Video Marketing Trends in 2021

Like every other aspect of our lives, COVID-19 transformed video production marketing in 2020, and we believe these changes will continue in 2021 even once COVID is no longer a factor.

As a video production company that provides creative services, perhaps we are biased, but we also believe that the need for video marketing and video communications is greater than ever as a way for companies to connect and communicate with customers, vendors, and employees during these times.

According to Wyzowl here are some of the ways marketing videos are taking hold:

• 87% of video marketers say video has increased traffic to their website.
• 95% of video marketers say video has helped increase user understanding of their product or service.
• 80% of video marketers say video has directly helped increase sales.
  
  Here are just five of the marketing video trends we envision will continue in the year ahead

1. A general increase in video content consumption

Since most everyone is working remotely, more people are, for better or for worse, spending more time on their devices and consuming lots of video content. According to a study by WARC daily, online video marketing content consumption around the world has soared since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, doubling from an average of 3 hours, 17 minutes to 6 hours, 59 minutes.

2. An increase in video marketing content on mobile devices and social media, and therefore shorter video formats

We are living in a world where much of the video that is being produced is consumed on mobile devices. And as the consumption of video content increases, our attention spans seem to be decreasing.

At Studio B Films, and we imagine this is now true for all video production companies, whenever we produce a 1- to 3-minute marketing video for a client we are often asked to edit a shorter social media cut-down, usually under 30 seconds. These marketing videos are used in part to tease the audience to watch the longer video. This is why a social media strategy has proven to be a key component of any successful video marketing campaign. If you are not familiar with which social media platforms to post your video content most likely your video production company can provide guidance.

3. More Animated Videos

Animated videos aren’t appropriate for every marketing video communication of course, but because of the challenges presented in shooting live footage during COVID, most video production companies today are producing more animated videos than ever, I know that true for Studio B Films. And of course, there is always the option of a hybrid approach: live-action interviews or a direct-to-camera address with an animated section to explain and illustrate complex ideas within a video.

4. Corporate events will continue to be streamed rather than in-person

Until at least 70% of the population is vaccinated corporate events will continue to be conducted online rather than in person. We predict that even once we are past the pandemic the on-line video webcasting option won’t go away. Many companies have discovered that offering remote participation in events is a great way to expand their coverage, reaching a larger audience at a much lower cost. Ask your video production partner about the cost to stream your next event, you might find that on the margin it’s a highly cost-effective way to connect with your audience.

5. Google Search will continue to increase its emphasis on video

By adding video marketing content to your website you can drastically improve your search engine optimization (SEO) which in turn drives more people to your website. This is a huge opportunity, especially if your competitors aren’t taking advantage of video. SEO is one of the best ways for your business to be found by your target customers. When your potential clients do a targeted search they’re actively looking for what you’re offering, so making sure your website shows up on the first page should be a crucial part of your digital marketing strategy. Once on your website if you can win them over through well-produced video content. And you can also post your video marketing content on lots of social media sites, like Youtube, Facebook, and Twitter that will then drive traffic to your site. Again, if you're not familiar with how to do this your video production creative partner can guide you through the process.

A lot of the trends of 2020 are here to stay, and some for the better. Let us know if we can help you with your video production needs in 2021 as we continue to navigate production during the time of COVID. Even though we are living in uncertain times we think it’s smart to review and access your marketing video strategy for 2021 so you have a well thought out plan moving forward. Please let us know if we can be of help in planning your video production marketing needs in 2021.