Marketing brands particularly in the food and beverage space, merely existing online isn’t enough. Brands must engage customers instantaneously, which is where short form video comes in.

From TikTok recipe hacks to product unboxings on Instagram Reels, short form video has transformed how consumers engage with F&B brands.

But many F&B marketers are still relying on traditional ad formats or lengthy brand videos that fail to match how customers see content today.

In this article, we’ll explore why short form video marketing is not just a trend but a strategic move for F&B brands.

Why Short Form Video is a Must for F&B Brands

1. Grab Attention Fast

People scroll quickly on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, so content needs to be short. A short form video has been created for this scenario. Your video should capture people’s attention in a matter of seconds with eye-catching images or a powerful introduction.

Quick tip: Don’t wait to make an impression. Start with your best shot or message.

2. Tell a Full Story in 15 Seconds

A short form video can quickly and effectively demonstrate benefits, features, or brand values, eliminating the need for a lengthy explanation of the product. The idea is to express more with less while keeping the message focused.

Try this: Make a series of 10-second clips showing “Did You Know?” facts or fast before-and-after product uses.

3. Show Behind-the-Scenes

Use short form video to give quick looks into your process, introduce your team, or offer a casual office tour. These clips will make your brand feel human and relatable.

Engagement idea: Ask viewers to comment with questions, then create a video reply.

4. Let Customers Create for You

Short form videos are easy to share which makes them perfect for user-generated content. Make a request to your consumers to share videos demonstrating how they use your product. It is an authentic way to foster trust among new viewers.

Campaign idea: Launch a hashtag challenge with a small prize to encourage creativity and boost visibility.

5. Use Every Platform

Short form video works across TikTok, Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts and even Pinterest. That means more ways to connect with your audience without starting from scratch each time.

Best practice: Repurpose your videos, but tweak them slightly to fit each platform’s tone and audience.

Why Use Short-Form Video?

According to Cumberland, using short form video is one of the most effective ways to grow your brand online. Each video you post gives you valuable insight into what grabs your audience’s attention and helps you reach new viewers. Because this format is quick to consume, it naturally invites more engagement than longer content.

Creating short form videos is also simple and doesn’t require a big production budget. You can film high-quality content using just your phone. Whether it’s a quick tip, a behind-the-scenes look, or a product demo, short videos are easy to produce and fast to share.

It also helps build stronger connections with your audience. You can create multiple videos that answer common questions, helping viewers feel seen and heard. Big brands like Starbucks do this well by turning social media questions into helpful clips. This not only keeps their followers informed but also builds trust.

What Platforms Use Short-Form Video Content?

The top platforms for short form video today are TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts. Each one offers unique ways to reach viewers with quick and engaging content.

1. TikTok: TikTok launched in 2018 and quickly became the leading short form video platform. Its algorithm shows content based on user interests, not just who they follow. That means brands and creators can go viral even without a large following.
2. Instagram Reels: Instagram introduced Reels to stay competitive with TikTok. While Reels also focus on short form video, they prioritize content from accounts you already follow. This makes Reels useful for engaging an existing audience with quick updates.
3. YouTube Shorts: YouTube Shorts rolled out to the public in 2021, giving creators a space to upload videos of 60 seconds or less. It’s ideal for quick how-tos, funny moments or jumping on a trend. Since Shorts are featured on the main YouTube app, they offer strong visibility.

Getting Started with Short-Form Video

Ready to Start Creating Short Form Video? Here Are 5 Quick Tips:

1. Start with what you have: Most viral short form videos are filmed on smartphones and there’s no need for a pro setup or a high end camera like DSLR.
2. Post consistently: A steady flow of content helps you stay visible and build momentum with your audience.
3. Follow trends, but make them yours: Trending sounds and formats can boost reach but don’t just copy. Add your own spin to stand out in a crowded feed.
4. Offer real value: Short form video should do more than just look good. It should entertain, teach, or motivate the audience.
5. Track what works: Use views, watch time, and engagement to review your video performance regularly.

How Can You Use AI in Your Short-Form Videos?

If you’re not using AI to support your short form video strategy, you’re falling behind. Creating videos regularly takes time and most marketing teams don’t have enough of it. That’s where AI tools come in to help speed up the process without sacrificing quality.

ChatGPT can help you write scripts or come up with video ideas while Canva MagicAI makes designing video layouts easier. Tools like Opus and Opus Clip let you quickly turn long videos into short form video content. If you don’t have someone on camera, Hour One and Synthesia can create AI-generated talking head videos or avatars.

For editing and visual effects, Fliki and Runway offer tools powered by generative AI. And if you need help promoting your short form videos, AdCreative.ai can build ad visuals and copy that match your brand. These tools save time and cut costs but always review the final output to make sure it sounds natural and stays true to your brand.

Time to Capture the Scroll

Short form video is no longer optional for food and beverage brands seeking to remain relevant and connect swiftly with current audiences. From increasing exposure to delivering emotional impact, it’s a powerful tool that works even for small teams, especially when AI is involved. If you’re ready to incorporate short form video into your brand’s growth plan, the MAVRK Studio team is here to help you get started thoughtfully, artistically, and on your terms.