Short form videos can transform your brand and communication methods. Many businesses rely on written communication such as emails, documents and reports to share information with customers and internal teams.
While these methods are familiar, they are not always the most effective way to communicate messages clearly and quickly.
Long emails can be overlooked, documents may not be fully read, and important information can sometimes be missed.
This is where short form video is becoming increasingly valuable. It provides a simple and engaging way for businesses to communicate messages in a format that is easier to understand and more likely to be seen.
Many businesses already use systems such as CRM platforms and client portals to organise information, and video is now becoming an important part of how that information is communicated.
This article explains what short form video is, how it is used and why more organisations are beginning to introduce it into both their marketing and internal communication.
Short Form Video Ideas Explained
Use the table below to quick jump to specific short form explainers or video ideas for your business.
Table of Contents & Quick Links
What is Short Form Video?
Short form video refers to short, focused video content that is designed to communicate a message quickly and clearly.
These videos are typically brief, often lasting from 45 to 0 seconds, and are created to deliver information in a way that is easy to watch and understand.
Examples of short form video include:
- Social media videos
- Quick service explanations and FAQs
- Short news updates or announcements
- Introduce a member of staff
- Step-by-step guides
Rather than requiring someone to read through detailed text articles, short form video allows information to be presented visually, verbally, or using captions (subtitles) at the same time.
Why Businesses Are Using Short-Form Video
Businesses are increasingly using short form video because it gets more attention on social media platforms, supports website development search engine optimisation and improves how information is delivered, understood and remembered.
Compared to written communication, video can:
- Be more engaging to watch or listen to real people, rather than reading
- Capture attention more effectively
- Explain ideas more clearly
- Demonstrate a unique and authentic human interaction
- Save time for both the sender and the recipient
People often find it easier to watch a short video than to read a long email or document. As a result, messages are more likely to be received and understood as intended.
For many organisations, this shift is helping to improve both external communication with clients and internal communication within teams.
Replacing Long Emails and Documents
One of the biggest advantages of short form video is its ability to replace lengthy written communication like traditional emails.
Many people have emails in preview mode. Typically of they see a long text email, they will either come back to it another time or even ignore it, mainly because it does not look interesting or informative.
Instead of sending a long emails, or creating manner and tone confusion via text, a business can create a short video that communicates the same information more clearly and can be sent in emails or through social media direct messages.
Low Cost Updates
Short form video works best when it is used consistently and this is achievable due to the low cost and effort required to create short-form video.
Rather than creating occasional long or highly produced videos (that can come with large £ costs), many businesses are finding value in producing regular, simple short form video content that can provide updates to previous video’s, where the content may have recently changed, such as:
- Changes in legislation, service or products
- New staff members joining the business
- Latest certifications or accreditations achieved
Consistent use of video helps build familiarity and keeps communication clear and up to date.
Read more of our business technology ‘Simple Terms’ explained articles:
Short Form Video for Marketing and Social Media
Short form video is becoming a key tool in business marketing because it allows companies to explain what they do in a clear and engaging way.
Most social media platforms are delivering video posts higher than traditional text / image only posts including:
- TikTok
- YouTube
- YouTube Shorts
- X (formerly Twitter)
By using video, businesses can get their messages out across a wide range of social media platforms that users on smartphones can find easier to consume.
Access Across Devices
Short form video is designed to be easily accessed across a range of devices, including smartphones, tablets and desktop computers.
This means that both prospect customers, clients and team members can view content whenever it is convenient, whether they are in the office, working remotely or on the move.
The ability to quickly access video content and save to devices for future is a flexible communication tool that is sought after by consumers.
What videos could your business quickly make?
Whether used for marketing or internal communication, your business can introduce short form video meaning messages are delivered consistently and understood more effectively than traditional written formats.
If you or your team are feeling nervous about creating video, simply read our Creating Videos Builds Confidence Explained in Simple Terms article here
Have a think of the types of videos your business could produce and start seeing the positive effects using branded video software like this.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is short form video?
Short form video is short, focused video content designed to communicate a message quickly and clearly.
Why is short form video effective for businesses?
It helps businesses communicate information more clearly, improve engagement and save time compared to written communication.
Do businesses need professional equipment to create video?
No, most modern smartphones provide enough quality to create effective short form branded video content.
