Over the coming weeks we'll be outlining our top 9 video trends for 2023. Today, we begin with our first trend, 'The Importance of Interactive Video For Remote and Hybrid Work', and how it will continue to help transform businesses around the world.
Sustainability as a trend
There’s no shying away from the fact we’re in a climate crisis. Sustainability has become a prolific topic in recent years with more and more individuals and organisations recognising the need to take action to protect the environment and preserve resources for future generations. Not only that, consumers are integrating it in their purchasing behaviours and businesses everywhere are under pressure to start or accelerate the change. One trend that has emerged in response to this growing awareness is the use of video as a way to communicate, educate and even promote sustainable practices.
With this rise in video, it’s clear that there have been a huge number of practical and ecological benefits to adopting it for internal business communications, marketing efforts, reaching wide audiences in an engaging way and even streaming hybrid events reducing the need for physical attendance. Businesses integrating video into their strategies are not only reducing their emissions due to reduced travel but are also keeping down costs while doing it. Video enables businesses to create creative and authentic campaigns around the world that not only cut down on carbon emissions, but reduce costs and time spent on campaigns. With climate change and sustainability being the topic on everyone’s lips, we see sustainability as major trend going forward into 2023.
Why is it important?
There are a multitude of benefits to this using video to facilitate sustainability. One being its ability to be reused and repurposed, making it a sustainable option for businesses. For example, a video produced for a product launch can later be used in customer testimonials, training videos, and even repurposed as a social media ad. This means that the initial investment in creating the video can be spread out over a longer period of time, providing a better return on investment.
In addition, video can also be used as a tool for internal communication and training. For example, companies can use video conferencing to hold meetings with remote employees, reducing the need for travel and saving on associated costs. Additionally, video tutorials can be used to train employees on new software or procedures, reducing the need for in-person training sessions.
This can also be applied to hybrid business events. In research carried out by MetGreen, it was estimated that more than 170kgs of CO2 emissions were being created per day by an average exhibition attendee, whereas a similar online conference would have a significantly smaller carbon footprint and be uncapped in terms of attendance and reachability. By choosing streaming services and video webinars, CO2 emissions fall substantially, creating a fraction of the amount at an estimated 8,429 kgs in comparison.
Our take
Our very own CEO Viktor Underwood comments, “When streaming with Quickchannel for an hour to 1,000 viewers, the emissions produced sit at just 1.29kg, which is 0,0129 tons CO2. By making a choice to stay online, users would save 1,550 times more CO2 by streaming with us.”
By making virtual events green, it isn’t just site attendance that makes a difference to emissions but travel must also be taken into consideration. This includes overnight stays resulting in 39 tonnes CO2-eq, journeys causing 378 tonnes of CO2-eq or 0.47 tonnes CO2-eq per attendee and catering equalling 20 tonnes CO2-eq or 0.25 tonnes CO2-eq per individual.
Why you should care
Video is a highly effective tool to have in your arsenal as you grow a sustainable brand for multiple reasons. Sustainability is a trending topic worldwide. Which is why it’s no wonder, then, that it’s also increasingly important to businesses. As a result, most firms today have at the very least a basic sustainability strategy. But why exactly is sustainability important in business?
Well, it’s all about social impact. Socially sustainable companies recognise their own importance to people and society, and work to improve their sustainability wherever they can. Not to mention consumers are more likely to support sustainable businesses. This is backed up in report from Recycling Lives who state that 87% of consumers want brands to act now to encourage future sustainability and that 81% of people prefer to buy from sustainable sellers. The proof is in the pudding.
To sum up, making the switch to become a more sustainable business encourages new, innovative ideas to grow and video is a great tool to facilitate this. This is where sustainability and video marry together as one of our major trends for 2023.
Why do we think it’s a major trend
Video is a versatile and sustainable tool that can be used for a variety of business purposes. It is not just a one-time expense, but an ongoing investment that can be used for multiple purposes, can be repurposed and saves time and money for businesses in the long run. As the technology continues to advance, it will become increasingly important for companies to incorporate video into their marketing and communication strategies in order to stay competitive in today's digital landscape.
It is clear that the use of video for hybrid events, in the workplace, and as part of your business and marketing strategy is a clear choice going forward. All you need is a phone or laptop camera, a mic and some creativity to start creating high-impact videos that will last a lifetime. By utilising video, your company will reap the benefits, such as increased brand awareness, long term customer trust and loyalty and an increase in conversions. Video content offers a unique opportunity for brands to showcase their sustainability initiatives and connect with audiences in a meaningful way. Whether it’s through animation, storytelling, or Q&As, there are many ways to show your customers that your company is committed to making a positive difference. Creating captivating video content that viewers will enjoy watching for years to come is easier than ever and if you aren’t already, it’s time to start utilising it.