Just a few years ago, online video mainly meant long movies on YouTube. Today, a completely different format reigns supreme – short, dynamic videos in the style of TikTok, Instagram Reels, or YouTube Shorts. These are the ones that attract the most attention, evoke emotions, and inspire purchases. For online stores, short videos are a huge opportunity to reach new customers and build a brand that can speak the language of today's audience.
Why do short videos work so well?
Modern consumers have less and less time and patience. When scrolling through their phones, they pause for a few seconds – and those seconds determine whether they will watch the video to the end or move on. Short videos fit perfectly into this rhythm. They are short, visually appealing, easy to share and reproduce. Social media algorithms also reward them with greater reach, which means that even a small store has a chance to reach thousands of people organically, without a large advertising budget.
Format tailored to the platform
Each of the popular short video platforms has its own specific characteristics. TikTok focuses on authenticity and fast pace – videos look like they were shot on a phone, and music trends and popular challenges play a key role. Instagram Reels is the perfect place for nice, aesthetic shots that go well with a lifestyle image. YouTube Shorts, on the other hand, works well for educational and how-to content – this is where users often look for quick tips and product inspiration.
For an online store, this means one thing: it's worth experimenting and adapting formats to the context of the platform, rather than publishing identical content everywhere.
What content sells best?
The effectiveness of short videos does not lie in intrusive advertising, but in creating engaging stories around products. Customers want to see how a given item looks “in action” how it makes life easier, and what emotions it evokes. That's why ‘unboxing’ videos, short “how-to” guides, quick presentations of lists (e.g. “3 gadgets you must have in your kitchen”) or videos showing a transformation thanks to a given product work so well.
Content featuring internet creators is also hugely popular. Influencers and micro-influencers are able to show the product in everyday use in a natural way, which translates into greater trust and real purchases.
Trends worth following
Short videos thrive on trends – musical, visual, and even linguistic. All it takes is one popular recording for thousands of brands and creators to start replicating the format in their own versions. For e-commerce, this means keeping an eye on what's happening on TikTok or Instagram and reacting quickly. Using a popular sound, effect, or theme increases the chance that the video will “jump” into the algorithm and reach new audiences.
However, it is important to remember that the most important thing is to match the trend to the brand. If a store sells educational toys, it is easy to use a trendy sound to show a child's joy of playing. If it offers sports accessories, you can record a dynamic movement challenge. The key is authenticity – the trend should support the product, not be an end in itself.
Examples of successful campaigns
Cosmetic brands have enjoyed huge success on TikTok by creating short makeup tutorials instead of traditional advertisements. Customers watched simple instructions and could immediately order the products used.
Another example is clothing stores that use the “transition” format to show quick style changes – a few seconds and the “wow” effect is guaranteed. Such videos are eagerly shared, which naturally increases their reach.
Companies selling kitchen accessories are doing very well on YouTube Shorts. Short “life hack” videos show clever ways to use gadgets – and immediately direct the viewer to the store where they can buy the product shown.
From reach to sales
Reach and views are important, but the ultimate goal of short videos in e-commerce is sales. That's why it's essential to add clear calls to action: links in the bio, purchase buttons, information about promotions. More and more platforms are introducing social commerce features that allow you to buy a product directly from within the app. This is a huge opportunity for stores, as it shortens the path from inspiration to purchase to a minimum.
Short videos are one of the most effective ways to reach customers online today. Short, dynamic videos showing products in a natural context evoke emotions, attract attention, and inspire purchases. Thanks to algorithms that reward such content, even a small store has a chance for viral success and real sales growth. The prerequisites are authenticity, creativity, and the ability to follow trends. In a world where we scroll faster than ever, it is just a few seconds of footage that can determine whether a customer adds a product to their cart.