Social media video statistics

BEST SOCIAL MEDIA VIDEO STATISTICS 2025

 

Video has become the most powerful content format across social media, shaping how people connect, learn, and make purchasing decisions. As attention spans shorten and mobile usage increases, users are turning to videos for everything from product discovery to entertainment. Social platforms have responded by prioritizing video in their algorithms, with short-form and vertical videos dominating feeds.

In 2025, video consumption has reached unprecedented levels, signaling a long-term transformation in digital behavior. These shifts are not just influencing marketing tactics—they’re redefining how brands communicate and how users engage with content. Businesses, creators, and platforms alike are racing to adapt to the evolving expectations of video-first audiences. Amra and Elma believes that understanding the trends and data driving this change is essential for staying relevant.

 

BEST SOCIAL MEDIA VIDEO STATISTICS 2025 (Editor’s Choice)

 

Social media video content continues to dominate online engagement, with significant trends emerging over time and projected for 2025. Here are ten key statistics highlighting this evolution:

1. Global Social Media Users: As of January 2025, there are approximately 5.07 billion social media users worldwide, accounting for 62.6% of the global population.

2. Daily Time Spent on Social Media: The average daily time spent using social media is 2 hours and 20 minutes.

3. Dominance of Video Content: Over 85% of internet users watch online videos each month, underscoring the medium’s widespread appeal.

4. Rise of Short-Form Videos: Short-form videos have gained immense popularity, with 73% of consumers preferring them to learn about products or services.

5. Engagement Rates: Social media posts containing video content receive 50% more views than those without, highlighting the effectiveness of video in capturing audience attention.

6. Projected Increase in Video Consumption: In 2024, users watched an average of 17 hours of online video content per week, indicating a growing trend in video consumption.

7. Mobile Video Viewing: Among US consumers, 79% prefer watching videos on smartphones, making it the top device for digital video consumption.

8. Marketing Investment in Video: In 2023, the amount spent on video marketing reached $92.253 billion, reflecting the increasing allocation of resources towards video content by marketers.

9. Effectiveness of Video Marketing: 91% of people prefer online video content over other forms from brands, indicating the high impact of video marketing strategies.

10. Projected Growth of Short-Form Video Platforms: Adults in the United States are estimated to spend 58.4 hours monthly on TikTok, highlighting the platform’s significant role in the short-form video landscape.

These statistics underscore the growing importance of video content in social media strategies, emphasizing the need for businesses and content creators to adapt to evolving consumer preferences.

 

SOCIAL MEDIA VIDEO STATISTICS

BEST SOCIAL MEDIA VIDEO STATISTICS 2025 and Future Implications

 

BEST SOCIAL MEDIA VIDEO STATISTICS 2025 #1. Global Social Media Users – 5.07 Billion in 2025

As of January 2025, there are over 5.07 billion active social media users globally, making up 62.6% of the world’s population (source). This massive user base means content now has the potential to reach audiences across nearly every market and demographic. Video content, especially short-form, is the most efficient way to communicate with such a broad and varied audience.

With social media saturation this high, users expect content that is hyper-relevant, fast-paced, and visually engaging. For brands, this means investing in scalable video strategies that can localize messaging for different markets. In the coming years, AI-generated video translations and voiceovers could make global campaigns even more seamless. The reach is there—but capturing attention within those billions of scrolls will require much more than just showing up.

BEST SOCIAL MEDIA VIDEO STATISTICS 2025 #2. Daily Time Spent on Social Media – 2 Hours and 20 Minutes

In 2025, the average person spends about 2 hours and 20 minutes daily on social media (source). That gives brands multiple windows throughout the day to serve video content during users’ commutes, breaks, and downtime. As platforms compete for this limited attention, they’re prioritizing video formats that keep users engaged longer—like Stories, Reels, and auto-looping shorts.

For marketers, it’s not just about getting views, but about understanding what kind of video content fits into these everyday usage patterns. Brands that tailor videos to specific times of day or mood states (e.g., relaxing at night, upbeat in the morning) could see higher engagement. Moving forward, smart scheduling tools and real-time data will play a larger role in video distribution strategies. With video consumption so deeply embedded in daily routines, timing and context are becoming just as important as the content itself.

BEST SOCIAL MEDIA VIDEO STATISTICS 2025 #3. 85% of Internet Users Watch Videos Monthly

A staggering 85% of internet users now watch online videos at least once per month (source). This wide adoption cements video as the default format for digital communication. Whether it’s a tutorial, a meme, or a product showcase, users expect video to be an option. This also means competition is intense—every scroll brings a flood of video content from influencers, creators, and brands.

For future marketing strategies, producing consistent, high-quality videos won’t be enough; content must also feel personal, timely, and relevant to niche audiences. Platforms will likely invest more in discovery tools and AI-curated feeds to help users find content that matches their interests. As viewership continues to climb, video will dominate not just social media, but also e-commerce, education, and even workplace communication.

BEST SOCIAL MEDIA VIDEO STATISTICS 2025 #4. 73% of Consumers Prefer Short-Form Video for Product Discovery

Short-form videos are now the preferred format for 73% of consumers exploring new products and services (source). This shift highlights how attention spans and browsing habits have changed. Instead of reading through descriptions or watching long demos, users want to see a product in action within 15 to 60 seconds. Social commerce platforms are responding by integrating product tags, “shop now” buttons, and video reviews directly into feeds.

Brands that learn to tell compelling stories quickly and visually will have an edge in customer acquisition. Going forward, short-form content will likely replace traditional product landing pages, especially on mobile. Success will depend on a brand’s ability to create snackable yet persuasive video content that fits naturally into scrolling behavior.

BEST SOCIAL MEDIA VIDEO STATISTICS 2025 #5. Video Posts Get 50% More Views on Social Media

Video posts receive around 50% more views than non-video posts across social platforms (source). This makes video not just a creative asset, but a growth tool for organic reach. Platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and X prioritize video in their algorithms because it keeps users engaged longer. Brands that integrate video into regular posting schedules—like weekly updates, behind-the-scenes clips, or quick tips—will be rewarded with more visibility.

As text and static visuals fade into the background, marketers need to rethink their entire content mix. In the future, even internal announcements or B2B communications will likely be delivered through short video messages. With video driving better performance metrics across the board, it will become the backbone of most social strategies.

SOCIAL MEDIA VIDEO STATISTICS

BEST SOCIAL MEDIA VIDEO STATISTICS 2025 #6. Users Watch 17 Hours of Online Video Weekly

On average, people watched 17 hours of video content per week in 2024 (source), and that number continues to grow. This level of consumption speaks to video’s dominance not just in social media, but in how people relax, learn, and stay informed. The line between entertainment and marketing is increasingly blurred as brands adopt storytelling techniques similar to influencers and streamers. Future campaigns will likely resemble mini web series, blending entertainment with subtle calls-to-action.

With so much time spent watching video, brands that build episodic content—like weekly stories or educational series—can cultivate long-term engagement. This also presents opportunities for deeper brand loyalty and recurring audience touchpoints. As viewing time rises, so will expectations for originality and value.

BEST SOCIAL MEDIA VIDEO STATISTICS 2025 #7. 79% of U.S. Consumers Prefer Watching on Smartphones

Mobile continues to dominate, with 79% of U.S. consumers preferring to watch videos on their smartphones (source). This stat reinforces the need for mobile-first content design—vertical orientation, fast loading, and clear audio even without sound. Creators and brands that fail to optimize for mobile risk losing viewer interest within seconds.

Looking ahead, augmented reality (AR) and mobile-based interactive videos may enhance how users engage with products and services. Mobile-first also means location-aware content could play a bigger role in hyper-local marketing. Brands may begin tailoring content based on where someone is watching and what time of day it is. The future of video is handheld, and design choices will need to reflect that reality.

BEST SOCIAL MEDIA VIDEO STATISTICS 2025 #8. Video Marketing Spend Reached $92.253 Billion in 2023

In 2023, global spending on video marketing surpassed $92 billion (source), underscoring how valuable brands view this format. As social media shifts to prioritize video, marketers are investing heavily in talent, tools, and production. AI is expected to lower production costs in the future, making high-quality video accessible to small businesses. However, with more content flooding platforms, the challenge becomes standing out, not just showing up.

Expect more brands to develop in-house video teams and focus on building creator partnerships for authenticity. This level of investment points to a future where nearly every campaign is led by video, supported by static and written content. The ROI from video is too significant to ignore, and that trend will only continue.

SOCIAL MEDIA VIDEO STATISTICS

BEST SOCIAL MEDIA VIDEO STATISTICS 2025 #9. 91% of People Prefer Video Content from Brands

A full 91% of people say they want more video content from the brands they follow (source). This demand isn’t just about entertainment—it’s about trust, transparency, and ease of understanding. Videos can humanize a brand, explain complex ideas quickly, and showcase real customer experiences.

As more companies adopt video for FAQs, customer onboarding, and even social proof, user expectations will continue to rise. In the future, consumers may choose brands based on who explains their products or values best via video. This also places pressure on companies to stay consistent in tone, quality, and frequency. Brands that embrace video as an ongoing conversation—not a one-off campaign—will build stronger relationships.

BEST SOCIAL MEDIA VIDEO STATISTICS 2025 #10. U.S. Adults Spend 58.4 Hours Monthly on TikTok

TikTok’s impact is undeniable, with U.S. adults spending an average of 58.4 hours per month on the platform (source). That’s nearly two full days every month spent watching short-form videos. For marketers, TikTok isn’t just another channel—it’s a cultural engine where trends are born, products go viral, and communities are built. The platform’s For You Page rewards creativity, not follower count, giving newer brands a real shot at growth.

As TikTok’s e-commerce tools expand, video will become a primary sales funnel. We’re likely to see more brands creating TikTok-first content strategies, including exclusive drops and behind-the-scenes content. For future growth, mastering TikTok’s rhythm and tone will be as important as understanding SEO was a decade ago.

 

 

The Future of Digital Engagement Is Video-First

The data makes it clear: video is no longer just an optional content format—it’s the foundation of how people interact online. From product discovery to everyday scrolling, users are choosing video for speed, clarity, and entertainment. Platforms are doubling down on short-form, vertical, and mobile-friendly videos because they drive the most engagement and time spent. At the same time, audiences are demanding higher-quality, more personalized content that feels native to each platform’s culture.

Moving forward, brands that want to stay relevant will need to adopt a video-first mindset across all touchpoints—social, e-commerce, customer service, and even internal communications. Success won’t come from producing more videos, but from producing smarter ones that are optimized for how, where, and why people watch. In a digital landscape defined by scrolls and seconds, video remains the clearest path to attention, trust, and action.

 

Sources:

  1. https://www.smartinsights.com/social-media-marketing/social-media-strategy/new-global-social-media-research
  2. https://www.smartinsights.com/social-media-marketing/social-media-strategy/new-global-social-media-research
  3. https://www.sprinklr.com/blog/social-media-video-statistics
  4. https://www.yaguara.co/short-form-video-statistics
  5. https://beverlyboy.com/social-media-video/5-social-media-video-marketing-statistics-for-2025
  6. https://sproutsocial.com/insights/social-media-video-statistics
  7. https://sproutsocial.com/insights/social-media-video-statistics
  8. https://www.sprinklr.com/blog/social-media-video-statistics
  9. https://www.sprinklr.com/blog/social-media-video-statistics
  10. https://www.yaguara.co/short-form-video-statistics