Statistics About Video Consumption That’ll Make You Rethink Everything

We’re in the golden age of attention-deficit marketing, where blinking means missing and scrolling is a reflex. And if there’s one thing every brand, business, and aspiring catfluencer needs to know—it’s how people consume video.

So buckle up. We’re about to throw down some wild, data-driven, psychologically juicy statistics about video consumption that may or may not cause you to question your entire content strategy.

1. Video Is the Internet’s Favorite Snack

Let’s start strong: 91% of consumers want to see more online videos from brands in 2024. (Source: Wyzowl, 2024)

That means if you’re still relying on 3-paragraph email intros and static banners, you’re basically using a butter churn in a Wi-Fi world.

2. Attention Spans Are Lower Than Ever—But Video Breaks Through

The average human attention span is now 8.25 seconds. (A goldfish is a solid 9.) (Source: Microsoft, 2023)

But here’s the kicker: Viewers retain 95% of a message when they watch it in a video, compared to only 10% when reading it in text (Source: Insivia, 2024)

Translation: If your message isn’t moving, it’s vanishing.

3. Short Videos Dominate… Like, TikTok-Level Dominate

66% of consumers say they prefer short-form videos (under 2 minutes) when learning about a product or service. (Source: HubSpot, 2024)

In other words: Don’t explain your business like a textbook. Explain it like a trailer for a Netflix docuseries—snappy, emotional, and probably with a drone shot.

Want Engagement? Video Is Your MVP

Marketers who use video grow revenue 49% faster than those who don’t. (Source: WordStream, 2024)

Also:

Social video gets 1200% more shares than text and image content combined. (Source: G2, 2023)

Let that number sink in. Then light your infographic on fire and start scripting.

5. Your Audience Is Watching… Everywhere

Here’s where it gets juicy:

  • 75% of all video plays happen on mobile.
  • 85% of videos on Facebook are watched with the sound off.
  • Instagram Reels now outperform photo posts by 67%.
  • YouTube is the second largest search engine in the world.

(Source: Biteable, Meta Business, Google Trends)

So your video strategy needs to look good, feel good, and make sense without sound. Bonus points if it works vertically.

6. Video Builds Trust Like Nothing Else

57% of consumers say that watching a brand’s video gave them the confidence to buy online. (Source: Brightcove, 2023)

And we’re not talking about million-dollar productions. Even authentic, behind-the-scenes, “here’s how we do it” videos create powerful psychological cues of transparency, competence, and likability.

Yes, likability. That thing money can’t buy but a GoPro and a good smile might.

7. Businesses Love It Too (And They Should)

87% of marketers report positive ROI from video marketing. (Source: Wyzowl, 2024)

  • It’s not a gamble.
  • It’s not a trend.
  • It’s a tool—and one that, statistically speaking, works harder than your unpaid intern.
  • If you’re not using video, you’re basically whispering in a stadium.

Final Frame

The numbers don’t lie. And they don’t even exaggerate (we checked).

These statistics about video consumption prove that video isn’t just part of the strategy—it is the strategy.

  • It captures attention.
  • It builds emotion.
  • It drives action.

So next time you’re thinking about waiting “just a little longer” to invest in video, remember: Your audience already pressed play on something else.

Citations:

1.Wyzowl (2024). The State of Video Marketing

2.Microsoft (2023). Attention Spans Study

3.Insivia (2024). Video Retention Statistics

4.HubSpot (2024). Marketing Trends Report

5.WordStream (2024). Video ROI Analysis

6.G2 (2023). Social Media Engagement Stats

7.Biteable (2023). Mobile Video Usage Study

8.Brightcove (2023). Trust and Brand Video Research