If you are thinking that video marketing is the future, then you are wrong because it's the present. Statistics indicate that about 95% of Intern users watch at least one video every month. Additionally, on average, an adult in the U.S. spends around 60% of their screen time watching videos. If you want to take your brand to the next level, you should create a good video marketing strategy.

When doing video marketing, you need to understand the latest trends. With social media as an ever-evolving field, staying abreast of the latest trends will help ensure you create the kind of videos your audience needs and expects. In this article, we will take you through the top video marketing trends to watch in 2026.

The Continued Popularity of Short-Form Videos

There is no doubt that in the past few years, short-form videos have ruled social media platforms, from TikTok to Instagram and Facebook. This trend will continue into 2026, so if you want to use video marketing to increase brand awareness on Reddit or any other social media platform, focus more on vertical short-form videos. A good rule of thumb is to keep the videos between 15 and 60 seconds.

These videos will continue to perform well because social media audiences prefer quick, engaging videos that deliver value quickly. Additionally, the algorithms of the leading social media platforms continue to promote these short-form videos. The good news is that these quick clips are easy to produce. All you need is a good cell phone and good lighting. You can leverage short videos in different ways, such as:

• Content repurposing. If you already have some good-performing videos, you can repurpose them into captivating snippets.
• Camping teasers. You can stir excitement into your upcoming campaigns, such as events, initiatives, and product launches.
• Dynamic editing. To increase accessibility and engagement on your short video, add fast cuts, text overlays, and subtitles.

The Shift Toward Authenticity and Storytelling

In the early days of video marketing, creators and brands focused heavily on producing perfectly polished content. However, this trend has shifted, and people now prioritize genuine, human content. Therefore, you should focus on authentic storytelling to build an emotional connection and increase brand loyalty.

When you connect emotionally with your audience, you can help your brand stay top of mind and leave a lasting impression. This can increase your target audience’s trust in your brand. Creating relatable videos will also drive interaction by prompting people to comment and share. Here are a few tips to drive authenticity in storytelling for customer conversion:

• Share your brand story. This could be the story of how your business started, while highlighting its triumphs and challenges.
• Share honest testimonials. You can share customer testimonials to show the real-life experiences of your previous customers.
• Behind-the-scenes content. You can use it to show the process of making the product with behind-the-scenes content to build trust.

The Rise of AI Videos

AI videos have disrupted the video production process by enabling brands to create visually impressive content. This has proven to be a lifesaver, especially for small brands with limited marketing budgets. In 2026, we are going to see an increase in the number of AI-generated videos,

However, it is also important for brands to be cautious when using AI for video marketing, as this can harm their brand. A good approach would be to use the tools as a video-editing partner rather than a video-creation tool.

The Rise of Employee Advocacy Videos

With investment in influencer marketing slowing, brands are realizing they can leverage employee advocacy to reach a larger audience. Since they are already passionate about your brand, their unique perspective and expertise can humanize it and ensure a genuine connection with your audience.

When used well, employee advocacy can add an unmatched level of authenticity, as employees’ stories feel personal and relatable, helping build trust. Employees already understand your brand, its products, and its values, making them well placed to market it compared to outsiders. Employees can also help share the videos on social media, tapping into their personal networks to increase the visibility of your marketing videos.

Here are several ways in which brands can leverage employee advocacy:

• FAQ videos. You can create videos of your employees answering some common questions about your products and services.
• Behind-the-scenes content. You can use employees to schedule their workdays.
• Quick stories or tips. You can create short videos of employees sharing their tips, anecdotes, and expertise, thereby showcasing your brand’s personality.

These videos can then work well in the LinkedIn feed. When uploaded, they can reach thousands of your ideal customers at no cost.

Increased UGC Content

Studies indicate that customers trust recommendations from real people more than those from brands. In fact, according to one study, 40% of adults report that their buying decisions are influenced by user-generated content. According to 93% of marketers, UGC campaigns outperform other marketing tactics. Many brands also report that UGC content is more cost-effective than traditional ads. This means we should expect to see more UGC content in 2026.

Higher Demand for Live Videos

In recent years, demand for live videos has increased. As content creators and brands look to increase engagement in 2026, live videos will be useful. From TikTok live to sharing live events on Instagram Stories and hosting Q&A sessions on Facebook and YouTube, there are many ways to showcase the authentic side of your brand.

Shoppable Video Content

Shoppable video refers to videos with clickable elements that allow viewers to buy products directly, without leaving the platform or interrupting their viewing experience. You can integrate these in your videos in various ways, such as:

• Product tags. In this case, viewers can click a product in the video to learn more about the one to buy.
• In the video link. This includes buttons and texts in the video that direct viewers to the purchase pages.
• Pop-up interactions. Product images and links appear while the video is playing, enabling users to take immediate action.

Shoppable videos can streamline the conversion process by minimizing the number of steps between interest and purchase. It can also help to engage viewers using the interactive feature.

In Conclusion

Whether you are beginning to implement your video marketing strategy or want to refine it, understanding the 2026 trends can help you stay connected with your audience. From the shift to short-form videos to the use of shoppable links, these trends offer important insights into what is working in video marketing.