WHY YOUR NEXT MARKETING DOLLAR SHOULD PROBABLY GO TOWARD A 15-SECOND VIDEO

If you've been putting off short-form video because it feels intimidating, awkward, or just not "you" — we get it. But the data's starting to make a pretty compelling case for getting over it.

Here's what's actually happening right now.

MARKETERS ARE VOTING WITH THEIR BUDGETS

HubSpot's 2026 State of Marketing report (surveying over 3,400 marketers globally) found marketers rank short-form video as the single highest-ROI content format, at 49% — well ahead of long-form video at 29%.

That's not a fluke. It's marketers looking at their own numbers and telling on themselves.

IT ACTUALLY MOVES PEOPLE TO BUY

A Google and Kantar analysis across 20 campaigns found that YouTube Shorts creator ads lifted purchase intent by 8.8%, and produced nearly three times more intent to spend compared to competitors.

So this isn't just about views or vanity metrics — it's translating into people actually wanting to buy.

WHERE IT WORKS BEST

Sprout Social's 2026 Content Strategy Report found engagement on short-form video varies a lot by platform — Instagram sees around 52% engagement, compared to 27% on LinkedIn.

Translation: know your audience before you know your platform. A great video in the wrong place still underperforms.

YOU DON'T NEED A STUDIO

Some of the best-performing short-form content is filmed on a phone in natural light. What matters more is consistency and a clear, genuine point — not production value.

If the idea of showing up on camera still makes your stomach turn, you're not alone, and we can help you find a format that still feels like you.

Reach out to 99 Media and let's figure out where short-form video actually fits into your marketing.