Social Media Video Formats to Drive Engagement

Social media keeps evolving, but one thing stays the same: video continues to be the fastest way to grab attention, build trust, and move people to action. As we head into 2026, platforms are prioritizing video formats that feel authentic, mobile-first, and designed for how people actually scroll.

If your brand is trying to figure out where to invest its time (and budget) - here are the five social video formats that are driving the most engagement right now and how to use them effectively.

1. Short-Form Vertical Video (Reels, TikToks, Shorts)

Short-form vertical video is still the undisputed king of reach. Instagram Reels, TikTok, and YouTube Shorts are all designed to keep users scrolling, and that means fresh, snackable video content gets pushed harder than almost anything else.

What works in this format:

• Fast hooks in the first 2–3 seconds

• Captions for sound-off viewing

• Quick cuts, motion, and human faces

• Educational or entertaining bite-sized moments

These videos don’t need to be overly polished — they just need to feel real, relevant, and scroll-stopping. This format is especially powerful for behind-the-scenes clips, product tips, quick testimonials, and day-in-the-life content.

2. Stories (Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn)

Stories are where brands can show up in a more casual, behind-the-scenes way. Unlike Reels or Shorts, Stories feel more personal, as if you're having a direct conversation with your audience.

Best uses for Stories:

• Daily updates

• Event coverage

• Polls, questions, and engagement stickers

• Product launches and announcements

• Limited-time offers

Because Stories disappear after 24 hours, they’re perfect for content that feels timely and exclusive. They also help keep your brand top of mind without needing to create something heavily produced every day. You can also reuse content here and potentially reach new people without the content appearing stale.

3. Live Video

Live video is making a strong comeback in 2026, especially on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and TikTok. The biggest advantage? Real-time engagement and interaction. Viewers can ask questions, react, and feel like they’re part of the moment which builds trust fast.

Some high-performing live video ideas include:

• Q&A sessions

• Product demos

• Behind-the-scenes tours

• Employee spotlights

• Event streaming

Live video doesn’t have to be perfect, it just has to be authentic. And the best part? You can repurpose your live streams into clips for Reels, Shorts, and Stories after the fact! 

4. Long-Form Social Video

While short-form dominates discovery, longer videos still play a critical role in education and conversion. Platforms like YouTube, LinkedIn, and even Facebook reward videos that keep people watching longer.

This is where you can go deeper with:

• Explainer videos

• Customer testimonials

• Brand films

• Recruitment and culture videos

• Tutorials and how-tos

Long-form content helps answer bigger questions and builds confidence in your brand — especially for viewers who are already interested in what you offer.

5. Repurposed & Multi-Platform Video

One of the biggest shifts we’re seeing in 2026 is that smart brands aren’t making more content — they’re getting more mileage out of the content they already create.

A single video shoot can become:

• Reels and TikToks

• Story clips

• LinkedIn posts

• YouTube videos

• Website content

• Ads

Repurposing allows you to stay consistent across platforms without burning out your team. It also keeps your messaging cohesive which helps reinforce brand recognition over time.

The Bottom Line

The most successful brands in 2026 won’t be the ones posting the most, they’ll be the ones using the right formats in the right places to connect with their audience.

From short-form discovery to long-form storytelling and live engagement, each format plays a role in moving people from casual viewers to loyal customers.

If you’re ready to start building a social video strategy that actually drives results, we’d love to help.

Contact us today to talk about how we can create, film, and repurpose social-first video content for your brand.