--- title: "Social media platforms shift focus to longer-form entertainment" url: https://newscentral.site/social-media-platforms-shift-focus-to-longer-form-entertainment/ language: en publisher: "News Central Site" section: "Style" published: 2026-11-05T05:30:00.000Z updated: 2026-11-05T15:47:50.722Z id: 1d816057-c261-4af3-adf5-88f32c08c590 source: "Vogue https://www.vogue.com/article/as-social-media-shoots-for-long-form-should-brands-invest-in-creator-tv" attribution: "Link to https://newscentral.site/social-media-platforms-shift-focus-to-longer-form-entertainment/ and name News Central Site when you quote or summarize this story." --- # Social media platforms shift focus to longer-form entertainment The change is being driven by a recognition that audiences are craving more depth and substance in their online experiences. Social media platforms have announced plans to shift their focus from short-form content to longer-form entertainment, a move that could see brands investing in creator TV formats. The change is being driven by a recognition that audiences are craving more depth and substance in their online experiences, rather than the bite-sized, snackable content that has dominated social media for years. Creators are now being encouraged to produce serialized, medium- to long-form content across various genres, with brands expected to follow suit. TikTok is already leading the charge by offering rewards and subscription benefits for longer-form videos, while Substack is pushing its essayists to host live video events. YouTube has also launched Stations, allowing creators to run always-on channels featuring rolling long-form content. These changes indicate a significant shift in how social media platforms approach entertainment. The move towards creator TV is being driven by the growing demand for more substantial and engaging online content. Audiences are increasingly tired of scrolling through endless feeds of short-form videos and are seeking out longer-form experiences that offer more depth and complexity. As viewing habits continue to evolve, social media platforms are adapting their strategies to meet changing audience needs. With over half of YouTube watch-time in the UK now taking place on TVs, Instagram is also becoming smart-TV compatible, further blurring the lines between online and offline entertainment. As social media platforms shift their focus towards longer-form content, fashion brands are being presented with an opportunity to reinvigorate their storytelling and creative approach. According to Max Cocking and Louby Mcloughlin, co-founders of digital content agency Dislo, the current trend marks a turning point where brands must acknowledge "clip fatigue and strive for more thoughtful consumption. This involves moving away from disposable content and towards richer, more engaging entertainment that builds relationships and authority. Cocking emphasizes that engagement and attention can be bought, but true resonance cannot be purchased. Brands should therefore focus on commissioning series rather than individual posts, allowing them to tell longer-term stories that captivate audiences. The creator media universe is also evolving rapidly, with smart content creators repurposing their original ideas for social-first TV productions. This trend has given rise to culturally credible internet shows that blend documentary, interview, and pop culture critique styles. These episodic productions are becoming standalone entertainment franchises, energized by the internet's memetic parlance and gaining legitimacy as admired and respected forms of storytelling. Examples include Errands, a lo-fi docu-series elevating everyday experiences into mini-odysseys; Track Star, a music-based interview show sitting atop the tastemaking pyramid; Subway Takes, where comedian Kareem Rahma hands the mic to guests sharing unpopular opinions"; and Revival of the Fittest, a slow, surreal paean to a stalwart record store. As brands look for innovative ways to engage with their audiences, some are turning to creator-led entertainment as a means of capturing attention and fostering meaningful connections. Creator-led shows offer a unique combination of relatable figures and high-quality storytelling, making them an attractive option for brands seeking to invest in long-form content. According to Chelsie Hares, writer and researcher at Stylus, these types of shows pair the familiarity of social media personalities with engaging narratives that encourage viewers to invest their time. Fashion trend analyst J'Nae Phillips sees creator-led entertainment as a natural evolution of the creator model, moving towards more sustainable and ambitious formats. This shift in focus is reflected in the way brands are now collaborating with creators to produce original content, rather than simply hijacking existing formats or interrupting established entertainment. The landscape of branded entertainment is shifting as brands seek to create original content that resonates with consumers. A recent survey found that a significant majority of young people in North America are interested in seeing brands produce original films and series rather than traditional advertising. This trend suggests that consumers are looking for more meaningful interactions with the brands they engage with. Brands are being encouraged to think beyond individual campaigns and instead focus on building long-term formats and franchises that can generate cultural equity over time. This approach allows brands to establish themselves as creative forces in their own right, rather than simply interrupting existing entertainment. Fashion marketing has been at the forefront of this trend, with many successful branded content series emerging from the industry. Brands such as Crocs and Marc Jacobs have seen success with their forays into long-form content, while others like Banana Republic are also exploring new formats. Some fashion brands have been experimenting with social media-native storytelling formats for years, using serialized content to build worlds and narratives around their products. Alexis Bittar's ongoing mockumentary series Bittarverse is a notable example of this approach, having launched in 2023. The lines between traditional marketing and entertainment are becoming increasingly blurred as brands seek to engage audiences in new ways. For luxury fashion designer Alexis Bittar, this shift was a natural progression from his dissatisfaction with conventional marketing methods. Bittar wanted to create something more captivating and nuanced than the typical hard sell approach, which he felt was uninspiring and ineffective. Instead, he opted for a more immersive experience that would draw viewers into a narrative and foster brand loyalty. The results have been impressive, generating significant brand equity and attracting new customers who are drawn to the brand's unique ethos and world. Bittar has managed to create a sense of exclusivity without being elitist, instead embracing inclusivity and complexity in his storytelling approach. This trend is also reflected in the way brands like StockX and Figma are using social media to connect with their audiences on a deeper level. By creating original video content that showcases their products or services in a more meaningful way, these companies are able to tap into the cultural cachet of their brand and build stronger relationships with their customers. In particular, StockX's new series Listed is an innovative example of this approach, inviting fashion collectors to share their most prized possessions while making them shoppable on the platform. Meanwhile, Figma's Source Material series offers a glimpse into the creative process of designers and artists, providing valuable insights and inspiration for its audience. As social media platforms evolve towards longer-form content, brands are faced with new opportunities and challenges in their marketing strategies. While short-form clips will continue to be a staple of online entertainment, they will increasingly serve as gateways to more substantial content. Marketers are being advised to shift their focus from high-production values to investing in original ideas and talent. A polished appearance can sometimes detract from the authenticity of brand-sponsored content, leading to a perception that it is merely an advertisement. The rise of creator-owned franchises and brands acting as backers rather than upfront advertisers is changing the dynamics between brands and creators. This trend is being fueled by platform updates on Instagram and YouTube, which are encouraging more creators to experiment with serialized storytelling. Brands must balance their desire for engaging content with the need to support emerging talent and creative communities. By doing so, they can tap into a rich source of innovative ideas and build lasting relationships with audiences. --- Source: [Vogue](https://www.vogue.com/article/as-social-media-shoots-for-long-form-should-brands-invest-in-creator-tv) Published by News Central Site: https://newscentral.site/social-media-platforms-shift-focus-to-longer-form-entertainment/