March 15, 2023 Black Belt Productions

The Power of Vertical Videos: How to Optimize Your Marketing Strategy

Read time: 6-minutes

It’s time to go vertical! With the rise of social media platforms and the increasing popularity of mobile devices, the way we consume video content has dramatically changed. In recent years, vertical videos have emerged as a powerful tool for marketers to engage with their audiences in a more immersive and effective way. With the capability to take up the entire screen of a mobile device, vertical videos can capture the viewer’s attention and provide a more natural viewing experience. This innovative format is not only visually appealing but also offers a more seamless and user-friendly experience, leading to higher engagement rates and more significant conversions.

In this article, we’ll explore the power of vertical videos and how to optimize your marketing strategy to take advantage of this exciting trend. Whether you’re an established brand or just starting, implementing vertical videos can help you stand out from the competition and connect with your audience on a deeper level.

Understanding vertical videos and their impact on marketing

Vertical videos are videos that are shot in a portrait orientation. This format has become increasingly popular in recent years, thanks to the rise of mobile devices and social media platforms such as Instagram and Snapchat. Unlike traditional landscape videos, vertical videos take up the entire screen of a mobile device, providing a more immersive and engaging viewing experience.

The impact of vertical videos on marketing has been huge! According to a recent study by Buffer, vertical videos have a 90% higher completion rate compared to landscape videos on mobile devices. This means that viewers are more likely to watch the entire video when it’s in a vertical format, leading to higher engagement rates and more significant conversions. In addition, vertical videos are more likely to be shared on social media platforms, which can increase your brand’s reach and visibility.

However, it’s important to note that not all vertical videos are created equal. To be effective, your vertical video content needs to be engaging, informative, and visually appealing. In the next section, we’ll explore the benefits of using vertical videos in your marketing strategy and how to create content that resonates with your audience.

Benefits of using vertical videos in your marketing strategy

There are several benefits to using vertical videos in your marketing strategy. First and foremost, vertical videos are more engaging than traditional landscape videos. As mentioned earlier, viewers are more likely to watch the entire video when it’s in a vertical format, leading to higher engagement rates and more significant conversions. In addition, vertical videos provide a more immersive and natural viewing experience, which can help your brand stand out from the competition.

Another benefit of using vertical videos is that they are more user-friendly. Because they take up the entire screen of a mobile device, viewers don’t need to rotate their device or adjust their screen to watch the video. This makes for a more seamless and enjoyable viewing experience, which can lead to increased brand loyalty and customer satisfaction.

Finally, vertical videos are more likely to be shared on social media platforms. According to a study by Wibbitz, vertical videos receive 70% more likes and shares on Instagram compared to landscape videos. This means that your content is more likely to be seen by a broader audience, increasing your brand’s reach and visibility.

Vertical video statistics and trends

The popularity of vertical videos continues to grow, with more and more brands incorporating this format into their marketing strategy. Here are some statistics and trends that highlight the power of vertical videos:

• According to a study by Wibbitz, mobile users hold their devices vertically about 94% of the time.

• A study by Snapchat found that vertical videos have up to nine times more completed views compared to horizontal videos on their platform.

• Instagram launched IGTV, a standalone app that allows users to upload and watch vertical videos up to 60 minutes in length.

• TikTok, a popular social media platform among Gen Z, is entirely focused on short-form, vertical videos.

• According to a report by eMarketer, vertical video ad spend is projected to reach $18.7 billion by 2023.

These statistics and trends highlight the growing importance of vertical videos in marketing and the need for brands to incorporate this format into their strategy.

Creating vertical videos that resonate with your audience

To be effective, your vertical video content needs to be engaging, informative, and visually appealing. Here are some tips for creating vertical videos that resonate with your audience:

1. Keep it short and sweet. Attention spans are short, especially on mobile devices. Keep your videos under 60 seconds to ensure that viewers watch the entire video.

2. Tell a story. Use your video to tell a story that resonates with your audience. This could be a behind-the-scenes look at your brand, a customer success story, or a product demo.

3. Use subtitles. Many viewers watch videos with the sound off, so it’s essential to include subtitles to ensure that your message is still conveyed.

4.Use high-quality visuals. Vertical videos take up the entire screen of a mobile device, so it’s essential to use high-quality visuals that are visually appealing and eye-catching.

5. Call to action. Include a clear call to action at the end of your video, such as visiting your website or signing up for a newsletter.

By following these tips, you can create vertical videos that engage your audience and drive conversions.

How to integrate vertical videos into your marketing plan

Integrating vertical videos into your marketing plan is relatively easy. Here are some ways to incorporate this format into your strategy:

1. Social media. Social media platforms such as Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok are perfect for sharing vertical videos. Create content specifically for these platforms to increase engagement and reach.

2. Website. Incorporate vertical videos into your website to provide a more immersive and engaging experience for visitors. This could include product demos, customer success stories, or behind-the-scenes looks at your brand.

3. Email marketing. Use vertical videos in your email marketing campaigns to increase click-through rates and engagement. This could include product demos, customer testimonials, or exclusive behind-the-scenes content.

By incorporating vertical videos into your marketing plan, you can increase engagement, reach, and conversions.

Social media platforms that support vertical videos and how to use them effectively

There are several social media platforms that support vertical videos, each with its unique features and best practices. Here’s a breakdown of some of the most popular platforms and how to use them effectively:

1. Instagram. Instagram is perhaps the most popular platform for vertical videos, thanks to its Stories and IGTV features. Use Stories to share behind-the-scenes content and exclusive promotions, and use IGTV to create longer-form content that provides more in-depth insights into your brand.

2. Snapchat. Snapchat pioneered the vertical video format and continues to be a popular platform for this type of content. Use Snapchat to share exclusive behind-the-scenes content, product demos, and customer success stories.

3. TikTok. TikTok is entirely focused on short-form, vertical videos and is hugely popular among Gen Z. Use TikTok to create fun, engaging content that highlights your brand’s personality and unique value proposition.

By understanding the features and best practices of each platform, you can create effective vertical video content that resonates with your audience.

Case studies of successful vertical video campaigns

To see the power of vertical videos in action, let’s take a look at some case studies of successful campaigns:

1. Airbnb. Airbnb used vertical videos on Instagram to showcase unique properties and highlight the experiences that guests could have when staying with Airbnb.

2. Netflix. Netflix used vertical videos on Snapchat to promote its original series, Stranger Things. The campaign included exclusive behind-the-scenes content and teasers for the upcoming season.

3. Mercedes-Benz. Mercedes-Benz used vertical videos on Instagram to showcase its new AMG GT Roadster. The campaign included a series of short videos that highlighted the car’s features and capabilities.

By using vertical videos in their campaigns, these brands were able to engage their audiences and drive conversions.

Embracing the power of vertical videos for your marketing strategy

Vertical videos have emerged as a powerful tool for marketers to engage with their audiences in a more immersive and effective way. With the capability to take up the entire screen of a mobile device, vertical videos can capture the viewer’s attention and provide a more natural viewing experience. By implementing vertical videos into your marketing strategy, you can stand out from the competition and connect with your audience on a deeper level.

To be effective, your vertical video content needs to be engaging, informative, and visually appealing. By following best practices and using the right tools and resources, you can create high-quality vertical videos that resonate with your audience and drive conversions. So, whether you’re an established brand or just starting, it’s time to embrace the power of vertical videos and take your marketing strategy to the next level.

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