Video has never been more accessible…or necessary

2021 will be all about the livestream, user-generated content and online adventure.

There was a lot written in 2020 about the importance of video marketing. Videos were often credited with being a brand’s most powerful brand building tool, able to connect with audiences who were already spending hours a day streaming all kinds of content on YouTube and hypnotically swiping through hours of stories on various social media channels.

To capitalize on the new behaviours, marketers were projected to spend over $100 billion on video ads in 2020. Fast forward twelve months into 2021, and there’s no sign of video popularity slowing down. In fact, PR Newswire predicts that the average US consumer will have over nine video streaming apps installed on their mobile phones this year. Despite ongoing lockdowns and people spending more time than ever at home, video streaming on mobile devices is growing at exceptional rates. (Does anyone even turn their TV on anymore?)

Video is a compelling medium for storytelling, but it can only be an effective marketing tool if businesses are connecting with the right audience, at the right time and on the right channel. So, here’s what we think you need to keep your eye on in 2021.

Take a data-first approach to video marketing – target the right audience with the right message at the right time.

Consumers want videos to reflect the products and services that are relevant to them. Delivering personalized content, recommendations, and experiences by utilizing data-driven strategies is vital to staying current and thriving in today’s competitive environment.

Quality content will drive engagement. Take the time to build a story worthy of your brand.

A great video gets people motivated and excited to work with you or buy a product from you.  Put out something unique, entertaining and authentic and, you’ve got a good chance of genuinely engaging with your customers. If you can do that, you’ll earn the right to tell them about what you’re selling.

Live videos make a customer feel like they are being spoken to directly.

Tell your story live and give your customers a chance to interact with your brand in a completely unfiltered way. Sure, things might go sideways on you from time to time, but your customers will appreciate the unedited and raw interaction. They’re not expecting perfection. Transparency and authenticity will go a lot further in building real customer connections. It’s a great way to build relationships and also collect feedback all at the same time.

Mobile-First Video Content – Think Vertical Format.

More than half of the video content that we watch and share is now on mobile devices. Vertical formats are easier on the eyes on mobile. So feel free to skip the fancy widescreen shoots. You’ll still want them for your big investment pieces, but your audience won’t be expecting to see them when they’re flipping through their social channels.

Long-form videos are back and will help brands to form stronger connections.

There is no denying people can have a short attention span at times, but we also crave a really good story now and then. Long-form video places a much greater emphasis on entertainment. So put your best foot forward and prioritize an exceptional story over clicks. The long-term return will be much greater.

360-degree videos are a great way to invite people into your world.

Inviting your audience into an immersive and interactive online experience can really make your marketing efforts stand out. It’s no secret that people are craving adventure and freedom right now. If they can’t get that by jumping on a plane or interacting in huge crowds, immersive video experiences are a way to fill that void.

The mall might be closed but Shoppable Video is open and flourishing.

Any video on your website or on your social channels can now be transformed into a fully integrated retail experience. Your customers can interact with your products and services without ever leaving their couch – and that means you’re just once click away from making a sale.

User-Generated Content (UGC) will be the best thing to happen to your content calendar.

Your customers will trust other customers more than they will ever trust you. And that’s not a bad thing. Because you need to hear their feedback just as much as your other customers do. Encourage your customers to create content about your product and share it. It’s free, it’s credible, and will help build trust with your customers while also building visibility for your brand.

Keep your eye on TikTok – and all the other new stuff that anyone under the age of 15 is talking about.

The rise of new media platforms will keep marketers on their toes in 2021. A healthy mix of brand-created and influencer-generated content will inform and entertain across multiple generations. Try not to dismiss new and unproven channels too quickly. Keep yourself honest by talking to the young people in your lives (and by young, we mean anyone born in the mid-to-late 1990s through the early 2010s). These are the kids of young Gen Xers and older Millenials. They’re digital natives – the first true social generation who have never known life before the Internet and mobile. They know important things. Hear them out.

Interested in learning more about how Video Marketing can help build your brand? We’re happy to provide our point of view.

More to explore:

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The last two years have certainly taken a toll on high profile festival events like TIFF, but no one can argue that its organizers have poured their usual heart and soul into the event.
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Top lead generation trends continue to point towards website optimization and SEO, lead generation pages and sales funnels, email marketing, content marketing and paid advertising.
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When it became clear that the 2021 Olympics would be primarily a broadcast event, brands appeared ready to pivot quickly, embracing virtual executions, story-rich content marketing & social media to engage audiences in new ways.
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E-commerce is constantly evolving. Today, more than ever before, businesses are working hard to keep up with changing customer behaviours and demands. What is it that shoppers want?
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Millennials have historically been known for advocating for more flexible work conditions, but after a year of working from home and talk of permanent hybrid models on the horizon, concerns about work-life balance and the challenges of digital workplaces are now being brought to light.
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Millennials have historically been known for advocating for more flexible work conditions, but after a year of working from home and talk of permanent hybrid models on the horizon, concerns about work-life balance and the challenges of digital workplaces are now being brought to light.
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The recruitment landscape is changing drastically as businesses start to reflect on talent management processes in an increasingly digital and virtual work world.
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Nurturing customer relationships is more important than ever. Using an omni-channel approach to talk with your online audience will demonstrate your commitment to delivering value, not just closing a sale.
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Surrounded by computers and technology from birth, Gen Z has the enviable ability to effortlessly thread millions of micro-moments into one big life story.
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A video platform powerhouse, YouTube is now the second-largest search engine in the world, second only to its parent company Google.
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A video platform powerhouse, YouTube is now the second-largest search engine in the world, second only to its parent company Google.
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In order to understand our customers, we need to step into their shoes from time to time. Only then can we earn the right to influence what they’re doing.
Horn and Mane Customer Strategy
In order to understand our customers, we need to step into their shoes from time to time. Only then can we earn the right to influence what they’re doing.
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In order to understand our customers, we need to step into their shoes from time to time. Only then can we earn the right to influence what they’re doing.
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Technology was part of their daily lives at birth, and they’re the first generation to be raised in a world that’s brimming with digital experiences.
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Technology was part of their daily lives at birth, and they’re the first generation to be raised in a world that’s brimming with digital experiences.
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Artificial Intelligence can provide a variety of data-driven solutions that can scale and improve over time, creating substantial benefits for businesses, customers and employees.
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Artificial Intelligence can provide a variety of data-driven solutions that can scale and improve over time, creating substantial benefits for businesses, customers and employees.
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As online customer behaviours continue to evolve, so do the online channels that customers use to find answers to all of their questions.
online customer service
As online customer behaviours continue to evolve, so do the online channels that customers use to find answers to all of their questions.
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As online customer behaviours continue to evolve, so do the online channels that customers use to find answers to all of their questions.
If you’re not seeing the conversions that you want, take a step back and assess whether you’ve covered off the basics.
If you’re not seeing the conversions that you want, take a step back and assess whether you’ve covered off the basics.
If you’re not seeing the conversions that you want, take a step back and assess whether you’ve covered off the basics.
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As businesses aim to ease their dependence on Facebook and Google, they’re turning to alternative platforms who can deliver the same benefits.
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As businesses aim to ease their dependence on Facebook and Google, they’re turning to alternative platforms who can deliver the same benefits.
The last two years have certainly taken a toll on high profile festival events like TIFF, but no one can argue that its organizers have poured their usual heart and soul into the event.
The last two years have certainly taken a toll on high profile festival events like TIFF, but no one can argue that its organizers have poured their usual heart and soul into the event.
The last two years have certainly taken a toll on high profile festival events like TIFF, but no one can argue that its organizers have poured their usual heart and soul into the event.
Daria Tcherkachina, Retail Director for Immersive Van Gogh, makes a leap from fashion retail to art, to join a forward-looking, digitally-savvy team seamlessly blending art and technology.
Daria Tcherkachina, Retail Director for Immersive Van Gogh, makes a leap from fashion retail to art, to join a forward-looking, digitally-savvy team seamlessly blending art and technology.
Daria Tcherkachina, Retail Director for Immersive Van Gogh, makes a leap from fashion retail to art, to join a forward-looking, digitally-savvy team seamlessly blending art and technology.
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Top lead generation trends continue to point towards website optimization and SEO, lead generation pages and sales funnels, email marketing, content marketing and paid advertising.
lead generation
Top lead generation trends continue to point towards website optimization and SEO, lead generation pages and sales funnels, email marketing, content marketing and paid advertising.
When it became clear that the 2021 Olympics would be primarily a broadcast event, brands appeared ready to pivot quickly, embracing virtual executions, story-rich content marketing & social media to engage audiences in new ways.
When it became clear that the 2021 Olympics would be primarily a broadcast event, brands appeared ready to pivot quickly, embracing virtual executions, story-rich content marketing & social media to engage audiences in new ways.
When it became clear that the 2021 Olympics would be primarily a broadcast event, brands appeared ready to pivot quickly, embracing virtual executions, story-rich content marketing & social media to engage audiences in new ways.
E-commerce is constantly evolving. Today, more than ever before, businesses are working hard to keep up with changing customer behaviours and demands. What is it that shoppers want?
E-commerce is constantly evolving. Today, more than ever before, businesses are working hard to keep up with changing customer behaviours and demands. What is it that shoppers want?
E-commerce is constantly evolving. Today, more than ever before, businesses are working hard to keep up with changing customer behaviours and demands. What is it that shoppers want?
Rachelle Seguin
Rachelle Sequin has bravely taken control of the company’s day-to-day business operations with a sharp eye on the future and a fast-growing interest in all things digital. Best of all, she brings a unique point of view to our growing team and isn’t afraid to share it.
Rachelle Seguin
Rachelle Sequin has bravely taken control of the company’s day-to-day business operations with a sharp eye on the future and a fast-growing interest in all things digital. Best of all, she brings a unique point of view to our growing team and isn’t afraid to share it.
Rachelle Seguin
Rachelle Sequin has bravely taken control of the company’s day-to-day business operations with a sharp eye on the future and a fast-growing interest in all things digital. Best of all, she brings a unique point of view to our growing team and isn’t afraid to share it.
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Millennials have historically been known for advocating for more flexible work conditions, but after a year of working from home and talk of permanent hybrid models on the horizon, concerns about work-life balance and the challenges of digital workplaces are now being brought to light.
Millennials working from home
Millennials have historically been known for advocating for more flexible work conditions, but after a year of working from home and talk of permanent hybrid models on the horizon, concerns about work-life balance and the challenges of digital workplaces are now being brought to light.
Millennials working from home
Millennials have historically been known for advocating for more flexible work conditions, but after a year of working from home and talk of permanent hybrid models on the horizon, concerns about work-life balance and the challenges of digital workplaces are now being brought to light.
google brand impressions
Your brand identity is the foundation that everything else rests on. And if it’s strong, it can protect your company during periods of stress and uncertainty.
google brand impressions
Your brand identity is the foundation that everything else rests on. And if it’s strong, it can protect your company during periods of stress and uncertainty.
google brand impressions
Your brand identity is the foundation that everything else rests on. And if it’s strong, it can protect your company during periods of stress and uncertainty.
Google SEO
Companies who aren’t marketing their products and services at the exact time that potential customers are looking for what they’re selling are leaving far too many sales on the table.
Google SEO
Companies who aren’t marketing their products and services at the exact time that potential customers are looking for what they’re selling are leaving far too many sales on the table.
Google SEO
Companies who aren’t marketing their products and services at the exact time that potential customers are looking for what they’re selling are leaving far too many sales on the table.
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The recruitment landscape is changing drastically as businesses start to reflect on talent management processes in an increasingly digital and virtual work world.
Horn and Mane Hire
The recruitment landscape is changing drastically as businesses start to reflect on talent management processes in an increasingly digital and virtual work world.
Horn and Mane Hire
The recruitment landscape is changing drastically as businesses start to reflect on talent management processes in an increasingly digital and virtual work world.
Nurturing customer relationships is more important than ever. Using an omni-channel approach to talk with your online audience will demonstrate your commitment to delivering value, not just closing a sale.
Nurturing customer relationships is more important than ever. Using an omni-channel approach to talk with your online audience will demonstrate your commitment to delivering value, not just closing a sale.
Nurturing customer relationships is more important than ever. Using an omni-channel approach to talk with your online audience will demonstrate your commitment to delivering value, not just closing a sale.
Horn and Mane genZ
Surrounded by computers and technology from birth, Gen Z has the enviable ability to effortlessly thread millions of micro-moments into one big life story.
Horn and Mane genZ
Surrounded by computers and technology from birth, Gen Z has the enviable ability to effortlessly thread millions of micro-moments into one big life story.
Horn and Mane genZ
Surrounded by computers and technology from birth, Gen Z has the enviable ability to effortlessly thread millions of micro-moments into one big life story.
Horn and Mane YouTube
A video platform powerhouse, YouTube is now the second-largest search engine in the world, second only to its parent company Google.
Horn and Mane YouTube
A video platform powerhouse, YouTube is now the second-largest search engine in the world, second only to its parent company Google.
Horn and Mane YouTube
A video platform powerhouse, YouTube is now the second-largest search engine in the world, second only to its parent company Google.
Horn and Mane Customer Strategy
In order to understand our customers, we need to step into their shoes from time to time. Only then can we earn the right to influence what they’re doing.
Horn and Mane Customer Strategy
In order to understand our customers, we need to step into their shoes from time to time. Only then can we earn the right to influence what they’re doing.
Horn and Mane Customer Strategy
In order to understand our customers, we need to step into their shoes from time to time. Only then can we earn the right to influence what they’re doing.
horn and mane GenZ
Technology was part of their daily lives at birth, and they’re the first generation to be raised in a world that’s brimming with digital experiences.
horn and mane GenZ
Technology was part of their daily lives at birth, and they’re the first generation to be raised in a world that’s brimming with digital experiences.
horn and mane GenZ
Technology was part of their daily lives at birth, and they’re the first generation to be raised in a world that’s brimming with digital experiences.
horn and mane AI
Artificial Intelligence can provide a variety of data-driven solutions that can scale and improve over time, creating substantial benefits for businesses, customers and employees.
horn and mane AI
Artificial Intelligence can provide a variety of data-driven solutions that can scale and improve over time, creating substantial benefits for businesses, customers and employees.
horn and mane AI
Artificial Intelligence can provide a variety of data-driven solutions that can scale and improve over time, creating substantial benefits for businesses, customers and employees.
online customer service
As online customer behaviours continue to evolve, so do the online channels that customers use to find answers to all of their questions.
online customer service
As online customer behaviours continue to evolve, so do the online channels that customers use to find answers to all of their questions.
online customer service
As online customer behaviours continue to evolve, so do the online channels that customers use to find answers to all of their questions.
If you’re not seeing the conversions that you want, take a step back and assess whether you’ve covered off the basics.
If you’re not seeing the conversions that you want, take a step back and assess whether you’ve covered off the basics.
If you’re not seeing the conversions that you want, take a step back and assess whether you’ve covered off the basics.
Snapchat, Advertising, Social Media, Generation Z
As businesses aim to ease their dependence on Facebook and Google, they’re turning to alternative platforms who can deliver the same benefits.
Snapchat, Advertising, Social Media, Generation Z
As businesses aim to ease their dependence on Facebook and Google, they’re turning to alternative platforms who can deliver the same benefits.
Snapchat, Advertising, Social Media, Generation Z
As businesses aim to ease their dependence on Facebook and Google, they’re turning to alternative platforms who can deliver the same benefits.

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