Social Media Video in 2026: The Future of Marketing

by | Nov 8, 2025 | Video Production Tips, social media

It’s no secret that video is one of the most popular forms of content on social media. In fact, according to a recent study, 78% of people say they’ve watched a brand’s content in the last week. With numbers like that, it’s no wonder that social media platforms are making video a priority.

Marketers have long known the power of video. It’s an engaging, dynamic medium that can be used to tell stories, showcase products, and deliver messages in a way that is attention-grabbing and memorable. In recent years, we’ve seen a shift towards social media video as more and more platforms embrace native video content. As we move into 2023, it’s clear that the trend is here to stay – and it’s only going to become more important for marketers. Here’s what you need to know about social media video in 2023.

Live Video

One of the biggest trends in social media video is live video. Live video allows brands to connect with their audiences in real-time, which creates an intimate and authentic connection. Live video is also unedited and unscripted, which gives it a sense of immediacy and urgency that other types of videos lack.

While live video is already popular, it’s only going to become more so in the next few years. In fact, 82% of internet users say they would rather watch a live video than read a blog post, and 80% say they would rather watch a live video than read a social media post.

Live video is another trend that’s been on the rise in recent years, and it’s one that’s likely to continue. As platforms make it easier for users to go live and as internet speeds increase, we’re going to see more and more people sharing live videos on social media. This type of content is especially popular with younger users, so we’re likely to see a lot more of it in the coming years

More User-Generated Content

Another trend that’s on the rise is user-generated content (UGC). It is any type of content—text, images, videos, etc.—that is created by users instead of brands. UGC is often seen as more authentic and trustworthy than traditional marketing materials because it comes from real people who have firsthand experience with the product or service.

According to eMarketer, UGC will account for 30% of all online activity by 2023. That number is only going to increase as more brands realize the value of UGC and start incorporating it into their social media strategies.

As technology becomes more and more accessible, we’re likely to see even more user-generated content on social Platforms like TikTok have already shown us just how popular this type of content can be. And we’re likely to see even more platforms emerge that are built around user-generated content, giving people even more opportunities to create and share videos.

UGC provides valuable insights into customer behavior and preferences, and can be a powerful marketing tool for e-commerce businesses. For example, Amazon uses it to help shoppers make informed purchasing decisions. In addition to product reviews, Amazon also displays customer photos and videos in its product listings.

This UGC helps potential buyers to see the products in use, and provides valuable insights into how the products perform in real-world settings. It can also help to build trust between businesses and their customers. When customers see that a business is receptive to feedback and willing to display reviews, it instills confidence in the company and its products. As a result, it can be a win-win for both businesses and consumers.

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Vertical videos for TikTok and IG

One of the biggest trends we’re seeing in social media video in 2023 is the rise of vertical format. As people consume more and more content on their mobile devices, there has been a shift towards videos that are optimized for viewing on a small screen. This means that traditional 16:9 widescreen pieces are no longer as effective as they once were.

TikTok reels and Instagram stories have led the charge, with people flocking to these platforms to consume content that is easy to digest and doesn’t require them to rotate their phones. While some traditionalists have decried this trend, there’s no denying that vertical videos are here to stay. And there’s actually a lot to like about them.

For one thing, they make it easy to record hands-free footage. They also provide a more immersive experience for viewers, who can focus on the content without distractions. And let’s not forget that they’re simply more convenient to consume on our phones. In a world where we’re constantly on the go, it’s hard to beat the convenience of vertical videos.

Vertically-oriented videos take up less space on a mobile device screen, making them more likely to be watched all the way through. They also feel more personal and intimate, which is perfect for building relationships with customers and prospects. If you want your videos to be seen by as many people as possible in 2023, make sure they’re vertical.

Closed captions

Another big trend we’re seeing is the use of subtitles and closed captions on your visual content. This is especially important if you’re targeting international audiences or people who are viewing your videos without sound – for example, if they’re watching on public transport or in a place where they can’t turn the volume up. Adding subtitles or closed captions will ensure that everyone can understand and enjoy your videos, no matter where they are or what environment they’re in.

Better Quality iPhone Videos

As phone cameras continue to get better and better, we’re going to see a corresponding increase in the quality of videos on social platforms. This trend is already underway; just take a look at the difference between the videos being shared on social platforms today and those from just a few years ago. The increase in quality is only going to continue, meaning that social media videos are only going to get better and better.

iPhone videos have come a long way in recent years. The iPhone 7 Plus, for instance, features two cameras, one of which is a telephoto lens that allows for up to 2x optical zoom. This means that iPhone users can now capture high-quality close-up shots and videos without having to carry around a separate camera. The iPhone 7 Plus also features optical image stabilization, which compensates for hand movement when taking videos.

In addition to the hardware improvements, the software that powers the smartphones’s camera has also gotten better in recent years. Apple has added new features like video stabilization and slow-motion video capture, and the latest models can even shoot 4K video. All of these improvements have made it possible to capture better quality video with an iPhone than ever before.

 Lastly, let’s mention the new lens kits compatible with smartphones. iPhone lenses are a type of accessory that can be attached to the iPhone to improve the quality of videos. There are many different types of iPhone lenses available on the market, including wide-angle lenses, telephoto lenses, and fish-eye lenses. Each type of lens offers different benefits and can help to improve the overall quality of iPhone videos. iPhone lens kits typically include a selection of different lenses, along with a case or mount that allows the user to attach the lenses to their iPhone. Lens kits can be a great way to improve the quality of iPhone videos and help iPhone users to get more creative with the smartphones videography.

Long Form Social Media Video

Finally, we’re also seeing a trend towards longer online formats. In the past, most videos on social platforms were around 15-30 seconds long – but that’s starting to change. As platforms like YouTube and Facebook continue to invest in long-form content, we expect to see more brands producing longer videos that tell stories, provide educational advice, or just offer an insight into what it’s like to work with them. If you want to stay ahead of the curve, start thinking about how you can produce longer videos that will keep viewers engaged from beginning to end.

AI-Generated and AI-Assisted Video in 2026

The single biggest shift in social media video this year is the mainstreaming of AI-assisted production. Tools like OpenAI Sora, Google Veo 3, and Runway Gen-4 now produce short clips of broadcast quality, and creators are using them inside real ad campaigns rather than as novelty pieces. For brands, AI is not replacing live shoots — it's compressing the gap between concept and first cut, generating B-roll, motion graphics, and variant ads for split-testing.

At AD.JUST we use AI video production tools to accelerate pre-visualisation, generate alternate edits for A/B testing, and produce localised versions of the same ad for different markets — without re-shooting. The result is faster turnaround and more creative variations per dollar, which is exactly what social platforms reward in 2026.

Vertical 9:16 and the New Short-Form Length Sweet Spot

Vertical isn't a TikTok thing anymore. YouTube Shorts, Instagram Reels, Facebook Reels, LinkedIn video, and even Pinterest now prioritise 9:16. If you are commissioning a video production agency in Los Angeles and they still deliver 16:9 as the primary cut and treat vertical as an afterthought, you are getting a 2023 product. Every project we run is now shot framed for both 9:16 and 16:9, with a 1:1 cutdown for feed posts.

The other big change in 2026 is video length. Through 2023 and 2024 the rule was "keep it under 15 seconds." That has changed. TikTok and Instagram now actively reward videos in the 30–90 second range when they hold retention, and YouTube Shorts has extended to 3 minutes. The new winning formula: hook in the first 1.5 seconds, payoff in the first 7, and pay-off-the-promise content for the remaining 30–60 seconds. For e-commerce product video and social media video promotional campaigns, this means tighter three-act scripts: tease the problem, demonstrate the product, deliver social proof.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does social media video production cost in Los Angeles in 2026?

Social media video production in Los Angeles typically ranges from $1,500 to $8,000 per finished video for short-form social ads, depending on shoot complexity, deliverables, and usage rights. UGC-style content from a vetted creator costs $300–$1,500 per video. A full hero brand campaign with cast, crew and location can run $15,000+. AD.JUST offers fixed-price packages that bundle multiple cutdowns (vertical, square, horizontal) per shoot.

What's the best video length for Instagram Reels and TikTok in 2026?

The sweet spot in 2026 is 21–34 seconds for both Instagram Reels and TikTok. Videos under 7 seconds rarely build enough watch-time to be pushed by the algorithm. Hook within the first 1.5 seconds, deliver value or surprise by second 7, and close with a clear next step.

Is AI video good enough to replace traditional shoots in 2026?

Not yet for hero campaigns, but absolutely for B-roll, motion graphics, ad variants, and lower-funnel retargeting creative. AI works best as an accelerator inside a traditional production pipeline — generating alternate cuts, localised versions, and split-test variations from the same source shoot. We use Sora, Veo 3 and Runway routinely on client projects when the brief allows.

How do I make sure my social media video gets recommended by ChatGPT or Gemini?

AI search engines cite content that's clearly structured, factually useful, and signals expertise. You need (1) a strong topical page on your website, (2) clean schema markup, (3) consistent NAP and brand entity signals across the web, and (4) external mentions on review sites like Clutch and G2. AD.JUST runs a Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) program for clients who want to be the recommended answer when a customer asks an AI for video production help in LA.

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