Picture this: A small media company uploads a simple video explaining a trending topic. Within 24 hours, it gets 50,000 views, 2,000 shares, and 500 new subscribers. Sound impossible? It’s happening every single day.
Here’s what will blow your mind: 95% of video marketers now see video as crucial to their strategy—up from 88% in 2024. But the real shocker? Video ad spending is expected to hit $456 billion by 2025. That’s not just growth—that’s a revolution.
The media industry is experiencing its biggest transformation since the internet began. Companies that ignore video marketing aren’t just missing out—they’re getting left behind while their competitors rake in massive profits.
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What the Data Actually Shows
Let’s cut through the noise and look at the hard facts. The global entertainment and media industry hit $2.9 trillion in 2024, growing 5.5% from the previous year. But here’s where it gets interesting—most of this growth is coming from video content.
The video streaming market alone is surging from $246.9 billion in 2025 to $787 billion by 2035. That’s a mind-blowing 12.3% annual growth rate. Companies that started investing in video marketing three years ago are now sitting on goldmines.
Think Netflix got lucky? Think again. The US streaming market is projected to grow from $61.9 billion in 2024 to $112.7 billion in 2029. Every single streaming platform, news website, and media company is fighting for their slice of this massive pie.
But here’s what most people don’t realise: 93% of marketers say video has given them good ROI. That’s not just good—that’s incredible. When was the last time you saw 93% of businesses agree on anything?
How Video Affects Your Audience
Science backs up what we already know instinctively. Video content is processed 60,000 times faster than text. Your brain literally can’t help but pay attention to moving images with sound.
This isn’t just about entertainment anymore. News organisations discovered that their video explainer content gets shared 1,200% more than text articles. When The Wall Street Journal started creating video versions of its breaking news stories, its engagement rates skyrocketed overnight.
89% of people want to see more online videos from brands in 2024. Your audience isn’t just asking for video content—they’re demanding it. Companies that don’t deliver are losing customers to competitors who do.
The emotional connection factor is huge, too. When people watch videos, they form stronger memories and emotional bonds with the content. This translates directly into brand loyalty, subscription renewals, and word-of-mouth marketing that money can’t buy.
Technology Makes It Easier
Here’s where things get really exciting. AI usage in video creation jumped from 18% in 2023 to 41% in 2024, with another 19% planning to start soon. This means creating high-quality video content is becoming cheaper and easier every single day.
Small media companies can now compete with major networks using AI-powered editing tools, automated thumbnail creation, and smart content optimization. The playing field is leveling fast, and early adopters are winning big.
Most companies work with budgets under $5,000 for video marketing. That’s less than what some businesses spend on a single newspaper ad, but the results are incomparable. Your smartphone can now produce broadcast-quality content that reaches millions of people.
Adobe’s latest AI tools are making professional video editing accessible to anyone. What used to require expensive equipment and years of training can now be done in minutes with the right software.
Where to Focus Your Efforts
Not all video platforms are created equal, and smart media companies know exactly where to focus their efforts.
YouTube remains the king for long-form content and searchable videos. Companies building YouTube libraries see compound growth—their old videos continue generating views and revenue years later. It’s like having a money-printing machine that works 24/7.
Live shopping events are gaining massive traction, with global livestream sales expected to hit $500 billion by 2025. Media companies are jumping on this trend, hosting live product reviews, Q&A sessions, and breaking news coverage that generates immediate revenue.
Instagram and TikTok dominate short-form viral content. One trending video can generate millions of views and thousands of new followers overnight. The key is understanding each platform’s unique algorithm and audience preferences.
On-demand content still accounts for 87.4% of streaming revenue, but live streaming is growing at 9.6% annually. Smart media companies are diversifying across both formats to maximise their reach and revenue potential.
Building Long-Term Revenue
Subscription-based revenue models held the largest market share in 2024 and continue recording the highest growth rates. Media companies discovered that exclusive video content is the perfect way to convert free readers into paying subscribers.
Consider what happened when traditional newspapers started creating video documentaries and behind-the-scenes content. The New York Times saw its digital subscription numbers explode because video content provided value that readers couldn’t get anywhere else.
85% of marketers plan to increase their video spending in 2025. This isn’t just confidence—it’s based on proven results. Companies see direct correlations between video investment and subscription growth.
The beauty of video content is its longevity. A well-made explainer video can generate subscribers and revenue for years. It’s an investment that keeps paying dividends long after the initial creation cost.
Companies Getting It Right
BuzzFeed transformed from a simple blog into a multimedia empire worth hundreds of millions by embracing video marketing early. Their food videos alone generate tens of millions of views monthly, creating massive advertising revenue and brand partnership opportunities.
Vice Media built its entire business model around video content, creating documentaries and news segments that traditional media couldn’t match. Their authentic, raw video style resonated with younger audiences who were abandoning traditional news sources.
Even smaller companies are seeing incredible results. A lifestyle blogger with 10,000 followers created a video series about sustainable living. Within six months, she had 500,000 subscribers and was earning six figures from sponsorships and affiliate marketing.
Local news stations that started posting video clips on social media saw their website traffic increase by 300%. The videos acted as teasers that drove people to watch full broadcasts and read complete articles.
What’s Coming Next
Marketers are increasing their video marketing budgets by 25% every year. This isn’t a trend—it’s a permanent shift in how content is consumed and monetised.
Interactive video content is becoming more sophisticated, allowing viewers to click, choose, and engage directly within videos. This technology creates more engaging experiences and provides valuable data about audience preferences.
Virtual and augmented reality integration is opening new possibilities for immersive storytelling. Early adopters in the media industry are experimenting with 360-degree news experiences and AR-enhanced product reviews.
Marketers achieved a 34% higher conversion rate by including video content in their marketing campaigns. Those conversion improvements translate directly into revenue growth and business success.
Getting Started Today
42% of video marketers spend between $0 and $500 on an average video. You don’t need a Hollywood budget to get started. Begin with simple talking-head videos, screen recordings, or mobile phone footage that provides genuine value.
Focus on consistency over perfection. Publishing one video per week for a year will generate better results than creating one perfect video per month. Your audience wants regular content more than they want expensive production.
Study your analytics obsessively. Track which videos perform best, where viewers drop off, and what topics generate the most engagement. Use this data to refine your content strategy continuously.
Experiment with different platforms and formats. What works on YouTube might not work on TikTok. Test various approaches and double down on what generates the best results for your specific audience and goals.
Time to Take Action
The data is crystal clear: video marketing isn’t just driving media industry growth—it’s completely reshaping how successful companies operate. The global entertainment and media industry is projected to reach $3.5 trillion by 2029, with video content driving this explosive growth.
Companies that embrace video marketing now are positioning themselves for years of sustained growth and profitability. Those who wait will find themselves scrambling to catch up while their competitors dominate market share.
Your first video doesn’t have to be perfect. It just has to exist. Start today, learn from your results, and continue to improve. The media industry growth you’re seeking is just one compelling video away.
Ready to join the video marketing revolution? Grab your phone, choose a topic your audience cares about, and start recording. Your future success depends on the action you take right now.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much should media companies invest in video marketing?
85% of marketers plan to increase video spending in 2025, with most successful companies allocating 15-25% of their marketing budget to video content. Start small and scale based on proven results.
Which platform provides the best ROI for video marketing?
YouTube typically offers the best long-term ROI due to its search functionality and monetization options, but diversifying across platforms maximises reach and reduces risk.
Can small media companies compete with larger organisations?
Absolutely. Most companies work with budgets under $5,000, and authenticity often outperforms expensive production. Focus on niche topics and direct audience engagement.
What makes video content go viral?
Emotional connection, perfect timing, and platform-specific optimisation. Video content is processed 60,000 times faster than text, making it naturally more shareable.
How do I measure video marketing success?
Track engagement rates, conversion rates, subscriber growth, and revenue attribution. 93% of marketers report good ROI from video, so focus on metrics that align with your business goals.