6 video marketing trends to watch in 2016

6 Video Marketing Trends to Watch in 2016

In the mad rush to predict social marketing trends of the upcoming year, one thing that most all commentators seem to agree on is that video is on its way in. And it’s coming in a big way.

We’ve looked at some aspects of video in a marketing and social media here before, but the ideas and ways that it can be implemented seem to be getting more and more creative and innovative every day. Here are six trends noted by Digital Marketer Steffan Pedersen for 2016:

“1. Lower production quality is ok.”

Brands are trying to replicate the amateur Instagram­style smartphone posts, and Pedersen points to Starbucks as one of the leaders in this visual approach. It gets the point across in a low­key and relatable way instead of bashing us over the head with blatant commercialism.

“2. Be wary of video bloggers/influencers — they can fall down as quickly as they’ve risen.”

Typically there is a reason that vloggers gain a following, and this often involves one of two things: letting their personal life into their videos are ever­increasing eccentricities. In using these approaches to represent your brand, it becomes easy to see how too much of either could be detrimental to both your vlogger and yourself.

“3. Social/mobile video is here to stay. Look out for 360 Degree, Virtual Reality coming quick!”

Quoting stats ranging from Snapchat to Virtual Reality, Pedersen points to not only the increasing reliance of users on mobile video, but also the blossoming technologies that it will soon spread into. He particularly highlights 360 degree video and leaves it to the readers’ imaginations how this might be used in our marketing.

“4. Facebook video ads > TV ads: A long time coming?”

With more and more content creators publishing their material exclusively on Facebook, the opportunities for advertising is increasing dramatically.

More importantly, unlike traditional TV ads, says Pedersen, Facebook’s platform allows for very targeted advertising to the exact demographics your brand is looking for.

“5. Instagram: Building out big brand offerings: 30 second cinematic video ads leave a big impression”

Similar to Facebook encouraging content hosting, Instagram is allowing video adverts and even short­form cinematic entertainment content.

Utilizing this new medium, several brands have seen a significant ROI. Pedersen points to Michael Kors as one of the best examples.

“6. Cord cutting connects brands more intimately with consumers. I’m a cord­cutter, so this was especially interesting for me:” As fewer and fewer people are subscribing to cable television due to high costs and lack of options, the trend is catching on with hardwired broadband Internet as well. Many households are now becoming exclusively users of mobile devices. Along with this shift comes the opportunity for higher­tech advertisements that engage the consumer, using methods such as interactive and real­time call­to­action videos.

Considering the much higher ad completion statistics Pedersen cites, these alternative media source have the potential to develop into innovative outlets for those marketers creative enough to embrace their full potential.

How do you see video playing a role in 2016’s social marketing? Is your company in position to utilize the medium? Join the discussion and let us know!