Remember Vine? The OG of short-form video, where we somehow managed to tell stories, make memes, and go viral in just six seconds. We’ve been flirting with short-form for over a decade now—TikTok, Reels, Shorts—but somehow, it keeps evolving. Where does the time go? One minute, we’re all about snackable clips; the next, we’re sitting through 10-minute TikToks like it’s a mini-series.

Platforms are stretching video lengths like an overenthusiastic yoga instructor. TikTok now allows 10-minute videos. YouTube Shorts went from a 60-second limit to 3 minutes. Instagram and Facebook Reels are pushing the 90-second mark. Even Twitter (sorry, X) is rolling out a video-only feed to keep us watching longer.

So, what’s happening? Have we evolved past short-form video? Are we now endurance athletes of the digital age, capable of sitting through three-minute TikToks without flinching? Let’s take a look.

Our Appetite for Long-Short Content Has Grown

We’re still addicted to scrolling, but we’re also adapting. The more we consume vertical video, the more comfortable we become with longer content. Platforms have noticed and responded:

• TikTok: 10-minute videos (because apparently, we’re okay with watching an entire cooking tutorial now).
• YouTube Shorts: Extended from 60 seconds to 3 minutes.
• Instagram & Facebook Reels: Bumped up from 60 seconds to 90 seconds.
• X (formerly Twitter): Launching a dedicated video feed to keep us locked in.

These updates suggest that short-form video hasn’t died—it’s just gotten… longer. Platforms are feeding our evolved scrolling habits, keeping us engaged for extended periods without breaking the seamless, endless-feed experience we love (and sometimes hate).

So Where is the Actual Short-Form?

That’s the question. What used to be long-form (6-8 minutes) became mid-form (2-5 minutes), and what we called short-form now sits comfortably in the 1-3 minute space. So, where does that leave the true short content—the 15-30 second quick hits?

This is something we’ll see unfold in 2025. As platforms keep pushing longer vertical videos, ultra-short content may get squeezed out, relegated to ads, memes, and viral moments. Or, maybe the pendulum will swing back, and we’ll crave micro-content again when we realize we’re spending 40 minutes watching someone explain a one-minute life hack.

The Long-Form Shift: YouTube’s Two Camps

Meanwhile, long-form is evolving too. What used to be 6-8 minutes felt like an eternity. Then we adjusted to 10-15 minutes. Now? 30-60 minute videos are the new normal. Joe Rogan’s 3-hour podcast format has trained us, and YouTube itself is feeling more like an on-demand TV network.

Personally, I see YouTube evolving into two clear camps:

1. The ‘How-To’ Hub: Quick, instructional, no-fluff content.
2. The Streaming Alternative: Long-form, sit-back-and-watch entertainment (think podcasts, docu-style content, in-depth discussions, and high-production storytelling).

The first category? Threatened by short-form. We don’t need 12 minutes of “Hey guys, welcome back to my channel” when a 30-second vertical video can tell us exactly how to descale a kettle.

The second? Thriving. People are watching YouTube on their TVs more than ever. We’re treating it like Netflix—but without the monthly subscription (for now).

Lean In vs. Lean Back: The Viewing Experience Divide

Here’s the real shift: we’re dividing content into lean-in vs. lean-back experiences.

• Lean-In: Short, engaging, fast-paced (or endlessly scrollable) content that we actively interact with.
• Lean-Back: Longer, immersive, sit-down-and-watch content—often consumed on a TV or large screen.

YouTube’s long-form ecosystem is fully embracing the lean-back mode. Meanwhile, TikTok’s longer videos, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts are still maintaining that lean-in energy but making us linger a little longer.

The danger? That black hole of time we’ve all fallen into. What starts as “just one quick TikTok” turns into a binge-scroll, and suddenly breakfast has turned into dinner. Oops.

So Where Does This Leave Us in 2025?

In 2025, the key takeaway is intentionality. Just because you can make a 3-minute Short doesn’t mean you should. The need for a solid video strategy is more critical than ever. Before, you could wing it—now, you really can’t.

To make the most of your content, ask yourself:
✅ What’s my goal? Awareness, engagement, education, or deep connection?
✅ Where does my audience consume content? Mobile-first scrollers vs. sit-back TV viewers.
✅ What’s the best format? Just because long-short content exists doesn’t mean it’s right for you.

Short-form video isn’t dead—it’s just evolving. And in 2025, it’s up to us to be smart about how we use it.