Why Short-Form Video Still Dominates - and How to Use It Right
Short-form video has been “the future” for a while now - and in 2026, it’s still very much running the show.
TikTok, Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, LinkedIn video… wherever people are scrolling, short-form video is what stops thumbs, sparks engagement, and drives action. But while most brands are posting video, not all of them are doing it well.
So why does short-form video still work so well - and how can brands use it without burning out or chasing every trend? Let’s break it down.
Why Short-Form Video Still Works
People scroll fast (really fast!) Attention spans are short, feeds are crowded, and no one’s waiting around for a slow intro. Short-form video fits perfectly into how people consume content now - quick, visual, and easy to digest.
If you don’t grab attention in the first few seconds, you’re gone. Simple as that.
Platforms Love It
Social platforms are still pushing video hard. Short-form content gets more reach, more engagement, and more chances to land on explore or “For You” pages - especially when people actually watch it all the way through. For brands, that means more organic visibility without needing to throw money at ads straight away.
It Feels More Real
Over-produced, overly polished content just doesn’t hit the same anymore. People want to see real humans, not perfect brand messages. Quick videos filmed on a phone, behind-the-scenes clips, honest opinions, or “here’s what actually works” content often outperform big, glossy campaigns.
What’s Different About Short-Form Video in 2026
Short-form video hasn’t gone anywhere - but expectations have changed.
• It’s less about going viral and more about being useful
• Viewers want quick value, not just entertainment
• Storytelling matters, even in 15–30 seconds
• Social platforms are becoming search engines, so what you say and write matters
Basically: people want content that helps, teaches, or resonates - fast.
How to Use Short-Form Video Without Overthinking It
Short-form video works best when you get to the point fast. You’ve only got a couple of seconds to stop the scroll, so opening with a clear hook is essential. Calling out a problem, asking a relatable question, or showing the outcome upfront will keep people watching far more effectively than slow intros or branded openings.
It’s also important to assume most viewers are watching without sound. Using captions, on-screen text, and strong visuals helps your message land even when audio is off - and makes your content more accessible overall.
Keeping each video focused on one clear idea makes it easier for people to follow and remember. Trying to squeeze too much into a short clip often means nothing sticks, so simplicity is key.
You can also take the pressure off by repurposing content across platforms. One well-made video can be shared on TikTok, Reels, Shorts, and even adapted for LinkedIn or ads with small tweaks. Finally, showing real people - whether that’s your team, creators, or customers - helps build trust and makes your content feel more human, which is exactly why short-form video works so well.
Short-Form Video Ideas That Actually Work
If you’re stuck, start here:
• “One thing most people get wrong about…”
• Quick tips or hacks in your industry
• Behind-the-scenes moments
• Answering common questions on camera
• Customer reactions or testimonials
• Myth-busting content
• Trend-based content with a brand spin
Simple ideas, easy to film, proven results.
Final Thoughts
Short-form video still dominates because it matches how people actually behave online - fast, visual, and human. You don’t need to be perfect. You don’t need expensive equipment. You just need to:
• Show up consistently
• Deliver real value
• Speak like a human, not a brand
Do that, and short-form video will keep working for you long after the trends change!
In 2026, social media still offers huge potential for brands - but organic engagement isn’t the easy win it once was. Algorithms prioritise content that keeps users interacting, and platforms increasingly favour paid content. The good news? Smart strategy and quality content can still help brands boost engagement without spending on ads. Combining algorithm smarts with real-world UK behaviour trends helps brands grow their presence more sustainably. Why Organic Engagement Still Matters Social media usage in the UK remains massive - roughly 54.8 million people, or 79% of the population, use social platforms. That’s a huge audience your content can reach organically if you play the engagement game right! But traditional organic reach is under pressure. Platforms now lean towards showing users content that sparks interactions and keeps them scrolling, not just posting frequency. That’s why high-value content that drives real interaction is now the secret sauce of organic growth. Key Social Media Stats You Should Know for 2026 Short-form video dominates - posts like TikTok videos and Instagram Reels tend to generate the most engagement, significantly more than static images or text alone. Engagement rates vary dramatically by platform, with TikTok often leading the way at around 5.3% engagement on average, while platforms like Facebook and Twitter/X see much lower organic interaction. Interactive content boosts results - polls, Q&A stickers, and polls on Stories can increase engagement by double-digit percentages. These trends reflect how algorithms reward meaningful interaction - comments, shares, saves, and watch time send strong engagement signals. Strategies to Boost Engagement Organically 1. Create Content That Sparks Interaction Algorithms rank posts based on engagement - the more people comment, save, or share, the more visibility your content gets. Prompt conversations by asking questions, running polls, or teasing insights that invite replies. 2. Double Down on Short-Form Video Instagram Reels and TikTok clips are prioritised in users’ feeds. These bite-sized formats see higher interaction and completion rates — and because people spend 49+ hours per month on TikTok alone in the UK, there’s a huge pool of potential organic eyeballs. 3. Use Platforms Where Your Audience Actually Spends Time UK users aren’t all on one platform - Facebook still leads in sheer reach, WhatsApp dominates messaging, and TikTok is the heartbeat of younger audiences. Tailor your content to the strengths of each platform. 4. Make Engagement a Two-Way Street Reply to every comment and DM. Engagement accelerates when users feel heard - and it signals activity to the algorithm. 5. Leverage User-Generated Content & Community Features People trust content from people, not logos. Encourage users to create content about your brand and share it — and build space for ongoing interaction, like Facebook Groups or community channels. 6. Use Data to Refine Your Posting Times Posting when your audience is actually online - typically lunchtime and early evenings - can help your content get traction faster and signal initial engagement to the algorithm. Think Beyond the Algorithm While algorithm awareness gives you an edge, the real key to engagement is authentic connection. Users want content that entertains, educates, or inspires - not just the same sales posts they see everywhere. Prioritise content that speaks to people, not just feeds. Final Thoughts In 2026, boosting engagement organically means adopting a smarter content strategy, leveraging platform nuances, and knowing your audience’s behaviour inside and out. Organic social isn’t impossible - it’s just more strategic than ever. With thoughtful content and consistent interaction, your brand can grow engagement without paying for every view. Need a helping hand? Get in touch with the Explore team!
If you look at many well-known brands today, you’ll notice a clear change in how their logos look. Brands like Google, Mastercard, Pepsi, and Burberry have all moved toward cleaner, simpler designs. Logos are flatter, easier to read, and free from unnecessary details. This shift isn’t just about style. It’s about how brands need to work in a digital world. 1. Logos Need to Work on Screens Most people now see brands on phones, apps, and social media - not just on posters or packaging. Logos need to look good on small screens, even as tiny icons. Detailed logos don’t scale well. Small text and fine lines disappear. Simple logos stay clear and recognizable no matter the size. 2. Simple Logos Are Easier to Recognise People scroll quickly online. Brands have very little time to grab attention. Simple logos are easier for the brain to understand and remember. When a logo focuses on just a few strong elements, it becomes more familiar and easier to spot. 3. More Flexible Across Platforms Today, logos appear everywhere - websites, apps, videos, packaging, and social media. They may need to be animated, shown in black and white, or used in dark mode. Simple designs are easier to adapt. They also work better in motion, where clean shapes help animations feel smooth and modern. 4. Simplicity Lasts Longer Highly detailed logos often go out of style quickly. Simple logos tend to feel more timeless, meaning brands don’t need to redesign them as often. By removing extra decoration, brands create logos that can grow and evolve over time. 5. Simple Design Shows Confidence A simple logo can show that a brand is confident and established. It doesn’t need lots of details to stand out. Well-known brands can rely on recognition rather than decoration. The simplicity sends a clear message: the brand knows who it is. 6. Easier to Use Worldwide Big brands operate in many countries and cultures. Simple logos are easier to understand everywhere and are less likely to cause confusion or cultural issues. Clean shapes and clear type work well across different languages and markets. Keeping Logos Unique While simplicity has many benefits, brands need to be careful not to become boring or forgettable. The best simple logos still have something unique - like custom lettering, a special shape, or strong spacing. Simple doesn’t mean plain. It means focused. Final Thoughts For brands, this shift toward simpler logos is a reminder to focus on clarity over decoration. A strong logo isn’t about adding more elements, but about removing what isn’t needed. Brands should think about how their logo works across all touchpoints - especially digital ones - and whether it still feels clear, flexible, and recognisable. This trend also shows the importance of building a strong brand beyond the logo itself. When messaging, tone of voice, and overall design are consistent, the logo doesn’t need to do all the work on its own. Need help creating your brand? Explore can help! Get in touch with our team to get started today.
In the modern day, people are always talking about using social media and digital advertising as platforms to grow a business. They’re completely overlooking the benefits that still surround printed media and, as a result, aren’t meeting their growth potential. If you want to provide your business with a holistic approach to growth, then it’s vital that you also focus on printed media as a way to reach your customers. In this blog, we’re going to explain 10 ways in which printed media can greatly help your business. 1. People still don’t trust digital adverts According to a study carried out by PR Newswire, consumers still don’t trust pop up ads. In fact, only around 25% of consumers trust online pop-up advertisements . Among the 2,400. U.S consumers that took part in the survey, 82% trusted printed ads on newspapers and magazines while another 76% would trust direct mail. Although these numbers are unique to the US, it does help to show just how effective printed advertisements can be versus digital promotional materials. 2. Printed media is more relevant to user interest There are loads of statistics that point towards printed media being more relevant to customers. For example, two-thirds of direct mail is viewed immediately and around 40% of consumers in a study made a purchase in the past three months because of a piece of mail. Compare this to emails which are often ignored or sent immediately to a spam folder, printed media is far more relevant to user interest and has a higher chance of resulting in a sale. 3. Ad blockers are becoming far more common You’ve likely heard of people using ad-blocking software on their computers and mobile devices which allows them to avoid pop-up advertisements and even video ads that are embedded into videos and internet podcasts and music services. This drastically reduces the effectiveness of online advertising which makes print a much more reliable choice. 4. Print Can Target Audiences Effectively If you want to focus on a particular community or geographic area, print is ideal. Direct mail campaigns, door-drop leaflets, and posters allow you to reach your audience with precision. 5. Not everyone in the UK is on the internet, especially older audiences The internet might be a must-use service for most people, but a surprising number of adults don’t actually use the internet. Although 99% of the UK’s population between the ages of 16 and 34 have used the internet, only 56% of adults aged 75 years and over have used the internet. To add to this statistic, 20% of disabled adults have never used the internet and around 8.4% of adults overall have not used the internet. 6. Print Supports Brand Identity Consistent colours, typography, and high-quality finishes reinforce your brand identity. Print gives you full control over how your brand looks and feels in the real world. 7. Print Has a Longer Lifespan One of the most powerful advantages of printed media is its longevity. Unlike digital ads, which disappear the moment someone scrolls past them or closes a browser, printed materials stay in the physical world. Magazines often sit on coffee tables for weeks or months, brochures can remain on office desks long after an event, and high-quality leaflets or catalogues are frequently kept for future reference. This extended visibility means your message continues to work for you long after the initial distribution. Even a simple business card can resurface months later, sparking new opportunities! 8. Printed media isn’t restricted by the GDPR If you operate a business that serves customers online within the EU then you’ve likely had to adjust to the GDPR in order to remain compliant. As you may know, the GDPR can be incredibly limiting and will restrict the types of data you can collect and use. However, the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) states that postal marketing doesn’t require consent if it’s aimed at current or past customers or those that have a legitimate interest in your business. This ultimately means that you will not be hindered by regulations such as the GDPR if you utilise printed media as a part of your promotional campaigns. 9. Improve your presence at trade shows Printed media such as banners, posters and business cards can help improve your presence at a trade show. Around 67% of attendees at a trade show represent a new prospect and potentially a customer, so it’s vital to focus on your trade show appearances and maximise your audience. A poor trade show appearance could negatively affect your business and drastically reduce the potential of your business. 10. Print studios offer a wide range of printed media options Although there are plenty of unique ways to advertise your products and services through digital platforms, there’s also a wide variety of printed media options available. From leaflets to business cards and even posters, printed media can be customised to your needs and you’re also able to reuse design elements such as your logo, colour scheme, slogan and copywriting. Need a hand with professionally designed printed marketing materials? We've got you! Get in touch today to get started.
