In a digital landscape ruled by rapid-fire scrolls and shrinking attention spans, long-form content might seem like a relic of the past. But the truth is, infomercials are not only alive—they’re thriving.
In 2024–2025, some of the most effective direct-to-consumer brands are driving massive results through updated infomercial formats that blend old-school storytelling with new-school digital strategy.
Whether broadcast on cable TV, streamed via OTT, or embedded in e-commerce product pages, **infomercials are converting better than ever—**and not just among older demographics. Today’s best-performing formats are strategically built for engagement, education, and ROI.
Let’s break down what’s working right now in the world of long-form product marketing.
1. The 28:30 Classic Broadcast Format (Still Winning on Cable & OTT)
Even in 2025, the traditional 28-minute, 30-second infomercial format—originally designed to fit neatly into a 30-minute broadcast slot—continues to deliver impressive results for products that require in-depth education.
Why it works:
- Built-in structure: intro, problem, solution, demo, testimonials, close
- Gives time to show transformations and repeat messaging
- Still effective for older viewers on legacy cable channels or Roku/Pluto
Who’s using it:
- Household brands like Drill Doctor, ProForm, and Total Gym
- Niche tools, health devices, and kitchen appliances
Pro tip:
Include multiple “soft closes” throughout. Don’t wait until minute 27 to ask for the sale.
2. The Modular Mini-Series Format (5–7 Minute Chapters)
This approach breaks the traditional infomercial into digestible, sequential chapters that can stand alone or play back-to-back.
Why it works:
- Performs well across YouTube, Facebook, and Amazon Video
- Lets viewers dive deeper when they’re ready—without forcing a full watch
- Easier to retarget viewers who drop off mid-funnel
Popular format structure:
- Hook + Intro
- Problem & Solution
- Demo & Features
- Testimonials & Social Proof
- Offer & Urgency
Who’s using it:
- Modern DTC brands selling supplements, gadgets, and fitness tech
- Brands targeting multi-device, mobile-first consumers
3. Live-Sell + Evergreen Hybrid (QVC Meets YouTube)
This fast-rising format mixes the energy of a live shopping experience with the longevity of evergreen infomercial content. Think live-streamed demos that get cut into permanent long-form product pages.
Why it works:
- Creates urgency and authenticity during the live window
- Offers long-term value as searchable, replayable content
- Allows for live Q&A or audience interaction, boosting conversion
Platforms:
- TikTok Shop, Amazon Live, YouTube Live, Facebook Live
- Repurposed for landing pages, email sequences, and post-click funnels
Who’s using it:
- Skincare, home fitness, kitchen, and fashion/accessory brands
- Influencer-led brands and affiliate marketers
4. The “Docu-mercial” (Story-Driven Infotainment)
This genre-bending approach mixes the depth of a documentary with the sales goals of an infomercial. It’s often emotional, educational, and highly polished—targeting trust over hype.
Why it works:
- Appeals to younger, skeptical audiences who reject “salesy” tones
- Builds an emotional arc around the why behind the product
- Ideal for health, sustainability, wellness, or mission-driven brands
Format example:
- Founder origin story
- Real customer journeys
- Problem framing through research or data
- Visual transformation over time
Who’s using it:
- Wellness, eco-friendly, and tech-for-good startups
- High-ticket items requiring strong emotional connection
5. Split-Screen & Side-by-Side Demo Formats
This classic but high-converting structure showcases before vs. after or traditional vs. new solution in real time. It’s simple, visual, and universally understood.
Why it works:
- Cuts through language and education barriers
- Maximizes attention in visual-first channels
- Reinforces product benefits through repetition
Who’s using it:
- Cleaning products, tools, kitchen gear, and cosmetic brands
- Facebook and TikTok ads that double as infomercial slices
Best practice:
Use clear labels, fast motion, and zoomed-in product use to emphasize impact. Include a voiceover but let the visuals do the heavy lifting.
Timing Insights: What Durations Are Working Best?
Length still matters—but not in the way you think. The key in 2025 is intent matching. Here’s how timing affects performance by platform and audience stage:
DurationBest ForPlatforms15–60 secondsAwareness, cold trafficTikTok, Instagram Reels1–3 minutesConsideration, retargetingYouTube pre-roll, Meta4–10 minutesEducation, warm traffic, landingYouTube, Shopify, DTC20–30 minutesDeep sell, TV/OTT, high-ticketBroadcast, Roku, CTV
Viewers will watch longer if the content justifies the time investment. If your product is simple, short may suffice. But for transformational offers, long-form still leads the funnel’s bottom.
Creative Trends to Watch
- Authentic UGC interspersed with polished footage – Adds credibility
- Founder-led narrative intros – Builds authority and story upfront
- Dynamic lower-thirds and callouts – Keeps attention visually locked
- ASMR-style product use – Especially popular in beauty and kitchen demos
- Localized versions – Subtitled and adapted for international scaling
Final Takeaway: Choose Format Based on Function
Infomercials aren’t going away—they’re evolving. In fact, the most successful product launches in 2024–2025 are backed by strategic long-form formats tailored to each channel and stage of the buyer journey.
The question isn’t whether you should use infomercial content—it’s how you structure it, where you place it, and who you build it for.
Whether you’re educating skeptics, proving a claim, or nurturing warm leads into lifelong customers, the right format can do more than sell—it can build trust, brand loyalty, and market dominance.
And in 2025, that’s the best ROI you can ask for.