Five Video Trends for 2021

As a former TV producer, video has been my whole world for almost 20 years. But in 2020, video became part of everyone’s lives as meetings and celebrations turned virtual because of the pandemic.

I’m so grateful for the power of video to connect us during this difficult time. Even with the first COVID-19 vaccine shipments on their way, video is not going anywhere.

Now that people are starting to realize how video can transform productivity and create human connection, I predict it will continue to be a big part of our lives in 2021.

Here are five video trends I expect to see in the next year: 

1. More mobile-friendly videos.

Whether it’s colleagues hopping on a quick video meeting or an expert doing live Q&As, more people are using their phones to watch and interact with video content.

This makes sense — with lots more people working from home permanently, they might not have multiple computer screens like they would at the office. Having Zoom up on your phone while you’re looking at spreadsheets on your computer is easier than toggling between tabs. 

If your video content isn’t mobile-friendly, now is the time to fix that.

2. Interviewing experts from home will be the norm.

When I was a senior health producer at Fox News Channel, we almost always brought experts into the studio. But now TV stations are having experts call in from home because of the pandemic. I’ve even been asked to do this in recent interviews with Fast Company and WPIX in New York about the best ways to work from home productively. 

Even after it’s safer for people to be in close contact, I predict that expert interviews will continue to happen remotely. It saves time and money for everyone!

But that means that if you’re an expert looking to take your message to the masses, 2021 will be the year you need to get comfortable doing at-home video. Being able to do professional hair and makeup on your own and getting confident with Zoom are skills that you’ll need to perfect.

If you need some help upping your game on video, perhaps I can help you.

I also think we’ll see technology race to catch up with home interviews — because it already is! Check out this clip from The Oprah Conversation.

It completely looks like Oprah and Barack Obama are in the same room, but they’re not! Video technology for green screens is incredible, and it’s only getting better. 

3. Short-form video will explode. 

The popularity of Tik Tok and Instagram Reels will only increase in 2021. People love short, sweet video content — and if you’re not already making it, you’re going to be left behind. Who says Tik Tok is just for teens? 

Lots of experts are using short-form videos to connect with their audience — even doctors! Knowing how to use this format of video will help you stay relevant, connect better and share your knowledge with more people. 

4. Pre-recorded videos will be all the rage. 

I’ve written about on-demand video content before — these are videos you make in advance and share with your colleagues, clients, friends, and family for them to watch whenever they want.

I predict on-demand, asynchronous videos will grow in popularity in 2021. I often respond to my clients’ questions with a short video using Vidyard, and it provides clarity and human connection in a way emails and texts can’t. I also love using Marco Polo, a video messaging app, with my friends and family. 

5. Multi-use videos will be the expectation. 

One of the great things about video is that you can edit it and use it in so many ways. I predict that more videos will be used for podcast audio and news articles in 2021.

In other words, expect to be able to listen to podcast versions of videos. You’ll also see more videos accompanying online news articles and blogs. If you’re an expert who makes videos, considering releasing audio-only versions of your content. If you write blog posts, add in video.