Why Short Form Video Is Dominating in 2025 and How Brands Can Win

In 2025, short form video isn't just a trend—it's the backbone of digital engagement. With average attention spans getting shorter and content overload at an all-time high, brands need to adapt fast or risk becoming invisible. But what exactly makes short form video so dominant today, and more importantly, how can your brand take full advantage of it?

Let's dive into why short form video continues to outperform other formats and how forward-thinking brands are leveraging this format to drive growth.

The Rise of the Scroll-Stopper

If you're a business owner, you've likely seen how platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts have redefined how consumers engage with content. The key? Immediacy. In just 15 to 60 seconds, a well-crafted short form video can deliver entertainment, education, and emotion.

In 2025, the average user spends over 95 minutes a day watching short form videos. This isn't just a leisure activity—it's where purchasing decisions are being made.

Why It Works

1. Micro-Attention Economy: People are bombarded with content. A creative video that delivers value in under a minute has a much better chance of being remembered.

2. Platform Algorithms Love It: Algorithms prioritize engagement. Short videos often have higher completion rates, which means more reach.

3. Mobile-First Consumption: 90% of video content is now viewed on mobile devices. Short videos fit perfectly into vertical formats, making them ideal for smartphone users.

4. Lower Production Barrier: With the help of a creative video agency, brands can now produce impactful content quickly and cost-effectively.

How Brands Are Winning with Short Form Video

1. Storytelling in Micro Moments

Great storytelling doesn't need 5 minutes. Brands are using 20-30 second narratives to hook viewers emotionally and deliver a call to action. Think customer testimonials, behind-the-scenes clips, or even user-generated content.

2. Humanising the Brand

People connect with people. Short videos featuring employees, founders, or real customers bring authenticity to the brand voice.

3. Content Series Instead of One-Offs

Instead of one polished commercial, many brands are building episodic content. This builds anticipation and keeps followers coming back. One local example is how some businesses in Singapore are using AI avatars to scale these recurring videos—more on that in our article on AI avatars Singapore.

4. Embedded CTAs

Rather than hard sells, successful brands integrate calls-to-action subtly—a link in the bio, a "Follow for part 2," or offering a free downloadable.

2025 Trends in Short Form Video

Rise of AI-Powered Personalisation

AI tools are helping brands tailor short form videos to different demographics with stunning accuracy. From personalised voiceovers to character avatars, the production workflow is now faster and more scalable than ever. Read more in our feature on the rise of AI avatars in video production.

Data-Driven Creativity

Data isn't just for analysts anymore. Top creative video agencies now use engagement metrics to decide everything from video length to visual style.

Integration with E-commerce

Short videos with built-in product links are driving direct sales. Platforms like TikTok and Instagram now allow viewers to purchase without ever leaving the app.

How to Start Winning

✅ Audit Your Existing Content

Which of your current assets can be repurposed into bite-sized video? Blogs, testimonials, webinars—all can be condensed into a powerful snippet.

✅ Work with a Creative Video Agency

If you're unsure where to begin, collaborate with a team that understands both storytelling and the algorithm. Agencies can help you plan, shoot, and distribute with consistency.

✅ Focus on Frequency and Consistency

Going viral is great. But showing up daily or weekly builds stronger brand equity. Set a content calendar and stick to it.

✅ Educate and Entertain

Purely promotional videos often flop. Add value with how-to tips, mini tutorials, or even humor. If you need inspiration, our article on how branded content drives conversions offers a deeper dive into this approach.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Copying Trends Blindly: Just because something is trending doesn't mean it fits your brand.

• Overloading with Text: Keep it visual. Use captions, but don’t make the video feel like a PowerPoint.

• Neglecting Audio: Sound is 50% of the experience. Invest in good audio design or narration.

• Ignoring Analytics: Always test and iterate. What works for one audience might not for another.

Final Thoughts

Short form video in 2025 is not a "nice-to-have". It's essential. Whether you're looking to attract new leads, nurture existing customers, or boost brand recall, there's no better tool in your arsenal right now.

But it's not just about showing up—it's about showing up smart. By understanding how this medium works and aligning it with your brand goals, you set yourself up for long-term success.

Curious whether short form video is good for your industry? You might be surprised by the answer. Dive deeper here.