Diving into the world of short-form content? You're in great company! 🚀
Mastering short-form video content is your golden ticket to engaging your audience, boosting your brand visibility, and skyrocketing your marketing results. 😉
With social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts taking the digital world by storm, it's clear that short, snappy, and super-shareable content is where it's at.
So, how do you make sure your brand stands out and that people don’t just scroll on by? 🤔
To help you succeed, we're bringing you 10 killer short-form strategies from real brands that have nailed their content game. 🔥
From eye-catching visuals to captivating hooks and everything in between, these examples are packed with inspiration to help your brand make a big splash in a small format. 🧡
Check out free tools by Submagic:
What Is Short-Form Content?
Short-form content is quick, engaging videos designed to captivate audiences in a brief span of time, typically lasting less than three minutes.
Short-form content is a bit like the espresso of the digital content world—small, potent, and designed to keep your audience engaged and energized. ☕
It's the bite-sized pieces of content that pack a punch, often lasting anywhere from a few seconds to a couple of minutes, typically not exceeding 2-3 minutes in length.
When we talk about the video ratio, we're usually looking at mobile-friendly formats, such as the vertical 9:16 or the square 1:1, tailor-made for the scroll-happy users of social media platforms like:
➡️ TikTok
➡️ Instagram Reels
➡️ YouTube Shorts
➡️ Snapchat Spotlight
➡️ Facebook Stories
What Is the Difference Between Short-Form and Long-Form Content?
The key difference lies in the duration and the depth of content.
While short-form content aims to capture attention quickly, deliver a message, or entertain in a concise manner, long-form content takes the scenic route. It dives deeper, offering detailed explanations, storytelling, or comprehensive guides that span several minutes to hours. Long-form content might dominate blogs, YouTube tutorials, or podcasts, where the audience seeks in-depth exploration of topics.
In the bustling digital marketplace, where attention is the new currency, short-form content stands out for its ability to adapt to the fast-paced, snackable content consumption habits of today's audience.
It’s the perfect strategy for brands looking to boost visibility, create memorable impressions, and engage with their audience in the short windows of time they have to spare. 😉
Why You Should Use Shorts In Your Marketing
Before we look at real-worlds examples, let’s explore some of the benefits of using short-form videos in your marketing strategy. Because shorts are so much more just a trend—when leveraged right they’re extremely powerful marketing tools.
Did you know, for example, that short-form videos receive 2.5 times more engagement than their long-form counterparts? And that as many as 66% of marketers consider shorts to be the most engaging content format? If you’re not sold on shorts already, here are some more statistics illustrating the potential of this format:
So, why should your brand ride the wave of short-form content? Here are some compelling reasons:
➡️ Quick to Consume: In a world where attention spans are shrinking, shorts offer the perfect bite-sized content that can be easily consumed even during the briefest moments of downtime.
➡️ Higher Engagement Rates: The snackable nature of shorts leads to higher engagement rates, as they are more likely to be watched in full and shared across social platforms.
➡️ Boosts Brand Visibility: With algorithms favoring engaging content, shorts increase your chances of appearing in front of a wider audience, thereby boosting your brand's visibility.
➡️ Enhances Social Media Presence: Utilizing platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts allows you to tap into massive communities, enhancing your social media presence and engagement.
➡️ Cost-Effective: Creating short-form content requires less production time and resources, making it a cost-effective strategy that still delivers significant impact.
➡️ Versatile for Various Campaigns: Whether it's for product launches, behind-the-scenes looks, or customer testimonials, shorts are incredibly versatile and can be tailored to fit various marketing campaigns.
➡️ Drives Higher Conversion Rates: Engaging shorts can effectively drive action, from website visits to product purchases, leading to higher conversion rates.
➡️ Caters to Mobile Users: Optimized for mobile viewing, shorts are the perfect format for reaching the vast number of users who access social media via smartphones. 📱
➡️Allows for Creative Storytelling: Shorts provide a unique opportunity to tell your brand’s story in an innovative and captivating way, making your message memorable.
Incorporating short-form content into your marketing strategy is about acknowledging and adapting to the changing preferences of your audience. By leveraging the power of shorts, brands can create engaging, memorable content that resonates with today’s fast-paced digital world. 🧡🔥
1 - Submagic
At Submagic, we're revolutionizing the way brands engage with short-form content, by making the video editing process quick, fun and optimized.
Submagic's approach to digital storytelling is gathering a rapidly growing following across the social platforms:
- YouTube: 1.5K followers
- Instagram: 7K followers
- TikTok: 6.8K followers
The video above is a great example of of short-form marketing, in this case for the coaching business. Here’s what sets it apart:
✅ Engaging Hook: It draws viewers in immediately with a promising hook, "The fastest Coaching Business Success," sparking interest and anticipation.
✅ Strategic Captioning: With a succinct caption, "The best tip for launching your coaching business 🔐#coachingonline #onlinecoach #coachingbusiness," it leverages hashtags for broader reach while clearly conveying the video’s value proposition.
✅ Focused Question: The content centers around a singular, engaging question, "What inspired you to use short form as a tool to build your coaching business?" making the message both impactful and thought-provoking.
✅ Submagic Captions: Utilizes Submagic's dynamic captioning feature to boost engagement and reinforce the video’s key messages, demonstrating the tool’s effectiveness in enhancing viewer understanding and retention.
✅ B-roll Enhancement: Incorporates B-roll footage to visually support and emphasize the spoken content, enriching the storytelling experience and further engaging the audience.
This strategic use of short-form content, enriched with precise captions and supportive B-roll, is a great blueprint for brands wanting to make an impact in the digital sphere through short and powerful storytelling.
2 - Duolingo
Duolingo, everybody's go-to app for mastering new languages, is crushing it with short-form video content. Duolingo has been turning heads on TikTok since stepping into the scene in early 2021, and has grown a massive fanbase across all social media platform. What's their secret sauce? A dash of humor and a sprinkle of sass, thanks to their iconic mascot, Duo the Owl. 🦉🚀
- TikTok: 5.7M followers
- Instagram: 2.7M fans
- YouTube: 3M subscribers
What makes their strategy a slam dunk? Let’s break it down:
✅ Entertaining, Not Selling: Duolingo knows the drill—keeping it entertaining is key. After all, it’s cold “Social Media”, not “Selling media”, right? With videos that crack you up first, teach you second, and not even trying to pitch you, they’ve truly mastered the art social media marketing.
✅ Leveraging Viral Trends: By incorporating trending music and frequently nodding to pop culture phenomena (like, in this case, the Barbie Movie), Duolingo keeps their content snappy and shareable, resonating with users far and wide.
✅ "Unhinged" Wins Hearts: Their unhinged and unapologetically quirky approach has built a loyal band of language learners who are here for the memes as much as the verbs and vocab.
With a strategy that’s all about tickling your funny bone while sneaking in some language learning, Duolingo's approach is proof that sometimes, the best way to educate is to entertain. And with user numbers soaring, it's clear that when you blend learning with laughter, everyone's keen to join the class. 😂🧡
3 - Gymshark
Gymshark, the fitness apparel powerhouse, has carved out its own niche in the digital world with a blend of humor, inspiration, and heartwarming gym content that truly resonates with its audience. 🚀
- TikTok: 5,4M followers
- Instagram: 7M followers
- YouTube: 608K followers
Why does their content hit the mark every time? Here's the scoop:
✅ Curiosity-Piquing Intros: They know how to reel you in with hooks that spark intrigue and make you want to stick around for the whole workout... err, video.
✅ Reaction Gold: Tapping into the universal love for reaction videos, they blend motivational content with just the right amount of humor to keep things fresh and engaging.
✅ A Perfect Mix of Feels: Whether you're in for a laugh, need a dose of inspiration, or just some wholesome content, Gymshark's got your back. Their videos are a reminder that the journey to fitness is as much about smiles and support as it is about sweat and reps.
Gymshark's recipe for success? Serving up content that's as diverse and dynamic as their community. Whether you’re a fitness newbie or a seasoned gym-goer, there’s something in their feed that’ll make you want to hit play... and maybe even hit the gym. 💪😉🧡
4 - Slack
Slack, the much-loved platform for team collaboration, brilliantly utilizes short-form content to educate its followers on maximizing app efficiency. They've mastered the art of mixing real user experiences with app functionality demonstrations, striking a perfect balance between informative and engaging. 🚀💼
- TikTok: 2,3K followers
- Instagram: 79,1K followers
- YouTube: 58,2K followers
What makes this particular video great:
✅ Max Impact, Min Time: Demonstrating "How to build a Slack app in 60 seconds" is genius for shorts. It delivers maximum value in a bite-sized chunk, perfectly aligning with the quick consumption habits of today's audience.
✅ Authentically Approachable: Their content feels real and relatable, steering clear of the overly polished and scripted. It’s a breath of fresh air that shows valuable content doesn’t need the bells and whistles of high production.
✅ Simplicity Is Key: This video shows that delivering helpful content doesn’t need to be complex. A straightforward, valuable lesson packed into a short video can be just as, if not more, impactful.
Through their short-form videos, Slack not only educates but also empowers users to dive deeper into their app, all while keeping it light, accessible, and, most importantly, useful. It’s a brilliant strategy that turns learning into an engaging, snackable experience. 🧡😉
5 - Oatly
Oatly, renowned for its innovative marketing, takes a refreshing detour in its short-form content strategy. In this series of videos, they step away from conventional narration and captions, letting their products take center stage in whimsical, sometimes absurdistic, scenes that captivate and amuse. 🌾🥛
- TikTok: 669,7K followers
- Instagram: 363,4K followers
- YouTube: 17,4K followers
What we love about Oatly's approach in this series:
✅ Brand Recognition: Oatly's distinct brand identity means they can lean on their audience's familiarity to "get" the message without words. It’s a testament to the strength and clarity of their brand voice.
✅ Wholesome Scenarios: By positioning Oatly products in unexpected yet relatable settings, they foster a deeper connection with viewers. It’s not just about being a delicious plant-based option but about sharing moments of joy and creativity.
✅ Creative Commitment: Fans flock to Oatly not only for their tasty alternatives but for their out-of-the-box creativity. Each video is a promise kept, delivering unexpected delight in every sip—and clip.
Simplicity Wins: These videos underscore that big budgets and complex productions aren’t prerequisites for impactful content. With imagination at the helm, Oatly shows that creativity often trumps budget.
Oatly's approach is a brilliant reminder that engaging content doesn’t need to shout to be heard; sometimes, it just needs to be different. Their strategy enriches their brand story, proving that creativity, when executed well, can be the most delicious ingredient of all. And it doesn't have to break the bank! 🎨🧡
6 - Patagonia
Patagonia has long stood out for its commitment to environmental advocacy, a principle deeply woven into its marketing fabric. Instead of focusing on their products, Patagonia uses its platform to spotlight the pressing issues facing our planet. Their short-form content is no exception, crafting narratives that resonate deeply with viewers' values and concerns for the environment. 🌍🧡
- TikTok: 178,8K followers
- Instagram: 5,4M followers
- YouTube: 450,5K followers
What makes this short-form video great:
✅ Compelling Narrative: Opening with "A hundred years ago," the video immediately draws viewers into a journey through time, emphasizing the urgency of environmental action.
✅ Cinematic Quality: Despite the short format, Patagonia delivers visually stunning content that rivals big-budget productions, proving that message and medium can beautifully coalesce.
✅ Educational Impact: Beyond merely informing, Patagonia's shorts inspire and provoke, urging viewers to consider their role in the larger environmental narrative.
✅ Emotional Connection: By tying the story of the past century to the present, Patagonia fosters a powerful emotional response, driving home the message that it's not just about products—it's about the planet.
Patagonia’s strategy is a masterclass in using short-form content not just to entertain, but to educate and mobilize. Their approach reinforces the idea that every brand has the power to contribute to meaningful conversations, and in doing so, can forge deeper, more authentic connections with their audience. 🚀🧡
7 - Kate Spade New York
Luxury fashion brand Kate Spade New York has always been synonymous with playful sophistication, and their approach to short-form content is no exception. By teaming up with the children's brand Ragmop and Goose, Kate Spade New York embraces a delightful blend of whimsy and fashion, proclaiming that "bloom scroll" is the new "doom scroll". 🧡🌸
- TikTok: 123K followers
- Instagram: 311K followers
- YouTube: 88,9K followers
Why this video hits the mark:
✅ Creative Collaboration: The partnership with Ragmopandgoose introduces a fun and unexpected element to the Kate Spade brand, capturing attention with its novelty.
✅ Joyful Content: Proclaiming "bloom scroll is the new doom scroll" injects a dose of positivity into viewers' feeds, proving that content designed to make people smile can have a strong impact.
✅ Fashion Meets Fun: Dressing up dolls in Kate Spade products not only showcases the brand's latest offerings but does so in a way that's engaging and out of the ordinary, resonating well with fans who appreciate creativity and charm.
✅ Viral Potential: Such a quirky and inventive concept is primed for sharing, helping to expand the brand's reach and appeal to a broader audience.
Kate Spade New York's strategy brilliantly demonstrates how brands can leverage short-form videos to delight and engage their audience. By prioritizing fun and creativity, they ensure their message not only reaches but resonates with viewers, making a memorable impact. 🚀🧡
8 - Ragmop and Goose
- TikTok: 497K followers
- Instagram: 311K followers
- YouTube: 7K followers
The “Puppet Adoption Agency” Ragmop and Goose, a brand loved for its enchanting and whimsical children's products, perfectly captures the essence of joy and creativity in its short-form content. Their videos are a vibrant celebration of color, character, and charm, designed to appeal to both the young and the young at heart.
Why this video captivates:
✅ Irresistible Playfulness: Continuing the brand's playful theme, Ragmop and Goose's shorts are brimming with adorable antics that are universally appealing, effortlessly drawing in viewers of all ages.
✅ Vibrant and Engaging: The brand's commitment to colorful, likeable, and quirky content makes every short a visual feast, full of personality and fun.
✅ Creating Emotional Connections: Their clever use of characters, like the lovable Pinky the doll, fosters a strong emotional connection with the audience, making viewers genuinely interested in the brand and its offerings.
Ragmop and Goose's approach to short-form content is a masterclass in how to leverage whimsy and charm to build a deeply engaged and loyal audience. By making their videos irresistibly delightful, they not only showcase their products but also create memorable brand experiences that people are eager to share. 🧡🚀
9 - Macro Mike
The Australian brand Macro Mike is all about making healthy eating both delicious and fun. They've carved a niche for themselves with their range of entirely plant-based and gluten-free baking mixes, proteins, and snacks, appealing to fitness enthusiasts and the health-conscious. 🍪🌿
- TikTok: 31,9K followers
- Instagram: 151,6K followers
- YouTube: 625 followers
Why this video is a hit:
✅ Relatable POV: The video taps into a universal truth—we all get those sugar cravings. This POV makes the content instantly connect with viewers.
✅ Step-by-Step Guide: It breaks down the preparation process into simple, easy-to-follow steps, making healthy eating seem more accessible.
✅ Visual Appeal: Without using any text, the video relies on the allure of the final product, making those healthy treats look irresistibly appetizing.
✅ Inspirational & Delicious: By focusing on the finished dish, Macro Mike not only inspires viewers to try making it themselves but also reinforces the idea that healthy food can be utterly delicious.
Macro Mike’s strategy brilliantly showcases how short-form content can be used to make healthy eating appealing and straightforward, proving that good-for-you treats can also be a feast for the eyes and taste buds. 🚀🧡
10 - Figma
Figma has revolutionized the world of design with its innovative cloud-based interface design tool, making collaboration seamless for teams everywhere. Their approach to short-form content mirrors the simplicity and effectiveness of their platform.
- TikTok: 14,5K followers
- Instagram: 624K followers
- YouTube: 499K followers
Why this particular video shines:
✅ Visual Storytelling: Figma opts for a no-script approach, relying mostly on visuals to teach a specific feature, making the learning process intuitive and engaging.
✅ Distinct Visual Branding: The video is not just educational but also a feast for the eyes, thanks to Figma’s clear and appealing visual branding that resonates with its design-savvy audience.
✅ Immediate, Actionable Value: Figma’s short delivers educational content that viewers can immediately apply, showcasing the practical utility of their tool in real-time design challenges.
Figma’s strategy of leveraging short-form videos to demonstrate platform capabilities offers immediate value to viewers, enhancing their understanding of the tool while reinforcing the brand’s position as an essential asset in the design community. 🚀🧡
6 Short Form Video Trends and Ideas To Implement in Your Marketing Strategy
Things change fast in social media, and staying ahead of the curve with the latest trends can transform your marketing strategy from good to unmissable. Here are six short-form video trends and ideas that can elevate your brand's digital presence and engagement. 🚀
1. Product Teasers
Short and sweet, product teasers are like appetizers for your audience, whetting their appetite for what's to come. Use quick, captivating clips to highlight new releases or special features, sparking curiosity and anticipation.
2. Behind-the-Scenes Content
Pull back the curtain and take your audience on a journey behind the scenes. This content builds a personal connection, showcasing the human element behind your brand, whether it's a day in the life of your team, the making of a product, or office shenanigans.
3. Bite-sized Education
Break down complex ideas into snackable, educational videos. Microlearning is perfect for teaching your audience something new in a quick and digestible format, establishing your brand as both helpful and knowledgeable.
4. UGC (User-Generated Content)
Leverage the power of your community by featuring content created by your users or customers. UGC not only enhances authenticity but also encourages more interaction and engagement from your audience.
5. Influencer Collabs
Team up with influencers who resonate with your brand to reach wider audiences. These collaborations can bring fresh perspectives to your content and tap into the influencer's dedicated follower base.
6. FAQ Sessions
Use short-form videos to answer frequently asked questions about your products or services. It's a direct way to engage with your audience's queries and provide valuable information in an easily consumable format.
Incorporating these trends and ideas into your marketing strategy will not only help you boost your engagement but also position your brand as trendy and relatable. Remember, the goal is to create content that resonates with your audience, while staying true to your brand's voice and mission.
Ready to take your short-form content to the next level? Let’s get creative and make those videos pop! 🧡
What is The Best Platform to Post Short-Form Content?
Choosing the right platform for your short-form content can feel tricky. The truth is, the best platform depends on a variety of factors, each playing a critical role in your content's potential success. Let’s break it down. 😉
Video Length ⌚
Not all platforms are created equal when it comes to the ideal length of content. Some, like TikTok and Instagram Reels, specialize in ultra-short clips, perfect for quick, impactful messages. Others, such as YouTube Shorts, offer a bit more room to elaborate without losing the essence of being "short-form."
Target Persona 🤸
Who are you speaking to? Different platforms attract different audiences. LinkedIn, for instance, is your go-to for professional content aimed at industry insiders, while TikTok caters to a younger audience craving entertainment and trends.
Content Type 🎥
What’s your content's nature? Educational microlearning videos might find a welcoming home on platforms like Instagram, where users seek both inspiration and knowledge. In contrast, creative, trend-driven content might soar on TikTok, known for its viral potential.
Engagement Style 🤳
Each platform has its unique way of engaging users. Instagram and TikTok thrive on high visual engagement and interactive features like filters and music, making them ideal for content that leans heavily on visual storytelling and audience interaction.
However, in the grand scheme of things, casting a wide net by posting your content across multiple platforms can significantly amplify your reach. Diversifying your posting strategy not only increases visibility but also allows you to connect with different segments of your audience where they spend their time online.
So, while tailoring your content to fit the specific quirks and audiences of each platform is key, embracing a multi-platform approach is ultimately the best strategy to maximize your short-form content’s impact. Spread your creative wings and let your content fly across the digital landscape! 🧡
FAQ
What is short form video marketing?
Short-form video marketing is a digital marketing strategy that leverages brief video content, typically under 60 seconds, to promote brands, products, or services across social media platforms. It focuses on engaging, entertaining, or educating the audience in a quick and impactful way to capture attention in today's fast-paced online environment.
What is the best video editor for shorts?
The best video editor for creating engaging shorts is Submagic. It combines user-friendly interfaces with powerful, AI-driven tools to enhance videos with captivating captions, images, and b-rolls, all tailored for social media platforms like Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok. Submagic excels in making video editing and captioning fast, efficient, and accessible to creators of all levels, ensuring your shorts stand out in the crowded digital space.
Are short-form videos more engaging than long-form videos?
Yes, short-form videos are generally more engaging than long-form videos. They're designed to capture and retain audience attention quickly, fitting perfectly into the fast-paced browsing habits of today's digital users. With their concise, straight-to-the-point format, they often achieve higher engagement rates, making them a favored choice for brands and creators looking to maximize their impact on social media platforms.
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