Back in the late 1990s, when the internet was still finding its way, businesses faced a dilemma. They had fantastic offerings, but their tools for getting their messages across were limited to plain text and static images. Little did they know, a digital revolution was on the horizon.

The Genesis: The Dawn of Streaming Video

Let’s step back to the late ’90s for a moment. It was a time when the internet was still in its infancy, and businesses found themselves in a bit of a quandary. They had exceptional products and services to offer, but the tools at their disposal for conveying their messages were rather limited, restricted to plain text and static images. However, as the late ’90s unfolded, a digital revolution was quietly brewing on the horizon.

The YouTube Revolution: A Game-Changer

Now, let’s zoom ahead to 2005. It was in that year that something truly remarkable happened. Three former PayPal employees came together to create a platform that would forever alter the world of video marketing — YouTube.

Anyone with an internet connection could now upload, share, and view videos. This opened up endless opportunities for businesses.

One of the earliest viral marketing campaigns on YouTube was the “Will It Blend?” series by Blendtec. In these videos, the company’s founder, Tom Dickson, demonstrated the power of their blenders by pulverizing everything from iPhones to golf balls. The videos went viral, and Blendtec saw a significant boost in sales.

The Power of Storytelling

One thing became abundantly clear: Storytelling was the key to unlocking hearts and minds. Businesses started crafting narratives that went beyond mere advertising.

A prime illustration of this is Airbnb’s “Belong Anywhere” campaign. Instead of merely showcasing vacation rentals, Airbnb shared the stories of hosts and guests. These captivating videos told tales of connection, adventure, and the human spirit. The impact was profound—viewers weren’t just inspired to book accommodations; they were inspired to be part of a global community. Airbnb didn’t just offer a place to stay; it offered a place in the world.

Statistics Speak Volumes

The growth of video marketing is not just a story; it’s a statistical reality.

• In 2006, online video accounted for 12% of global internet traffic. By 2021, that number had surged to over 80%.
• 82% of global internet traffic in 2022 came from video.
• The global average for video consumption is 100 minutes per day.
• 96% of people turn to videos to learn more about a product or service.

The Future of Video Marketing

Looking ahead to the future of video marketing, one thing is certain: the story is far from finished. With ever-evolving platforms and technologies, video marketing will not only survive but thrive. It will keep capturing the hearts of audiences and molding the digital landscape in fresh and exhilarating ways.

As we set our sights on 2023, there’s a trend in video marketing that’s impossible to ignore: the surge of short-form videos. Platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts are THRIVING and it’s safe to say that this trend shows no signs of slowing down.

You might be wondering if it’s too late to dive into the world of video content, in fact, the perfect time to dive into the world of video content is right now.

We get it; creating videos can seem a bit overwhelming when you think about the time, effort, and equipment it requires. But don’t worry, we’ve got your back.

Video marketing has the potential to work wonders for your brand, and we’re here to make the journey smooth for you. If you’re still unsure whether it’s the right fit for your business, no pressure. We can have a friendly chat to help you decide. Just schedule a free discovery call with us, and together, we can explore how video marketing can fit into your brand’s strategy. It’s all about finding the right fit for you, and we’re here to guide you every step of the way.