10 Biggest Takeaways from Shopify’s Video Marketing Report—And How You Can Use Them

1. Video Marketing Isn’t Just Growing—It’s Dominating

Ninety-two percent of internet users watch videos online every month, and US audiences now spend nearly an hour per day watching social video content. Video is no longer an optional marketing tool—it’s becoming the default way people engage with brands.

How to use this for your business:

• If you’re not already using short-form videos, start. Platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts are where people are spending their time.
• Test different content formats—behind-the-scenes clips, product demos, customer testimonials.
• Keep it concise. Short-form video is the best performer, with 83% of marketers saying under a minute is ideal.

2. Businesses Are Investing More in Video Than Ever

Seventy-eight percent of businesses planned to create more videos in 2024, and 81 percent have a dedicated video marketing budget. That means if you’re not prioritizing video, you’re already behind the competition.

How to use this for your business:

• Set aside a budget—even if it’s small—to invest in video creation tools, freelancers, or in-house production.
• Don’t overcomplicate it. Some of the best-performing videos are low-production, authentic clips filmed with a phone.
• If you’re worried about costs, consider AI-powered editing tools or freelancers on platforms like Fiverr and Upwork.

3. Video Ads Are a Massive Industry

Global advertisers spent $176 billion on video ads in 2023, and US advertisers alone spent $69 billion. This number is expected to keep climbing, proving that businesses see real returns from video advertising.

How to use this for your business:

• If you’re running Facebook, Instagram, or YouTube ads, experiment with video instead of static images.
• Keep the first few seconds high-impact. The majority of people scroll past ads unless they’re immediately engaging.
• Test different formats—product explainers, testimonials, or live shopping experiences.

4. Social Media is the Top Video Marketing Channel

Sixty-three percent of marketers say social media is the most important place for video content. YouTube remains the top platform for hosting videos, followed closely by TikTok and Instagram.

How to use this for your business:

• Focus your efforts on platforms where your audience already spends time. If you’re in ecommerce, YouTube and TikTok should be top priorities.
• Make videos platform-specific. A YouTube video may need to be longer, while TikTok should be short and fast-paced.
• Repurpose content. A YouTube tutorial can be broken into shorter clips for Reels or TikTok.

5. Product Videos Have the Highest ROI

Sixty-six percent of marketers say product videos drive better returns than any other video type. Consumers want to see a product in action before they buy.

How to use this for your business:

• Create simple product demo videos showcasing how your product works.
• Highlight key features and benefits, but keep it engaging—no one wants to watch a commercial.
• Use customer testimonials in your videos to build trust and credibility.

6. Live Video and Streaming Are Growing Fast

More than half of businesses now use streaming video for live events. Brands are finding success in live product launches, Q&A sessions, and shoppable livestreams.

How to use this for your business:

• Test live shopping on YouTube or Instagram—where you can showcase products in real time.
• Use live video for product reveals, behind-the-scenes looks, or casual Q&A sessions with your audience.
• Keep live videos interactive. Answering real-time questions increases engagement and conversion rates.

7. Video Boosts Sales and Brand Engagement

Eighty-five percent of marketers say video boosts brand engagement, and 70 percent of sales teams say video drives more conversions than any other content type.

How to use this for your business:

• Include video on product pages. Showing a product in action increases the likelihood of a sale.
• Add explainer videos to your homepage or key landing pages. They help clarify your offer and keep people on your site longer.
• Use personalized sales videos for high-ticket items or services. A direct message with a short video builds trust faster than text alone.

8. Accessibility is Becoming More Important

Seventy-eight percent of marketers now use captions, transcripts, and audio descriptions to make their videos more accessible. This isn’t just about inclusivity—it also improves watch time and engagement.

How to use this for your business:

• Always add captions to your videos—many people watch on mute.
• Use descriptive text and voiceovers for visually impaired audiences.
• Consider multi-language subtitles if you have an international audience.

9. Video Creation is the Biggest Challenge for Many Businesses

Thirty-nine percent of marketers say their biggest challenge is finding the time to create video content. Despite its effectiveness, video takes effort, which is why many brands either outsource production or use AI tools.

How to use this for your business:

• If you’re short on time, batch-create videos in a single filming session.
• Use AI-powered video editing tools to speed up the process.
• Don’t worry about perfection. Authentic, unpolished videos often perform better than highly produced ones.

10. Video Marketing Budgets Are Increasing

A quarter of businesses now spend between $1,000 and $5,000 per video, with four percent spending more than $20,000. Video is now seen as a long-term investment that pays off in engagement, trust, and sales.

How to use this for your business:

• Set a realistic video budget, even if it’s just a few hundred dollars a month.
• Invest in better equipment or editing software over time.
• Start small with short-form videos, and scale up as you see results.

Final Thoughts

Shopify’s new report proves that video marketing isn’t just a trend—it’s the future of brand growth. Whether you’re an ecommerce business, a service provider, or a personal brand, video should be a core part of your marketing strategy.

If you’re not using video yet, start now. Even a simple 30-second clip can increase engagement, build trust, and boost sales. The key is to start somewhere—because in 2025, the businesses that master video marketing will be the ones winning.