TL;DR: Video Marketing in 2026

• 87% of viewers have been convinced to purchase after watching a brand video
• 93% of marketers report good ROI from video marketing (all-time high)
• 96% say video increased brand awareness
• 80% of viewers more likely to finish videos with captions
• Live streams generate 10% more engagement than pre-recorded content
• 95% of marketers consider video integral to their strategy

10 Statistics to Drive Your Video Marketing Strategy in 2026

Video isn't just part of your marketing strategy anymore. It's the foundation. As we head into 2026, the data is clear: audiences expect video content, and they're making buying decisions based on what they watch. Let's dive into the stats that will help you create content that actually connects with your audience and drives real results.

1. Why Does Video Increase Purchase Decisions?

Here's the bottom line: 87% of people have been convinced to buy a product or service by watching a brand's video (https://wyzowl.com/video-marketing-statistics/). The shift? It's not just about awareness anymore. Video has become the primary decision-making tool for buyers across every demographic.

98% of people have watched an explainer video to learn more about a product or service (https://wyzowl.com/video-marketing-statistics/). This is an all-time high. Your audience wants to see it in action before they commit.

What this means for your business: If you're not showing your product or service in action through video, you're missing the majority of potential customers who need to see before they buy.

2. How Does Video Help Audiences Understand Your Product?

The numbers are crystal clear: 99% of video marketers say video has helped to increase user understanding of their product or service (https://wyzowl.com/video-marketing-statistics/). This is another all-time high. And businesses are responding with product demonstration videos that show real-world use cases rather than just features.

The takeaway? Your audience wants to see how your product solves their problem. Don't just tell them about it. Skip the feature lists and show the transformation your product creates.

3. What Video Length Performs Best in 2026?

Most marketers believe videos between 30 seconds and 2 minutes are most effective, with 73% favoring this length (https://wyzowl.com/video-marketing-statistics/). But here's what matters more than length: production quality. Even in short-form content, audiences can tell the difference between professional and DIY, and they judge your brand by it.

The smart move? Work with broadcast-experienced producers who know how to create impactful short-form content that looks premium, not rushed. Every second counts when you only have 60 seconds to tell your story.

4. Why Is Mobile Optimization Critical for Video?

42.6% of the global population (3.47 billion people) will watch videos on their mobile phones in 2025 (https://quickframe.com/blog/video-marketing-statistics/). If your video strategy doesn't include vertical formats optimized for mobile viewing, you're missing nearly half your potential audience.

This is where working with experienced producers matters. The right creative team knows how to adapt your story for every platform and viewing context. From vertical Instagram Reels to widescreen YouTube content, all from one master shoot.

5. Are Captions Really Necessary for Every Video?

Yes. 80% of viewers are more likely to finish a video with subtitles, with half of those viewers preferring captions because they like watching videos with sound off (https://www.kapwing.com/resources/subtitle-statistics/). Captions aren't just an accessibility feature anymore. They're essential for engagement.

Even more compelling: YouTube videos with captions have shown a 27% higher viewer retention rate (https://www.globalgrowthinsights.com/market-reports/captioning-and-subtitling-market-111936). The smart approach? Design your video to work perfectly silent, then let the audio enhance the experience for those who turn it on.

At Plum Media, we always create videos that tell the story visually first, with audio as an enhancement rather than a requirement.

6. Does Live Streaming Actually Drive More Engagement?

Live streaming is the third most popular type of video content, reaching 27.7% of users each week (https://www.demandsage.com/live-streaming-statistics/), and the engagement numbers tell an even stronger story. Viewers spend an average of 25.4 minutes per session watching live content (way more than on-demand videos), and live videos generate 10% more engagement than pre-recorded ones (https://gyre.pro/blog/live-streaming-statistics-insights-from-platforms-to-profit).

But quality still matters: 67% of viewers say quality is the most important factor when watching a livestream (https://wyzowl.com/video-marketing-statistics/). Poor audio and shaky video simply don't cut it anymore. Audiences expect broadcast-quality production, whether they're watching a product launch or a corporate presentation.

The opportunity? Professional live production capabilities that transform your space and deliver streams that keep audiences engaged from start to finish. This is exactly what our LED studio technology enables.

7. How Important Is Video for SEO and Discoverability?

Videos are exponentially more likely to appear on the first page of search results than plain text content. But it's not just about having video. Proper optimization, transcripts, and strategic keyword placement are what actually drive discovery.

Think about video as searchable content, not just visual content. Every video should be optimized to help people find you, with proper titles, descriptions, and tags that speak to what your audience is searching for.

8. Should You Use the Same Video on Every Platform?

Brands using coordinated video strategies across multiple platforms see significantly better audience reach than single-platform approaches. But here's the key: the most successful brands repurpose their core video content rather than creating unique videos for every platform.

The smart approach? Create one high-quality master video with your broadcast-experienced producers, then adapt it strategically for each platform. Same story, optimized delivery. This is how you maximize your production investment. One great shoot becomes 10+ pieces of content.

9. What ROI Can You Expect From Video Marketing?

93% of marketers say video marketing has given them a good ROI. This is the highest since this data started being tracked. When you break down the specific benefits, the picture becomes even clearer:

• 96% of video marketers say video has helped them increase brand awareness (up from 90% in 2024)
• 88% say video has helped them generate leads
• 82% say video has helped them increase web traffic

Before any camera rolls, define what success looks like. Is it brand awareness? Lead generation? Direct sales? Different goals require different creative approaches and different ways to measure impact. This is one of the first questions we ask at Plum Media.

10. How Many Marketers Are Actually Using Video?

95% of marketers consider video integral to their marketing strategy. This is an all-time high. Even more telling? 68% of businesses who did not use video marketing last year plan to start in 2025.

The data is undeniable: video marketing isn't a trend. It's the standard. The question isn't whether to invest in video, but how to do it right. Are you working directly with experienced producers, or getting passed between account reps? Are you getting broadcast-quality production, or settling for DIY results that don't reflect your brand?

Ready to Transform Your Video Strategy for 2026?

The data tells us where audiences are going. They want authentic, professionally produced video content that respects their time and viewing habits while delivering real value. They expect broadcast quality, whether they're watching on Instagram or in a corporate presentation.

Let's work together to create video content that doesn't just follow these trends but sets the standard for your industry.

Download our FREE 2026 Video Planning & Strategy Guide or contact us directly to discuss how Plum Media's broadcast experience and full production capabilities can help you create content that truly connects with your audience.

FAQ: Video Marketing in 2026

Q: What's the ideal length for marketing videos in 2026?

A: 73% of marketers find videos between 30 seconds and 2 minutes most effective. However, the ideal length depends on your platform and goal. Instagram Reels perform well at 15-60 seconds, while YouTube tutorials can be 5-10 minutes. The key is maintaining quality and engagement throughout. Every second should serve your message.

Q: Do I really need captions on all my videos?

A: Yes. 80% of viewers are more likely to finish videos with captions, and many watch with sound off. Videos with captions see 27% higher retention rates. Beyond engagement, captions make your content accessible to deaf and hard-of-hearing audiences, and help with SEO since search engines can index the text.

Q: Is live streaming worth the production investment?

A: Absolutely. Live content generates 10% more engagement than pre-recorded videos, and viewers spend an average of 25.4 minutes per session watching live streams. However, 67% of viewers say quality is the most important factor, so invest in professional production capabilities to ensure broadcast-quality streams that keep audiences engaged.

Q: How much should I budget for video marketing in 2026?

A: It depends on your goals and scale. 27% of businesses spend between $1,000 and $4,999 per month on video content. However, the real question is ROI: 93% of marketers report good ROI from video, with 96% seeing increased brand awareness. Working with experienced producers who understand both creative storytelling and business goals helps you maximize every dollar spent.

Q: Can I just use AI to create my marketing videos?

A: While AI tools have made video creation more accessible, 68% of consumers say they're less likely to trust content they perceive as AI-generated. Authenticity wins. Audiences want to see real people, real expertise, and real production value. The most effective approach combines human creativity and professional production with smart technology use.

Q: What's more important: creating new videos or optimizing existing ones?

A: Both matter. Creating new content keeps you relevant, but don't overlook your existing video library. Repurposing high-quality master content across multiple platforms (with appropriate optimizations) often delivers better ROI than constantly creating new videos from scratch. Work with producers who can help you maximize each production investment.

About Plum Media

Plum Media is an award-winning video production, live events, and live streaming company headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Unlike typical agencies, you work directly with our broadcast-experienced producers (no account reps, no layers) who transform your vision into compelling content using our full production facilities, including cutting-edge LED studio technology. We serve global corporations, agencies, non-profits, and startups, delivering major-market expertise with the personal attention you deserve.