the main takeaway:

Short-form video isn’t a passing trend. It’s the new standard. And the sooner you start experimenting with it, the sooner you’ll start seeing results.

So if you’ve been thinking, “I should probably start doing videos,” consider this your nudge. Start small, stay consistent, and remember: perfection isn’t the goal—connection is.

Drive Engagement, Visibility, and Sales!

Short-form video is a powerful tool for driving engagement, visibility, and sales, but it’s just one part of a comprehensive marketing strategy. At Umbrella, our results-based marketing services cover a wide range of tactics to help you grow your business. With local experts across the country and around the world, we provide personalized strategies that include everything from content creation to digital advertising and SEO. Work with a dedicated account manager who understands your market and can develop a tailored approach to drive real results. Schedule a call with a Local expert today and discover how our full-service digital marketing can accelerate your growth.