In a world saturated with quick swipes and short attention spans, it feels like an impossible dream to engage younger audiences in long-form content. But it is possible! And we're about to show you how. Immersive experiences and thought-provoking content can perform better than you think with younger audiences… it all depends on how you curate this content!

In this article, we will explore how you can use long-form video content to engage younger audiences and provide tips on how to create videos that resonate with this demographic.

How the rules around long-form videos have changed

Long-form videos can be more appropriate than short-form videos in several situations… or at least that used to be the case!

For instance, when you needed to provide in-depth explanations of complex subjects, long-form videos allowed you to ensure your audience had a thorough understanding of the topic.

Additionally, long-form videos were ideal for storytelling, as they gave you the time and space to develop characters, build emotional connections, and create immersive experiences that kept viewers engaged throughout the entire narrative. They also served well in establishing your company and brand as an authority in the field, so long as the video was well-researched and resonated with the target audience!

The problem we have now, though, is that short-form content is dominating every platform, from YouTube to Facebook and Instagram. The better you are at giving value in 30 seconds, the higher your chances of getting found online.

This means the rules around long-form content have changed!

Blending with short-form content

To compete with the rise of short-form content, long-form videos have begun incorporating elements of shorter videos to capture viewers' attention. This includes starting with a powerful hook, adding captivating visuals, or providing quick takeaways throughout the video.

Platform specificity

Long-form content creators are now more strategic in selecting platforms where their content is most likely to thrive. While shorter videos perform well on platforms like Instagram and TikTok, longer videos can still find success on platforms like YouTube or podcast platforms that cater to audiences looking for more in-depth content.

Focus on audience retention

With the abundance of content available, long-form videos now place a stronger emphasis on audience retention. This involves consistently delivering value throughout the video, maintaining a high level of engagement, and avoiding unnecessary filler content.

Higher production quality

As short-form content becomes increasingly polished, long-form videos have also stepped up their game in terms of production quality. This includes better visuals, sound, storytelling, and overall presentation to keep viewers engaged and maintain a competitive edge.

Embracing niche topics

Long-form content now often targets specific niches, catering to a smaller but more dedicated audience. This approach allows creators to offer in-depth, specialized content that appeals to those with a genuine interest in the subject matter.

What Long-Form Videos Are Popular?

Soothing Videos for Sleep and Relaxation

Relaxation and sleep-inducing videos are becoming increasingly popular as a substitute for traditional sound machines. From pre-recorded and edited videos to live streams of the natural world, these videos often feature soothing sounds like ocean and forest sounds that can help viewers unwind.

Interestingly, time limits don't apply to these types of videos, allowing viewers to drift off into dreamland for as long as they like. Other videos in this category showcase footage of nature scenes accompanied by their sounds, creating a dreamy atmosphere that can last anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours.

The ASMR video market, which features curated everyday sounds and motions to calm viewers, is also gaining popularity in this space. The Sleep Foundation even suggests that ASMR videos and sounds may help some people sleep better. As a result, several businesses are already capitalizing on the appeal of these videos to reach their audience.

Mobile-first design

It's obvious that young individuals spend a significant amount of time on their smartphones. In fact, it often appears as though they're constantly glued to their screens. Ensuring that your content is curated for mobile screens will significantly enhance the user experience.

Here are a few ways to make your long-form video content mobile-friendly:

1. Utilize ample subheadings to improve text scanability
2. Opt for shorter paragraphs for easier reading and a better appearance on mobile devices
3. Choose concise titles that are mobile-friendly

Mark Twain once advised, "Don't use a five-dollar word when a fifty-cent word will suffice," and this concept aligns perfectly with our point. In essence, simplicity is key wherever possible!

Influencer videos

The effectiveness of influencer marketing has been a topic of considerable debate. However, it's indisputable that younger generations, particularly Gen Z and millennials, tend to gravitate toward influencers and follow them on social media. In fact, a study disclosed that almost 75% of Gen Z and millennials in the US follow influencers on social media platforms.

We should note that it isn't as simple as merely engaging an influencer for your marketing strategy. Nor do you require a high-profile celebrity to achieve success. Instead, it's crucial to immerse yourself in the conversations taking place on the channels you aim to leverage. Social media is fundamentally about interactions, and if you can initiate a meaningful dialogue, there's a chance you can establish a relationship with influencers and assess whether you're well-suited for collaboration.

One reason why Gen Z trusts influencers over big brands and traditional advertisements is the perceived authenticity and relatability that influencers offer. Influencers often share their personal lives and experiences, which helps their followers feel more connected to them. This connection fosters a sense of trust that may not be as prevalent with big brands or conventional ads, which can sometimes come across as impersonal or purely sales-driven.

By engaging with influencers, you can tap into this trust and foster a genuine connection with younger audiences.

Videos for Millennials, Zoomers, and Pets

Pet owners nowadays want the best for their furry companions even when they're not around. Millennials and Gen-Zers who own pets have started creating "dog" and "cat" TV for their four-legged friends to watch while they're away.

These videos usually last from 4 to 16 hours and feature b-roll footage and natural sounds that dogs and cats can interact with. Similar to the relaxing videos that humans play for themselves, these videos have a calming effect on animals.

As the pet industry is valued at $261 billion in 2022, it's a great time to target this audience if they're relevant to your brand. Just remember to keep the pets at the forefront of your creative ideas!

Videos that create atmosphere

Long-form videos can serve as easy background noise and passive listening while you're doing daily chores, preparing for a party, or attending one.

Some people prefer classic crackling fireplace videos for holiday ambiance, while others opt for hours-long DJ sets with mesmerizing visuals to create a certain atmosphere. These videos are intentionally designed to enhance specific moods.

If you're looking to create videos that enhance the atmosphere of a place, like a store or an event, consider the emotions you want your audience to experience. Do you want your customers to feel relaxed? Choose video clips that feature a spa or beach resort. Remember, your chosen videos can impact your customers' moods and perceptions of your brand. So, choose wisely!

Use of long-form videos

Long-form videos offer a unique advantage that long-form audio tracks lack: stunning visuals that create an atmospheric experience. It's no wonder that younger generations prefer long videos over streaming services or sound machines.

Although short-form video content is all the rage, don't forget about the importance of creating long-form videos, especially if you want to reach Gen Z.

Long videos have carved out their own niche in the world of YouTube, and their popularity continues to grow. Many of these videos have evergreen content, which means their viewership will only increase over time. This makes long-form video a no-brainer for content creators!

If you're looking to create long-form video content without breaking the bank, consider using great stock images or videos and some royalty-free music to get started.

Long-form videos offer a unique and immersive experience that captivates younger generations and provides endless opportunities for content creators. With the right mix of stunning visuals and atmospheric audio, long-form videos can transport viewers to different worlds and evoke a range of emotions.

Engage with Videohaus

If you want to create your own long-form video content, consider working with a professional video production company like Videohuas. With their expertise and experience, they can help you create a video that is engaging, impactful, and tailored to your specific needs. So, what are you waiting for? Start brainstorming and let your creativity run wild!