The Impact of Short-Form Videos on E-Commerce Sales in Vietnam

Table of contents
Khai Huynh
February 3, 2025
digital marketing
Social Media
E-commerce
TikTok

Short-form videos are revolutionizing e-commerce, blending entertainment and shopping seamlessly. Platforms like TikTok, YouTube Shorts, and Instagram Reels have emerged as dynamic tools for brands to engage consumers and drive sales. Vietnam, a burgeoning e-commerce market, is no exception, with local and international brands leveraging these platforms to capture audiences and boost revenues.

Why Short-Form Videos Matter in E-Commerce

Short-form videos are typically 15-60 seconds long, making them perfect for grabbing attention in a digital world of dwindling attention spans. According to a survey by DataReportal, over 93% of Vietnamese internet users aged 16-64 watch online videos weekly, with TikTok being a leading platform. These videos thrive on engagement and relatability, fostering impulse buying and brand loyalty.

Key Insight:

  • 2.5x more engagement: Short-form videos receive higher interaction rates than traditional content formats. (Techjury)

Case Studies from Vietnam

1. Biti's Hunter – Local Brand Adapting to Trends

Biti’s Hunter, a Vietnamese footwear brand, capitalized on TikTok’s short-form content by launching viral hashtag challenges like #StepForwardVietnam, encouraging user-generated content. This campaign brought a 51% increase in online sales compared to the last 4 weeks, 195% increase in messages to owned channels, more than 6 million in engagement, and 33 million in reach, according to Dentsu Redder Vietnam - the collaborator of Biti’s in this campaign. The interactive nature of the campaign enabled Biti’s Hunter to strengthen its connection with younger consumers.

Source: Dentsu Redder Vietnam: Biti's

2. Poloman’s success using KOL/KOC strategies on TikTok

Poloman, a Vietnamese fashion brand, leveraged TikTok’s viral potential through the hashtag challenge #PolomanStyle, which encouraged users to creatively showcase their outfits. This campaign led to a 45% increase in online sales, 5.8 million engagements, a reach of 28 million viewers, and a 170% surge in website traffic, most of which came from TikTok. By tapping into Gen Z’s love for self-expression and engaging content, Poloman successfully positioned itself as a trendy, youth-focused brand in Vietnam’s competitive fashion market.

Source: GMA

Top Product Categories on Short-Form Video Platforms

  1. Fashion: Short-form videos allow brands to showcase their products in real-life contexts. For example, pairing outfits or styling tips drives consumer interest. Fashion accounts for 22.8% of TikTok Shop's GMV in Vietnam.
  2. Beauty and Personal Care: Tutorials, customer reviews, and before-and-after transformations dominate this category. Brands like Some By Mi showcase their skincare products in engaging and relatable ways, fueling consumer trust and boosting conversions.
  3. Home Supplies: Representing 4.13% of TikTok Shop's GMV globally, home supplies and appliances gain traction through viral "life hack" videos and live showcases. Products like portable blenders and mini air fryers succeed due to their affordability and practical appeal.

Read more: TikTok Shop: The Best and Worst Product Categories for Sales Success

Barriers and Opportunities for Growth

While short-form videos excel at promoting affordable and visually engaging products, high-end electronics and generic home goods face challenges. These products often require detailed explanations and customer trust, which the format struggles to convey. However, with emerging trends like augmented reality (AR), brands could potentially bridge this gap, offering virtual demonstrations that make even complex products accessible.

Read more: TikTok Shop: The Best and Worst Product Categories for Sales Success

Future of Short-Form Video in Vietnam

The influence of short-form videos in Vietnam’s e-commerce market is set to grow. As platforms enhance their features—like TikTok’s "Shop Now" and AI-driven personalization—brands will have more tools to connect with audiences. Local brands, particularly those in fashion and beauty, will likely dominate by aligning with cultural trends and leveraging Vietnam’s vibrant creator economy.

Conclusion

Short-form videos are not just a passing trend—they are reshaping e-commerce strategies globally and in Vietnam. From engaging content to measurable sales results, their impact is undeniable. For brands, the message is clear: adapt to this format or risk being left behind in an ever-competitive digital landscape.

In the near future, short-form videos could evolve into the default marketing strategy for most e-commerce brands. With increasing smartphone penetration and internet access, these videos are poised to shape the next era of digital commerce in Vietnam.