Video Marketing Trends 2026: How Videos Can Grow Your Business

Video content is projected to account for 82% of all internet traffic by 2026. For entrepreneurs, this presents a significant opportunity to reach customers, but also the challenge of keeping pace with the rapid evolution of video marketing.

Summary

• AI Democratizes Video: Tools make professional videos 60% cheaper and 5x faster to produce.
• Short-Form Dominates: 73% of consumers prefer short videos – TikTok, Reels, and Shorts are essential.
• Interactive Video Works: 44% higher completion rates and an 18% conversion rate versus 3% for traditional video.
• Livestreaming = Commerce: 20% annual growth in livestream shopping with direct sales opportunities.
• Vertical is Standard: 85% mobile consumption makes the 9:16 format indispensable, offering 58% more engagement.
• Personalization Scales: AI-personalized videos achieve 68% open rates and 23% click-through rates.

From AI-generated content to interactive shopping experiences, video marketing is undergoing a drastic transformation. Companies that invest in the right video trends now will gain a competitive edge that their rivals will feel for years to come.

In this article, you'll discover the 7 most important video marketing trends for 2026, complete with practical implementation tips and ROI examples. Whether you run a small webshop or are a growing service provider, these trends will help you generate more leads and increase sales.

1. AI Tools Democratize Video Production

Artificial intelligence makes professional videos accessible to every entrepreneur. Tools like Synthesia, Runway ML, and Lumen5 produce content in minutes that previously took days. This technology aligns perfectly with our AI for Growth services.

“Video content ensures that users remember 95% of a message when they watch it in a video, compared to only 10% when they read it in text.”

— Wyzowl Research Team

Practical Implementation:

• Start with AI avatar tools for explainer videos

• Use AI for automatic subtitling and translation

• Implement AI editing for social media clips

• Consider an AI audit to determine which tools best suit your business

ROI Impact: Companies report a 60% cost reduction while maintaining quality. Just as described in our article on top AI tools for marketers, these technologies are becoming increasingly accessible.

2. Short-Form Video Dominates All Platforms

YouTube Shorts, TikTok, and Instagram Reels are no longer "nice-to-haves" - they are essential for your online marketing strategy. 73% of consumers prefer short videos over long-form content for product information.

“82% of consumers are convinced to purchase a product or service after watching a marketing video. Short-form videos receive 2.5 times more engagement than long-form videos.”

— HubSpot Marketing Research

This trend works particularly well for e-commerce businesses looking to showcase products. As we previously described in our article on e-commerce trends in Belgium, short, visual product videos are essential for conversion.

Trending formats:

• Behind-the-scenes content (authentic, relatable)

• Quick tutorials and tips (educational, shareable)

• User-generated content challenges (viral potential)

• Product demos in 30 seconds (conversion-focused)

3. Interactive Video Exponentially Increases Engagement

Clickable hotspots, polls, quizzes, and shoppable elements transform passive viewers into active participants. Interactive video has 44% higher completion rates than static content. This technology is perfect for conversion optimization purposes.

“Interactive video increases engagement by 34% compared to standard autoplay ads. Clickable elements turn passive viewers into active participants.”

— Zebracat Marketing Intelligence

For Shopify owners, this is particularly relevant. In our article on Shopify conversion optimization, we discuss how interactive elements can improve the customer journey.

Implementation options:

• Shoppable videos for e-commerce

• Interactive tutorials with decision points

• Personalized video experiences

• Gamified brand experiences

4. Livestreaming is becoming mainstream commerce

Livestream shopping is growing by 20% annually. Platforms like Instagram Live Shopping, TikTok Live, and YouTube Live enable real-time sales with direct interaction. This is becoming a crucial component of modern performance marketing strategies.

“71% of all online video views occur on mobile devices. Mobile viewers are 62% more likely to complete short-form videos under 1 minute than desktop users.”

— Vidico Research Institute

Just like in our Bastiano case study, where direct customer interaction was crucial for success, livestreaming offers that personal touch that customers appreciate.

Success factors:

• Building a consistent programming schedule

• Exclusive deals during streams

• Community building around your brand

• Integration with your e-commerce platform

5. Vertical video is becoming the new standard

With 85% of video consumption on mobile devices, vertical video is no longer a trend but a requirement. The 9:16 format delivers 58% more engagement than landscape videos. This aspect of mobile optimization is becoming increasingly critical for e-commerce success.

Platform-specific optimization:

• TikTok: 15-60 seconds, fast cuts

• Instagram Stories: 15 seconds, visually strong

• YouTube Shorts: 60 seconds, hook within 3 seconds

• LinkedIn: 30-90 seconds, professional value

For companies using Google Ads, vertical video is now also available as an ad format. This combines perfectly with our approach to integrated SEA & SEO strategies.

6. Personalization at scale through AI

AI tools can generate thousands of personalized videos based on customer data. From personal product recommendations to name-specific welcome videos. This trend aligns with what we describe in our article on AI in online marketing.

For companies starting with AI-driven personalization, we recommend first taking an AI training to understand the possibilities.

Applications:

• Personalized onboarding videos

• Custom product recommendations

• Personalized thank-you messages

• Account-specific case studies

7. Sustainability storytelling gains momentum

83% of millennials consciously choose sustainable brands. Videos that authentically showcase your sustainability journey create strong emotional connections. This theme is also explored in our article on sustainable e-commerce strategies.

Companies like Authentic Flavours demonstrate how authentic storytelling about sustainability can convince customers of your values.

Content ideas:

• Behind-the-scenes of sustainable processes

• Impact stories of your sustainability efforts

• Educational content on industry challenges

• Transparent supply chain documentation

Implementation roadmap for 2026

Q1: Laying the Foundation

• Selecting and testing AI tools through an AI audit

• Developing a short-form content strategy

• Creating platform-specific templates

• SEO optimization for video content

Q2: Adding Interactive Elements

• Implementing shoppable videos for your Shopify webshop

• Launching interactive tutorials

• Conversion optimization through engagement metrics

Q3: Starting a Livestreaming Program

• Organize equipment and setup

• Start community building as described in our LinkedIn marketing article

• Plan first livestream events

Q4: Scaling and optimization

• Implement personalization tools through AI automation

• Integrate advanced analytics

• Refine ROI measurement within your performance marketing strategy

ROI and measurable results

Benchmarks for 2026:

• Video content generates 1200% more shares than text and images combined

• 87% of marketers report positive ROI from video marketing

• Interactive video increases conversions by an average of 300%

• Personalized video content has 35% higher retention rates

Key metrics to track:

• View duration and completion rate

• Click-through rate to website

• Conversion from video to sales

• Social sharing and engagement

• Brand awareness lift

Video marketing in 2026 requires strategy, the right tools, and continuous optimization. At ClickForest, we help ambitious entrepreneurs take their video marketing to the next level.

Do you want to know how video can grow your business?

Book a free strategy consultation and discover which video trends have the greatest impact for your sector and target audience.

🚀 More leads, higher conversion, better ROI

This article provided you with insights. Now it's time for action. Whether you want to build a profitable webshop, generate more revenue from performance marketing or SEO, or grow with AI marketing - we provide concrete support to help you move forward.

💬 Discuss your challenge directly with Frederiek: Schedule a free strategy consultation or send us a message

📧 Prefer to email? Send your question to frederiek@clickforest.com or call +32 473 84 66 27

Strategy without action remains theory. Let's take your next step together.

Frequently asked questions about video marketing

• What is the most important video marketing trend for 2026?

  AI democratization of video production is the biggest game-changer. Small businesses can now create high-quality videos without large budgets or expertise. Read more in our article on AI-driven marketing strategies.

• How long should marketing videos be in 2026?

  This depends on the platform and objective. Social media: 15-60 seconds. Website explainers: 60-90 seconds. Webinars: 15-45 minutes. The rule is: as short as possible, as long as necessary. Also, check out our article on Google Ads optimization for video ad lengths.

• Which video platform delivers the best ROI?

  YouTube has the highest conversions for B2B (4.8%), TikTok dominates B2C engagement (12% average engagement rate), and LinkedIn works best for professional services. For more platform-specific tips, see our performance marketing article.

• How do you measure video marketing success?

  Look beyond views. Focus on completion rate, click-through to your website, leads generated, and ultimate conversion to sales. Attribution tracking is essential. This is also covered in our article on CRO and AI personalization.

• What does professional video marketing cost?

  AI tools start from €50/month for basics. Professional production: €500-5000 per video. Livestream setup: €1000-10000 one-time. ROI is usually visible within 3-6 months. For a budget estimate, you can contact us via our online marketing services.

• How often should you publish video content?

  Minimum 2-3 times per week for social media, 1 time per week for long-form content. Consistency is more important than volume. Better one strong video per week than five weak ones. See also our article on AI content creation for efficient production.

• Which AI tools are best for beginners?

  Lumen5 for social media content, Synthesia for presentations, Runway ML for editing, Descript for podcasts, and Canva for templates and graphics. Read our complete overview in top AI tools for marketers.

• How do you make videos go viral?

  Focus on emotion, timing, and platform-native content. 70% of viral content evokes strong emotions (humor, inspiration, indignation). Timing: post when your audience is online. Also, check out our article on writing better prompts for AI video content.

• What is the future of video SEO?

  AI-powered video search is becoming more important. Optimize for voice search, use accurate transcriptions, implement video schema markup, and focus on intent-based keywords. More tips in our article on voice search optimization.

• How do you start livestreaming for business?

  Start simply with a smartphone and good lighting. Test with Instagram Live or LinkedIn Live. Plan content in advance, interact with viewers, and have a clear call-to-action. For strategic support, you can book a strategy consultation.

Sources & References

Video Usage & Importance (Macro):

• FilmDivision: “Video Marketing Statistics for 2025” – 82% of all internet traffic in 2025 will be video – https://filmdivision.video/video-marketing-statistics-2025/​

• Wyzowl: “Video Marketing Statistics 2026 (12 Years of Data)” – 91% of businesses use video; 93% say video helps with brand awareness, 83% with direct sales – https://wyzowl.com/video-marketing-statistics/​

Short‑form & Preference for Short Video:

• Superside: “7 Short‑Form Video Trends to Maximize Impact in 2025” – 73% of consumers prefer short‑form video for product information – https://www.superside.com/blog/short-form-video-trends​

• HubSpot: “45 Video Marketing Statistics for 2025” – short‑form is the most used video format and delivers the highest ROI according to social‑media marketers – https://blog.hubspot.com/marketing/video-marketing-statistics​

Interactive Video & Conversion:

• Firework: “30+ Incredible Interactive Video Statistics You Need to Know” – interactive video achieves up to 2x higher completion rates and CTRs up to 10x higher than standard video – https://firework.com/blog/interactive-video-statistics​

• TopMarketingFunnels: “How Interactive Video Boosts Conversions” – reports on 300% higher engagement and 3x more conversions vs. static video – https://www.topmarketingfunnels.com/blog/how-interactive-video-boosts-conversions/​

AI & video marketing ROI:

• SundaySky: “2025 Video Marketing Statistics That Will Blow Your Mind” – 93% of marketers report positive ROI from video; figures on personalized video and retention – https://sundaysky.com/blog/2025-video-marketing-statistics/​

Mobile & vertical consumption:

• VideoScribe: “Video Marketing Statistics 2025” – >75% van videoviews is mobiel; voorkeur voor video’s <60 seconden – https://blog.videoscribe.co/video-marketing-statistics-2025