Online video is undoubtedly changing the way audiences engage with content, ads, and brands, and small businesses and enterprises alike are starting to take advantage. As more and more platforms are allowing for video, and videos are becoming a new way for people to communicate, and a way for small businesses and brands to communicate online and on mobile. Here are why and how you can use video to better tell your brand story.

The Numbers:

In 2014, audiences engaged with video at a 43% growth rate, and 3/5 of their viewing was on a mobile device. Youtube attracted the most unique visits per month (800 million), making it the #1 video site, however, Netflix is the site where viewers spend most of their time. When you watch a YouTube video, you may see a pre-roll or mid-roll ad run by Google’s own ad platform. More small businesses are interested in the unique targeting capabilities that Google affords.

Not only do people love online video, but millennials are now “cord cutters” choosing to end their relationship with traditional cable companies and migrating to Netflix and Hulu. Traditional TV viewing is down by 17% by teens and millennials, as they are opting to use digital sources rather than cable.

Video Engages Audiences

According to a 2013 UK study, online video is far more engaging than a text article, with adults reporting adults are more likely to share (39%), comment (36%) and ‘like’ (56%) online video over a basic text blog. I recently spoke to an agency head in LA who informed me that brands are willing to pay between $15,0000 to $1 million for a 15 second SnapChat “commercial” due to the value of the audience and the novelty of the engagement.

What makes a video engaging?  you have 10 seconds to engage your audience before you lose them, so those first few seconds are incredibly precious, and you must have a solid hook. Never have a video longer than 2 minutes if you’re on desktop, and with mobile you’ve got an extra 30 seconds. Videos that are are 15 seconds are more likely to get shared, so the shorter, the more viral.

John Rampart

Contributor

Forbes Magazine