Top Video Formats That Get the Most Engagement

If you’ve been posting videos but struggling to get likes, comments, or shares—it might not be your content. It could be your format.

Video is still king across nearly every platform, but not all video formats are created equal. Some spark conversations. Others go viral. And some… fall flat.

So, what actually works?

In this article, we’ll break down the video formats and content types proven to generate high engagement—backed by data, real-life examples, and platform-specific insights.

Why Format Matters More Than You Think

Imagine pouring your heart into a 10-minute tutorial… but it only gets 43 views.

Then you post a quick 30-second tip—and boom! It gets 10,000 plays, hundreds of comments, and shares.

Why?

Because attention spans are short. Algorithms reward engagement. And formats shape the viewing experience.

Great content in the wrong format won’t perform. But even average content in the right format can spark massive interaction.

Let’s dive into the formats that work best.

1. Short-Form Vertical Videos (Reels, TikToks, YouTube Shorts)

This format dominates right now.

• Length: 15 to 60 seconds
• Best for: Instagram Reels, TikTok, YouTube Shorts
• Why it works: Short videos are quick to consume, algorithm-friendly, and designed for virality.

What performs well in this format?

• Quick tips or “Did you know?” facts
• Relatable stories or struggles
• Entertaining skits or trends
• Behind-the-scenes content
• Day-in-the-life vlogs

📊 Stat: TikTok users are 1.5x more likely to immediately share content they watched compared to longer YouTube videos.

Pro Tip: Keep the hook within the first 3 seconds. Use big captions, fast cuts, and on-screen text to keep attention.

2. Interactive Videos

Want viewers to participate, not just passively watch?

Interactive videos let them click, choose, and engage directly—leading to higher retention and conversions.

• Best for: Lead generation, onboarding, product demos, training
• Types of interaction: Quizzes, branching choices, clickable CTAs

📊 Stat: 95% of viewers remember a CTA in an interactive video vs. only 10% in a traditional one.

Try this format if:

• You're in marketing, sales, or education
• You want to drive action (e.g. sign-ups, demos, purchases)
• You want deeper engagement than views alone

👉 Tools like Sharelo make it easy to create these without coding.

3. Tutorials and How-To Videos

People go online to learn. So if you can teach something useful, you’ll earn attention and trust.

• Best for: YouTube, Facebook, blogs
• Length: 3–10 minutes
• Content ideas:
  • “How to start a freelance career”
  • “3 tricks to edit videos faster in CapCut”
  • “Step-by-step: Set up your own podcast”

📊 Stat: Tutorial and “how-to” videos are the second most-watched content type on YouTube (Google).

Pro Tip: Break things down visually, include timestamps, and lead with the outcome (“By the end of this video, you’ll know how to…”).

4. Storytelling Videos

Stories win hearts. If your goal is connection over conversion, this is your format.

• Best for: TikTok, Instagram, YouTube
• Length: 1–3 minutes (or shorter for Reels)
• Style: Talking head, vlog, cinematic
• Topics:
  • Origin stories
  • “Why I quit my 9-to-5”
  • First-time experiences
  • Lessons from failure

People relate to vulnerability, humor, or insight more than polish. So don’t worry if it’s not “perfect”—focus on the emotion.

Hook tip: Start with a problem or moment of tension, then walk the viewer through your journey.

5. Reaction and Duet Videos

These are made to join conversations. They’re fast to make and often go viral.

• Best for: TikTok, Instagram, YouTube Shorts
• What to do:
  • React to a viral trend or niche content
  • Duet a hot take and share your POV
  • Break down someone’s strategy or mistake

📈 Why it works: This piggybacks on content that already works. You’re adding value without starting from scratch.

Pro Tip: Use trending audio and stitch/duet functions to ride the algorithm wave.

6. Behind-the-Scenes (BTS) Videos

People love a peek behind the curtain. BTS content builds trust and makes your brand more relatable.

• Best for: Instagram Stories, YouTube Vlogs, TikTok
• What to share:
  • How you create content
  • Workspace tour
  • Product creation process
  • Day in your life as a freelancer/mom/startup founder

You don’t need fancy gear—just authenticity.

7. Testimonials and Social Proof Videos

Instead of saying “I’m great,” let your customers say it for you.

• Best for: Websites, LinkedIn, landing pages, sales emails
• Best formats:
  • Talking head client videos
  • Screen recordings with voiceovers
  • Interactive testimonial videos

📊 Stat: Videos featuring testimonials increase conversions by up to 34% on landing pages.

You can even make these interactive, where viewers click to watch relevant stories based on their industry or challenge.

What About Longer Videos?

Longer videos (10+ minutes) still perform if you’re offering deep value. Think:

• Webinars
• Thought leadership
• Full tutorials
• Product deep dives

But here's the catch: Attention spans drop quickly. You need to segment with timestamps, visuals, or chapters—and possibly repurpose into shorter clips.

Bonus: What NOT to Do

Here are a few formats that tend to underperform unless done really well:

• 💤 Talking heads with no visuals or b-roll
• 📝 Text-heavy videos with no audio
• 🚫 Overly promotional content with no story or value
• 🐌 Slow intros or long build-ups without hooking the viewer fast

Always aim to entertain, educate, or emotionally connect in the first few seconds.

Final Tips to Maximize Engagement

Regardless of format, keep these tips in mind:

✅ Hook fast: First 3 seconds make or break your video.
✅ Use captions: 85% of videos on Facebook are watched without sound.
✅ Optimize for mobile: Most video is consumed vertically on phones.
✅ Include a CTA: Tell your viewer what to do next—like, comment, subscribe, or click.

TL;DR: Top Video Formats That Win Engagement

Try This: Mix & Match Formats

Want to keep your content fresh?

✅ Turn a long tutorial into short Reels
✅ Turn a client testimonial into an interactive video
✅ Repurpose a blog into a screen-recorded “talking head” video
✅ Post a reaction to a trending video in your niche

You don’t need to reinvent the wheel—just adapt the format to how people want to watch.

Ready to create videos that don’t just get views—but get results?
Try repurposing your next piece of content using one of these formats. Or if you're curious about interactive videos, check out Sharelo to easily add clickable CTAs and questions inside your videos.

Let the engagement begin. 👇