Video marketing has changed tremendously over the years, going from a nice-to-have to an absolute must-have. But what’s in the works for 2026?
Turns out customers are watching videos on their phones, social platforms, and even on their laptops. When they’re not watching the videos, they are listening to them. They especially love it when the videos are in their own language.
This makes video marketing more than just a trend that you should watch out for in 2026, it makes it your ticket to success.
If you want to learn about the different ways you can use video format to lead engagement and turn audiences into customers, keep reading. We’ve got the insight you need to stay ahead in 2026 and play into video marketing as a winning strategy.
Why Video Marketing Remains Essential in 2026
There are many reasons video marketing is still on top of everyone’s to-do list. The numbers speak for themselves, and about 93% of marketers have reported a strong return from video marketing. This means that people are consuming video content even as the videos get shorter and more informal.
Sit-down videos, trending audios, and stitch videos are all over the Instagram algorithm, they serve as a source of engagement and education. Most people don’t even watch the news anymore, they watch their favorite creators’ reactions to the news, and that is why video matters.
How Video Drives Brand Awareness & Conversions
As a business owner, you have to ask yourself if the attention is really worth it if it isn’t building trust and inspiring action. With video content, you can have both. Over 93% of video marketers say that video content can increase brand visibility and awareness. Eighty-eight percent say videos help generate leads, while 84% believe that video content increases their sales.
Top Video Marketing Trends to Watch Out for in 2026
As we head into next year, it makes sense to revamp our marketing strategies and add more video content into the mix. If you’re looking for ideas, here’s a list of top video marketing trend predictions for 2026.
Short-Form Videos Continue to Dominate
Short-form content has been on the rise in the past few years, and it will continue to be a trend. Platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and even YouTube Shorts are all the rage, as 58% of viewers prefer short videos under 60 seconds. This is great news for content creators and marketers because it takes the pressure off them to create long-form content, seeing that short-form is making all the difference.
AI-Powered Video Personalization & Automation
AI is making waves and will continue to grow in 2026. You can use AI to make your video content smarter. This includes building personalized videos for your audience or using AI to welcome viewers with their names at the beginning of an ad. This way, you deliver a customized experience that customers can resonate with.
65% of customers are interested in getting AI-generated video from brands, so it’s only fair to make one for them.
Live Streaming & Virtual Events
Engagement is at the heart of video marketing. Whether it is short-form content or the deeper connection that live videos offer, live streams are becoming popular, especially on YouTube. They give people a chance to talk directly with their audience, and this makes it possible for us to launch products and announce offers while making maximum impact.
Advanced Video SEO
2026 might as well be the year of the video market niche because with everyone making more videos, it is going to be harder for you to make yours findable. This is where video SEO comes in. Optimizing your video titles, descriptions, and transcripts can make your content stand out in front of the competition. It also makes your video rank on search engines such as YouTube and Google.
Imagine you’re reviewing a restaurant. You want that video to pop up when someone searches for “San Diego sushi restaurant,” and video SEO elements, such as adding captions, can help you achieve that.
Common Video Marketing Mistakes to Avoid
While it is best to add more videos to your content strategy, there are some outdated trends you want to avoid. If you are making these, you need to rethink your 2026 video marketing strategy.
Ignoring Mobile-First Video Design
Most of the people watching your videos are on their phones, so why wouldn’t you optimize your content for mobile devices? Just like a website needs to be optimized for mobile devices, SEO experts suggest that neglecting mobile optimization may be the worst thing you can do for your video performance, as it frustrates viewers and makes them scroll away.
Avoid the wrong screen format, and don’t edit videos in ways that make them take forever to load. Your viewers don’t have the attention span for this, and your brand suffers the consequences.
Overproduced Content
Believe it or not, being too polished might be the reason no one is watching your content. Super slick, heavily edited content reminds people of ads. Even if you’re making an ad, it is best to avoid the “professional” look and go for something that feels more real.
This is precisely why maximalist, nostalgic retro elements were popular in design this year. 2026 is going to take it from there, so expect more minimalism and retrofuturism coming your way.
2025 Was the Warm-Up, 2026 Is the Real Game
If you want to stay ahead of your competition in 2026, you need to focus on your video marketing. This means creating content that people love to watch, find easy to share, and that can turn your viewers into customers (without trying too hard).
If that sounds like a plan, you might be interested in partnering with a marketing agency like Tower25 San Diego. We help you create videos that stand out, connect emotionally, and drive results. We study your video analytics to learn more about your audience and turn insights into fuel.
Our goal is to help you turn your video ideas into winning content that your customers cannot ignore.
Ready for a revamp? Call Tower25 San Diego today to learn more about marketing services.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why is video marketing so important in 2026?
Because people are watching more video than ever, and platforms keep prioritizing video content in their algorithms.
Q: What types of videos perform best right now?
Short-form videos like TikToks, Reels, and YouTube Shorts get the highest engagement and fastest reach.
Q: How can small businesses in San Diego use video marketing?
They can create local stories, behind-the-scenes videos, customer testimonials, and short tips that connect with their community.
Q: Do I need expensive equipment to make good videos?
No, smartphones today can shoot high-quality video, and simple lighting and editing apps go a long way.
Q: What is AI’s role in video marketing?
AI helps personalize content, automate editing, create captions, and analyze audience behavior to improve results.
Q: How long should marketing videos be?
Under 60 seconds works best for social platforms, while slightly longer educational or storytelling videos perform well on YouTube.
Q: What is video SEO?
It’s the process of optimizing videos with keywords, titles, descriptions, and captions so they show up in search results.
Q: Are interactive or shoppable videos worth it?
Yes, they make the buying process easier by letting viewers shop directly from the video.
Q: How often should a business post videos?
Consistency matters more than frequency, but posting 2–4 times per week on social platforms helps maintain visibility.
Q: Can Tower25 San Diego help with strategy and production?
Absolutely, we offer customized video marketing strategies tailored to business goals and audience needs.