By Tran Nguyen, @deca.tran | Apex Friendship High School, NC
In today’s fast-moving digital world, marketers face a key question: short-form or long-form content? From TikToks to blog posts, how people consume content is constantly changing. For student marketers, knowing how to choose the right length is more critical than ever.
Short-Form: Quick, Shareable, Viral
Short-form content dominates platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts. These bite-sized formats are perfect for:
- Grabbing attention fast
- Riding trends
- Reaching younger audiences who scroll quickly
For DECA students, incorporating short-form examples in presentations or campaigns shows judges that you’re adaptable and trend-aware.
Long-Form: Vlogs, Tutorials and the 2016 Comeback
“2026 is the new 2016.” Just like a decade ago, audiences are once again spending time on longer, immersive content. YouTube vlogs, detailed tutorials and educational videos are gaining popularity because they:
- Build brand personality and storytelling
- Educate viewers with step-by-step content
- Foster loyal, engaged audiences willing to linger
Understanding long-form trends shows judges you grasp audience behavior beyond the latest trend, which can elevate your DECA strategy.
Choosing the Right Length
The best content strategy isn’t about picking short or long, it’s about matching your length to your goal:
- Grab attention? Go short.
- Build trust or explain something complex? Go long.
- Mix both for maximum impact: short hooks that lead into deeper content.
DECA Takeaway
Whether you’re preparing a marketing plan, role-play or written event, judges notice strategy aligned with audience habits. Short-form hooks can grab attention, but long-form storytelling builds relationships, and in 2026, audiences want both. Student marketers who master this balance are already ahead of the competition.
