Short form video has taken over social media. You can see it when you scroll through TikTok, Instagram Reels, or YouTube Shorts. According to HubSpot’s 2025 Marketing Trends Report, nearly 30% of marketers use it more than any other format, and over 20% say it delivers the highest ROI. For small businesses, that’s a pretty big signal that if you’re not creating short form video, you’re missing out on where audiences are actually paying attention.
What Counts as Short Form Video?
Think under 60 seconds. Some creators stretch it to three minutes, but the sweet spot is quick, snappy, and designed for an audience that’s scrolling fast. The magic is that viewers can watch it in seconds, share it instantly, and even re-watch it without commitment. Let’s take a quick look at some of the numbers:
Short Form Video Statistics:
- 73% of consumers prefer short-form videos to search for products or services.
- 60% of short-form videos are watched for 41% to 80% of their length.
- Short-form videos receive 2.5 times more engagement than long-form videos.
- 57% of Gen Z prefer short videos to learn about products and services.
Why We Can’t Stop Watching Short Form Videos
Attention spans are shrinking, and most people simply won’t stick around for a long video unless they’re deeply invested. Short form content matches how we actually consume media today: in between meetings, while waiting in line, or late at night when we’re “just checking one more thing.” And because these videos get straight to the point, they’re perfect for sparking curiosity or triggering an emotion that makes someone stop scrolling. They’re also the perfect size for sharing which is why so many of them go viral quickly.
Small Businesses, Big Opportunities
From a business perspective, the opportunities are huge. Short form video gives you a way to showcase products, answer questions, or give people a peek behind the curtain without spending weeks or thousands of dollars on production. AI tools and smartphone cameras make video creation easier than ever, and platforms reward bite-sized content with higher reach. In fact, short form video is so powerful that 75% of marketers plan to keep or increase their investment this year.
The Trust Factor: Human Beats Perfect
Another reason to invest in short form video, people trust it. In a world where AI is everywhere, human-driven, authentic content stands out. That could be as simple as a founder speaking directly to camera, a quick demo, or even a funny, relatable moment that connects your brand to your audience’s everyday life.
Short Form Video Isn’t a Fad. It’s the Future
At the end of the day, short form video isn’t just a trend, it’s where your audience already is. It’s how they’re discovering new brands, how they’re deciding what to buy, and how they’re connecting with businesses that feel approachable and real.
Ready to Get Started On Short Form Video For Your Small Business? Give Us a Call, We Know All About Creating Trending Videos
If you’re ready to put short form video to work for your business, 3SIXTY Marketing Solutions can help you make it happen. We’ll guide you on what works, help craft the strategy, and even provide a creative space to bring your ideas to life. Call us at 705-252-4180 to get started or book a free consultation through our website today.
