It’s a known fact that short-form content has been key to various marketing strategies, but there’s also merit in adding long-form content to the mix. 

Long-form video content is like the avocado of digital marketing – some people love it, some underestimate it, but everyone should be paying attention. While short-form videos (hello, TikToks and Reels) dominate the scroll, long-form video is quietly pulling in engaged audiences, boosting brand authority, and keeping viewers hooked for longer.

So, before you write off anything longer than 60 seconds, let’s talk about why long-form video is the secret weapon your business needs (and how to do it well).

First up, let’s talk numbers…

YouTube as we know, is the king of long-form video. According to a 2024 YouTube report, they are still bringing in over 1 billion hours of video watched daily.

HUGE! 

here is still a clear demand for videos that are exceeding 60 seconds. In fact, 60% of viewers on YouTube will watch longer videos to either learn something or for entertainment. 

But it all comes down to the content. 

Educational videos, such as how-to guides for a product or service are amongst the most popular forms of content viewers watch. Similarly, sports and fitness related topics are also highly regarded by viewers.
I mean, 50% of YouTube viewers say they watch long videos to deepen their understanding of a topic. That’s a whole lotta people!

So what does this mean for you? 

In simple terms, long-form content can be a powerful tool for your audience. There’s no doubt that long-form video content still has a place within marketing. The trick is creating high-quality, engaging content that will ultimately provide value to the viewer

• For our plumbing friends, creating videos that show how to unclog a toilet properly or your tip to keeping your drains clean is a good start.
• If you’re in the beauty industry, share a step by step guide on how to create your own lux-like facial at home. 
• To all the builders, patching and repainting over a wall is content gold!

You get the idea. 

Still wondering how long-form video content can be a positive thing for your business? Here’s how. 

1. Start building trust and authority with your audience

Short videos are great for grabbing attention, but long-form video builds relationships. Whether it’s a deep-dive tutorial, an insightful interview, or a behind-the-scenes look at your business, long-form content can really help position you as the go-to expert in your industry.

Our advice on how to use it?

• Create educational content that teaches your audience something valuable or takes them through exactly how to use your product
• Host Q&A sessions where you answer frequently asked questions that your customers often ask
• Film documentary-style content that shows your journey as a business owners, talking about the products/service you offer and providing insight that your customers may not be aware of already

2. Let’s make it easier to find you

It’s simple math. Longer videos = more watch time = happier algorithms. Platforms like YouTube and even Facebook & Tik Tok now, are rewarding videos that keep users engaged for longer. Afterall, these platforms want to find a way to make viewers STAY on their site, and long-form done right is one way to do so.

This also helps increase the likelihood of your content being recommended to more people. Again, the more people who view your stuff = the more potential you have at finding more customers. Simple math. 

One way we’ve been seeing this done really well is by creators sharing their stories in multiple-part versions and marking these up to help viewers jump to relevant sections (let’s face it, how many 20-Part series have you watched on Tik Tok recently? For us, the limit doesn’t exist)

3. Share your content again and again… and again!

One piece of long-form video content can easily be utilised across other platforms. 

Think about it. 

If you spend time recording 1x 10 minute video, you can use that to slice into shorter clips for Reels and Tik Tok videos, grab text to form a static social media post or include a condensed version in your newsletter that drives back to your YouTube channel. 

We’re all about working smarter, not harder here, so here are some ways you can do just that: 

• Clip highlights from your long-form videos to create teaser content.
• Turn key points into carousel posts or infographics for social media.
• Extract the audio and launch a podcast version for those who prefer to listen on the go.

While short videos grab eyeballs, long-form video keeps them watching. 

The key is to create high-quality, engaging content that provides real value to your audience. So, before you dismiss the idea of going long, consider the impact it could have on your brand visibility, credibility, and conversions.

Now, are you ready to hit record?