Video is one of the most effective content types for marketers. It’s a medium that’s incredibly engaging and can increase brand awareness and customer conversion rates. However, video is also a very time-consuming content type to produce. There are a lot of moving parts to creating a great video, with many steps involved in the process, from writing scripts to video production.
One of the biggest questions marketers have when creating video content is how long they should make it. There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, and the debate between short-form vs. long-form video content plagues many marketers. Both formats have pros and cons, but which is better? Let’s take a look.
What’s The Difference Between Short-Form Video and Long-Form Video Content?
When it comes to video marketing, there are two primary forms of content: short-form video and long-form video. Each format is effective in its own way, but there are a few differences between them.
Short-form video is a video that is no more than two minutes long – though most short-form video content tends to be roughly 60 seconds or shorter. This type of video is usually used for social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat. Short-form video is also commonly used for ads and product demonstrations.
Long-form video content is the format that most people are familiar with. These videos tend to be 10 minutes or longer and are often used for educational purposes or to provide more in-depth information about a topic. They are also the more common type of video used for entertainment purposes. Long-form videos are often shared on YouTube, but they can be shared on other social media platforms and are most commonly used in marketing campaigns.
While both short-form and long-form video content are great ways to engage your audience, it is essential to understand that there are some pros and cons to both.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Short-Form Video Content
Short-form video content is one of the most popular forms of video marketing today. That’s because it’s the most accessible, thanks to the many different platforms that can be used to share it. Thanks to social media reels and video-sharing sites, you can share short-form videos on a variety of platforms to help increase your reach.
Of course, that doesn’t mean that short-form video content doesn’t have its shortcomings. Here’s what you need to know about the pros and cons of this format:
Advantages of Short-Form Video Content
The main advantage of short-form video content is that it’s highly shareable. Thanks to platforms like Instagram and TikTok, you can share your videos with a broad audience with just a few clicks. This is a great way to increase your reach and get your brand in front of new people.
In addition to being highly shareable, short-form video content is relatively easy and inexpensive to produce. You don’t need fancy equipment or a big budget to create quality short-form videos. This makes it an excellent option for businesses of all sizes.
People are also more likely to watch a short video all the way through than a longer one. This makes short-form video content an ideal format for delivering your message and encouraging viewers to take action. A study by HubSpot found that 54% of marketers stated they already use short-form video content for content marketing and plan to invest in this format in the future. It also found that short-form videos ranked as the most effective format for engagement and lead generation.
Disadvantages of Short-Form Video Content
While short-form video content has many advantages, there are also some disadvantages to consider. One downside is that it can be difficult to tell a complex story in a short video. If you’re trying to communicate something that requires a lot of explanation, a short video might not be the best format.
Short-form videos also have a shorter shelf-life than long-form videos. This means they are less likely to be viewed and shared months or even years after publication. If you’re looking to create evergreen content that will continue to generate views and leads long after it’s published, a long-form video might be a better option.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Long-Form Video Content
While many of today’s younger audiences are accustomed to watching short-form video content, that doesn’t mean there isn’t a place for long-form video content. Thanks to the popularity of platforms like YouTube, long-form videos are still an excellent way to connect with your audience and drive traffic to your site. Research shows that YouTube is still the number one platform for video content among Millennials.
So no, long-form video content isn’t a dead art form, but is it right for you?
Advantages of Long-Form Video Content
Long-form video content has several advantages over short-form videos. One advantage is that it allows you to tell a more complex story. If you’re trying to communicate something that requires a lot of explanation, a long-form video is a better format. This is especially true if you’re trying to share your expertise or demonstrate a product.
A long-form video can also be a great way to engage your audience. For example, webinars and other educational videos can be a great way to teach your audience something of genuine value while creating an evergreen content asset that can be used in the future.
Disadvantages of Long-Form Video Content
One of the greatest disadvantages of long-form video content is that the average person has the attention span of a goldfish. You only have a few seconds to capture the audience’s attention before they start looking for something else.
Another disadvantage of long-form video content is that it can be expensive to produce. The production process can be very time-consuming, so you may have to pay a lot to produce the final piece. This can be a problem if you’re trying to produce a lot of content on a small budget.
Short-Form Video vs. Long-Form Video: Let NG Production Films Help You Choose
So, what’s the verdict? Short-form or long-form video content? The answer, unfortunately, is that it depends on your specific goals and objectives.
If you aren’t sure which format to choose, then let the team at NG Production help advise you on the best format to fit your needs. Our Orlando video production company, NG Production Films, can communicate effectively and efficiently to produce high-quality video production. We have over a decade of experience in producing the next video production project for your organization. Call NG Production Films today for a free no-obligation consultation at 407-233-3236 or fill out our contact form for a prompt reply.