Digital Storytelling in 2025: Is Short-Form Content the Future of Real Estate Media?
Let’s be honest - if you’re still clinging to text-heavy listings or expecting buyers to scroll through endless paragraphs of property descriptions, you’re already losing their attention. In fact, you might not even make it halfway through this blog (we get it, attention spans are shorter than a TikTok video).
In 2025, attention is the most valuable currency, and real estate is no exception. Buyers aren’t patiently browsing anymore; they’re scrolling fast, and making instant decisions based on what catches their eye within seconds.
Gone are the days when a few static photos and a lengthy caption could carry a listing. Today’s market demands digital storytelling - quick, emotional, visually immersive content that cuts through the noise and connects with buyers right where they are: on their phones, in their feeds, and in their feelings.
Short-form video isn’t a trend, it’s the new normal.
The agents who understand how to use it aren’t just keeping up, they’re pulling ahead.
Why Short-Form Video Should Be in Every Agent’s Toolkit
Short-form content - videos under 45 seconds, optimised for platforms like Instagram Reels, TikTok, and YouTube Shorts, is how modern buyers consume information. And real estate is no exception.
Over 90% of Instagram users watch videos weekly
Listings with video receive 157% more organic traffic than those without
Homes with high-quality media sell up to 32% faster
Short-form isn't just a way to market homes, it's a way to build your brand, establish credibility, and stay top of mind with buyers and sellers alike.
The 3 Short-Form Videos Every Agent Should Use
1. Just Listed Videos – Create Buzz Before the First Open Home
When a new property hits the market, your goal is to spark curiosity fast. A “Just Listed” video gives followers a quick taste without overwhelming them.
Best Practise:
Use vertical format (for Reels/TikTok)
Keep it under 45 seconds maximum
Highlight the best 2-3 features (e.g., view, kitchen, location)
Think of it as a teaser for your listing - just enough to stop the scroll and prompt an enquiry.
2. Just Sold Videos – Build Social Proof & Credibility
Buyers and sellers want to know you get results. A “Just Sold” video is a great way to share success while reinforcing your local expertise.
Best Practise:
Share quick stats (days on market, above asking price, etc.)
Keep the tone celebratory, not salesy
Show the home briefly, but focus on the outcome
Done consistently, these videos build trust and position you as a market expert - without needing to brag.
3. Personal Branding Videos – Put a Face to the Name
In a digital-first world, people choose people, not just listings. Short-form content is a powerful way to humanise your brand, build relationships, and make yourself more memorable.
Ideas:
Quick market insights or FAQs (“What’s happening with interest rates?”)
A quick intro: who you are, what you do, and why you love it
Day in the life videos (walkthroughs, open house prep, staging tips)
This is about visibility and relatability. The more people see you, the more they trust you. And trust is what drives referrals.
Short-Form Is the New First Impression
In today’s market, your social feed is your storefront. The agents who consistently show up with short-form content are staying ahead of the curve, not just marketing listings, but building brands.
Whether you’re promoting a new home, celebrating a sale, or simply showing up as the go-to expert in your area, short-form video is the most effective and affordable tool in your digital toolbox.
Big things start small. If you’re thinking about it, that’s your sign.
