15 Essential Types of Marketing Videos That Drive Results in 2026

Key takeaways

• Video marketing continues to rise, with 91 percent of businesses now using video and video projected to account for over 82 percent of all online traffic by 2026.
• Businesses can choose from multiple video formats  explainer videos, product demos, live videos, social media videos, and more each playing a different role in the marketing funnel.
• To get real results, brands must align their video content with marketing goals, audience preferences, available resources, and the right success metrics.
• Effective pre-production planning, strong quality control, and multi-channel distribution are key to maximizing engagement and reach.
• Repurposing content, adding captions for accessibility, and avoiding common video marketing pitfalls help extend the lifespan and impact of every video.
• A few types of B2B video marketing:
  
  
  • Explainer video
  • Product demo
  • Brand story
  • Customer testimonial
  • BTS video
  • Educational content
  • Social media

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Video marketing has seen a significant rise in popularity in recent years. Businesses have increasingly recognized the power of video to engage consumers, with 91% of businesses now using video as part of their marketing strategy. This shift highlights a move towards more dynamic content. As digital trends change, video becomes vital for brands. It helps them connect with audiences. In 2026, online videos are expected to make up more than 82% of all consumer internet traffic, underscoring the importance of video marketing.

The diversity in video types allows marketers to tailor their content to meet specific audience needs effectively. Some popular video formats include:

1. Explainer Videos: 91% of consumers watch explainer videos when considering purchases, emphasizing their importance in educating customers about products.
2. Product Demos: Nearly 69% of consumers believe product demos play an essential role in their purchasing decisions.
3. Live Videos: These have seen a surge in popularity, with 161.4 million people viewing live content in 2023, reflecting their interactive nature and ability to convert views into sales.

Each format serves a distinct purpose within the marketing funnel, whether it's driving engagement, educating prospects, or facilitating conversions. By understanding which types of videos resonate best with their target audiences, businesses can strategically enhance their marketing effectiveness.

Why Video Marketing Matters in 2026

Modern consumers prefer video. This makes video a crucial part of marketing strategies. 93% of businesses say video is important for their marketing. Audiences watch more video than ever. They spend an average of 100 minutes per day on video platforms.

Consumers now focus on "video-first" content. They turn to TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube to find and interact with brands. Video is a powerful way to drive engagement and sales. Nearly 70% of sellers say video converts better than other content.

Businesses use video on their websites, email, and social media. This helps them reach and engage their target audiences. The popularity of vertical video and short-form content on TikTok shows video marketing's critical role. This will continue in 2026 and beyond.

What We Need to Pay Attention to in 2026

One thing we’ve talked about a lot in our content is video length. We even went deep into the whole attention span problem in our blog “How Long Should Your 2D Animation Video Be?”. So the real question now is simple. What should you and us focus on for video marketing in 2026?

Here is the honest answer without any fluff. In 2026, it is all about delivering information fast and clean. Brands are not using AI because it looks cool. They are using it because it turns a weeks-long production into a days-long process and still keeps the quality high. This year is also the point where generic and template-style videos fade out. You will start seeing more blended video styles that combine live action, 3D animation, AI-generated environments, and motion graphics. It is cheaper, faster, and way more flexible than doing a full live-action shoot. Plus, AI tools make mixing different types of footage so much easier.

And just like we mentioned in the “How Long Should Your 2D Animation Video Be?” blog, those first 10 seconds matter the most. That means videos in 2026 will probably get even shorter, with stronger visuals, quicker hooks, and clear CTAs. The goal is simple. Grab attention early and deliver the message without wasting a second.

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Core Types of Marketing Videos

1. Explainer Videos

Explainer videos help people understand your company's purpose, especially if they are new to your brand. A good explainer video shows the problem your company solves, who your audience is, and how your solution works. It should also encourage viewers to learn more.

To make explainer videos effective, keep them short and simple. Use clear language, focus on what the audience needs, and ensure high-quality production. You can measure their success with metrics like views, engagement, conversions, and audience retention.

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The recommended durations aim to balance viewer engagement, information delivery, and the specific context in which the explainer video will be used. If you are interested in creating your own explainer video, feel free to visit our explainer video service page!

2. Product Demonstration Videos

Product demonstration videos are crucial for effectively marketing products. By showcasing features and benefits, choosing the right demonstration style, businesses can create impactful videos that enhance engagement and drive conversions.

The choice between live and animated demonstrations depends on the goals and audience. Live demonstrations allow for real-time interaction, fostering trust and personalization, while animated demonstrations excel at simplifying complex ideas, making products easier to understand.

3. Brand Story Videos

Brand story videos help businesses create a compelling story about their brand. These videos show the company's values and mission. They help the audience connect with the brand on an emotional level. This can increase brand loyalty.

These videos let companies present their identity in a way that resonates with viewers. They are an essential tool for businesses to build a strong brand narrative.

4. Customer Testimonial Videos

Customer testimonial videos build trust. They show real customers' positive experiences. This format captures emotional responses that text cannot convey, addressing consumer skepticism and enhancing trust. There are different formats for customer testimonial videos. You need to identify the right customers. Prepare good interview questions. Make sure customers feel comfortable. Use high-quality production. Edit the final video well. To ensure authenticity, encourage genuine emotions, keep videos brief, and focus on the customer's success story and the positive impact of your product or service.

5. Behind-the-Scenes Videos

Behind-the-scenes videos show the real work culture and daily operations of a company. These videos make the brand more personal. They show the people and processes behind the products or an event.

Behind-the-scenes videos highlight company culture and production. This creates emotional engagement with the audience. It builds authentic connections. This strategy improves the brand's reputation. It also strengthens relationships with consumers.

6. Educational Content Videos

Educational videos are a great way to share information and engage viewers. Instead of just writing posts, you can record videos to explain topics that fit your brand and content strategy.

To create effective educational videos, focus on your audience's needs. Follow best practices like strategic planning, good scripting, and quality production. This will help you make videos that educate, resonate, and inspire.

Whether it's tutorials or industry insights, educational videos can make your brand seem like a trusted authority. They also keep your audience engaged.

7. Social Media Videos

Social media videos are essential for engaging audiences across platforms. They offer shareable, often informal content that boosts brand visibility and interaction.

Short-form videos dominate on platforms like Instagram Reels and TikTok. These videos, usually under 60 seconds, feature trends like transitions, captions, and effects. They prioritize authenticity and entertainment for quick, engaging content.

YouTube Shorts also target short-form audiences with vertical, visually striking videos under 60 seconds. This promotes brand visibility through creativity.

On LinkedIn, longer-form videos tailored for professionals perform well. Thought leadership, lessons, and educational content can foster credibility and engagement.

To succeed with social media videos, businesses must understand each platform and embrace trends while staying true to their brand. This helps create impactful videos that foster stronger connections and achieve measurable results.

8. Event Videos

Event videos are powerful tools. They capture your brand's energy. They also amplify your brand's reach. These videos work well for events like conferences, fundraisers, or roundtable discussions. They engage audiences. They showcase highlights, key moments, and behind-the-scenes insights.

Event videos can be live streams on platforms like Facebook or YouTube. They can also be polished recap videos.

These videos serve two purposes.

1. They create real-time engagement.
2. They also provide lasting content for future campaigns.

Event videos can showcase your company's personality. They can highlight key initiatives. They can build excitement for upcoming events.

Businesses can combine live coverage, edited recaps, and highlight reels. This approach maximizes the impact of events. It extends the content's lifespan. It also fosters deeper connections with the audience.

9. Animated Explainer Videos

Animated explainer videos are a good way to simplify complex ideas. They help share clear messages. Animation allows for creativity. This makes it easier to create visuals that connect with your audience. The videos also look professional.

There are different animation styles to choose from. These include 2D, 3D, motion graphics, and whiteboard animations. Each style serves different purposes. The right style depends on your goals, audience, and brand.

Animated videos offer a flexible medium. But costs can vary a lot. Simpler 2D animations are more affordable. Detailed 3D animations or custom motion graphics need more resources and time.

The production process has several stages. It starts with a clear brief and script. Then there's storyboarding to plan the visuals. Next comes animation, voiceover, and sound design. Businesses can work with professional animation agencies. This helps streamline the process and get high-quality results.

10. Live Videos

Live video is a popular strategy for social media engagement. According to recent findings, 46% of marketers use live video.

Live videos can help brands build authentic connections with audiences. This enhances brand visibility and loyalty. Different platforms work well for different types of live content:

• Instagram Live and Facebook Live are good for informal interactions
• LinkedIn Live is suited for professional content
• YouTube Live works well for webinars and event coverage

To engage viewers during live streams, encourage participation through live chat. The combination of real-time interaction and compelling content can significantly boost audience connection and brand visibility.

11. Product Launch Videos

Product launch videos are essential for creating excitement and engagement around new products. They build anticipation, showcase features, and support a strong content strategy before and after the launch.

These videos work best when integrated with broader marketing efforts. This includes social media promotions, email campaigns, and website banners to ensure consistent messaging across all channels.

After the launch, a well-planned content strategy can keep the momentum going. Sharing user reviews, tutorials, or behind-the-scenes footage helps sustain interest and engagement over time.

12. Company Culture Videos

Company culture videos are important tools for organizations. They help communicate a company's values, beliefs, and workplace atmosphere. They share this information with potential employees, clients, and other stakeholders.

These videos serve two main purposes:

1. Recruitment - They act as an effective recruitment tool. They showcase the company's unique work culture.
2. Internal Morale - They enhance internal morale and cohesion within the company.

Effective company culture videos should showcase the people and initiatives that make the company's work environment exceptional. This allows viewers to see the company's values and beliefs in action.

By highlighting the positive aspects of the company culture, these videos can attract top talent. They can also strengthen relationships with clients and partners. The videos provide an authentic window into what it's like to be part of the organization.

13. Interview/Q&A Videos

Interview and Q&A videos are a powerful way to address your audience's key questions while enhancing your video strategy. Collaborate with thought leaders, customers, or team members, or create solo videos answering pre-submitted questions. These can be recorded or live and easily shared on social media.

By acknowledging your audience and providing valuable insights, these videos boost social media marketing efforts, build brand awareness, and establish authority by associating your company with influential figures.

14. Case Study Videos

Case study videos highlight problem-solving approaches and their results. They use a problem-solution structure. This shows the challenges faced and the innovative measures used to address them.

Case study videos tell the customer's story. This creates an engaging and relatable narrative. It effectively communicates the real-world impact of the implemented strategies.

These videos also use relevant success metrics and measurable outcomes. This strengthens the effectiveness of the implemented solutions.

15. Promotional Videos

Promotional videos are a powerful marketing tool. They can showcase a company's products or services to potential customers.

These videos often highlight:

• Sales announcements
• Special offers
• Seasonal campaigns
• Updates on new products

Promotional videos use visual and auditory elements to create a compelling, engaging experience. This helps capture the attention of the target audience.

Businesses can use these videos across platforms like social media, websites, and email campaigns. This helps reach a wider audience and drive conversions.

To maximize impact and effectiveness, businesses should strategically plan and produce high-quality promotional videos. These videos should align with the company's brand identity and marketing objectives.

Leave Dates collaborated with Motion The Agency to create a videography + animated montage video, which has now reached over 80,000 views.

Choosing the Right Video Type

Factors to Consider

Choosing the right video type for your marketing strategy requires careful thought. When considering factors such as marketing goals, target audience preferences, budget, distribution channels, and timeline, it's essential to select the video format that aligns best with your objectives. For example, if your goal is brand awareness, a shareable social media video may work best. If you want to provide product details, an explainer or tutorial video could be better.

By keeping these factors in mind, you can create videos that connect with your audience and achieve your business goals.

Decision Framework

Picking the right video format for marketing can be tough. However, this framework simplifies the process.

First, match the video type with your marketing goals. Next, understand where your audience is online. This helps in choosing the best format. Then, assess your resources to find a suitable video type. Finally, set metrics to measure your return on investment.

By following these steps, you'll find the video type that boosts your marketing strategy and achieves your desired results.

Production Best Practices

Effective video production requires thorough pre-production planning to ensure quality and consistency. Important points are: set clear goals, know your audience, and match content to your brand. During making the video, keep quality by following length rules and adding calls to action. Also, ensure branding is the same in all videos for a professional look.

Measuring Video Marketing Success

Assessing your video marketing is vital for informed decisions. Key indicators include views, engagement, and conversions. Also, track click-through rates and social media shares. These metrics show your content's performance across channels. Use analytics tools and calculate ROI for a full picture of your strategy's impact.

Conclusion

In summary, video marketing is now crucial for businesses. Almost 100% use it to connect with consumers. By 2024, online videos will account for over 82% of internet traffic. This trend highlights the need for video in marketing.

Choosing the right video type requires aligning it with your marketing objectives, understanding your audience's preferences, assessing your resources, and setting appropriate metrics to measure success.

If you’re ready to elevate your marketing efforts, Motion The Agency is here to help. Start your journey. Schedule a call today and we'll send you a free sample. It will show how we can create impactful, tailored marketing videos for your brand.

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