Content Marketing Trends in 2025: What Content Types Drive the Most Engagement?

As content marketing grows and evolves, so do the strategies that brands use to connect with audiences. In 2025, staying ahead means understanding what’s working now and what trends will carry forward. From short-form video to interactive experiences, certain content types are clearly driving the most engagement. But what are they, and why are people responding to them so well? Let’s dive into the content types that are getting results this year and how you can use them to boost your brand’s reach and engagement.

Top Content Types in 2025: What’s Really Driving Engagement?

According to recent surveys, these are the top-performing content types in 2025, ranked by engagement:

• Short-Form Video (up to 60 seconds): 55% of marketers report the highest engagement from this format.

• Interactive Content (quizzes, polls, surveys): 42% of marketers say interactive content boosts engagement.

• Long-Form Video (over 10 minutes): 38% of marketers report good results with longer videos.

• Visual Stories (photo carousels, reels): 35% of marketers highlight stories as an effective engagement tool.

• Educational Blog Posts and Articles: Despite the rise of video, 30% of marketers say blogs still work well for engagement.

Let's break down why these content types are resonating with audiences, look at some numbers, and see how brands are creatively using each type to capture attention and build relationships.

1. Short-Form Video: The Powerhouse of Engagement

If 2023 and 2024 were any indication, short-form video has only gotten stronger. Think 60-second TikToks, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts. According to recent surveys, 55% of marketers have found that short-form videos are their most engaging content format in 2025. But why?

One reason is simply attention span: a Microsoft study found that humans now have an attention span of about 8 seconds—which is less than a goldfish! Short videos pack a punch quickly, delivering value, entertainment, or insights in under a minute.

Beyond that, short-form video taps into current trends and challenges—like quick recipe tutorials, funny memes, or “a day in the life” clips. Users tend to share these types of videos often, meaning they spread quickly and can go viral in hours. Plus, with 73% of consumers watching online video weekly, brands that master short-form video are connecting with audiences in places they’re already browsing.

2. Interactive Content: Getting Audiences Involved

Interactive content like quizzes, polls, and surveys is on the rise, with 42% of marketers reporting increased engagement. When people actively participate in content—whether it’s picking an option on a poll or finding out “What Kind of Traveler Are You?”—they’re more invested.

A quiz or poll isn’t just another piece of content; it’s a mini experience. Take Buzzfeed, for example. Their “personality quizzes” have kept users engaged for years. And the engagement rates are strong: users are twice as likely to share interactive content over static content.

Interactive content can also double as a data-gathering tool. Brands get to learn more about their audience’s preferences, making it easier to tailor future content and products to meet their needs.

3. Long-Form Video: A Deep Dive into Engaging Storytelling

While short-form video shines for quick engagement, 38% of marketers in 2025 find success with longer videos. Think documentaries, in-depth product reviews, or tutorials. These videos can run from 10 minutes to even an hour, giving viewers a thorough experience.

Platforms like YouTube, which prioritize longer watch times, have shown that people are willing to sit through a video if it offers enough value. For instance, product reviews or tutorials are particularly popular, with 72% of viewers reporting that they watch tutorials to learn something new.

4. Visual Stories: The Rise of Carousels and Reels

With 35% of marketers reporting great engagement from visual storytelling formats, we’re seeing more brands lean into tools like photo carousels on Instagram or image stories on Facebook and LinkedIn. Photo carousels allow brands to share a quick story or showcase multiple products, one slide at a time.

This is especially popular on Instagram, where 90% of people follow at least one brand and photo stories feel like “behind-the-scenes” access. Carousel posts also have higher engagement rates because they’re more immersive. Users spend more time scrolling through, which increases the chances they’ll remember the brand.

5. Blog Posts: The Classic Content Form That Still Works

Don’t count blogs out just yet! 30% of marketers are still finding blog posts effective for engagement. A well-crafted blog can bring in traffic and keep people on your site, especially when it covers topics people are searching for.

Blogs allow for a deeper dive into topics than most social media posts or videos. They’re also a powerful tool for search engine optimization (SEO). For instance, over 60% of marketers say SEO-driven blog posts are crucial to their inbound marketing strategies.

By the Numbers: Content Marketing in 2025

To see the real impact, let’s look at a few more stats:

• $412 billion: The projected global spending on digital content marketing by 2025.

• 68% of marketers say they plan to increase their budget for content marketing next year.

• 58% of users say they’re more likely to remember a brand after seeing engaging content multiple times, especially if it involves video or interaction.

• 70% of consumers say they want to know the brand’s “story” before they make a purchase. Content that shares values or mission statements resonates deeply here.

2025 Content Marketing Trends: Staying Ahead

As a marketer, you don’t just need to know what types of content work—you also need to know why they work and how to make them effective. Here are a few quick trends shaping content strategy this year:

1. Personalized Content: More brands are customizing content to individual preferences. AI-driven tools are helping marketers personalize videos, emails, and blog recommendations. With 78% of people saying they’re more likely to buy from brands that offer tailored experiences, personalization can make a big difference.

2. User-Generated Content (UGC): Brands are increasingly relying on customers to generate content, like reviews or unboxing videos. 84% of consumers trust peer recommendations over ads, and UGC builds that trust quickly. Companies like GoPro and Apple have been leveraging UGC for years.

3. Voice and Search Optimization: With the rise of voice assistants, voice-search optimized content is becoming essential. For example, 40% of adults use voice search daily, and experts predict this will grow.

4. Sustainability in Content: Consumers care about eco-friendly brands, and that trend is reflected in content. About 64% of buyers say they’re more likely to support brands focused on sustainability. Content that showcases sustainable practices resonates well with environmentally conscious consumers.

Final Thoughts: Building Your 2025 Content Strategy

2025’s top content trends show that people want more from their favorite brands than just products—they want experiences, stories, and meaningful interactions. Whether it’s through a 60-second video or an engaging quiz, each piece of content gives your brand a chance to build trust, bring value, and create connections.

So, if you’re building a content strategy this year, think about the value you can bring to your audience and how you can make your content engaging and accessible. By investing in these top content types and keeping up with key trends, you’re setting your brand up for success in 2025.

Happy creating!

Sources: wikipedia.org , your-marketing-coach.com.