From the moment you scroll through Instagram to the second you land on YouTube, one thing is clear – video dominates. It’s now the most consumed and most rewarded content format across every major platform. And if your brand is still relying primarily on static images, here’s the reality: you’re already falling behind.
Consumer behaviour has shifted. Platforms have shifted. Technology has shifted. The brands leading in engagement, visibility and conversion all have one thing in common: video at the centre of their strategy.
Below are the four essential reasons video must take priority if you want your brand to stay competitive, visible and memorable in 2026.
Your Pocket Potential
One of the biggest misconceptions that keeps brands from creating video is the belief that you need high budget cameras, specialist lenses and a professional lighting setup. The truth? Most of the technical capabilities once reserved for production studios already exist in your smartphone, including:
- 108MP primary sensors
- Wide angle and telephoto lenses
- 4K recording at 60fps
- 240fps slow motion
- HDR support for dynamic lighting
- Optical image stabilisation
- Manual pro-video controls
Five years ago, these features were considered “professional kit.” Today, they’re standard.
This matters because it removes the biggest barrier most brands face: starting. You don’t need to wait for an equipment upgrade. You don’t need a studio. You simply need consistency, creativity and the decision to hit record.
By embracing the device already in your pocket, you unlock a level of content production that would’ve cost thousands not long ago – and that accessibility levels the playing field for businesses of every size.
Algorithms Favouritism
If you want to understand why video is non-negotiable, just look at the platforms themselves. Every major social channel has redesigned its algorithm to prioritise video over static content.
Instagram CEO Adam Mosseri has openly stated that the platform is “no longer a photo-sharing app,” and the user data supports it – more than half of all time spent on Instagram is now on video.
What this means in practice:
- Static posts are deprioritised in the feed
- Video receives significantly more reach and engagement
- Platforms reward accounts that consistently post video
- Your competitors’ videos will outrank your images – every time
In fact:
- Video posts can receive up to 2× more engagement than static posts
- Brands using video report 93% ROI
- TikTok’s average watch time continues to rise year on year
- LinkedIn video posts generate higher dwell time, boosting ranking
The takeaway? You can’t beat the algorithm, so align with it instead of working against it.
Search Longevity
Google, which owns YouTube, is increasingly favouring video content in search results. A well-optimised video is:
- 53 x more likely to appear on the first page of Google than text alone
- And unlike short lived social content, a single high quality video can:
- Attract consistent organic traffic
- Strengthen your website’s SEO
- Build trust with high-intent customers
- Improve dwell time – another SEO signal
Think of video as a long-term digital asset.
Your Instagram stories disappear.
Your blog posts quietly fade.
But your YouTube videos build momentum over time and continue working for you long after publication.
Brands that produce informative, keyword driven video content often see traffic grow steadily for months, even years, because Google understands that users engage more deeply with video than any other content format.
The Retention Power
If your goal is to be remembered, video is your most powerful tool.
Audiences retain:
- 95% of what they learn in a video
- Compared to just 10% when reading text
This isn’t just a statistic – it’s a psychological advantage. Video combines visuals, audio, motion and emotion, making your message more memorable and more persuasive.
Even more compelling:
- Video is 1,200% more shareable than text and images combined
This means video doesn’t just reach people, it moves them enough to act, respond and share. And in an era where attention is the ultimate currency, formats that inspire action are invaluable.
Whether you’re explaining a service, showcasing a product, sharing a behind the scenes moment or building brand trust, video connects faster and deeper than any other medium.
Time To Take Action
The landscape is clear:
- Platforms demand video
- Audiences prefer video
- SEO rewards video
- Your phone can create video
The gap between brands embracing video and those clinging to outdated content formats is widening rapidly. If you want to compete, grow and stay relevant, now is the moment to make video the priority – not an afterthought.
At +24, we specialise in developing, filming and delivering full-stack video content strategies that maximise organic reach and drive measurable results. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to scale your output, we can help you turn video into your most powerful marketing asset.
Contact us today: info@24marketing.co.uk | 0333 344 7124
