Short-Form Video Rules the Game

Short-form videos are now the main way people consume content online, and let’s see, this is like everything in this digital life… TikTok leads with 40% of the market share, and Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts each hold 20%. In the U.S., TikTok is king, with adults spending around 58 hours a month on it. Meanwhile, Instagram and YouTube are fighting for regional dominance, especially in places like India and Italy.

The Rise of Short-Form Video

And let’s move on—engagement is through the roof. Over 80% of viewers watch these clips all the way through, which explains why brands are pouring in dollars. Short videos give the highest ROI—about 31%, compared to other formats. It’s enough to make you think, “Should I be doing more short videos?” Well, you’ve got to get the hang of it because the market is growing fast. Predictions say ad spending will hit $111 billion by 2025, and the whole platform market will be worth over $2 billion in the next year or two. That’s a lot of zeros.

By the way, they also say that internet traffic from short videos will account for 90% of all traffic by 2025. That’s like saying, “Hey, if you’re not on short-form, you’re missing the train.” And the trend is only accelerating. AI-created content is becoming more common, and e-commerce features are integrated into these platforms more than ever. Influencers are not just dancing—they’re becoming mini storefronts, and AR/VR tech is starting to enhance user experiences.

BTW! If you like my content, here you can see an article I wrote that might interest you: Are AR and VR the Secret Sauce for Making Social Media Campaigns Truly Immersive

Who Benefits the Most?

Now, think about it—who benefits the most? The platforms that keep users glued and advertisers who see the potential for quick conversions. TikTok, YouTube Shorts, and Instagram Reels are the giants, and they’re shaping the future of digital marketing. But don’t get distracted—it’s not just about creating content; it’s about understanding where your audience is and how much time they’re willing to spend.

What Does This Mean for You?

What does all this mean for you? If you’re not experimenting with short videos, you’re basically leaving money on the table. A/B testing your posts, trying different formats, and focusing on the platforms your target audience uses… that’s how you stay ahead. Because, in the end, social networks are like wild animals—you control the cage or they control you.

So, what do you think? Are you ready to jump into short-form video or still hesitating? Drop your thoughts in the comments, share this with your network, and keep experimenting. Remember: the more you try, the better you get. Keep your finger on the pulse, or you’ll be left behind.

Ed Langford

Addicted to social media, for leisure and for work. I write for entrepreneurs, businessmen and influencers who want to improve their business and their community. Based on my experience as a Community Manager with many different companies, I can say that, depending on the sector and audience, it is necessary to apply a different strategy, although the basics are always the same.