Is Short-Form Content Worth It in 2025? History, Benefits, and Marketing Insights

I asked ChatGPT yes, but I will be honest I am not sure myself, here are some of the key things to think about!

"80% of marketers reported that short-form video content is their most effective social media content. (Source: Wyz owl, 2023)"

Short-form videos have an average retention rate of 73%, compared to 50% for long-form videos. (Source: HubSpot, 2023)

Incorporating video can boost sales and conversions by up to 80% (Source: Life wire Oct 24).

So you may be asking, where did short-form come from in the first place, as every social media platform seems to have a level of it. Here is a quick history lesson.

The idea of "short-form storytelling" isn't a new idea. Pre-social media, TV ads or commercials were always between 15 seconds and 60 seconds. Moving forward to the launch of YouTube in 2005, videos were limited to 3 to 5 minutes (there are many reasons for this; however, it is mostly down to internet speed and storage limitations of the time).

Then in 2013, the platform "Vine"—where nearly all the content was six seconds long—needed to pack as much into those seconds as possible.

The following year, we saw the launch of Musical.ly, which then merged with TikTok in 2018. Musical.ly was where TikTok got its reputation for being "only for lip-syncs and silly dances." In the coming years, TikTok grew exponentially, and Meta and Google saw the jump and "took inspiration" from TikTok's success, launching "Reels" on Instagram in 2020, followed by Facebook and YouTube Shorts in 2021, with LinkedIn joining the party last year (2024).

So now we understand where short-form came from, should you think about creating for it in 2025?

The data seems to point to yes, although some of the data is a little worrying, to be honest. Here are a few quotes you may find really worrying to read.... here is a few quotes you maybe really worrying to read...

Estimated Attention Span: While specific data from 1925 is limited, studies suggest that individuals from the Silent Generation (born between 1925 and 1945) had longer attention spans, averaging around 25 seconds. ( https://www.yumyumvideos.com/blog/human-attention-span )

So, as you can see, human behaviour does seem to point to short-form being the way to go!

Something I have always understood and go out of my way to look out for is where people's attention is—where they look and what they are watching, what apps they are using!

I am sure a percentage of those of you reading this will use public transport, with a percentage maybe being on public transport now... the next time you are on public transport or out, make a note of what apps people are using around you. Most likely, nearly everyone around you is going to be on their phone. If I was a betting man (I am not), my money would be on one of the following: TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, or YouTube! Most likely scrolling away their travel or downtime.

Something every business reading this NEEDS to be investing time and money into is getting seen on the above! As I have already talked about when it comes to marketing and sales funnels, the first step of someone spending money with you is being AWARE that you are in business in the first place.

If you want to read more about marketing and sales funnels, check the blogs below.

Marketing Funnels

The Art of Sales

Because short-form views can blow up fast (if the content is done right, of course), it can be a very cost-effective way of getting a lot of "eyeballs" on your brand in a small amount of time—especially if you are willing to stay consistent, to ensure that you are going to be top of mind!

So, in conclusion, yes, short-form is likely to be a very useful part of any business video marketing plans within the next few years, with huge value being placed on that type of content by nearly every social media platform, as well as you being able to create it with relative ease due to the technological advancements in smartphones and in-app editors.

If you would like to hear how we created more than 50 short videos for a new client last year, make sure to check out the blog below. :

Creating 50 videos in one day!