Visual content marketing is dominating in 2025. Here's what you need to know:
- Short-form video reigns supreme, especially on
- AI tools are revolutionizing image and video creation
- User-generated content builds trust and engagement
- Interactive content like AR experiences is on the rise
- Data visualization simplifies complex information
Key stats:
- 65% of people are visual learners
- Images boost article views by 94%
- Visual social posts get 150% more engagement
Top trends:
- AI-generated visuals
- AR/VR marketing experiences
- Short, snappy videos (15-60 seconds)
- Interactive, shoppable content
- Mobile-first, vertical video formats
TREND | WHY IT MATTERS |
---|---|
Short-form video | Captures young audiences |
AI visuals | Speeds up content creation |
User-generated content | Builds authenticity |
Interactive content | Boosts engagement |
Data visualization | Simplifies complex info |
To succeed with visual content you should:
- Focus on mobile-friendly, vertical formats
- Use AI tools to create and edit visuals quickly
- Incorporate user-generated content for authenticity
- Make content accessible with alt text and captions
- Track performance with tools like
Visual content marketing today
Visual content marketing is taking over in 2025. Here's why:
- 65% of people learn visually
- Images boost article views by 94%
- Visual social posts get 150% more engagement
- Visual content increases click-through rates by 27%
The visual content marketing market is set to hit $10.6 billion this year. That's big.
How users view content now
1. Short attention spans rule
People skim content fast. They want quick, easy-to-digest info.
2. Mobile-first viewing
75% watch short videos on phones. Vertical formats and mobile-friendly designs matter.
3. Video is king
62% use video to learn about products. It's not just for fun anymore.
4. Authenticity over polish
People want real, relatable content. Forget fancy production; authentic, user-generated content wins.
CONTENT TYPE | USER PREFERENCE |
---|---|
Short-form video | 37% prefer for product discovery |
Video length | 83% of marketers say under 60 seconds |
Mobile viewing | 75% watch short videos on phones |
Authenticity | Growing preference for relatable conten |
"Targeted, optimized product demo videos have boosted conversion rates by 30% on average."
Kevin Watts from Raincross
"Video content has been my top performer on LinkedIn and X in the past year."
Connor Gillivan at TrioSEO
Bottom line? Visual content isn't optional. It's a MUST for marketing in 2025.
New visual content trends for 2025 and beyond
AI-made visuals
AI is shaking up visual content creation in 2024. It's cranking out high-quality images and videos in minutes, not hours.
Take Coca-Cola. They used AI to breathe new life into old ad campaigns and launch Y3000, their new soda. It's a prime example of big brands leveraging AI to speed things up.
But here's the catch: AI-generated content can feel a bit... robotic. That's why we're seeing a mashup of AI smarts and human creativity.
AR and VR in marketing
AR and VR are no longer just buzzwords. They're becoming marketers' go-to tools, offering fresh ways to showcase products and hook customers.
AR/VR MARKETING STATS | STATISTIC |
---|---|
Expected market growth | $10.5B (2023) to $21.5B (2028) |
Projected users by 2028 | 3,674 million |
AR software market in 2024 | $13.0 billion |
Some brands are already nailing it:
IKEA's "Place" app lets you see how that couch looks in your living room before you buy. Kia's VR experience puts you in the driver's seat of different models.
These tools help customers make smarter choices and feel more confident about hitting that "buy" button.
Short videos on the rise
Short videos are hot right now. Thanks to TikTok and Instagram Reels, marketers are cramming their message into bite-sized clips.
Here's the scoop:
- Ads can be as short as 15 seconds
- 87% of online marketers are jumping on the video bandwagon
- 64% of consumers make a purchase after watching a branded video
The key? Create short, snappy videos that pop on mobile screens.
Interactive content
Interactive content is grabbing marketers' attention. It keeps users glued to the screen and can boost sales.
Shoppable videos are outperforming traditional display ads. They turn viewers into buyers by letting them purchase products straight from the video.
AR apps are also making waves. Sephora's "Virtual Artist" app lets customers try on makeup virtually. The result? Their online sales skyrocketed from $580 million in 2016 to over $3 billion in 2022.
In 2024, visual content is all about speed, personalization, and interactivity. Marketers who embrace these trends will connect better with their audience and stand out in the digital crowd.
Main types of visual content
Visual content is HUGE for marketing in 2024. Here's what's working:
Infographics and data charts
Infographics make complex stuff simple. People are 30 times more likely to read them than plain text.
PERKS OF INFOGRAPHICS | HOW MUCH MORE |
---|---|
More readable | 30x vs text |
More shareable | 3x vs other content |
SEO boost | 178% more backlinks |
Quick tip: Add embed codes to your infographics. Makes sharing a breeze.
Video content types
Videos are engagement machines:
- Quick hits (15-60 seconds) for social media
- Live streams for real-time chats
- Long videos for deep dives
Mind-blowing fact: 90% of people who see video ads end up buying.
Content made by users
User-generated content (UGC) builds trust. It's real, it's raw.
Think:
- Customer reviews
- Social posts showing off your product
- Photos or videos from users
Brand-specific art and animations
Custom visuals make you stand out. They're your brand's fingerprint.
Real-world example: Coca-Cola's Y3000 campaign used AI art to mix their classic look with a futuristic vibe.
Using AI for visual content
AI is shaking up visual content creation in 2024. Let's dive into the tools, their pros and cons, and some key considerations.
AI tools to use
Here's a quick look at some top AI visual tools:
TOOL | WHAT IT DOES | WHAT IT COSTS |
---|---|---|
Canva | AI-assisted design | Free; Pro $119/year |
Adobe Firefly | AI design in Adobe | Monthly plans |
DALL-E 3 | Text-to-image | $20/month with ChatGPT Pro |
Midjourney | Detailed image gen | From $10/month |
Runway ML | Real-time editing, custom AI | Various plans |
These tools can help with:
- Creating images from text
- Quick photo edits
- Color scheme suggestions
- Social media resizing
Pros and cons of AI
Pros:
- Time-saver for repetitive tasks
- Sparks new ideas
- Can reduce content creation costs
Cons:
- Might lack originality
- Often needs brand-specific tweaks
- Potential privacy issues
Ethics of AI use
Using AI for content raises some important points:
- Be transparent about AI use
- Watch out for AI bias
- Handle personal data carefully
- Keep the human touch
"Designers are getting pretty stressed... AI started to really explode."
Michael Randall, Graphic Designer
This quote highlights the anxiety some creators feel. But AI can be a powerful ally when used thoughtfully.
Remember: AI excels at speed and scale, but human creativity and emotion are still irreplaceable.
Making content for mobile first
In 2024, mobile-first content isn't optional. It's a MUST. Why? 60% of top site traffic comes from mobile devices. Your visual content needs to look great on small screens.
Small screen design tips
Creating visuals for mobile? Keep these in mind:
- Cut the fluff. Focus on what matters.
- Go big. Use larger fonts and touch targets (44x44 pixels minimum).
- Break it up. Make content easy to scan.
Vertical videos
Vertical videos are taking over. Here's why:
- 94% of people hold their phones vertically.
- Vertical videos have 90% higher completion rates than horizontal ones.
Make the most of vertical video:
- Use 9:16 aspect ratio for full-screen Stories.
- Hook viewers in the first few seconds.
- Add captions. 85% of Facebook videos are watched on mute.
Mobile-friendly infographics
Infographics on mobile can be tricky. Try these:
- Use responsive design.
- Create shareable sections.
- Highlight key stats with big fonts and images.
ELEMENT | DESKTOP | MOBILE |
---|---|---|
Font size | 12-14px | 16-18px |
Image width | 100% | 100% |
Charts | Complex | Simple |
Don't forget: Test on different devices before you hit publish.
Making visual content for everyone
In 2025, accessible visual content isn't just nice to have—it's a must. Here's how to make your visuals work for everyone:
Design for all users
Start with these basics:
- Use big text (16px minimum)
- Stick to sans-serif fonts
- High contrast colors
- Simple icons with alt text
Image descriptions and captions
Alt text is your friend. It helps visually impaired users and boosts SEO:
- Keep it short (under 125 characters)
- Be specific
- Skip "picture of"—get to the point
Bad: "Baseball player hitting a ball" Good: "David Ortiz of the Boston Red Sox batting at Fenway Park"
Easy-to-read colors and text
Colors matter. A lot:
- 350 million people worldwide are colorblind
- 43.5 million Americans might have dyslexia
So:
- Use high contrast
- Don't rely on color alone
- Test with colorblind simulators
Element | Do This |
---|---|
Font size | 16px minimum |
Font type | Sans-serif |
Color contrast | 4.5:1 (normal text), 3:1 (large text) |
Alt text | Under 125 characters |
Make your visuals work for everyone. It's not just good practice—it's the right thing to do.
Checking Visual Content Performance
To make your visuals count, you need to track how they're doing. Here's the scoop:
Key Metrics
Focus on these:
- Conversion rates: How many people take action?
- Engagement: Likes, shares, comments on social media
- Traffic sources: Which platforms send people your way?
- Time on page: How long do people stick around?
Handy Tools
TOOL | WHAT IT TRACKS |
---|---|
Google Analytics | Traffic, conversions, user behavior |
Facebook Insights | Facebook and Instagram engagement |
Hotjar | Heatmaps, user recordings |
HubSpot | Overall marketing performance |
A/B Testing
It's all about comparing options. Check out this real-world example:
HubSpot tested three homepage hero images. The winner? Variant B with brighter images and colorful text. It beat the original by 6%, potentially bringing in 375 more sign-ups each month.
Want to run your own test? Here's how:
- Choose one thing to test
- Make two versions
- Split your audience
- Check the results
- Use the winner
Don't underestimate small changes. FSAstore.com saw a 53.8% jump in revenue per visitor just by simplifying their navigation.
Fitting visuals into your overall plan
Match your brand's style
Your visuals should scream "YOU". Use the same colors, fonts, and design elements everywhere. Think Coca-Cola - their red and white are unmistakable.
To keep it consistent:
- Make a style guide
- Use templates
- Train your team
Tell stories across platforms
Each platform has its sweet spot. Use it wisely:
Platform | Go-to Visuals |
---|---|
Stunning pics, quick vids | |
Infographics, pro shots | |
TikTok | Fun, snappy clips |
YouTube | Deep-dive videos |
Buffer nails this. They turn blog posts into Instagram carousels and X threads. Smart, right?
Reuse your visuals
Squeeze more juice from your content. It's a time-saver and reaches more eyeballs.
Try this:
- Chop up a webinar into social clips, blogs, and ebooks
- Use infographic bits as standalone social pics
- Turn a guide into a video series
"We make classic card games for older folks. Turns out, simple GIFs work WAY better than videos for explaining gameplay."
Darshan Somashekar from Hearts.land
What's next for visual content marketing
AI is shaking up visual content creation in 2025. Tools that make images, videos, and animations are getting better and easier to use.
Take Midjourney and DALL-E 2. They can whip up amazing visuals from text, allowing marketers to create top-notch visuals fast and in bulk, like this I just whipped up myself in seconds.
AR and VR are catching on too. IKEA uses AR to show you how furniture looks in your home before you buy.
People want content that feels made just for them. They're into visuals that speak their language.
Short videos are king. Just look at TikTok and Instagram Reels. Marketers need to get on board with these quick, catchy formats.
Visual search is growing. People are searching with images, not just words. So, making your visuals search-engine friendly is key.
AI tools are becoming a big deal in marketing strategies. Check this out:
AI IMPACT ON MARKETING |
---|
$400-500 billion added value yearly |
14% of marketing staff use AI regularly |
Could add $4.4 trillion to global economy |
Humans and AI are teaming up. People guide AI to get better results. This is changing how marketing teams work.
Knowing how to talk to AI (prompt engineering) is becoming a must-have skill. Marketers who can do this well will have an edge.
In 2025, visual content marketing will be all about mixing creativity with tech. The winners? Marketers who roll with these changes and focus on real, engaging visuals.
Tips for making good visual content
Keep your brand look consistent
Use the same colors, fonts, and logos across all your content. This helps people spot your brand quickly.
IKEA does this well. They put their logo on almost all their Pinterest pins. Smart move - it keeps their brand visible even when others share their stuff.
Tell stories with pictures
Don't just show products. Use images and videos to tell a story that pulls people in.
Disney nailed this with their Disneyland Paris ad. It's about a little duck who loves Donald Duck comics. It's cute, it's touching, and it shows off what Disney does best - storytelling.
Mix creativity with data
Make your content pop AND inform. Use infographics to break down complex info.
Lawrank's SEO guide for lawyers is a great example. They use simple graphics to explain a tricky topic. It makes it way easier for their audience to get it.
TIPS FOR EFFECTIVE CONTENT |
---|
Stick to your brand colors and logos |
Tell stories through images and videos |
Use infographics for complex data |
Include people in your visuals |
Keep your story simple and focused |
Here's a fun fact: your brain processes visuals 60,000 times faster than text. And 90% of what your brain takes in is visual.
"Show don't tell. Don't tell your audience something if you can make them see it."
Samantha Lile, Content Developer
Visual content isn't just pretty - it's powerful. Use these tips to make yours stand out.
Solving common visual content problems
Working with a small budget
You don't need deep pockets to create eye-catching visuals. Here's how:
- Free tools: Use Canva, Piktochart, or Infogram for pro-looking images and infographics.
- User-generated content: Ask customers to share photos with your products. It's free and builds community. Think Nike's #JustDoIt campaign.
- Repurpose content: Turn popular blog posts into infographics or short videos. It's cost-effective and breathes new life into your content.
Managing your time well
Time is money in content creation. Here's how to be more efficient:
- Plan ahead: Create a content calendar a month in advance. No more last-minute rushes.
- Use templates: Base them on your top posts. It's faster and keeps quality high.
- Batch your work: Set specific times for research, creation, and editing. Less context-switching means more productivity.
Keeping quality as you grow
Want to scale up without sacrificing quality? Try this:
- Quality over quantity: Better to post fewer great pieces than flood your channels with so-so content.
- Research matters: Gather unique data. It makes your content pop and attracts attention.
- Clear briefs: When working with others, provide detailed briefs. Include goals, audience, and style examples. It cuts down on back-and-forth.
PROBLEM | SOLUTION | EXAMPLE |
---|---|---|
Small budget | Use free tools | Canva for graphics, GIPHY for GIFs |
Time management | Plan content in advance | Monthly content calendar |
Maintaining quality | Focus on unique data | Infographic on "Mobile Internet costs worldwide" |
Real-life examples
Let's dive into some campaigns that knocked it out of the park and pick up a few tricks from the big players.
Campaigns that worked well
1. Heinz A.I. Ketchup
Heinz got creative with AI-generated ketchup bottle labels. Here's what they did:
- Used DALL-E 2 to whip up unique images
- Launched a fun social media campaign
- Result? A whopping 850 million impressions and 38% higher engagement
2. Nike's "Never Done Evolving" Campaign
Nike celebrated Serena Williams with a twist:
- Created a virtual match between young and veteran Serena
- Used AI and machine learning magic
- Scored big with 1.7 million viewers and a 1,082% jump in organic views
3. Spotify Wrapped
Spotify's yearly recap is a hit:
- Dishes out personalized listening stats
- Makes sharing on social media a breeze
- Builds a strong emotional bond with users
CAMPAIGN | COOL FACTOR | WOW RESULT! |
---|---|---|
Heinz A.I. Ketchup | AI bottle labels | 850M impressions |
Nike "Never Done Evolving" | AI Serena vs. Serena | 1,082% more views |
Spotify Wrapped | Your year in music | Social media frenzy |
Tips from top companies
1. GoPro's User-Generated Content
GoPro turns users into stars:
- Offers prizes for the best adventure videos
- Creates a tight-knit community of creators
- Tip: Let your customers do the talking
2. Sephora's Virtual Artist
Sephora's AI beauty guru:
- Lets you try makeup virtually
- Suggests products just for you
- Tip: Use AI to make shopping a breeze
3. DuoLingo's TikTok Strategy
DuoLingo's owl is taking over TikTok:
- Jumps on memes and trends
- Serves up relatable, funny content
- Tip: Don't be afraid to get silly for the younger crowd
COMPANY | WHAT THEY DID | PRO TIP |
---|---|---|
GoPro | User videos | Showcase your customers |
Sephora | AI makeup try-on | Personalize with AI |
DuoLingo | Meme-worthy mascot | Embrace platform trends |
Tools for visual content makers
Visual content creators have plenty of tools to choose from in 2024. Here's a quick rundown:
Design software
- Canva: Easy-to-use design tool. Free version available, paid plans start at $12.99/month.
- Adobe Creative Suite
- Midjourney: AI image generator. Starts at $10/month.
Tool | Use case | Starting price |
---|---|---|
Canva | Quick designs | Free (paid $12.99/mo) |
Adobe Creative Suite | Pro editing | $52.99/mo |
Midjourney | AI images | $10/mo |
Image and video sources
- Unsplash
- Pexels
- Videvo
Collaboration tools
- ClickUp
- Modyfi
- Adobe Firefly: AI creative tool. Free during beta.
These tools cover everything from basic designs to AI-generated images and team collaboration. Pick what fits your needs and budget.
Wrap-up
Visual content marketing is still king in 2025. Here's the scoop:
- Videos are HUGE. 93% of marketers say they're crucial. Short clips on TikTok and Instagram Reels are taking off.
- People love to share visuals. They're 40 times more likely to be shared than other content. Posts with images get 2.3 times more engagement.
- Videos sell. 85% of folks are more likely to buy after watching a product video.
- AI and AR are changing the game. AI creates wild brand images, while AR offers immersive experiences.
- Keep it real. Authentic, unpolished videos are winning over slick productions.
What's next? Try these:
1. Mix it up
Create different types of visuals for social media. Focus on short videos to boost engagement.
CONTENT TYPE | PLATFORM | BLOGJOY TIP |
---|---|---|
Short videos | TikTok, Instagram Reels | Keep it real, under 60 seconds |
Infographics | LinkedIn, Pinterest | Use data to tell a story |
Product images | E-commerce site, Instagram | High-quality, multiple angles |
2. Use customer content
GoPro uses 50% user-generated content for videos and 40% for website images. It works.
3. Play with AI and AR
Try Midjourney for unique visuals or explore AR for cool product experiences.
4. Track and improve
Keep an eye on engagement metrics. Use A/B testing to make your visuals better.
5. Stay true to your brand
Keep your visual identity consistent across platforms, like Coca-Cola does with its logo and colors.
FAQs
How is video consumption changing in 2025?
Video is BOOMING. By 2026, we'll be watching over 100 minutes of online video daily. Here's what that means for marketers:
1. Short videos win
People love quick hits. Videos under 90 seconds get 2.5x more engagement than longer ones. In fact, 66% of users say short-form is their favorite social media content.
2. Mobile is king
More than half of internet traffic comes from phones and tablets. This hit nearly 60% in mid-2022.
3. Silent viewing is a thing
Lots of people watch videos without sound. Captions aren't just nice - they're essential.
TREND | STATISTIC | WHAT YOU SHOULD DO |
---|---|---|
Short-form | 2.5x engagement | Make 5-90 second videos |
Mobile | 60% of traffic | Go vertical (9:16 format) |
Silent viewing | Growing fast | Caption everything |
"2025 is the year for video and AI."
Kirsten van Rooyen, Head of Video Strategy, Superside
How to adapt:
- Focus on short-form for social media
- Design for phones (vertical videos)
- Add captions to ALL your videos
- Use BlogJoy for blogging so you can concentrate of video creation ;-)