Top 10 Short Video Trends to Watch Out For in 2024

Introduction

Short-form video content has exploded in popularity over the last few years. Platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels make it easy for anyone to create and share short, entertaining videos. As we move into 2024, several trends in short video creation and consumption will shape the landscape. In this post, we’ll explore the top 10 short video trends to keep an eye on this year. Understanding these trends can help creators, marketers, and brands better understand their audiences and stay ahead of the curve with their short video strategy.

Trend 1: Vertical Video

Vertical video shot in portrait mode has become the norm for short video, especially on mobile devices. Platforms like Snapchat and TikTok have accelerated this trend, as they showcase video content vertically in feeds. In 2024, we’ll see even more adoption of vertical video across social platforms as users increasingly engage with content on their phones. Landscape video will still have its place, but vertical will dominate short video.

Trend 2: Shorter Videos

Today’s attention spans are shorter than ever. On platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels, videos tend to be 15 seconds or less. These bite-sized videos work well for quickly capturing attention and interest before scrolling to the next clip. In 2024, even shorter videos under 10 seconds will proliferate, catering to even shorter attention spans. Brands and creators will need to master ultra-short videos that convey a lot of information, emotion, or entertainment value quickly.

Trend 3: Informational Videos

How-to, explanatory, and educational videos perform well as short video content. Viewers are eager to learn new skills, understand complex topics, and expand their knowledge in a fun way. In 2024, we’ll see more creators making innovative educational videos utilizing graphics, visual effects, and editing techniques to make digestible, engaging content. Brands can also tap into this trend to create a value-driven content strategy.

Trend 4: Augmented Reality

Augmented reality (AR) overlays digital elements onto the real world via a device’s camera. On short video platforms, AR filters and effects have become hugely popular. In 2024, expect AR capabilities to advance even further, with more immersive and interactive filters that blur the line between digital creations and reality. Savvy short video creators will embrace these tools to make more visually stunning content.

Trend 5: Short Shoppable Videos

Ecommerce brands have already been experimenting with shoppable video that allows viewers to click on products featured in videos to learn more or make purchases. In 2024, the integration of shopping and short video will deepen. Direct “Buy Now” capabilities, limited-time offers in videos, and behind-the-scenes shopping content will engage potential customers where they’re already spending time – short video platforms.

Trend 6: Behind-the-Scenes Videos

Users love getting a peek behind the curtain, whether it’s into the daily life of their favorite creator or the inner workings of a brand. Short behind-the-scenes videos provide an authentic way for creators and brands to give their audience insider access. As creators become more business-savvy in 2024, we’ll see more use of behind-the-scenes videos to build deeper connections and turn fans into loyal brand advocates.

Trend 7: User-Generated Content

Leveraging user-generated content (UGC) from one’s followers, fans, or customers is a win-win. For brands, it provides free, authentic marketing. For audiences, it gives a sense of ownership, community, and connectivity. In 2024, expect brands to creatively utilize UGC like reaction videos, reviews, unboxings, and more as part of their short video strategy. The highest performing brand content will incorporate UGC in some capacity.

Trend 8: Live Short Video

Live video has boomed, with platforms making it easy to go live. In 2024, short video platforms will double down on integration with live streaming capabilities. More creators will experiment with very short live videos – glimpses into experiences as they happen in real-time. Brands can also tap into live short videos to generate excitement, exclusivity, and urgency around product launches, events, and announcements.

Trend 9: AI-Generated Content

Artificial intelligence is rapidly evolving in its ability to generate written content, images, audio, and video. In 2024, expect creators and brands to increasingly leverage AI tools to ideate, produce, and even star in short video content. Interesting partnerships between human creators and AI will emerge. While it can raise concerns around authenticity, AI-generated content is likely here to stay as the technology improves.

Trend 10: Interactive Elements

One major benefit of short video is engaging users beyond just passive viewership. Interactive elements like polls, trivia questions, prompts to comment, and challenges or dares for viewers have become popular to increase engagement. In 2024, short video creators will dream up even more creative ways to make videos interactive and fun rather than one-directional. Brands can also utilize interactive elements to creatively activate audiences.

Conclusion

In an oversaturated media landscape, short video offers an entertaining and digestible way to capture viewer attention. As mobile device usage continues to soar worldwide, short video will only grow in popularity. The trends we covered, from ultra-short vertical videos to interactivity and AI, provide a snapshot of where short video is headed in 2024. Flexibility, innovation, and understanding one’s audience will be key to success. Both emerging and established creators and brands must evolve their short video strategies to stay ahead in this fast-paced space.