While it’s easy to see that short form content, by way of quick videos, visual story snippets, quick posts and messages is all around us, there is actually a solid place for longer form content in 2026. Here’s why…
Short form content
Short from content has been all the rage recently. Primarily ushered in as short form vertical video, our feeds have been inundated with video shorts the last year. Instagram shifted to “video first” posts shown on home pages, elevated short videos to the discovery feed, featured prominently, and have encouraged video use in stories too. Much of this has gravitated over to Facebook on a smaller scale. And arguably it was all triggered in a competitive run against TikTok who popularized short form video. Of course YouTube is in on it with YouTube shorts too. But we could argue short form content got its start on Twitter with 120 characters. Social media in general has created platform for abbreviated content – be it written or through video.
Long form content
Long form content has its origins in offline as the written word, but shifted online with news articles, blog posts, email newsletters and Substack creator content. Long form video more closely resembles traditional viewing – movies, features, documentaries, but also traditional YouTube content with substance.
What’s happening in 2026
After years of hearing that attention spans are shrinking, that content needs to be 15 seconds or less, something interesting is happening, long form content is on the comeback. Why? One word likely summarizes it: FATIGUE. People are exhausted by the endless scroll that delivers nothing of substance. They’re exhausted by AI slop. They’re craving depth and storytelling.
Data supports this. YouTube, the home of long form content, has over 50% of total watch time globally. Long-form videos are generating ten times more views and five times more comments than short-form posts. Perhaps there’s a reason TikTok now allows 10 minute videos.
Can you remember the last 15 second Reel you watched? Didn’t think so. But I’m willing to bet you can recall an engaging article, insightful podcast or video that taught your something. Long form content has the ability to challenge your thinking, or change your perspective.
Short form for discovery, long form to deliver value
All of this doesn’t point to abandoning short form content however. But it should be used strategically. Use short form content as your discovery mechanism, then long form as your value delivery system. Long form content enables you to demonstrate expertise, build trust and create connection. In a world drowning in noise online, make 2026 the year for substance to be your competitive advantage.
