Short Form Content: Still The King of Marketing in 2024.
11 October 2024 3dmThis is 2024, where attention spans are shrinking, but content consumption is exploding! People today scroll faster than ever, and if you’re not grabbing attention in the first three seconds, you’re out of the game. Short-form content is truly the king of marketing in 2024. It’s everywhere, it’s powerful, and—most importantly—it works.
So why does short-form content dominate, and how can you leverage it to make your marketing campaigns go viral?
1. Attention Spans Are Shorter Than Ever
Let’s be real: We live in a swipe-right, scroll-down world. The average attention span of a human has dropped to around 8 seconds. That’s less than a goldfish. People don’t have time to read long paragraphs or sit through drawn-out videos. They want quick, digestible bites of information. That’s why platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and X are thriving.
2. Instant Gratification
We’re living in a world where everything is on-demand. Got a question? Google it. Hungry? Get food delivered. Your audience expects the same from your content. Short-form delivers that quick hit of dopamine we all crave. Whether it’s a 15-second reel or a tweet, the faster the payoff, the better the engagement.
3. Better Shareability
People love sharing short-form content. It’s snackable. Easy to consume. More likely to be passed around like a viral meme. Think of it this way: The shorter the content, the easier it is to spread. A catchy quote or quick how-to is way more likely to get shared than a 3,000-word article.
4. Fits Any Platform
From social media to newsletters, short-form content is incredibly versatile. A 10-second clip can be repurposed across multiple platforms with ease. One video = 10 different posts in a week. This makes it super-efficient for marketers. Whether it’s a witty caption, a snappy infographic, or a 30-second ad, short-form content is king everywhere.
How to Make Short-Form Content Work for You
So, we know why short-form content works, but how do you create it in a way that makes your brand pop?
1. Hook ‘Em in the First 3 Seconds
The first 3 seconds of your content are everything. That’s how long you have to grab someone’s attention before they scroll past. Think bold visuals, catchy headlines, or relatable hooks that hit home immediately. Start with impact, or you risk losing them altogether.
2. Get to the Point
Don’t bury your message under layers of fluff. Short form content thrives on clarity. You’ve only got a few seconds, so make them count. Whether you’re sharing a tip, promoting a product, or telling a story—be concise. Strip away the unnecessary and deliver your core message fast.
3. Use Visuals Like a Pro
The magic of short-form content lies in its visual punch. High-quality images, sharp videos, and bold graphics can make even the shortest message hit hard. People process visuals faster than text, so pair your message with something that catches the eye.
4. Call to Action—Keep It Simple
You’ve got their attention—now what? Your call to action (CTA) in short-form content should be direct and simple. “Shop now,” “Learn more,” or “Follow us”—something quick, easy, and clear. Don’t ask them to do five things, just one.
Real-Life Examples That Prove It Works
- TikTok & Reels: Brands like Nike and Red Bull use TikTok and Instagram Reels to showcase dynamic, high-energy content in 15-30 seconds, driving millions of interactions.
- Twitter/X: Wendy’s is a master at short, witty tweets that make an impact. They’ve built an entire persona around sharp, concise messages.
- YouTube Shorts: Even long-form platforms are adapting! YouTube Shorts are now becoming just as popular as long-form videos, giving brands a chance to engage new audiences with bite-sized content.
So if you’re looking to dominate in 2024, start thinking small. Remember, sometimes less is more.