Intro
The landscape of social media video is ever-evolving, and understanding the latest trends is essential for marketers and content creators alike. Tubular Labs, a leader in video insights, has just released their H2 2024 report, shedding light on the key trends that are shaping video engagement across major platforms like YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook.
With a database that now includes over 11 billion videos from 28 million creators, Tubular Labs provides a comprehensive look at how video consumption is changing. Their 36-page report offers a treasure trove of data-driven insights to help you refine your video marketing strategies. Here’s a closer look at some of the most important takeaways from their latest findings.
Short-Form Video is Evolving
Short-form video continues to dominate, but there’s an interesting shift happening in both YouTube and TikTok. According to Tubular Labs, shorter video uploads (under 30 seconds) on YouTube have surged in the first half of 2024, growing by double digits. However, the more notable trend is the 39% increase in videos longer than 30 seconds. This shift suggests that while short-form remains king, viewers are showing a growing appetite for slightly longer clips that allow for more engaging narratives.
On TikTok, we’re seeing a similar trend. While the platform remains synonymous with ultra-short videos, content creators are now increasingly opting for uploads between 1 and 2 minutes, with engagement for these longer clips on the rise. Interestingly, Tubular reports that super short clips are still the most common on TikTok, but user engagement with these shorter videos has been declining, signalling a change in viewer preferences.
The Rise of New Content Niches
In addition to format changes, Tubular Labs also highlights a shift in content niches on TikTok. While traditional categories like “Beauty” and “Music” continue to perform well, there’s been a significant rise in the popularity of Business and Finance content. Some of the top-performing trends in this category include “Home ownership at a young age,” “Viral finance tips,” and “Financial services for entrepreneurs”
This uptick in business and finance-related content suggests a broadening of TikTok’s user base, with more professionals and entrepreneurs using the platform to share insights and connect with younger audiences. Brands operating in these sectors should consider jumping on this trend to reach new demographics.
Instagram and Facebook: The AI Factor
Meta’s platforms, Instagram and Facebook, are also undergoing major transformations in the way users interact with video content. Tubular Labs’ report notes a rise in Instagram engagement, fueled largely by Meta’s increased reliance on AI recommendations. As of April 2024, 50% of the content shown to Instagram users comes via AI recommendations, rather than from the accounts they follow. This has led to a surge in Reels views and overall engagement on the platform.
On the Facebook side, the rise in video uploads is also noteworthy. For a platform that’s seen a decline in personal sharing in recent years, the popularity of Reels may be a driving force behind this increase. Additionally, some creators are re-uploading their TikTok content to Facebook, possibly as a hedge against TikTok’s uncertain future in the U.S.
What These Trends Mean for Video Marketing
So, what can marketers and content creators take away from Tubular Labs’ latest report? First and foremost, it’s clear that short-form video remains incredibly powerful, but with a twist—audiences are increasingly engaging with slightly longer formats that offer more depth and storytelling. This is a trend that brands should be leveraging across platforms like YouTube and TikTok.
Additionally, new content niches like business and finance are gaining traction on platforms like TikTok, providing opportunities for brands in these sectors to tap into fresh, highly engaged audiences.
Finally, the role of AI in content recommendation is reshaping the way users discover and interact with video, particularly on Instagram. By understanding these shifts, brands can better align their video marketing strategies with current user behaviours and preferences.
Conclusion
Video marketing is more than just a trend—it’s a cornerstone of modern content strategy, and platforms like YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook are continuously evolving. By staying informed on the latest developments, marketers can position their content for maximum engagement.
For a deeper dive into these trends, be sure to check out Tubular Labs’ full H2 2024 report. It’s packed with actionable insights that can help you optimize your video content for the months ahead. For additional help and creating video content that succeeds in today’s content world, contact our team today!
