Marketing Monday: A Guide to Video Marketing for Small Business Owners
Short videos are everywhere. You see them on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube. A new report from Metricool looked at over 5 million videos to see what is working right now.
Here is the good news. You do not need a big budget or a fancy camera crew. In fact, small businesses and solopreneurs have a huge advantage this year and next.
Here is what you need to know about growing your business with video in 2026.
The Big Picture
Video is still growing fast. The number of short videos posted went up by 70% in just one year. But there is a catch. People are watching for less time.
The average person only watches a TikTok video for about 4 seconds.
That sounds scary, but it just means you need to be quick. You have to grab their attention right away.
What Is Happening on Each App?
Not all video apps are the same. Here is a simple breakdown of where you should spend your time.
- Instagram (Best for Small Businesses): Instagram is an invaluable tool for those just starting out. The report shows that small accounts are actually doing better than big brands here. You do not need thousands of followers to get views.
- TikTok (Harder to Get Seen): TikTok is very crowded now. The abundance of videos makes it more challenging to attract new viewers. However, the people who do see your videos are more likely to like and comment. Use TikTok to talk to the fans you already have.
- Facebook (The Surprise Comeback): Facebook is not dead. It is actually growing fast for short videos. It is great for getting your video in front of a lot of eyes. But it tends to work better for pages that have been around for a while.
- YouTube Shorts (Good for Visibility): YouTube Shorts are great for getting views, but people do not stick around long. Use these videos to get people interested, then tell them to check out your website or longer videos.
Simple Steps to Success
You do not need to dance or point at words on the screen. Here are three easy things you can do to get results.
Make “Faceless” Videos. You do not always have to show your face. Videos that just show your hands working are very popular. Show how you package an order. Demonstrate the use of your product. Show a behind-the-scenes look at your day. These videos build trust because they show the real work you do.
Hook Them Fast. Remember that 4-second rule? Make a strong first impression. Do not waste time with a long intro. Start the action or ask a question in the very first second.
Recycle Your Content. You do not need to make a new video every single day. The report found that you can repost your old videos after a month or two. Most people will not remember them, and a whole new group of people might see them this time.
Focus on Consistency. You do not need to post three times a day. Posting 5 to 8 times a month can still get you good results on Instagram. It is better to post a few good videos than a lot of bad ones.
The Bottom Line
Video is a powerful tool for your small business. Do not let the trends overwhelm you. Pick one platform, such as Instagram, and start there. Keep your videos simple, showcase your work, and enjoy the process. You have got this!
Short video is booming, but attention spans are shrinking to just 4 seconds. Don't panic! Our 'Marketing Monday' shows how solopreneurs and small businesses can win without a big budget. Share on X“Marketing Monday” articles archive.
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