In today’s fast-paced world, where people’s attention spans are shorter than ever, short-form videos have emerged as a preferred content format. These videos not only provide an immersive experience but also deliver substantial information in a short time, catering perfectly to modern lifestyles.
Short-form video platforms are more than just entertainment hubs—they are avenues for information exchange and knowledge sharing. Younger generations now turn to social media platforms for information, with 96% of consumers expressing a preference for learning about products or services through short videos. Additionally, nearly 30% of short videos have an engagement rate of up to 81%, reflecting their high acceptance among consumers. Brands are also actively investing in short-form video markets to capture attention, making this format an essential arena for creators and aspiring content producers.
In this article, we’ll introduce popular short-form video platforms, provide tips for creators entering this space, and discuss the trend of managing content across multiple platforms to help you quickly understand the short-form video market.
Taiwan’s Popular Short-Form Video Platforms:
TikTok
Known as the pioneer of short-form videos, TikTok initially gained fame through dance and creative remix videos. It has since evolved into a hub for diverse content themes. Emphasizing entertainment and community interaction, TikTok’s powerful algorithm ensures content reaches the right audience, leading to rapid follower growth and exposure. Additionally, in regions like Southeast Asia, TikTok Shop enables social commerce, driving rapid user growth.
YouTube（Shorts）
Backed by YouTube’s robust traffic and audience base, YouTube Shorts often serves as a complement to long-form content, attracting new audiences with short videos while maintaining a balance between brief and in-depth viewing experiences. With video durations now extended to three minutes, creators have more room to expand their ideas and appeal to a wider audience.
Instagram（Reels）
Designed for Instagram users, Reels integrates seamlessly with posts and Stories. An impressive 91% of Instagram users watch videos weekly on the platform, with 43% favoring Stories over other types of content.
What Can Creators Do with Short-Form Videos?
For Newcomers to Content Creation:
Like any form of content creation, the first step is identifying a theme you are passionate about and can sustain over time. However, instead of focusing on technical skills like video editing or equipment, it’s more important to find a unique angle that makes your theme stand out.
For example, rather than a generic video like “Top 5 Favorite Eyeshadows,” a specific comparison like “Swatches of 5 Eyeshadows on Different Skin Tones” provides clearer visualization and richer presentation, making it more engaging for viewers. Choosing the right theme and packaging it with an appealing title will yield better results.
For Long-Form Content Creators:
Short-form videos allow for limited storytelling, which means long-form creators need to master the art of extracting highlights from their content. Themes like reviewing five restaurants, showcasing eight favorite products, or sharing a full-day vlog can all serve as excellent material. The key is to practice “condensing” and presenting only the most essential parts in short videos.
Additionally, as most viewers watch short videos on their mobile phones, creators should adopt vertical filming during production to significantly enhance the viewing experience.
Maximizing Reach Through Multi-Platform Management
In today’s competitive social media landscape, where traffic is highly fragmented, managing content across multiple platforms has become a must-have skill for creators. Audiences now expect to see different facets of creators on various platforms. The key to effective multi-platform management is “targeted segmentation.” Creators must not only stick to their core themes but also understand the unique characteristics and target audiences of each platform, tailoring video content accordingly. This includes adjusting the information density and viewing pace to meet modern consumers’ complex habits, expanding reach, and maximizing traffic.
