The growth of mobile video is skyrocketing and there is evidence people like longer video content too.

According to the Ooyala Q4 2013 Video Index, more than half (53%) of mobile viewers’ time was spent watching video longer than 30 minutes.

That means long form is now the main form of mobile video viewing, in terms of time.

This is a huge opportunity for Christian broadcasters.

The data is confirming what we’ve believed for a while…we need to be using all types of videos, especially long form, to engage our audiences. Why? Because someone who will watch a 30-minute video is a good indicator of high engagement.

A viewer is far more likely to accept spiritual leadership offered in a long video than someone who watches a short entertaining clip. Few people would even consider spending that amount of time if they weren’t “hooked” by the visuals and core message.

Diving deeper into Ooyala’s report, we learn that 61% of viewing time on desktops is content with a duration of 10 minutes or longer. 60% on tablets and an incredible 75% on mobiles. 31% of long form viewing on mobile is content in the 60+ minute range, rivaling connected TV’s 39%.

The largest portion of mobile phone viewing time was in the 30+ minute range and topped all but connected TV.

Breaking it down 

1. Long form content is no longer exclusive to large, stationary screens.
2. A longer video format allows for telling a compelling story, or conveying more educational oriented information, right up the alley of today’s creative Christian communicators.
3. Working with Christian syndication platforms, broadcasters can (a) gain control over the context of where their ministry programs appear; (b) ensure that a desirable audience is viewing programs; (c) have the freedom to use  whatever length makes the most sense… short features, documentaries, or full-length feature films.
4. Since long form is prevalent across all devices, there are plenty of ways to monetize the content.

We know that Millennials love the M-word. And we know that FREE streaming is big with them.

That means they could probably be invited (via social media) to watch a 30+ minute message with an “Aha” factor about following Jesus, and they will probably accept advertising as a part of the package.

Video apps, syndication platforms, and customizable content channels are the way to reach this group. What’s in your communication plan for the rest of the year?