Hey friend! Our world is more visually driven than ever before. As an avid video and tech fan myself, I wanted to share some eye-opening new data on how online video is being watched and shared today.
In 2023, video content remains a major opportunity for both consumers and creators. Let‘s dive into the key statistics!
1. People Are Watching More Online Video Than Ever
According to multiple surveys by Wyzowl, the typical viewer now watches around 17 hours of internet video content per week. That adds up to nearly 2 and a half hours a day!
To put that in perspective, if you started binge watching your favorite show on Netflix, 17 hours would get you through an entire season in just 1 week.
This increase in viewing mirrors the huge rise in streaming entertainment options. On-demand platforms like Netflix now reach over 73 million US households.
In addition, social media video consumption is higher than ever. Over 50% of 18-34 year olds say they use YouTube and Facebook daily for video.
As more Generation Z consumers come of age, high online video usage is poised to be the new normal.
2. People Prefer Sharing Videos Over Other Content
Humans are visually focused. So it makes sense that videos tend to connect with us better than text alone.
That‘s why, according to Wyzowl, people are 52% more likely to share videos they watch compared to sharing articles or other content types.
Short-form vertical videos designed for phones are the most shareable today. 31% of users say they share funny or entertaining videos at least weekly.
Platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels now make uploading and sending videos to friends incredibly fast. Their simple interfaces optimize for sharing viral moments.
3. The Majority Want Short Videos on Mobile
Let‘s face it, attention spans today are not what they used to be.
According to Insider Intelligence, a full 78% of people now prefer shorter length videos when watching on phones and tablets. Videos longer than 10 minutes tend to see big drop-off.
With mobile dominating as the primary device for many to access the internet, creating video content tailored to phones is key.
Shorter videos under 5 minutes, or even under 60 seconds, often see higher completion rates and engagement on mobile feeds.
Of course, longer videos still have a place, especially documentaries or complex tutorials. But keeping mobile-first viewing habits in mind is vital.
4. Most View Product Videos Before Buying
Here‘s an eye-opening stat – 66% of consumers watch product videos before making a purchase, according to HubSpot.
Seeing how a product actually looks, works and is used builds trust and confidence in buying. User generated reviews and unboxings on YouTube have become just as influential as branded content in swaying decisions.
For businesses, creating videos that transparently showcase your offering is essential to drive conversions today. Even simple videos filmed on smartphones can humanize a product when done right.
5. Keep Marketing Videos Short and Sweet
With the rise of bite-sized video content, conventional long form marketing videos are becoming outdated.
A full 83% of marketers now believe video ads and branded video content should be under 60 seconds according to a HubSpot survey.
Shorter storytelling helps brands convey messages in a more focused, memorable way. Of course, not all marketing content needs to be super short to perform well. But cutting excess footage is usually wise.
Videos under 2 minutes have the highest completion rates. Remember, mobile viewers tend to lose interest quickly once they click play.
6. The Insane Volume of Video Uploaded Every Minute
Just how much video content is being uploaded to sites like YouTube these days? According to YouTube‘s own data, over 500 hours of video are uploaded every minute!
That‘s equivalent to around 720,000 hours of new content added to the platform daily. And YouTube already has over 2 billion monthly active users browsing videos.
For video creators, producing truly unique ideas is crucial to get noticed. Standing out from the sheer volume of new content can be a hurdle.
The good news is that catering to underserved niches and consistently putting out videos is a proven strategy to build an audience amid the noise.
7. Facebook‘s Continued Video Dominance
YouTube may be the first place we think of for video, but Facebook still has the largest overall user base with close to 3 billion active accounts.
According to 99Firms, around 500 million people log on to Facebook daily and watch at least one video.
With Skywalker numbers like that, both organic content and paid ads on Facebook can generate huge exposure. Considering Facebook‘s users span all ages and demographics, their video product remains incredibly far-reaching.
8. Music Videos Remain Number One
When it comes to the most popular genres of online video content, music videos continue to dominate in 2023 according to Oberlo.
Over 48% of internet users watch online music videos on platforms like YouTube at least once a week. This category is massively mainstream.
The music industry has fully embraced platforms like YouTube, using them to debut new singles, albums and exclusives. Top artists like Beyonce or Taylor Swift frequently break viewership records.
User generated content like song covers or dance videos also help fuel the popularity of music on video platforms.
9. Young People Watch Much Less Traditional TV
Here‘s some evidence of changing viewing habits – according to Statista, around 26% of consumers under 35 report watching much less scheduled cable or broadcast TV compared to 5 years ago.
Instead, young viewers are shifting more of their watch time to on-demand streaming video, social media apps, and online video creators.
For example, research shows 18-29 year olds watch over 3X more minutes of YouTube content per day compared to traditional TV.
This migration away from traditional TV is important for marketers to note. Ad budgets need to follow where the newest generations are actually tuning in.
10. Global Streaming Video Will See Big Growth
According to Digital Journal, analysts forecast the total market size of online video streaming globally will grow by around 12% between 2022 and 2028.
Key factors fueling this growth include expanding broadband access enabling higher quality video, and a cultural shift toward mobile and on-demand viewing.
New streaming services also continue to launch, aiming to grab a slice of the high consumer demand for digital entertainment.
For anyone in the online video space, recognizing streaming‘s fast growth trajectory will be vital to find continued success.
Creating Videos That Connect in 2023
In the face of so much competition for eyeballs, making videos that resonate with audiences is critical.
Here are 5 tips to make engaging video content:
- Lighting – Well-lit videos simply look more professional. Test different natural and artificial lighting to determine what works for your filming location.
- Messaging – Identify a focused, compelling message to build the video around. Resist the urge to overstuff videos with random points.
- Editing – Invest in user-friendly editing software like Final Cut Pro to easily arrange clips and incorporate graphics, text, music and more.
- Personalization – Connect with viewers by including behind the scenes footage, vlogs, Q&As or product unboxings. Create a relationship with your audience.
- Promotion – Leverage social media ads, influencer collaborations and email marketing to share your videos beyond just passive posting. Make sharing easy.
The future looks bright for online video, with streaming and mobile consumption still rising. As technology progresses, more immersive formats like VR and live video will unlock new possibilities.
By staying current on the latest video trends and viewer preferences, creators and marketers can fully tap into this high-growth medium in 2023! Have a great year out there.
Statistics Source List: Wyzowl, Oberlo, HubSpot, Insider Intelligence, 99Firms, Digital Journal, Statista
