How to make engaging long-form YouTube videos

Short-form videos may dominate social media, but long-form content remains essential – especially on YouTube. 

From in-depth tutorials to video podcasts, longer videos can drive engagement, build communities, and even get featured in Google’s AI Overviews. 

If you’re looking to make the most of long-form video in 2025, here are the key strategies you need to know.

Why long-form videos still matter in 2025

Right now, three key shifts are reshaping YouTube:

• “Learning content” (how-to videos, travel hacks, DIY guides, and product reviews) averaged 15.2% more views than the YouTube platform-wide average in 2024, a Tubular Labs report found. More people now turn to YouTube over Google for answers.
• YouTube is dominating podcasts, with over 1 billion monthly podcast viewers. It is the most-used podcast service in the U.S.
• YouTube’s presence in AI Overviews is expanding rapidly, with a 25% increase in citations – especially for visual demonstrations, tutorials, and product comparisons, notably in healthcare and ecommerce.

While short-form content may dominate trends, these patterns suggest that long-form videos, video podcasts, and AI-optimized content are more relevant than ever. 

Here’s how to make them work in 2025.

Basic tips for long-form videos

“Learning content” isn’t a new phenomenon on YouTube. 

Take Carnegie Mellon University’s “Randy Pausch Last Lecture: Achieving Your Childhood Dreams,” uploaded on Dec. 20, 2007. 

Seventeen years later, the 76-minute video has amassed 21.8 million views and 156,000 engagements (likes, comments, and shares).

But given the recent rise of “learning content” and YouTube’s growing role as a search engine, here are some basic tips for creating effective long-form videos in 2025:

• Define your purpose: Clearly identify the question or problem your video will address. What specific value are you providing to the viewer?
• Structure your content: Create a clear outline with an introduction, main points, and a conclusion. This helps viewers follow along and retain information.
• Prioritize clarity and simplicity: Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. Break down complex topics into easily digestible segments.
• Visual aids are key: Incorporate relevant visuals such as screen recordings, demonstrations, charts, or images to enhance understanding.
• Maintain audio and video quality: Ensure clear audio and high-resolution video for a high-quality viewing experience. Invest in a decent microphone and lighting if possible.
• Optimize for search: Use relevant keywords in your video title, description, and tags to improve search visibility.
• Engage your audience: Encourage viewers to ask questions, leave comments, and subscribe to your channel. Respond to comments to build a community.
• Provide actionable takeaways: Summarize key points and offer practical advice or steps that viewers can implement.
• Create chapters and timestamps: Break your video into chapters and add timestamps to the video description. This will help viewers navigate your long-form video.
• Be authentic: Let your personality show and connect with your audience.

Intermediate tactics for video podcasts

Video podcasts have become major media outlets, according to YouTube’s latest Global Culture and Trends report.

A prime example is “Katt Williams Unleashed | CLUB SHAY SHAY.” 

The interview’s massive reach – spawning memes and even an SNL parody – helped push the podcast to 544 million views and 15.9 million engagements in 2024, with 88.8 million views and 2.0 million engagements from that episode alone.

As video podcasts continue to shape conversations and drive engagement, standing out requires more than just basic production. 

Here’s how to make an impact:

Strategic guest selection and pre-interview preparation 

• Go beyond obvious choices. Identify guests who bring unique perspectives or expertise that aligns with your niche.
• Conduct thorough pre-interviews to understand your guests’ stories and identify compelling talking points.
• Craft specific questions that encourage in-depth and engaging responses, moving beyond surface-level discussions.

Multi-camera setup and dynamic visuals 

• Implement a multi-camera setup to capture different angles and perspectives, adding visual interest and dynamism.
• Use B-roll footage, relevant graphics, and on-screen text to illustrate key points and maintain viewer engagement. 
• Vary shot composition to avoid static visuals and create a more immersive viewing experience.

Sound design and audio post-production 

• Invest in high-quality microphones and soundproofing to ensure clear and consistent audio.
• Use audio post-production techniques, such as noise reduction and equalization, to enhance sound quality. 
• Incorporate subtle sound effects or music to create a more polished and professional listening experience.

Content segmentation and highlight clips 

• Break down long-form episodes into shorter, thematic segments for easier consumption and sharing.
• Create highlight clips featuring the most compelling or newsworthy moments to promote your podcast on social media.
• Use timestamps and chapter markers to guide viewers through the content.

Audience interaction and community building 

• Incorporate live Q&A sessions or viewer feedback segments to foster interaction and engagement.
• Create dedicated social media groups or forums for your podcast community to connect and discuss episodes.
• Encourage viewers to submit questions or topic suggestions for future episodes.

Cross-platform promotion and SEO

• Optimize your podcast episodes for search engines by using relevant keywords in titles, descriptions, and tags. 
• Promote your podcast across multiple platforms, including your website, blog, social media, email newsletters, and press releases.
• Collaborate with other podcasters or influencers to expand your reach and introduce your content to new audiences.

Data analysis and iterative improvement 

• Analyze viewer metrics, such as watch time and engagement, to identify areas for improvement.
• Solicit feedback from your audience and use it to refine your content strategy and production techniques. 
• Test different formats and styles to see what resonates the most with your audience.

Dig deeper: The future of SEO content is video – here’s why

Advanced techniques for AI Overviews

A quick Google search for “Who has the best iPhone 16 unboxing videos?” reinforces YouTube’s growing role in AI Overviews.

As Google increasingly cites YouTube for visual demonstrations and tutorials, optimizing your content for AI Overviews is more important than ever. 

Here’s how to maximize your visibility.

Structured data and schema markup 

• Implement structured data and schema markup, particularly for how-to, video, and product schemas. This helps Google understand the context and content of your videos, making them more likely to be featured in AI Overviews.
• Ensure your schema markup is accurate and comprehensive, providing detailed information about the steps, ingredients, or products featured in your video.

Transcript optimization 

• Provide accurate and detailed transcripts for your videos. Optimize these transcripts with relevant keywords and phrases, especially those related to the specific questions or queries your video addresses.
• Ensure that keywords are used contextually and not overstuffed.

Time-stamped key moments and segmented content 

• Use YouTube’s chapter feature and time-stamped key moments to clearly segment your video content. This allows Google to identify and extract specific segments that are most relevant to user queries.
• Clearly label each segment with descriptive titles and keywords, making it easier for Google to understand the content of each section.

Visual clarity and high-resolution demonstrations

• Prioritize high-resolution video quality and clear visual demonstrations. 
• Ensure that your videos provide step-by-step instructions and detailed visuals that are easy to follow.
• Use close-up shots and clear annotations to highlight key details and make your demonstrations more effective.

Comprehensive and authoritative content 

• Create content that is not only informative but also authoritative and comprehensive. Provide in-depth explanations, expert insights, and data-driven evidence to support your claims.
• Establish your credibility by citing reputable sources and demonstrating your expertise in the subject matter.

Natural language question answering 

• Structure your video content to directly answer natural language questions. Anticipate the types of questions users are likely to ask and provide clear and concise answers within your video.
• Use conversational language and avoid overly technical jargon, making your content more accessible to a wider audience.

Consistent brand messaging and expertise 

• Maintain consistent brand messaging throughout your videos. This builds trust and helps Google understand who you are and what your expertise is.
• Focus on your area of expertise.

Optimize titles and descriptions 

• Even with AI Overviews, the video’s title and description are still important.
• Write compelling titles and detailed, keyword-rich descriptions. Use relevant tags.

Dig deeper: 7 video optimization tips to boost your organic reach in 2025

Examples, success stories, and AI Overview potential

Seeing these strategies in action makes all the difference. 

Here are standout brands and organizations excelling in long-form videos, video podcasts, and AI Overview optimization.

1. Adobe (Long-form tutorials and AI Overview potential)

Adobe’s 20 YouTube channels are packed with detailed tutorials on how to use their software, ranging from basic introductions to advanced techniques.

AI Overview potential

Their step-by-step tutorials on photo editing, video editing, and graphic design are prime examples of content that could be cited in AI Overviews. Their clear visual demonstrations and detailed instructions align perfectly with Google’s focus on visual explanations.

2. HubSpot (Long-form educational content and video podcasts)

HubSpot’s 11 YouTube channels offer a masterclass in long-form educational content. They regularly publish in-depth tutorials on marketing automation, SEO, and sales strategies, often exceeding 30 minutes.

Success story

Their “My First Million,” “The Next Wave,” and “Marketing Against the Grain” video podcasts on YouTube feature long-form interviews and discussions with industry leaders. 

This content has helped HubSpot establish itself as a go-to resource for marketing professionals, driving significant brand awareness and lead generation.

3. Semrush (Data-driven long-form and AI Overview optimization)

Semrush’s five YouTube channels produce long-form webinars and analysis videos that delve into SEO and digital marketing trends. 

They often present data-driven insights and actionable strategies.

AI Overview optimization

Their videos often answer specific questions related to SEO and digital marketing, making them highly relevant for AI Overviews. 

They also provide detailed transcripts and structured data, enhancing their chances of being cited.

4. Lowe’s Home Improvement (DIY long-form and AI overview potential)

This retailer’s YouTube channel creates extensive how-to videos on home improvement projects, ranging from simple repairs to complex renovations.

AI Overview potential

Lowe’s detailed step-by-step instructions and visual demonstrations are ideal for AI Overviews, particularly for queries related to DIY projects and home repairs.

5. American Medical Association (Video podcast success)

The AMA uploaded 413 videos to their YouTube channel in the last 365 days. 

Their in-depth, expert-level content got a total of 2 million views and 76,000 engagements (e.g., likes, comments, shares), according to Tubular Intelligence.

Success story

Eight video podcasts, including “AMA Update” and “Making the Rounds,” accounted for 380 of these videos, 1.9 million of their total views, and 75,300 of their total engagements. 

Video podcasts comprised 92% of their content and generated 95% of their views and 99% of their engagements. 

Key takeaways

Digital marketers should continue creating YouTube Shorts, which are now averaging over 70 billion daily views.

But just because Shorts are clocking in billions of monthly logged-in users doesn’t mean that long-form videos are as obsolete as a VCR. 

On YouTube, there’s more than one way to turn an audience into a community. 

That’s why it’s helpful to know some basic tips for long-form videos, intermediate tactics for video podcasts, and advanced techniques for AI Overviews.

Dig deeper: A guide to creating social media videos (for search and beyond)