Reasons why long-form videos are increasing in view time again on social media platforms.
In recent years, short-form video content has taken over social media platforms, with apps like TikTok and Instagram Reels captivating audiences with their endlessly scrollable feeds of bite-sized videos. However, a countertrend is emerging, with long-form videos, or as this article might refer to it at times, ‘longs’, making a comeback in the crowded digital landscape.
THE RISE OF SHORTS
The burst of short-form videos was (and still is) a recursive phenomenon, feeding itself till virtually every platform now hosts the format. While their popularity today can be attributed to platforms being highly optimised for short content consumption, their initial success factors are a lot more fundamental.
Short Attention Spans
The advent of platforms like TikTok and the increasing popularity of Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts can be attributed to viewers’ diminishing attention spans and the desire for quick, easily consumable content. Short-form videos, typically ranging from a few seconds to a couple of minutes, cater to this need for instant gratification, offering a constant stream of fresh, engaging content that can be enjoyed on the go.
Bite-Sized Consumption
The prevalence of smartphone usage and our increasingly mobile lifestyles have fueled the demand for bite-sized, easily digestible content. These ‘snackable’ videos are perfect when on the go, whether it’s during a commute, a break at work, or while waiting in line. Their brevity allows viewers to quickly get their entertainment fix without committing to longer viewing sessions. Our attention spans are increasingly fragmented, and we’re constantly bombarded with information from multiple sources. Short-form videos cater to this reality by offering quick bursts of content that can capture fleeting attention spans. The constant stream of new, fresh content on platforms like TikTok and Instagram capitalises on our desire for novelty and instant gratification, catering to the demands of the modern attention economy.
High Virality
Short-form videos are highly shareable, making them ideal for social media platforms. Their condensed format and often humorous or relatable nature make them perfect for quick consumption and easy sharing or tagging among friends and followers. This shareability contributes to the virality of certain videos, amplifying their reach and visibility across various platforms.
A Shared Experience
The rise of user-generated content has also been a driving force behind the short-form video boom. With smartphones and user-friendly editing tools, anyone can become a content creator, recording and sharing moments from their daily lives with minimal effort. This democratisation of content creation has given rise to a vast pool of diverse and authentic short-form videos.
Short-form video platforms thrive on trends, challenges, and memes. The rapid pace of content consumption and creation allows for quick iterations and remixes of popular videos, fueling viral trends and meme culture. Users are constantly seeking out the latest crazes, driving engagement and fostering a sense of community around shared experiences.
Feeding the Algorithm
Lastly, platforms like TikTok and Instagram leverage sophisticated algorithms to serve users a personalised feed of short-form videos based on their interests and interactions. This algorithmic curation enhances the discovery experience, constantly introducing viewers to new and engaging content tailored to their preferences, keeping them hooked and scrolling endlessly.
THE RETURN OF ‘LONGS’
As with any trend, saturation eventually sets in, and audiences begin to crave something more substantial and immersive.
More Length, More Information
Long-form videos, often lasting over 10 minutes, offer a depth and richness that short-form content cannot match. In our busy, distracted world, long-form videos stand out by allowing us to delve deeper. While short clips give us quick bursts of entertainment, long-form content offers something richer that short videos can’t capture. Like an engaging novel, these extended stories draw us in and transport us.
Building a Narrative
At the core, humans naturally crave compelling storytelling and emotional journeys we can get invested in. Long-form videos give creators the room to build vivid worlds filled with complex characters and explore meaningful themes on a deeper level. Intricate plots can develop slowly, building suspense expertly, and characters can have meaningful arcs that resonate with our own life experiences. We become hooked, willingly devoting hours to witnessing these unfolding tales that tap into shared human experiences.
Diving Into Details
In the age of niche interests, long-form videos allow audiences to indulge in tailored content catering to their specific curiosities. The longer run-time is a gift, letting creators dive deep into niche topics through tremendous detail and academic expertise. Step-by-step tutorials can deconstruct subjects meticulously, while in-depth documentaries expose thought- provoking investigations and poignant human stories that foster empathy.
Long-form videos give creators the room to build vivid worlds filled with complex characters and explore meaningful themes on a deeper level. Intricate plots can develop slowly, building suspense expertly, and characters can have meaningful arcs that resonate with our own life experiences.
Immense Immersion
However, the greatest strength of long-form videos may be their ability to facilitate escapism and immersion. With high production value like sweeping camerawork, stunning visuals, and rich sound design, these videos can utterly transport us into magnificent fictional worlds. We emerge from these odysseys impacted, and our perspective on reality slightly altered. New technologies like VR/AR amplify this, creating hyper-immersive experiences that interactively fold us into the narrative realm.
Ironically, the relentless eroding of our attention spans fueling short-form’s rise may also propel long-form’s resurgence. In a universe of fleeting digital impulses, the prospect of engrossing journeys substantial enough to captivate us for hours becomes an intriguing anomaly. As our restlessly overstimulated minds grow accustomed to short bursts, long-form depth provides a reprieve.
More Seconds, More Bank
Financially, the incentives are huge. Longer viewing equates to more advertisement opportunities and unlocks lucrative subscription models. As audiences crave premium, immersive content, creating cinematic long-form experiences becomes tantalising for platforms and creators seeking monetisation.
It’s Human Nature
While our culture pushes for brevity, the human spirit’s innate pull towards epic stories remains strong. Long-form videos quench our thirst for narratives to get utterly immersed in – savouring each detail, becoming transported accomplices on their grand journeys. These are the experiences that stir our souls and foster cult obsession. In the endless digital content cycle, long-form endures as the nourishing aquifer – enriching, revitalising and indispensable.
THE FUTURE
While short-form videos will likely maintain their popularity, the resurgence of long-form content suggests a shift towards a more balanced ecosystem. Audiences crave variety, depth, and immersive experiences, and long-form videos offer a unique opportunity to satisfy these desires.
As technology continues to evolve and attention spans adapt, it’s likely that we’ll see a convergence of short-form and long-form content, with platforms and creators exploring new ways to combine the best of both worlds. Ultimately, the success of long-form videos lies in their ability to captivate audiences with compelling storytelling, in-depth exploration of topics, and immersive experiences that transcend the limitations of short-form content.
