Why Short Form Video Will Dominate Summer 2025 – And How to Prepare

Get ready: short form video isn’t just trending—it’s taking over. From TikTok to Instagram Reels to YouTube Shorts, short-form content is about to be the ruler of summer marketing. Why? Because attention spans are shrinking, algorithms are hungry for engagement, and brands that move quickly (and creatively) win.

At Flashlight Marketing, we’ve seen this shift coming, and we’re here to help you ride the wave, not get swept under it. Here’s what’s driving the surge in short-form video, and how your brand can shine through.

Why Short Form Is Heating Up This Summer

1. Attention Spans Are in the Single Digits

No surprise here. We’re scrolling faster than ever, and the window to grab someone’s attention is now 8 seconds. Short videos offer a quick dopamine hit, making them irresistible to both users and algorithms. With TikToks, Reels, and Shorts averaging between 15 to 60 seconds, brands can quickly educate, entertain, and emotionally connect with consumers.

2. Platforms Are Prioritizing It

TikTok continues to dominate Gen Z and younger Millennials, but now Instagram has heavily invested in pushing Reels to compete, and YouTube Shorts is pulling millions of views for creators and brands daily. TikTok, meanwhile, is continuing to refine its “For You” page, which to no surprise is the most addictive content platform.

3. It's the Sweet Spot Between Entertainment and Information

People want to learn, be inspired, and be entertained all in 60 seconds or less. Whether it’s a quick “how-to,” a mini customer testimonial, or a behind-the-scenes peek, short-form gives you a wide range of creative expression, without the commitment of long-form production.

Even better, this type of content can be repurposed across platforms. A 30-second tip on Reels can also live on TikTok, LinkedIn, and YouTube Shorts. It’s scalable, snackable, and shareable.

4. It's Budget-Friendly (If You Know How to Work It)

Gone are the days of expensive video shoots being your only option. Many brands are creating successful short-form content using just a phone, decent lighting, and a compelling hook. Low budget doesn’t mean low impact.

How to Prepare Your Brand for the Short Form Surge

1. Start With a Series Strategy

Pick a theme and run with it! Think “Marketing Tip Mondays,” “Quick Wins Wednesdays,” or “Behind the Brand.” Creating a repeatable series builds audience anticipation and simplifies your planning.

2. Optimize for the Hook
Your first few seconds are everything. Use bold text overlays, strong visuals, or a question that taps into your audience’s curiosity. If you don’t hook, you’ll be overlooked.

Also—don’t cram too much into one video. Each clip should cover one key idea, insight, or action.

3. Think Vertical, Think Mobile
Design with the small screen in mind. Always shoot vertically, include captions, and keep visuals engaging from start to finish. People are watching from the palm of their hand, so make it count.

All major short form platforms prioritize 9:16 ratio videos, so make sure your content is built for the smartphone screen. Use subtitles (80% of users watch without sound), keep visual clutter to a minimum, and use movement or animation to hold attention.

4. Leverage Trends... Carefully
Jumping on trending audio or challenges can expand your reach, but don’t do it just for the views. Make sure it aligns with your brand voice, or you risk looking out of touch.

Yes, you should be aware of trending audio and challenges, but never at the expense of your brand’s integrity. You don’t have to do every dance or voiceover trend.

Instead, look for ways to adapt what’s trending to your message. Can you tie a trending sound to a client success story? Can you join a hashtag challenge that relates to your industry?

Trends can expand your reach, but your message should always lead.

5. Measure, Test, Repeat
Pay attention to your analytics: What’s getting watched all the way through? What’s being shared or saved? Let your top-performing videos inform your future content—don’t just guess.

Don’t be afraid to reshare your best videos weeks or months later. Chances are, they’ll find new viewers with even better performance.

Tools to Make Short Form Easier

Let’s face it… consistently creating short form content can feel like a full-time job. But with the right tools in your back pocket, it becomes a whole lot more manageable (and even fun). At Flashlight, we’ve tested a ton of apps, platforms, and systems, and these are some of our favorite go-to resources that simplify the short form grind without sacrificing quality:

CapCut: This mobile-friendly video editing app is a powerhouse for creators on the go. CapCut, developed by the team behind TikTok, offers a rich library of templates, trending effects, and music to help your content look polished with minimal effort. 

Canva: Short form video isn’t just about footage—it’s about branding. With Canva, you can create on-brand intros, outros, lower-thirds, and animated graphics that elevate your content. Choose from thousands of templates made for TikTok, Reels, and Shorts, or create custom assets using your brand colors and fonts. Plus, Canva’s built-in animation and video timeline tools now make it easier than ever to design, edit, and export social-ready videos.

TikTok Creative Center: Need inspiration? These platforms are goldmines for understanding what your audience is searching for. TikTok Creative Center shows trending hashtags, sounds, and high-performing content examples in your region or industry. Use them to fuel your content calendar with relevant, trend-driven ideas.

Google Drive or Dropbox: It sounds basic, but trust us… having a cloud-based system to organize video files, b-roll, brand assets, and voiceover scripts is crucial for staying organized, especially when working with collaborators. Both options offer easy file-sharing and device syncing, so you’re never stuck digging through folders for the right clip again.

Summer 2025 Forecast: Sunny with a 100% Chance of Scrolling

This summer, people will be soaking up the sun AND content. If you’re not creating short-form video yet, now is the time to dive in. Start simple, stay consistent, and don’t be afraid to show your brand’s personality.

At Flashlight Marketing, we help brands shine in the scroll. Whether you're just starting out or ready to level up your short form video game, we’re here to help you capture attention and convert viewers into loyal fans.

Need help creating scroll-stopping content? Let’s talk strategy.