As AI continues to change how people search for information online, law firms are asking an important question: Are long-form videos better than short-form videos for AI search results?
The short answer? Yes… and no.
The real answer is that both formats matter, and each plays a very specific role in how AI-powered search engines and platforms surface content.
Let’s break it down.
The Power of Short-Form Video in AI Discovery
Short-form videos—think social media clips, reels, and quick explainer videos—tend to perform exceptionally well in AI-driven discovery systems. These include social platforms and AI-assisted question searches where users are looking for fast, straightforward answers.
Why does AI like short-form video?
- High engagement rates
- Quick consumption
- Rapid feedback signals (likes, shares, comments)
All of these signals tell AI systems that the content is relevant and useful. For law firms, this makes short-form video ideal for visibility, brand awareness, and simple informational queries, such as quick legal tips or answering common questions.
Why Long-Form Video Is Stronger for AI Search & SEO
While short-form video grabs attention, long-form video is where authority is built—and Google knows it.
Long-form videos typically perform better for AI search and SEO because they:
- Provide more depth and context
- Target long-tail search queries (not just basic keywords)
- Contain richer transcripts and more relevant keywords
- Establish clearer topical authority
Search engines like Google—and the AI systems built on top of them—are better able to understand, rank, and even cite long-form content when users are searching for detailed, evergreen legal information.
For law firms, this makes long-form video especially valuable for practice area explanations, in-depth FAQs, and educational content that remains relevant over time.
So… Which Is Better? It Depends on Intent
Here’s where things get interesting: the preference for long-form video isn’t as clear-cut as it may seem.
AI search systems prioritize intent matching:
- Short-form video works best for fast answers, awareness, and discovery
- Long-form video excels at comprehensive, evergreen information and authority building
When both formats are used together, they reinforce each other.
The Winning Strategy: Use Both
In a nutshell: Yes, long-form videos are important for AI search and SEO—and so are short-form videos.
The strongest legal marketing strategies use:
- Short-form videos to attract attention and generate engagement
- Long-form videos to establish credibility, depth, and search authority
- For law firms looking to stay competitive in an AI-driven search landscape, a balanced video strategy isn’t optional—it’s essential.
Let’s Build the Right Video Strategy for Your Firm
At Strategic Alliance Marketing Group, we help law firms create smart, AI-ready content strategies that drive visibility, authority, and results.
👉 Ready to elevate your legal video marketing? Contact us today to get started.