A practical, business-owner–friendly guide from Walker Kreative
As you plan your marketing for 2026, video should be part of the conversation. The way people discover, evaluate, and choose businesses continues to shift, and video now plays a central role in that process.
People spend a significant portion of their day on social platforms, much of it watching video. Global research shows users spend over two hours per day on social media on average, creating a wide window for video content to be seen and engaged with (Smart Insights). On YouTube alone, users watch around 19 minutes of video per day, with billions of videos viewed daily (Global Media Insight).
These habits matter to business owners. Video meets people where they already are and communicates your value faster than long blocks of text.
Why Video Matters for Business Growth
Video has become a core part of modern marketing because it communicates information quickly, helps build trust with potential clients, performs well across websites, social media, and email, and you can use them again in multiple places for long-term value.
Shorter videos, typically 30 seconds to two minutes, continue to perform best, especially when they are focused and intentional. Studies consistently show that people spend more time watching video than reading text posts, which is one reason video is such a powerful engagement tool (Sprout Social).
Below are the primary video types to consider in 2026, along with how each one supports clear, effective marketing.
Social Media Videos
Social media videos are one of the most effective ways to capture attention where your audience already spends time. Consider the simple fact that vertical format videos are delivered the way people are already accustomed to holding their phone. Short-form videos work well for introducing your brand, highlighting services, sharing updates, or promoting launches.
Research into short-form video trends shows people now spend more than an hour a day watching short videos, reinforcing why concise, engaging clips perform so well on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and TikTok (Vidico).
You can use these videos both organically and in paid campaigns, making them a flexible way to test messaging and expand reach. When done well, social media videos help keep your business visible without demanding a large time investment from viewers.
Explainer Videos
Explainer videos help potential clients understand what you do and how you help. They are especially useful for businesses that offer services, processes, or ideas that are not immediately clear.
Animated or motion-based explainer videos allow you to walk viewers through your offerings in a simple, engaging way. These videos work well on your website, in email campaigns, on social media, and during presentations or events. Businesses can find that a strong explainer video becomes a long-term asset by answering common questions before a prospect ever contacts them.
Testimonial and Case Study Videos
Testimonial videos give potential clients the opportunity to hear directly from people who have already worked with your business. Seeing and hearing real experiences builds confidence far more effectively than written reviews alone.
For most businesses, the ideal testimonial video length is between 30 and 90 seconds. Viewers are more likely to watch through to the end and feel easier to engage with, especially on websites and mobile devices.
Short testimonial videos build trust without overwhelming viewers, making it easier for them to move forward.
Light editing helps keep testimonial videos clear and focused. Removing long pauses or repetition makes the message easier to follow while still sounding natural and authentic. The goal is not to change what the client says, but to present their experience in a way that respects the viewer’s time.
Demo Videos
If your business offers software, apps, any type of tool, or detailed online services, demo videos are incredibly valuable. These videos show how something works instead of simply describing it.
Demo videos can help educate new users, reduce confusion and answer frequent questions, support onboarding, and show potential clients exactly what to expect. You can use them on websites, in app listings, in email campaigns, or as part of customer support, making them one of the most versatile video types available.
Bringing It All Together
Video is most effective when you use it with a clear purpose and integrated into your overall marketing strategy. Whether you are creating social media clips, explainer videos, testimonials, or demos, the goal is the same: communicate clearly, build trust, and make it easier for people to understand how your business can help them.
Video works best as part of a thoughtful plan, something our team regularly helps businesses develop through our video marketing services.
At Walker Kreative, we work with business owners to create video and marketing strategies that feel approachable, professional, and align with real goals. We have many examples of these video types on our video portfolio page. If you are looking to strengthen your marketing in 2026 and beyond, video is a smart place to start.
Be awesome!
Cebron
