The rise of short-form video has completely changed how people consume content, with platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts dominating the landscape. While each platform has its unique features, they all thrive on a certain type of content that is highly engaging and shareable. Here are three types of content that people actually watch on these platforms:

1. Aesthetic Videos
Aesthetic content is all about visual storytelling and creating a specific mood or vibe. These videos are highly curated and often focus on a particular theme, style, or subculture. They typically feature carefully selected visuals, filters, and music to create a cohesive and pleasing experience.

Some popular aesthetic subcultures that have gained traction on these platforms include:

Dark Academia: Inspired by classical literature, art, and intellectual pursuits, this aesthetic often features vintage libraries, tweed blazers, and old books.

Cottagecore: A celebration of simple, rural life, this aesthetic romanticizes nature, baking, and living in a cozy countryside cottage.

Clean Girl/Messy Cool Girl: The "clean girl" aesthetic, which focuses on a polished, minimalist look, has been followed by the "messy cool girl" aesthetic, which embraces a more undone, effortless, and nostalgic vibe.

Y2K: A throwback to the fashion and pop culture of the early 2000s, this aesthetic is all about bold colors, low-rise jeans, and butterfly clips.

Aesthetic videos are successful because they provide a sense of escapism and allow viewers to connect with a certain lifestyle or mood. They are also highly shareable, as people often tag their friends in videos that remind them of their personal style or interests.

2. Viral Challenges and Trends
Short-form video is a hotbed for viral challenges, sounds, and trends. These videos often involve a specific dance, audio clip, or concept that is easy for a wide audience to replicate. When a user creates a video using a trending sound or participating in a popular challenge, it increases their chances of being discovered by new viewers.

Successful trends often share these characteristics:

Simplicity: They are easy for anyone to participate in, regardless of their video editing skills.

Relatability: The content taps into a shared experience, emotion, or inside joke.

Sound-driven: A catchy or humorous sound is often the foundation of the trend, prompting others to create their own versions.

For brands and creators, participating in a trending challenge is an effective way to increase visibility and reach a broader audience. By putting a unique spin on a popular trend, they can showcase their brand's personality and creativity.

3. "Get Ready With Me" (GRWM) and "A Day in the Life" Videos
Authenticity and relatability are highly valued on these platforms. Videos that offer a glimpse into a creator's daily routine, often in the format of a "Get Ready With Me" or "A Day in the Life" video, perform exceptionally well. These videos build a connection with the audience by making the creator feel more accessible and relatable.

Key elements of these video types include:

Behind-the-scenes content: Showing the unedited, genuine moments of a creator's day, whether it's their morning skincare routine or their coffee order, creates a sense of authenticity.

Product recommendations: This format is a natural fit for product placement, as creators can seamlessly integrate and talk about the products they use in their daily lives.

Storytelling: Creators often narrate their videos, sharing personal anecdotes or thoughts on a specific topic, which helps to build a stronger connection with viewers.

These types of videos resonate with audiences because they offer a sense of community and give viewers a chance to feel like they are part of a creator's life.