by Introduction
Vertical videos—it’s the format that’s taken over our screens. From Reels on Instagram to Shorts on YouTube, this mobile-centric style is reshaping how brands connect in 2025. Let’s unpack why this format matters now more than ever. 🙂
Why This Blog Topic Is Important
In today’s fast-paced digital world, attention spans are shrinking—👀 people scroll in just three seconds or less, and smartphones dominate at over 75% of internet video consumption. Brands that don’t adapt to vertical, short-form video risk falling behind. This blog highlights key trends, stats, and best practices to help marketers thrive in this vertical revolution.
1. The Vertical Video Boom 📱
- By 2025, vertical and short-form videos will make up about 90% of internet traffic.
- Video content will account for 82% of global internet traffic by 2025, with mobile devices leading the way.
- Users hold their phones vertically 94% of the time—so vertical video fits how they naturally interact.
2. Sky-High Engagement & ROI
- Short-form videos drive more than twice the engagement compared to longer clips.
- Short video ads (under 30 sec) now make up 66% of video ad spend, with estimated revenue surpassing $99 billion.
- Brands using short-form vertical videos report 90% higher completion rates and the best ROI among marketing formats.
3. Platform-Specific Impact
Instagram Reels
- 55% of users discover new brands via Reels.
- Reel ads show a 48% lower cost-per-action vs. horizontal ads.
- Reels now represent around 35% of Instagram usage time—700 million users engage monthly.
YouTube Shorts
- YouTube Shorts delivers 30 billion daily views and has 2 billion monthly users.
- Most viewers prefer entertaining Shorts, while traditional videos still dominate educational content.
4. Gen Z Driving Change
- 64% of Gen Z list TikTok as their top platform, 55% prefer Instagram Reels, and 54% engage with YouTube Shorts.
- Gen Z and Millennials make decisions in milliseconds—vertical videos are tailor-made for this fast consumption style.
5. Best Practices for Brands
- Shoot vertical in a 9:16 ratio—don’t just crop horizontal footage.
- Hook the viewer within first 3 seconds to avoid scroll-off.
- Add captions: 85% watch videos without sound.
- Center subjects and use legible, large on-screen text.
- Use platform tools—AR filters on Reels, music on TikTok & Shorts—to boost engagement.
6. Case in Point: Vertical Dramas
China’s “duanjus,” or vertical micro-dramas, are a cultural phenomenon—projected to reach a $14 billion market by 2027. This shows vertical videos’ power beyond advertising—they tap into storytelling and emotion.
Conclusion
Vertical short-form videos aren’t a passing trend—they’re the new normal. With most digital traffic mobile-based and attention spans decreasing, brands must embrace vertical to stay competitive. Whether launching product teasers, behind-the-scenes content, or snappy ads, vertical videos on Reels and Shorts deliver reach, engagement, and ROI.
Does this interest you? Connect with us to see how we can help you!
