The evolution of video in marketing continues to drive new trends. With so many online viewers relying on video for information, education, and entertainment, embracing these trends is essential to help your content stand out from the crowd.
For brands, this matters more than ever in an increasingly competitive online landscape. As a Chicago-based video production company with years of experience and an expansive portfolio, here’s what we see the most successful videos doing today.
Video remains a dominant form of media consumption. With 96.4% of global internet users watching online videos every month, online platforms continue to be a key focus for businesses, brands, and storytellers.
With the constant emergence of new platforms and evolving expectations, video can quickly feel outdated if it doesn’t align with current trends. By monitoring video trends, brands can better understand how audiences consume and engage with content in real time. Following trends, and applying the most relevant ones to marketing or storytelling efforts—ensures effective communication with target audiences. It also supports stronger attention, trust, and engagement.
Luckily, you don’t have to do all of the work yourselves. Our team is experienced in video production, and we keep a close eye on modern video trends (and know how to incorporate them into your strategy).
Sifting through countless online resources to identify the latest video trends and then figuring out how to apply them can be overwhelming.
Our team is deeply embedded in the video marketing industry, with its finger on the pulse of what works (and what doesn’t), so you don’t have to be. Here are a few modern trends to consider applying to your video marketing efforts.
Attention spans haven’t gotten any longer, which means your video needs to make its point from the start. As a result, short-form video continues to dominate digital platforms. Audiences scroll quickly, making concise videos that deliver impactful messages ideal for social media, adverts, and brand awareness campaigns.
Short-form content communicates with clarity, authenticity, and strong visual hooks within the first few seconds. This doesn’t mean oversimplifying the message, but rather presenting the most compelling elements early on to remain visible, relevant, and memorable.
Did you know that mobile devices account for more than 60% of all website traffic? This means that if your content isn’t designed to be mobile-first, you could be missing a significant portion of your audience’s attention. Creators need to consider the elements that go into mobile-first content, including vertical formatting and text placement, as well as pacing and sound design.
Mobile-first videos are designed for smaller screens, often viewed without sound and in short bursts. Clear visuals, captions, and strong messaging help ensure your content is delivered effectively and remains accessible, no matter where your audience is watching.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is a leading trend in modern video production, allowing creators to work with greater precision, automation, and efficiency. AI-assisted tools are used throughout the production process—from editing and transcription to cinematography support and workflow streamlining, while maintaining quality.
When used strategically, AI supports human creativity rather than replacing it, enabling production teams to focus more on cinematography, storytelling, and strategy.
While AI is an emerging trend, it has also contributed to a rise in inauthentic or fake videos that fail to connect on an emotional level, and this is not what audiences want. Viewers are craving connection and respond most strongly to videos that evoke emotion, whether through inspiration, empathy, humor, or trust. Modern video trends emphasize authenticity over perfection, highlighting real stories, genuine voices, and relatable moments.
When content resonates emotionally, viewers are more likely to remember the message and take action. Brands that prioritize emotional connection can build credibility and loyalty, making video a truly meaningful communication channel.
Audiences care deeply about corporate social responsibility, sustainability, and the values that drive brands, using them as a way to differentiate one organization from another. It goes beyond what you sell to what you stand for, and video offers a powerful platform to highlight these core values and principles in a way that feels authentic and connection-driven. This might include commitments to sustainability, community impact, or ethical practices.
Rather than simply pushing promotional content, principle-driven videos focus on transparency and thoughtful storytelling, helping brands clearly communicate their values and connect with audiences who share the same beliefs.
Interactive videos are an emerging trend that increases engagement by allowing viewers to participate rather than passively watch. Features such as clickable links, polls, and calls to action help boost engagement and viewer retention.
By incorporating interactivity, audiences are encouraged to explore content more deeply, while brands gain valuable insights into viewer preferences and increase conversion potential.
Depending on your industry, your target audience may be more local than you realize. By creating content tailored to specific communities, regions, or audiences, you can build stronger and more personal connections. Successful videos often highlight local stories, environments, and people, which is especially effective for businesses looking to establish relevance within their market.
Hyper-local videos feel more authentic and allow audiences to see themselves reflected in the content. When paired with broader messaging, this localized strategy can boost credibility, engagement, and conversions.
An increasing number of videos are experimenting with animation to take advantage of the creative flexibility that live-action video can’t offer. This includes motion graphics, explainer videos, hybrid animated elements layered over footage, and full animation to help simplify complex ideas and add visual interest.
By incorporating animation, brands can stand out from competitors, create more effective educational content, present data more visually, and expand their storytelling capabilities.
At The Michael Group Productions, we understand both emerging and proven video marketing techniques that capture attention and drive engagement. By combining experience, creativity, and deep industry knowledge, we apply trends thoughtfully, creating modern videos that feel intentional, effective, and aligned with your goals.
Content that captures, Strategy that sells. Contact our team at (312) 498-4440 to learn more.
