We’re currently living in the age of the social video takeover. That’s not to say that social media video content hasn’t always been popular, but the prioritization of short- and long-form video on nearly all popular social platforms has peaked exponentially. Since the explosive growth of TikTok, we’ve continuously seen other platforms follow suit: Instagram with Reels, Meta with Watch, YouTube with Shorts, and Twitter (ahem, “X”) prioritizing a visual instead of a text-heavy feed.
Skipping out on creating a social media video marketing strategy is not just unwise; it could cost a brand like cell phone repair Lethbridge or cell phone repair Airdrie. Video isn’t going anywhere – video trends and content have reshaped the way we consume media. That’s why learning about various types of videos and their popularity on social platforms is vital for your social success. Luckily, we’ve broken these types of videos for you here!
Social media video trends come and go, but their format has remained fairly consistent over time. The primary focus of video content is to be entertaining, informative, or demonstrative – or a neat blend of all three.
Below we’ve detailed nine of the most popular types of videos for social media and their popularity by rank!
1. Entertaining or Comedic Videos
Are you not entertained? Think light, humorous content, then scroll to the next 30-second video. We said it once and we’ll say it again (literally in the next paragraph), TikTok has set the standard for video content on social – and much of that content is entertainment. And there really are no limits. Whether you’re directing what seems like a $10k budget short film or sticking some relatable text on top of a trending video template, it’s all entertainment.
People enjoy funny videos on social media because it’s effortless and allows them to decompress. Specifically, relatable entertainment gives people a reason to stick around because they enjoy that sense of community. It may seem like social platforms have steered far from human connection, but take one look in the comments on any TikTok video and you’ll see a whole community of people interacting and engaging with one another.
2. User-generated Videos
Vine walked so TikTok could run – and now, everyone is chasing after the same success of user-focused and generated video. It’s a combination of people wanting more authenticity in online content, as well as allowing for more people to have the space to create, not just influencers.
User-generated videos are just that – user-created and people-focused. There’s not some fancy production or editing team behind the scenes, there’s just a person and their phone. While it’s possible to create this type of video with a social team, people can usually tell the difference. This is why as a brand, it’s important to give the floor to your consumers. Partner with creators or ask them permission to use their content without any production interference. This doesn’t just create a more authentic and trustworthy relationship with your audience, it shows your appreciation for them.
3. How-to and Tutorials
From the moment it became popularized, Google has been the go-to resource for learning any and every how-to you can think of. Don’t know how to plunge a toilet? Google it. Don’t know how to do your taxes? Google it. But not everything can be so easily learned through copy. And we can thank YouTube for popularizing long-form how-to videos for the everyday queries people have.
Using video for this type of content isn’t just valuable and more accessible to your visual learners, it keeps everyone more engaged. Not to mention your non-handy crowd probably won’t understand what you mean by “P-trap” or what the difference between a locknut and a slip nut is unless you show them.
4. Educational Videos
School’s out, the internet is in. People rely on the internet more than ever to educate themselves. Whether it’s regarding a specific field of study or just diving deeper into topics they’re interested in, educational videos are an incredibly useful tool for learning.
Educational videos don’t have to be a face-to-camera lecture. Educational content comes in all formats and often mixes different graphics and visuals to present information in a variety of ways to support all styles of learning. The key is teaching viewers in a way that’s helpful and engaging. You’d be surprised how interested people are in facts, history lessons, or deeper dives into the story behind a product related to your industry.
5. Product Demos
Arguably the worst thing you can do as a marketer is assume. You should never assume who your audience is, assume they are familiar with your brand, or assume they understand how to use your product. Whether it’s as simple as a sponge or as complex as a 3D printer, your audience expects and appreciates a product demo!
Because no matter how many times you say it in the copy or advertising, telling your audience what your product does or offers differently is never quite as good as showing them. Show them!
6. Product Reviews
Unlike product demos, people want to see real-life people testing and using your product in their day-to-day. Authenticity is what they value here – a realistic look without company bias or advertisement. The trick to these videos being successful is really no trick at all – your product should hold up to the same quality standards no matter who is using it.
7. Influencer Vlogs
Whether it’s living vicariously or simply a comforting habit, people love seeing the extraordinary or mundane lifestyles of influencers. Although most influencer content skews towards the rich and famous (thanks, TikTok) we are now seeing so much more relatable “day-in-the-life” style videos from everyday people.
Believe it or not, the realistic, raw footage of the flower you saw on the walk to work or the coffee you grabbed at lunch is something people will watch and enjoy. This can be extremely useful for businesses because throwing in a quick mention of a product or service that fits into these day-to-day tasks is what makes them seem even more authentic. When your audience can visually see your product fitting seamlessly into someone’s lifestyle, it makes more sense to add it to their own.
8. Interview or Q&A Videos
Every consumer has a pain point, and it’s important to make sure those issues are addressed. An interview or Q&A style video shows your audience that you care about their questions, and it establishes your business as an authority on the topic.
This type of video can cover a range of things whether it’s interviewing thought leaders, employees, or influencers, or highlighting some of the most asked questions or concerns from consumers. You can also engage your audience by gathering survey questions or featuring this type of content in a live feed where they can ask in real time.
It might seem formal, but it will feel more authentic and conversational if you really engage your audience. Don’t treat it like a staged, scripted ad or commercial; this is about addressing their needs, not highlighting your offerings.
9. Behind-the-scenes Videos
It’s no secret that the behind-the-scenes is a major secret. Many brands see this type of content as diminishing their authority or leaving industry “secrets” out in the open to be stolen. But the fact of the matter is that the internet already knows your secrets, and people would rather hear them from the source.
Ironically, showing your work processes and day-to-day is what helps many consumers feel more connected to your brand, product, and services. Not only do most people find it interesting and engaging, but they also want to know how their money or time is being spent.
Keep Pace with the Video Content Takeover
There are nearly endless types of video content for social media, and the only mistake you can really make is not keeping up. If you’re not already invested in a social media video strategy, what are you waiting for?
While your competitors are creating social video content and engaging with your audience, your brand is falling victim to “out of sight, out of mind.” Take back your audience by creating engaging, informative, and authoritative video content.
