Tips for Creating Engaging Long-Form YouTube Videos

Not all content can be squeezed into a 60-second clip. Creating compelling long-form videos and video podcasts can help boost engagement and visibility on platforms like YouTube.

While short-form videos are popular across social media, long-form content continues to play a crucial role—especially on YouTube. Longer videos provide opportunities for deeper storytelling, more detailed explanations, and sustained audience interaction.

Content such as in-depth tutorials and video podcasts can help build loyal communities and encourage viewer retention. Additionally, well-structured long-form videos have the potential to appear in Google’s AI Overviews, further increasing their reach.

To maximise the impact of long-form video in 2025, content creators need to focus on key strategies that enhance both quality and engagement. From scripting and editing to audience retention techniques, a well-planned approach can make a significant difference.

By understanding the unique benefits of long-form content and leveraging the right techniques, creators can establish a stronger presence and connect more effectively with their audience.

Why long-form videos still matter in 2025

YouTube is undergoing three major shifts that are reshaping how content is consumed on the platform.

Firstly, learning-based content is seeing a significant rise in engagement. A report from Tubular Labs found that how-to videos, travel tips, DIY guides, and product reviews gained 15.2% more views than the average YouTube video in 2024. This suggests that more users are turning to YouTube rather than Google for answers.

Secondly, YouTube has become the dominant platform for podcasts, attracting over 1 billion monthly podcast viewers. It is now the most-used podcast service in the U.S., showing a clear shift in how audiences prefer to consume long-form audio-visual content.

Another major trend is YouTube’s increasing presence in AI Overviews. The platform has seen a 25% increase in citations, particularly for content related to visual demonstrations, tutorials, and product comparisons. This trend is especially noticeable in sectors like healthcare and e-commerce, where video explanations provide clearer insights than text-based content.

Although short-form videos continue to dominate social media trends, these developments highlight the growing importance of long-form videos, video podcasts, and AI-optimised content.

To stay ahead in 2025, content creators need to adapt to these shifts and refine their strategies for long-form content.

Basic tips for long-form videos

Educational content has long been a key part of YouTube’s success.

A prime example is Carnegie Mellon University’s “Randy Pausch Last Lecture: Achieving Your Childhood Dreams,” uploaded in December 2007. Even after 17 years, this 76-minute video has attracted 21.8 million views and 156,000 engagements, proving the lasting impact of well-crafted learning content.

With YouTube becoming an increasingly popular search engine for knowledge, content creators must adapt to the platform’s evolving landscape. Here are some essential tips for producing effective long-form videos in 2025:

Define Your Purpose: Clearly state the question or problem your video will address. Ensure your content provides real value to the viewer.
Structure Your Content: Organise your video with a clear introduction, main points, and a conclusion to make it easy to follow.
Prioritise Clarity and Simplicity: Avoid complex jargon and break down information into easily digestible sections.
Use Visual Aids: Enhance understanding with relevant screen recordings, charts, demonstrations, and images.
Ensure High-Quality Production: Good audio and video quality are crucial. Investing in a quality microphone and proper lighting can significantly improve viewer experience.
Optimise for Search: Include relevant keywords in your title, description, and tags to boost visibility.
Encourage Audience Engagement: Ask viewers to comment, subscribe, and interact with your content. Responding to comments helps build a loyal community.
Provide Actionable Takeaways: Summarise key points and offer practical steps viewers can apply.
Use Chapters and Timestamps: Breaking your video into sections makes it easier for viewers to find the information they need.
Be Authentic: Let your personality shine through to create a genuine connection with your audience.

By applying these strategies, content creators can make the most of long-form videos in 2025, keeping their audiences engaged and their content relevant.

Intermediate tactics for video podcasts

Video podcasts are now a significant force in media, as highlighted in YouTube’s latest Global Culture and Trends report.

One standout example is the viral interview, Katt Williams Unleashed | CLUB SHAY SHAY. The episode’s impact was so widespread that it inspired memes and even a parody on Saturday Night Live. In 2024, the podcast amassed a staggering 544 million views and 15.9 million engagements, with this particular episode alone reaching 88.8 million views and 2 million engagements.

With video podcasts continuing to shape discussions and attract massive audiences, creators must go beyond basic production to truly stand out.

Here’s how to make a lasting impact with your video podcast:

Strategic Guest Selection and Pre-Interview Preparation

Look beyond obvious choices and invite guests with unique insights that align with your niche.
Conduct pre-interviews to uncover compelling stories and talking points.
Prepare thoughtful questions that encourage deep and engaging discussions.

Multi-Camera Setup and Dynamic Visuals

Use a multi-camera setup to capture different angles for a more engaging experience.
Integrate B-roll footage, graphics, and on-screen text to illustrate key points.
Vary shot composition to avoid static visuals and enhance immersion.

Sound Design and Audio Quality

Invest in high-quality microphones and soundproofing for clear, professional audio.
Use post-production techniques like noise reduction and equalization to refine sound quality.
Add subtle sound effects or background music for a polished feel.

Content Segmentation and Highlight Clips

Break long episodes into shorter, focused segments for easy consumption.
Create highlight clips of key moments to share on social media.
Use timestamps and chapter markers to help viewers navigate content efficiently.

Audience Interaction and Community Building

Engage your audience with live Q&A sessions and viewer feedback segments.
Build a community through dedicated social media groups or forums.
Encourage audience participation by letting them suggest topics or questions.

Cross-Platform Promotion and SEO

Optimise episodes for search engines using relevant keywords in titles, descriptions, and tags.
Promote across multiple platforms, including blogs, newsletters, and social media.
Collaborate with other podcasters and influencers to expand your reach.

Data Analysis and Continuous Improvement

Track metrics like watch time and engagement to refine your content strategy.
Gather audience feedback and make adjustments based on their preferences.
Experiment with different formats and styles to see what works best.

Key takeaways

Digital marketers should still focus on creating YouTube Shorts, as they now generate over 70 billion views per day.

However, despite the immense popularity of short-form content, long-form videos remain highly relevant. They are far from outdated and continue to play a crucial role in audience engagement.

YouTube offers multiple ways to transform viewers into a thriving community. To maximise your success, it’s essential to understand key strategies for long-form videos, explore effective approaches for video podcasts, and apply advanced techniques for optimising content for AI Overviews.