Video Content Rising: Are text contents day numbered?
Video marketing is gaining popularity, does it mean the death of the Blog?
“This article was written as part of the SEMrush Big Blogging Contest”.
I am a bookworm, and I love reading. But I can’t ignore the onslaught of video across all social media. What I couldn’t understand was how could three minutes read, with super useful content like on the SEMrush or Moz blog compare with a video on the topic? But I could be weird.I decided to dive into research mode, to see whether video content was more useful, got more reader engagement and eventually helped my reader and me!
Seeing the hoopla around video, you would think the answer to this is a no-brainer. Wait up I have some news.
Let’s Dive in!
Video marketing: Is it rising?
What is the downside of Video?
The other side of the Video marketing story
Video marketing or text?The point of it.
My Verdict on Video marketing versus text.
Video marketing: Is it rising?
According to Hubspot by 2019, 80% of internet traffic will be video.
But why is Video content rising?
- Video content gives a boost to a blogs SEO. It increases user engagement and landing page videos will help you convert traffic by 80%( Unbounce).
- Videos in emails increase click-through rates.
- 80% users can recall a video they say in the last 30 days (Lumen5)
- 96% of buyers find videos helpful while making purchasing decisions. (Animoto).
Twitter says Videos with tweets get the most Retweets. Video traffic will be 82 percent of all IP traffic (both business and consumer) by 2022 (Source) and according to eMarketer, 78.4 percent of digital videos are accessed by mobile
This is all great right?
Could be. But before diving head first ask yourself these questions,
- Do these data reflect your audience?
- Have you seen your videos getting more traffic than your Blog post?
- What about the blog posts with video content? Are they helping you earn more consistent revenue?
This is where you need to get your stats in hand, before buying expensive video equipment and just pumping out videos. If there is one question you must ask, is about return on investment.
Is it all worth it?
Where does video work?
- It helps us reach a new audience, who can’t read due to any reason.
- A video is better to connect, for some people or at least that’s what brands think. Many high profile brands turned to full-time video content and reduced their editorial workforce.
- If not text heavy, just listening to videos, while doing housework can help you learn.
- It’s easier to understand how to use a sewing machine, tech stuff or crocheting seeing a video than text.
- Maths, science, languages, teaching anything, needs a visual element. Online teaching needs video.
- User-generated videos are great as a brand advertisement.
Make videos online or using software, one thing you can’t do is ignore the video. There was never a better time than now, to start your own digital media network.
What is the downside of Video?
Is the downside real or all in your head?
1)For small bloggers and biz owners who can’t afford dedicated hosting for video, there is a problem. You will be putting YouTube embed link. This one is hence tricky. The reader may decide to click-through to YouTube or look at the video on your blog. Having an external link on the home page can be tricky from an SEO point of view as well as engagement.
It’s a critical balance. If you are not making videos, you are missing a leg up. If you are making videos and putting YouTube links on the Home page, you are diverting traffic from your website.
Here in lies the tricky part. Should you embed the YouTube video, pay for hosting or should you skip the video bandwagon? No, that would be a mistake. If you follow what Google does, you will see there are video carousal features on the first page of search results, many times above the text links.
2)You have paid to host your videos, but you are not optimizing your blog. Mobile users are rising. But data is not free. Some people may not be comfortable watching random slowly loading videos on the phone and eating up mobile data. This is a real problem as increasingly people are using mobile for consuming content. Are your videos mobile ready?
3)Making money from your Video is not a cakewalk. If Ryan is the top grossing YouTube in 2018 with the majority of earning from ads, this tells you a few things. Ryan’s target audience is kids who may not be skipping advertisements, unlike adult video watchers who most likely skip ads. So if you want to reach that level of income as a YouTuber, your target audience needs to be the same.
But what if one day, Youtube decides to cap your video limit, behave like Facebook, just like they changed the criteria for monetization? Nowadays you need at least 1000 subscribers on Youtube and at least 4000 hours of annual viewing time on Youtube before your channel’s monetization is possible. You are working hard, but making a cardinal mistake. You are putting your content and monetization at the mercy of a third party, who can change rules any time. You are in a binder! Is this going to work or am I just a pessimist?
Blog or Vlog which way should you be going? Should you avoid FOMO and ditch videos? Or stop writing and make videos?
The other side of the Video marketing story
- Power of written word is this. It’s a blogging contest, about video content.
- I can still name more authors, than filmmakers or YouTubers.But that’s just me!
- Even for a good movie, you need a written script for it to work. If you sign up for Amazon studios, they will want a written script. That’s non-negotiable. Until your writing is spellbinding, it will not draw in the viewer. The written word has survived thousands of years. Sumerian and the Hieroglyphics were all text, dating back to more than 3000 BC. That says something about the power of text!
Don’t let your writers and editors go. You need them to make a good video and some of us still understand better when we read.
Video marketing or text?The point of marketing!
As Seth Godin says,”
True marketing makes things better and helps serve those who need it!
Video or text whatever it is, things need to help. Everyone doesn’t have unlimited data.No one wants to watch the full video. With text, the quick skim helps us determine whether we want to dive deep. Difficult to do with a video, until you provide time-stamped content. Even then it’s just not the same.
It is essential to make video a part of your arsenal, but not the only arrow. The ultimate aim for all things online is to reach the people you want to serve. Write your blog posts. Repurpose them into podcasts and attractive, useful videos. Make your website audiovisual with multimedia content. Let the choice be available for the audience you hope to help. Whatever content you make, don’t waste your audience’s time. They remember. If you don’t, believe me, you must read why HubSpot thinks pivot to video is misguided .
My Verdict on Video marketing versus text
[bctt tweet=”Video content may be rising, but the text is here to stay!” username=”misra_amrita”]
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What ever happens reading a book will never be replaced with video. Just like everything comes and goes – these ever electronics and gadget will never replace the real thing!
You’ve made some really good points, thanks for looking at this question from all angles for us. I think the best answer is in your conclusion – video should be one element of our arsenal, but probably not the only one – different users want to consume content in different forms, the more we have the better.
it’s now come out that FB was grossly inflating all its statistics regarding the popularity of video on its site. who has the time to watch all those videos anyways? I prefer text anyday.
Video content and text content has their own positions but i personally love text content and this is evergreen..
Thank you
That so true that our audience only remember our content if it’s catchy and they find it useful may whatever type of content it is
Thank you
There is no denying the fact of the importance of the visual media, but the effect of the written word will still survive and have its impact intact. Text can weave its own magic and story.
Thank you
Good to know text is here to stay. I think there are still a huge part of our population who likes to read..if I see my parents, their generation loves reading and are not at all into videos. Text articles can be for anyone not just young generation so overall text gets more points. Ì think incorporating a small clip (though it’s extra work) within blog posts may add more value. What do u think Amrita?
Thank you
Both have their own positives..that doesn’t mean one is better than the other. .I think we should be smart enough to understand what is required where – video or text..
Thats very true.
Very informative post, videos are sure rising but embedding the videos in blogs is quite tricky , more so if they are not a YouTube links. You need a much bigger bandwidth for it then.
Thank you
Watching a 5 min video and reading the same topic in form of an article. It all boils down to one’s interest, time availability. And with changing lifestyle, when people don’t have enough time but still don’t want to miss valuable content, video comes as a solution.
Thank you
Video marketing is great way to express but again content is the king. The uniqueness of content will make u shine through. The post is very informative n relevant.
Thank you
True that video content is just a medium of consumption. It cannot replace something altogether as video is an arrow not the arsenal.
Thank you
video content is engaging and beautiful – no wonder people are moving over to video content
True
Video marketing is definitely going to be one of the favorite place for brands. Text will always be there but I guess, people enjoy more with video and audio content. I don’t think there is any competition people like me would enjoy reading and video both.
That’s true Karuna
It’s the rose of video content now, watching is much better than reading and typing and so is the move determined.
Thanks
This is indeed true that video content has been proliferating quite a lot. However, just as physical books cannot be replaced entirely with online books, similarly reading and feeling the written content can not be sidelined. Words have its own beauty and video also has its own charm.
Thanks
Extremely important post, I too believe that video marketing has become the rage of the hour n a lot of people r creating good content in that space. But it’s tough to make good quality n content video, however, written words will always survive this wave????????
Written word is number one for me, but video content is great for recipes, DIY, tech stuff etc. The trend is in favor of video content but written content is forever.
So true.
Videos are definitely easier to watch, but equally hard to make ( for me) But I do think despite the shortcomings videos are going to become the next big thing soon.
Thats true
Videos work well for me when I’m in a hurry but I feel its all about having the good content. If you have quality content, medium plays the secondary role, whether its videos or written. Informative post.
Thanks Vartika
Video content will help reach a wider audience who love learning by seeing.
Thanks Nisha
Video content is surely he future, as visuals are far more arresting and engaging than text. Some helpful tips in this post, Amrita.
Thanks Mayuri
These are the much needed tios. Video content for me always works better but never knew it effects the traffic in various ways
Thanks
Your way of writing and your knowledge is impeccable. Another informative post about video content. Following you and your writing for Learning more.
Thanks
Posts like these ensures that you are a perfect blogger. I love they way you do posts, in detail giving an insight to even a person who doesn’t know anything about these. Well written
Thanks
Though video content are in demand these days but people like me who love reading still look for good blog content..I don’t see blogging coming to an end so soon
I feel there is still a big set of people who read blogs and the keywords of blogs can easily be picked by google crawlers. Videos can not beat the power of words. Glad to know Blogs are here to stay!
Video content is really good… It brings more traffic to the blog… But then the cost of setting up everything and buying equipments is too high if you are a small blogger…
Thanks
You have done some great research for this helpful post. I appreciate video for learning new skills other than that text will survive, like you say.
Kathleen
Blogger’s Pit Stop
Thanks
This is such a informative post. A detailed information about video marketing. I am going to save it for future reference.
Your content is always interesting and this is one of my favourite blog posts of urs.
Thank you
Wow! This is enriching and enlightening. Video content is definitely the next big thing.
This is such an informative post, Amrita. I have already bookmarked it for in-depth read in future.
Thanks Neha
I am bookmarking post…I am learning so much with posts like this…Videos are very helpful to boost blog views
Thanks Niharika
Thanks for sharing the content is moving towards videos now, will have to understand how to go ahead with this transition.
Thats the tricky part.
Absolutely! Content has been the king. How it is served is just a matter of medium and audience comfort.
Thanks
Video content is so engaging because its fast and today internet is so much better.
Thanks
video is craze these days, but i also think text is always going to stay and too for good.
Thanks
I agree with your post yes video content is more liked by many. Many find it boring to read and they prefer watching the content than reading.
I also believe that video content is increasing and it has its own pros and cons. But at the same time I believe that text leaves a different kind of impact….
Thanks
Yeah, I agree video marketing is increasing and as the trend suggest it will outnumber text content days. I agree to all the points. Moreover brand connects with audience easily. In short if bloggers don’t shift faster, our days will be over soon.
Thanks
It’s really a great post you have shared great points which are so much required for today !!
While it’s true that video content is catching on in this decade I feel that words will always have the last say.
Thanks
Rather than reading whole texts , watching videos is far more easy. I’m viewing the trend shifting very soon.
How tasteful this post is? I am yet to use V logs and videos but truly, Text is what i like the most still.
Though video content is increasing but I don’t think Blogging and written text would come to an end..there are many people like me who love to read and write
Definitely there’s a storm of video contents on net and social media.But I believe people who enjoy reading will still stick to the text/blogs.Matter of choice.
That’s so true
I prefer reading instead of watching video. Since text give a broader vision incomparison to videos. So for me text content has more exposure.
True.Thank you for sharing your valuable feedback
I enjoy reading and find the unnecessary ads in videos just kill the charm. As a blogger, a thought of video making scares me as it took a while to do better in blogging world and starting something complètely new with a busy lifestyle freaks me out. However, I’m glad to know text is here to stay.
Me too.
i completely agree that text will stay always. i am more of a reader and will always be. although as you mentioned video can summarize the same thing in much lesser time.
So true
Such a good information and tips that you shared with us. You made a good site and giving us such the best suggestions they very useful to us. Thanks for sharing the articles they amazing.
Gosh, this is such an interesting post! I’m a blogger as well as a Youtuber, but never knew all these!!
That is a very thoughtful Post, totally agree with you. Videos do look interesting to watch and share our work. but nothing can beat the power of words.
That’s true
Thank you
Keeping all the facts in place, a blog will always uphold its genuinety. Agree the video is the next big thing. But after so many entertainment options still books hold special place in many hearts. We should adhere to New technologies but keeping our original work intact is what I feel.
So true.
Thanks .. i agree video content is on the rise and i have been considering adding some videos just to boost my follower base.
Thats one way to use video!
true, video content is taking over, but blogs will also always remain. i am still to explore the video side , since i am scared to get in front of the camera.
I would not say that text marketing is over yet but video marketing is fast pacing and well received by today’s generation. A combination of both can work wonders.
Loved the blog it was damn insightful and helpful too, the point mentioned about Ryan was bang on, will definitely share this blog across with my blogger friends too.
Thanks Nihal
For someone is does not prefer the writing part,i indulge into video marketing. Also i believe that people prefer watching quick clippings than read a long article. Easy quick information. Love the article.
Thank you
This is the new funda these days to add video content to blogs but old is gold.. Text content will always hold its position . Very nice write up..
Thank you
A blog would never lose it’s charm even though video marketing if the new thing today.
True
Brilliant take o the rise on video content. I learned quite a few things here!
Thank you
That’s really informative post, yes video are more catchy but writing is equally important …i Love reading blogs too
Thank you
Glad that I read this post, agreed to your concluding words. Vlogs are spiralling up, but written content is like a good old wine. Its value increases with each passing day. I am up for written content, creating videos isn’t my cup of tea.
my husband was exactly telling me this 1 week ago. video content makes much more content compared to just a blog
It’s an interesting balance.
Video content is the latest trend in our industry but it has been their since ages ,it totally depends on us how we make it viral.Though thanks for sharing such an informative post.
That’s there too.
The topic you have selected is so relevant in present times.Definitely video contents are eye catchy.But readers like me will only enjoy Blogs and reading.Great write-up.
Yes, its a choice I feel too. Thanks for sharing your views.
I think both video and text holds there specific importance. Agree with you that text content is evergreen
Thank you
Very interesting topic. Its so true that video content is on the rise but i guess it also matters who are your target audience.
Thank you
Thanku for this post, for it put my doubts/fear to rest, coz of late I have been thinking if I should also join the bandwagon of vloggers, since you tube is such a hit among people . So let me just stick to my writing for the time being:)
Thank you
Video content is visual and that’s why it’s faster to understand and process by minds. I didn’t know that video content boosts blog’s SEO. Must try!
Thank you
Completely agree with you. Text content is more prominent that video contents and one should be very confident while facing camera..
Thank you
Very interesting take on Video content and blogs. I wish text wins but audience’s patience is decreasing and so are their concentration spans and that’s why videos engage you more.
Thank you
I can see video content rising too. There are many video content sites and youtube channels than before. But as you said, text is forever and I myself like it better. Informative post.
Thank you
A video contain more information then the text. Even i prefer watching video rather than reading some text. This is an amazing article. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you
Video content is definitely on the rise and will play a very important part in the future. At the same time text too will continue and thrive as after all text is needed to tell the stories behind the images.
Thank you
time and again I feel disheartened as blogs are thought to have a limited reach than videos but thanks to this post I am much better now. I get it that everything has its own importance.
Thank you
I agree that text content shall stay forever. I personally am exploring the video world though. It’s merely because I like being in fromf of the camera ????
Thank you
I am usually the one not very open about showing myself on vidro. A bit on the day side. Love the article.
Thank you
Very nice blog and style. I like the way you have a dialogue with the Internet.
Thank you
many time i think of starting making video but person like me who is so caution in front of camera is better in blogging and as you said content is forever
Yes its important we choose carefully.Thanks for reading
Whatever, I always love to read. And I feel our kids have lost the power of imagination because of lot of videos. Reading anything and imagining how it may be looking develops brain. that is lacking nowadays.
Thats a wonderful way to help improve children’s creativity.Thank you Ranjana.
Its true a video is very accessible, easy to consume and engages the audience’s attention for longer periods of time. A video contains much more information than text and images. But its time consuming too.. Love the post
Thank you.
I always agree on this that videos or say visual effects always give more clarity and leaves great impression but it should be very well made with high quality
Thank you
before i stared my blog.I thought videos are the best option.But the people who are introvert and not very comfortable in-front of camera. For them blogging is much easier to share their knowledge. If you have watched a video once, you make dont like to watch it again.But in case of blog post, you will read it again without any hesitation.
Thats a pertinent point.Thanks Sonam.
Quite informative post Amrita. Yes videos are the traction these days due to the ease of watching and listening rather than reading. But it is tricky also embedding the YouTube links in the blog.
Yes its a tricky balance.
Your post is well-structured and a pleasure to read along with being extremely informative for bloggers. I really hope you win your contest. Personally, I prefer reading an article to watching a video but there are certain topics that are best covered by a video format.
Very true.Thank you, Noor.
So true, even I think same as I’m a book, pen, paper person. But Vlog are the demand of the recent times it seems so.
Thank you
Video also gets viral these days. But I feel creating video with all the perfection and edits is also time consuming so I will rather stick to text/blog..but this article is a lovely read
Thanks, Ayesha. Yes a good video takes a lot of time.
Such an interesting post Amrita. Am pretty sure Video will gain much more viewership but the power of text will always stay is what I feel
Thanks Sinduja.
Very useful information regarding video content. Unique content will make a perfect video. You have provided a clear information.
Thank you
This was amazing!
Thank you.
video content is the next generation system
Video is definitely popular
Hey Amrita, so good to be back to your blog after so many months. As always you are a bundle of information.
I feel video is rising and it attracts more readers to your blog. But writing and reading remain my Personal favourite as you said that many of us understand better when we read
Exactly.Thanks, Geethica.Glad you found this useful.
I agree with you… Text will survive. But video blogs…Content creation is the latest trend. Video creation isn’t an easy task.
That’s true.
Very nice tips/
Thank you