Understanding South Africa’s shift to short-form video
Short-form video has rapidly transformed how people create and consume content in South Africa, driven by platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts. With millions of users accessing social media primarily through mobile devices, quick, engaging videos under 60 seconds have become the preferred format. With this shift, South African creators and brands have adapted by producing relatable, mobile-first, vertical content that resonates with local audiences. As a result, short-form video is not only reshaping storytelling but also creating new opportunities in the creative industry, from influencer marketing to educational “edutainment” content.