8 Video Marketing Trends Digital Marketers Need to Be Aware of in 2021

It’s not uncommon to hear that content is king, especially when it comes to video marketing. Digital marketers and content creators are in a constant battle to create the most engaging and shareable videos in hopes that their content will explode and go viral across the web.

Video marketing is well-liked by digital marketers because it can be easily used to get a message across, without having to rely on the limited attention span of the end-viewer. 

Additionally, professionally crafted video content is appealing to the eye and instead of just telling your story, you can show it. If a picture is worth a thousand words, then can you imagine just how many words a video is worth?

Video marketing statistics are simply astounding. Did you know that more consumers trust a brand more if it produces videos? When it comes to social media, shared videos outpace links and text content by up to 1200%.

No matter what your thoughts on video marketing your company’s service or products may be, you absolutely must incorporate it into your suite of marketing strategies and tactics in 2021. Here are the 8 video marketing trends digital marketers can expect this year.

1. Videos will be optimized for each social platform

It’s no secret that different social media networks necessitate a different approach to the way video marketing is published and shared on any given platform. This is effectively a basic marketing requirement for any marketer who plans to spread their company’s message in order to enhance and maximize the viewer’s experience.

The fact of the matter is that social media platforms adore native content. It’s not hard to tell that native videos on a social media platform will almost always outperform a YouTube link.

When marketers upload native video content, they are essentially telling the platform to boost the visibility of the video, as opposed to just pasting a YouTube link that is just asking to be throttled.

2. Live video streaming takes 2021 by storm

There is nothing that speaks to a viewer more than a live video stream. Live video offers a certain level of intimacy that simply isn’t possible to accomplish with prerecorded video content. With live video, a viewer’s questions and concerns can be addressed directly in the moment, which again speaks to the fast-paced, world that the majority live in today.

Companies today are using live video streams to promote new products, make important announcements, host webinars, and interview industry leaders. One of the best parts about live video streams is that they are easy to set up, and require no editing, special studio equipment, or post-production of any kind.

3. Video podcasts will be even more popular this year

A video podcast, also known as a videocast, is simply a podcast or radio talk show that is also recorded on video. Podcast listeners tend to enjoy observing hosts as they talk about today’s most pressing issues and stories in the studio.

Video podcasts allow the viewers to feel more closely connected to the brand and company message, which allows you, the digital marketer to better connect with the audience.

4. IGTV and vertical videos

Thanks to Instagram and Snapchat and their ‘Stories’ formats, vertical videos will be super popular this year in 2021. Instagram Television (IGTV) is a tool that allows you to upload vertical videos of lengths anywhere between 16 seconds and 60 minutes.

IGTV is great because it opens up the possibility for companies to truly branch out and begin uploading these same vertical videos to their YouTube channel. IGTV is especially great for Instagram influencers since these videos are raw, don’t require a high production value, and yet can still connect well with their followers.

5. Shoppable videos are one of 2021’s trending video tools

Gone are the days of cable television-based home shopping channels. Enter online shoppable videos. With the success that Facebook experienced in using shoppable photos for eCommerce-based brands, the natural progression indicates a move towards shoppable videos.

Consumers will start using videos as a direct way to make purchases and be redirected to the parent product pages. With shoppable videos, your audience will be able to click on a link go directly through the online shopping process.

6. 360-degree videos

360-degree videos have been slowly climbing the ranks of popularity as virtual reality (VR) headsets and 360-degree cameras continue to gain traction and momentum. 360-degree videos are awesome because they immerse your audience in an environment that is custom-built for the viewer.

360 degree videos are especially interesting for travel and event brands, and are being used successfully by the likes of National Geographic.

7. Augmented reality campaigns

Augmented reality has been around for a few years, and while it has had a slow start, it will surely become one of the leading video marketing trends in 2021. Marketing campaigns that are utilizing augmented reality are hyper immersive and interactive, which ultimately leads to an improved user experience and higher CTRs.

Companies in the retail space (eCommerce) can really benefit from augmented reality because customers can virtually try their products. For example, using augmented reality a customer can see how a new pair of glasses would fit on their face, or how a new sofa would look in their living room.

8. Long-form videos are popular for 2021

It’s a common misconception to think that the human attention span is shrinking and is now shorter than that of a goldfish – as disproved by a study done not too long ago. While there’s no denying that short-form videos are super easy to consume and digest, long-form videos will be making a huge comeback in 2021.

Long-form videos tend to create a stronger emotional connection between the message or story being divulged and the audience. They provide an opportunity for investment in the content, leading to deeper, long-term customer engagement.

The bottom line: how video trends impact marketing in 2021

There’s no denying the fact that the video marketing landscape is quickly shifting towards a more interactive, engaging, and viewer-friendly format. With the continued growth of trends like live streaming, shoppable, 360-degree, and augmented reality videos, there has never been a better time to start running your very own video marketing campaigns.