Short-Form Video Trends 2023: Captivate, Engage, and Succeed

Over the past few years, short-form video content has become a dominant force in the digital world. Platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, and Snapchat have captured the attention of millions of users worldwide and its popularity isn’t slowing down anytime soon.

As we look to the future, we can expect short-form video content to continue to dominate the digital world and become an increasingly important part of our daily lives. And as each platform continues to evolve and attract more creators and users, we can expect short-form video content to remain a popular and powerful form of online content.

Here are some reasons why short-form video is still on the rise in 2023:

1. Short Attention Spans In today’s fast-paced world, people don’t have the patience or time to sit through long-form content. Short-form video content is perfect for capturing the attention of viewers quickly and keeping them engaged. With the average attention span decreasing over time, it’s no surprise that short-form video content has become increasingly popular.
2. Mobile-Friendly With the rise of mobile devices, people consume more content on their smartphones than ever. Short-form video content is ideal for mobile consumption, as it’s easy to consume on the go and doesn’t require a significant time commitment. Many short-form video platforms are optimized for mobile viewing, making them a convenient option for users.
3. Bite-Sized Content Short-form video content is perfect for creating bite-sized information or entertainment. Whether it’s a quick tutorial, a funny skit, or product review, short-form video content can convey a message quickly and effectively. This is particularly valuable in today’s fast-paced world, where people are always on the go and want information quickly.
4. Social Media Integration Short-form video content perfectly suits social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat. These platforms have embraced short-form video content and have made it easy for creators to share their content with a large audience. With social media playing an increasingly important role in people’s lives, short-form video content has become an essential tool for creators looking to build an online following.
5. Algorithmic Recommendations Many short-form video platforms use algorithmic recommendations to suggest content to users based on their viewing history. This means that users are more likely to discover new content they might not have found otherwise. This has been a major growth driver for platforms like TikTok, which uses a sophisticated algorithm to recommend content to users based on their viewing history.
6. Entertainment Value Short-form video content is inherently entertaining. Whether it’s a funny skit, a dance challenge, or a short musical performance, short-form video content is designed to entertain viewers. This entertainment value has been a major factor in the rise of platforms like TikTok, which has become a go-to destination for users looking for a quick laugh or some entertainment on the go.

Which Short Form Video Platforms Are Growing The Fastest?

Short-form video platforms have exploded in popularity in recent years, with new platforms emerging all the time. Here are some of the short-form video platforms that are currently growing the fastest:

1. TikTok: TikTok has become the dominant force in the short-form video space, with over one billion monthly active users worldwide. The app allows users to create and share short videos, typically 15-60 seconds long, with a wide range of features and editing tools. TikTok’s algorithmic recommendations and viral challenges have helped to drive its explosive growth.
2. Instagram Reels: Instagram Reels is a feature within the Instagram app that allows users to create and share short-form videos. Like TikTok, Reels offers a range of editing tools and special effects, and content can be discovered through algorithmic recommendations and the Explore page.
3. YouTube Shorts: YouTube Shorts is YouTube’s answer to the short-form video trend. The feature allows users to create and share vertical videos up to 60 seconds long, with a range of editing tools and effects. YouTube has been promoting Shorts heavily on its platform, and creators can benefit from the massive reach of the YouTube audience.
4. Triller: Triller is a social media app that allows users to create and share short videos, typically set to music. The app has grown rapidly in popularity, particularly among music artists and influencers. Triller’s editing tools and effects allow for highly creative and engaging content.
5. Snapchat: While Snapchat has been around for several years, the platform has continued to evolve and grow in popularity. The app’s short-form video feature, called Spotlight, allows users to create and share videos up to 60 seconds long. Spotlight’s algorithmic recommendations and cash incentives for popular creators have helped to drive growth.

Overall, TikTok is the dominant player in the short-form video space, but Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, Triller, and Snapchat are all growing rapidly and offer unique opportunities for creators and brands looking to reach a large and engaged audience.

What Short-Form Video Platforms Are Coming In The Future?

With short-form video platforms constantly evolving and exploding in popularity, we’ll likely see even more new platforms emerge in the coming years. As these platforms compete for users and creators, we will likely see a continued emphasis on creativity, engagement, and personalization.

Here are some short-form video platforms that may be coming in the future:

1. Facebook Lasso: Facebook is reportedly working on a new short-form video app called Lasso, similar to TikTok. The app will allow users to create and share short videos, with various editing tools and effects. Facebook has not announced a release date for Lasso yet.
2. Byte: Byte is a new short-form video platform that was created by the co-founder of Vine, Dom Hofmann. The app allows users to create and share six-second looping videos, similar to Vine. While the app has not yet gained the same level of popularity as TikTok, it has a dedicated user base and offers unique opportunities for creators.
3. Firework: Firework is a short-form video app that focuses on storytelling and aims to connect viewers with short-form video content that aligns with their interests. The app offers a range of editing tools and effects, and creators can monetize their content through advertising and partnerships.
4. Dubsmash: Dubsmash is a short-form video app that allows users to create videos synced to popular songs and audio clips. While the app was popular a few years ago, it has recently grown in popularity and has been expanding its features and capabilities.
5. Moj: Moj is a short-form video app created by ShareChat, a social media platform popular in India. The app offers a range of editing tools and effects and has quickly gained popularity in India, where TikTok was banned in 2020.

What to Keep in Mind When Creating Short-Form Video Content

As short-form video content continues to dominate the digital world, it’s important to create high-quality, engaging content that stands out from the competition. Creating effective short-form video content requires a mix of creativity, technical skills, and storytelling ability. By following these recommendations, you can create content that engages and entertains your audience and helps you build a loyal following on short-form video platforms.

Here are some recommendations for creating effective short-form video content:

1. Keep it short and sweet: Short-form video content is all about delivering a message quickly and efficiently. Keep your videos under 60 seconds if possible, and focus on conveying your message concisely and engagingly.
2. Hook your viewers in the first few seconds: With so much content competing for viewers’ attention, it’s important to hook your audience in the first few seconds of your video. Use attention-grabbing visuals or an intriguing question to draw viewers in and keep them engaged.
3. Use creative editing and special effects: Short-form video content allows for a lot of creativity in editing and special effects. Use these tools to create engaging and visually appealing content that stands out.
4. Tell a story: Although short-form video content is brief, it can still tell a compelling story. Use a beginning, middle, and end structure to create a cohesive narrative that captures viewers’ attention.
5. Use music and sound effects: Music and sound effects can add personality and emotion to your short-form video content. Choose music that fits the tone of your video, and use sound effects to highlight important moments or add humor.
6. Optimize for mobile: Short-form video content is often consumed on mobile devices, so it’s important to optimize your videos for mobile viewing. This includes using vertical video and ensuring that your videos load quickly and smoothly on mobile devices.
7. Be authentic and relatable: Short-form video content is all about connecting with your audience on a personal level. Be authentic and relatable in your content, and showcase your personality and unique perspective.

What Are Some Short Form Video Trends To Watch In 2023

Short-form video content has been constantly evolving, with new and existing trends evolving. As the medium continues to grow and mature, we can expect even more exciting features and functionality, offering creators and viewers new ways to engage with this powerful form of digital content.

Here are some short-form video trends to watch in 2023:

1. Interactive Videos: Interactive videos allow viewers to engage with the content differently. This can include quizzes, polls, and other interactive elements encouraging viewers to participate and engage with the content. Interactive videos are likely to become more prevalent in 2023 as platforms continue to innovate and experiment with new features.
2. Social Commerce: Social commerce is the integration of e-commerce and social media. Short-form video content can be a powerful tool for driving sales and promoting products, particularly on platforms like Instagram and TikTok. Expect to see more short-form video content focused on product demos, reviews, and other forms of social commerce in 2023.
3. Nostalgia and Retro Aesthetics: Nostalgia and retro aesthetics have been popular in various forms of media for several years now, and they are likely to continue to be popular in short-form video content. Expect more videos featuring throwback styles and references to the past, particularly in fashion, music, and entertainment.
4. Inclusivity and Diversity: Inclusivity and diversity have become increasingly important in all forms of media, and short-form video content is no exception. Expect to see more videos featuring diverse creators and content that celebrates different cultures, backgrounds, and perspectives.
5. User-Generated Content: User-generated content (UGC) has become an essential part of short-form video content, particularly on platforms like TikTok. Expect to see more brands and creators leveraging UGC in their videos, either by featuring content from their followers or by encouraging users to create their content based on a specific theme or challenge.

Don’t Forget What Makes Short Form Video So Appealing

Does creating short-form video content feel daunting? You’re not alone. But in this case, it is worth conquering your fear and diving into this highly valuable space. Remember that short-form video content should be quick and easy to consume, engaging and entertaining, authentic and valuable, and always creative and unique.

There is no doubt that short-form video has established itself as a dominant force in the digital world, with platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts capturing the attention of millions of users worldwide. The convenience, entertainment value, and algorithmic recommendations of short-form video have made it increasingly popular.

If you want to learn more about taking advantage of short-form videos or about the latest tips and tricks we use to generate bigger and better results for our clients, schedule a free consultation call with our team here at Vinci today. We’ll work with you to understand your unique business needs and goals and help identify how to use short-form social media videos in your overall strategy.