Top Short-Form Video Platforms + Why You Should Care

In the rapidly evolving realm of digital marketing, staying ahead of the wave is crucial for businesses. It is especially important when you are striving to capture and retain the attention of your target audience.

As we delve deeper into 2024, the role of short-form video content continues to soar. Short-form video content presents businesses with an unparalleled opportunity to connect with consumers in a dynamic and engaging way.

You need to know Social Media and Consumer Behavior to understand where you should spend your time. One way to do that is to know the top platforms for short-form videos and user-generated content. Oh, and don’t worry. We will also enlighten you on why you should care. 

Top Short-Form Video Platforms

We’re diving into the top short-form video platforms for 2024. Discover how each short-form video platform can elevate your marketing efforts to new heights.

From the explosive creativity of TikTok to the storytelling capabilities of Instagram Reels, each platform offers unique features and opportunities for businesses to showcase their products, services, and brand personality.

So, whether you’re a seasoned marketer or just dipping your toes into the world of short-form video as a business, you will want to stick around.

TikTok

There is no doubt that TikTok has taken the social media world by storm. As a matter of fact, it has taken the world by storm. TikTok has revolutionized the way users consume and create content.

It’s known for its addictive short-form videos and highly engaged user base. TikTok quickly became one of the most influential platforms for content creators and businesses alike. 

TikTok started in China and was originally known as Douyin. It was launched globally in September 2017 by the Chinese company ByteDance. The popularity skyrocketed, particularly among younger demographics. It has since become one of the most downloaded apps in the world for all ages.

The app has been downloaded over 4 billion times and in 2023, it had 1.5 billion monthly active users. It is expected that by the end of 2024, it will reach almost 2 billion.

What is TikTok?

TikTok is a social media platform that allows users to create, share, and discover short-form videos. These typically range from 15 to 60 seconds in length. The content can go as long as 3 minutes and even 10 minutes. It is known for its highly engaging content, which often includes lip-syncing, dancing, comedy sketches, and challenges. It has a past of hosting the most viral trends.

With a diverse range of users and content, TikTok offers a unique and immersive experience that keeps users coming back for more.

How to Create TikTok Content

Creating content on TikTok is easy and intuitive. Users can record videos directly within the app or upload pre-recorded videos from their devices. TikTok provides a variety of editing tools, filters, effects, and soundtracks to enhance videos and unleash creativity.

From adding text overlays to applying AR (augmented reality) filters and sound effects, TikTok offers endless possibilities for creating engaging and entertaining content.

Benefits of Using TikTok

• Community Engagement: TikTok fosters a strong sense of community and encourages interaction through likes, comments, shares, and duets. This high level of engagement allows brands to connect with their audience on a more personal level and build meaningful relationships.
• Brand Exposure: With over a billion active users worldwide, TikTok offers unparalleled exposure for brands looking to expand their reach and increase brand awareness. By creating compelling content that resonates with TikTok’s audience, brands can significantly boost their visibility and attract new customers.
• Casual/Authentic Nature: Unlike other platforms where polished, professionally-produced curated content may be the norm, TikTok thrives on raw, unfiltered creativity. This means that brands and users can feel more comfortable posting content that may not be as polished or refined, fostering a more relaxed and inclusive environment where everyone can participate and express themselves freely.

The TikTok Ban

Even as the US is in the process of a TikTok ban, the earliest this could happen is in the first quarter of 2025. A year is a long time to tap into ROI from TikTok if this is where your audience is hanging out.

Instagram Reels

Instagram Reels has emerged as a powerful tool for creating and sharing short-form video content on the popular social media platform. With its seamless integration within the Instagram app, Reels allows users to express themselves creatively and engage with their audience. 

Instagram Reels was officially launched in August 2020. This feature was introduced as a response to the growing popularity of short-form video content and as a direct competitor to platforms like TikTok. As a result, Instagram Reels has become an integral part of the Instagram app.

What are Instagram Reels?

Instagram Reels is a feature within the Instagram app that allows users to create and share short-form videos, typically ranging from 15 to 60 seconds in length but can be as long as 90 seconds. Similar to TikTok, Reels enables users to add music, effects, text overlays, and other creative elements to their videos, making it easy to produce engaging and entertaining content directly within the Instagram platform.

How to Create Instagram Reels

Creating Reels on Instagram is simple and intuitive. Users can access the Reels feature from the Instagram camera and record videos directly within the app. Similar to TikTok, you can also create and edit videos and upload them into the Instagram app as a Reel.

Instagram provides a range of editing tools, effects, and music tracks to enhance videos and unleash creativity. From adding filters to adjusting playback speed, Reels offers a variety of options for customizing and personalizing content to captivate your audience.

Benefits of Using Instagram Reels

• Enhanced Visibility: Instagram Reels are prominently featured within the Instagram app, making them highly visible to users browsing their feeds or exploring content. This increased visibility can help boost engagement and attract new followers to your Instagram profile.
• Creative Expression: Reels provide a platform for users to express themselves creatively and showcase their personalities, talents, and interests. Reels allow users to unleash their creativity and connect with their audience in a meaningful way.
• Audience Engagement: Reels encourage interaction and engagement through likes, comments, shares, and reactions. This high level of engagement fosters a sense of community and allows brands and users to build relationships with their audience, ultimately driving loyalty and brand affinity.

YouTube Shorts

YouTube is no stranger to the world of video content. This additional feature came on the scene, first in India when TikTok was banned in India back in 2020.

In the US, and the rest of the world, it was released in 2020. This was the perfect timing since it was around that time that the explosive popularity of short-form video content across social media platforms became evident.

YouTube recognized the need to provide creators with a platform for creating and sharing short-form content.

What are YouTube Shorts?

YouTube Shorts are brief, vertical videos designed for quick and easy consumption on mobile devices. They typically have a maximum duration of 60 seconds. The content is catchy and creative, often featuring music, memes, and trending topics.

How to Create YouTube Shorts

Creating YouTube Shorts is simple. Use the YouTube app on your mobile device to record, edit, and upload Shorts directly from your smartphone. The app provides access to a range of creation tools and features, allowing you to customize their Shorts with music, filters, and effects. However, there is a character limitation in the caption of each video.

Benefits of Using YouTube Shorts

• Increased Visibility: YouTube Shorts are visible on the Shorts shelf, increasing their easy access and reach among YouTube users. This allows you to attract new viewers and grow their audience on the platform.
• Engagement: The short and snappy format of YouTube Shorts makes them highly engaging and shareable. You can capture viewers’ attention quickly and keep them entertained with bite-sized content that’s easy to consume on the go.
• Creativity Showcase: YouTube Shorts provides a platform for you to showcase your creativity and talent in new and innovative ways. Whether it’s through music, dance, comedy, or storytelling, you can express yourself and connect with audiences through their Shorts.

Watch Out for LinkedIn

LinkedIn has recently confirmed to TechCrunch the development of a new feature. It’s still in its infancy, with limited access granted to most users.

While details remain sparse, we have a glimpse of what’s on the horizon. The introduction begins with a video tab situated prominently at the top of the navigation bar. Upon clicking this tab, users will be able to engage with videos through likes, comments, and shares.

Similar to functionalities on other social networks, a simple swipe gesture will seamlessly transition to the next video in the queue. Stay ahead of the curve by keeping a keen eye out for this upcoming feature.

Why Should You Care About the Top Short-Form Video Platforms?

Short-form video platforms offer businesses a unique opportunity to engage with their audience in a meaningful and impactful way. By embracing these platforms and investing in high-quality content creation, businesses can drive engagement, reach, and brand awareness, ultimately driving growth and success in today’s digital landscape.

Which Platform Should You Be On?

Ultimately, the best short-form video platform for your business is the one where your target audience spends the most time. Understanding your audience’s demographics, preferences, and behaviors is key to determining the most effective platform for reaching and engaging with them.

Whether your audience is primarily active on TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, or another platform, focusing your efforts where they are most likely to be can maximize the impact of your content and drive meaningful results.

Prioritize the platforms that align with your audience’s interests and habits.

Make Waves with Short-form Video Content

It’s understandable if the prospect of creating engaging and effective videos feels overwhelming. That’s where Surf’s Up Social comes in. Our team specializes in crafting compelling short-form video content tailored to your brand and audience.

Whether you need help brainstorming ideas, shooting and editing videos, or optimizing your content for maximum impact, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

With Surf’s Up Social by your side, you can navigate the sea of short-form videos with confidence, knowing that you have a trusted partner to help you achieve your goals.