Scroll through any feed, and you'll see it: short videos have overtaken our screens. Whether it's a product demo, a quick brand story, or an event highlight, people love clips that punch above their weight and don't overstay their welcome. And here's the eye-opener: 73% of consumers say they'd rather learn about a product or service through a short video than any other format. That means visibility, engagement, and brand recall are squarely in reach when you lean into this format.
But not every clip hits the mark. The best short videos blend creativity, strategy, and storytelling into under a minute of smart, punchy magic. To show you what that looks like, we've rounded up five standout projects from Levitate Media. Each one proves you don't need a long runtime to make a lasting impression.
Why Use Short Form Video
Short videos aren't just a trend-they're one of the most effective tools for building awareness and prompting action. People process visuals 60,000 times faster than text, making a short clip the perfect vehicle to get your message across quickly. Some key reasons to use them:
- Attention spans are shrinking: Viewers decide within seconds whether to keep watching, so short video is a natural fit.
- Highly shareable: Platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube Shorts are built for this style.
- Versatile: Works for product demos, brand awareness, recruiting, testimonials, or seasonal campaigns.
- Better engagement: Short videos on social platforms generate up to 2.5 times more engagement than longer formats.
Where to Use Short Videos
The best short videos aren't limited to social media. Because they're quick, versatile, and easy to digest, they fit seamlessly into all kinds of marketing strategies. Here are some of the best places to put short videos to work:
- Social platforms: TikTok, Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, and LinkedIn are ideal for discovery and awareness. Check out some social media video examples from Levitate!
- Websites and landing pages: A short video can explain your product or service in seconds, boosting conversions.
- Email campaigns: Adding a video can boost click-through rates by up to 300%.
- Recruiting and onboarding: A fast, authentic short video can inspire talent to apply or help new hires feel connected.
- Events and promotions: Perfect for recaps, teasers, or seasonal campaigns.
Tips on Creating the Best Short Videos
Want to make your short videos stand out? Think of them like a trailer for your brand: quick, exciting, and nearly impossible to scroll past. The goal isn't to say everything; it's to spark interest and leave viewers wanting more. Here are some practical tips:
- Hook viewers early: Start strong with a compelling visual or statement in the first three seconds.
- Keep it focused: Stick to one main message or takeaway. Too much information dilutes impact.
- Mix formats: Consider combining live action, graphics, or animation for added energy.
- Add captions or text overlays: 85% of Facebook videos are watched without sound. Captions keep your message accessible.
- Always include a CTA: Whether it's visiting your website, signing up, or following your brand, tell viewers the next step.
Best Short Video Examples
1. Captain Morgan: Follow the Captain NYC
Purpose & Context
Promoted and amplified Captain Morgan's branded event in New York City, aiming to create FOMO and social buzz while inviting audiences to "follow the captain."
Style & Technique
A mixed media approach: live-action event footage, motion graphics, animated text. Bold colors, layered animations, and quick cuts keep it fast-paced.
Why It Works
This is one of the best short videos for creating hype. In under a minute, it drops you into the night's energy and makes you feel part of the celebration. By blending real footage with animated elements, it turns an event recap into something fun, shareable, and unmistakably on-brand. Perfect for social media and campaigns, it sparks FOMO and brand love in a tight, impactful package.
2. St. John's University: Alissa
Purpose & Context
A university brand ad told through a student's story, built to resonate emotionally with prospective students and their families.
Style & Technique
A mix of live-action interviews, campus b-roll, and graphic overlays. Tight editing and an uplifting tone highlight authenticity and accessibility.
Why It Works
When it comes to education, real stories connect more than generic ads. This video makes St. John's values come alive through a relatable personal story, and it does so in under a minute. The mixed-media approach adds energy and accessibility, making it ideal for engaging prospective students and parents in a memorable, shareable format. It's proof that some of the best short video ideas start with listening to real people.
3. MetroBrokers - Recruiting
Purpose & Context
A recruiting video aimed at attracting new real estate agents, showcasing company culture, tools, and opportunities for growth.
Style & Technique
Mixed media with live-action testimonials, b-roll, and motion graphics. An upbeat tone balanced with professional credibility.
Why It Works
Recruitment videos often run too long, but this one makes an immediate impact. It builds trust through authenticity while reinforcing key points with animated text. The blend of real voices, on-the-job visuals, and clear messaging creates a sense of belonging and opportunity. It's perfect for social, web, and recruiting campaigns where attention spans are short and first impressions matter.
4. Florida Window & Door: New Year's
Purpose & Context
A seasonal marketing video encouraging homeowners to upgrade for safety and security, tying New Year's resolutions to the brand's offering.
Style & Technique
Animated typography, motion graphics, and brand visuals. Festive yet product-focused, creating a celebratory tone.
Why It Works
This is a clever example of how the best short videos leverage timely messaging. By connecting the universal theme of fresh starts with home upgrades, it stays relevant and motivating. Animated graphics keep it light and engaging, while the clear CTA makes it easy for viewers to take action. It's perfect for digital campaigns that need to deliver a clear, actionable message in a short amount of time.
5. The Good Patch: Wearable Wellness
Purpose & Context
A product promo highlighting wearable wellness patches designed to build awareness and show how they fit seamlessly into everyday life.
Style & Technique
Live-action, lifestyle-driven footage featuring real people. Clean cinematography and minimal text overlays keep it authentic.
Why It Works
This short video is approachable, relatable, and visually polished. It's a great reminder that sometimes the best short video strategy is to show your product in use, not over-explain it. With lifestyle footage that feels authentic, it speaks to modern consumers looking for wellness solutions they can actually picture themselves using. The aspirational live action and compelling storytelling make it ideal for social media and quick digital campaigns.
Frequently Asked Questions: Best Short Video
- How long should a short video be? Most short videos fall between 15 and 60 seconds. That's enough time to share one clear message without losing your audience's attention.
- What makes a short video effective? The best short videos grab attention in the first few seconds, stay focused on a single idea, and end with a clear call-to-action.
- Which platforms are best for short videos? TikTok, Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, and LinkedIn are all great for discovery. But short videos also work well on websites, in email campaigns, and for events.
- Do short videos work for B2B companies? Yes! Short videos are just as effective in B2B marketing. They can showcase client success stories, highlight events, or simplify complex products in a quick, engaging way.
- Should short videos be made professionally or in-house? DIY videos can work for casual content, but professionally produced short videos add polish, storytelling, and brand consistency, making them more impactful for campaigns.
Key Takeaways From These Winning Examples
Each of these examples proves that short-form content isn't filler-it's a high-impact storytelling tool. Whether the goal is to hype an event, inspire students, attract talent, drive seasonal sales, or build product awareness, short videos can deliver results quickly. But the best short video ideas don't just entertain; they connect, persuade, and inspire action.
The secret isn't simply staying short; it's making every second count. Levitate Media's work shows how mixing styles, using authentic voices, and aligning with audience emotions can transform a quick clip into something unforgettable.
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