Social Media Today: short-form video budgets to grow 22% in 2026
Social Media Today's 2026 benchmark report shows marketers plan to grow short-form video budgets by an average 22%, with Reels and Shorts now eating spend from static social and even some display campaigns.
Social Media Today's 2026 benchmark shows short-form video has crossed from 'experimental' to a top-three line item in most marketing budgets.
What happened?
Marketers surveyed by Social Media Today plan to grow short-form video spend by an average 22% in 2026, mostly funded by cuts to static social, banner display and some long-form video.
Why it matters for businesses
If you are still planning around static posts, you'll lose share of voice in the channels where attention is already concentrated — Reels, Shorts and TikTok.
How businesses can use this update
Ring-fence at least 20% of your monthly marketing budget for short-form video — both production and paid promotion — and treat it as a core, not an add-on.
Pacewalk expert note
We run integrated short-form sprints — scripting, shooting, editing and paid amplification — for D2C, education and local-services brands across Punjab and India.
Need help implementing this?
Pacewalk can apply this Digital Marketing update to your business. Explore the right service:
Related reading
Original source: Social Media Today
Want Pacewalk to apply this to your business?
Get a free 20-minute strategy call with our team — we'll show you exactly how this update fits your marketing.
Talk to PacewalkFrequently asked questions
What is the latest Digital Marketing update?+
Marketers surveyed by Social Media Today plan to grow short-form video spend by an average 22% in 2026, mostly funded by cuts to static social, banner display and some long-form video.
Why does this Digital Marketing update matter for businesses?+
If you are still planning around static posts, you'll lose share of voice in the channels where attention is already concentrated — Reels, Shorts and TikTok.
How can my business use this update?+
Ring-fence at least 20% of your monthly marketing budget for short-form video — both production and paid promotion — and treat it as a core, not an add-on.
How can Pacewalk help with Digital Marketing?+
Pacewalk helps businesses act on digital marketing trends — Digital Marketing. Book a free consultation and our team will apply this update to your marketing.
Related updates
Digital Marketing
Google.org commits $15 million to help Indian MSMEs adopt AI for credit and markets
15 Oct 2026
Digital Marketing
TRAI tightens commercial communication rules with AI spam detection and A2P call controls
18 Sept 2026
Digital Marketing
Meta Unveils End-to-End AI Advertising Platform at Cannes Lions 2026
27 Jun 2026