Why Our Brains Love Video
Video is Worth 1.8 Million Words
Why is video one of the most effective mediums of communication in 2024?
Our brains are hardwired to enjoy stories, and video is one of the most engaging ways to experience a story.
You’ve probably heard the saying, “A picture is worth a thousand words.” Video takes this idea a step further–1,799,000 steps further.
An interesting study by Dr. James McQuivey of Forrester Research claimed that “One minute of video is worth 1.8 million words.” The math behind this is thought-provoking, to say the least.
Here’s how it breaks down:
- McQuivey started with the idea that one picture is worth 1,000 words.
- Assuming a video is shot at 30 frames per second, then one second of video would equal 30,000 words.
- Multiply that by 60 seconds, and you arrive at 1.8 million words!
Processing Images Only Takes Your Brain Milliseconds
You might wonder how your eyes could take in that much information so quickly, but you’d be surprised to learn that research by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology shows that your brain only needs 13 milliseconds to process an image.
“You may not process every detail of every image, but we take in a lot more subconscious information than you might think. “Scientists generally accept that the human eye can process images at up to 60 fps and some studies go even higher.” (Emma Rose, Idea Rocket)
Video Activates Multiple Senses
Another reason that video is so powerful is because it activates multiple senses.
“Video content’s ability to engage audiences is rooted in its multi-sensory appeal. Unlike text, which relies solely on visual processing, video combines visuals, sound, and motion to create a more immersive experience.” (Dawn DeGuzman, The Associated Press)
Video is Engaging
You’ve probably experienced this through films or intense video footage on the news. For many people, video is more engaging, and it helps us feel more emotionally connected to the subject of the story.
So it’s clear that video is a powerful way to share the human experience, but what can you do with this information?
Consumers Want More Video
As business owners and marketers, we have the opportunity to tap into the unique potential of video to share the stories of our products and services. Plus, people already have an interest in seeing more video content from you. According to Wyzowl, 89% of consumers want to see more videos from brands in 2024.
Curious how we can help? Take a look at our portfolio to see the different ways we might be able to help your business grow with video marketing!
