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Are long-form editorials dead?
In a world dominated by bite-sized content—whether it’s TikTok’s quick-hit videos or tweets compressed into 280 characters—our attention spans are shrinking. Long-form editorials, once the gold standard for in-depth storytelling and analysis, now face the ultimate question:
Are they still relevant in today’s distracted digital age?
© The Red Bulletin — Tenacity and Joy introducing female footballer Trinity Rodman
A dying attention span?
Platforms like TikTok and Instagram have redefined how we consume content: fast, flashy, and fleeting. Scrolling endlessly has become second nature, and many assume readers won’t engage with content that demands more than a couple of minutes of their time.
But here’s the twist: Long-form isn’t dead—it just requires purpose.
While short-form content captures attention, long-form holds it. The key is knowing when and how to use it effectively.
Debunking the myth: "Nobody reads long articles anymore"
The belief that people no longer read long articles is simply a myth. The truth is, readers will dedicate time to content if it’s:
- Valuable – Offering insights or solutions they can’t find elsewhere.
- Engaging – Telling a story that resonates or sparks curiosity.
- In-depth – Diving deep into topics that demand exploration.
It’s not about competing with short-form content but complementing it, offering something deeper for audiences who crave more than just a quick skim.
Take Red Bull’s editorial strategy, for example.
Red Bull doesn’t just sell energy drinks—it sells an extreme sports lifestyle. Their long-form editorials, like Tenacity and Joy and Blxst Revealed, take readers on immersive journeys through in-depth interviews. These articles are packed with interviews, behind-the-scenes storytelling, and breathtaking visuals, proving that audiences will engage with long-form when the content is compelling enough.
Similarly, Danni Washington’s feature on 11th Hour Racing’s editorial platform is a prime example of long-form storytelling done right.
Washington, a science communicator and ocean advocate, was featured in the in-depth article "Meet Danni Washington: The Science Communicator on a Mission To Inspire Future Changemakers." Rather than a quick soundbite, this long-form editorial written by the editorial team at HLabs explores her journey, challenges, and impact on marine conservation. It’s proof that readers will invest time in content when it highlights personal stories, purpose-driven missions, and inspiring change.
Oh, and fun fact? HLabs built the site, too.
Why long-form still works
It builds authority 🏆
Long-form content lets you showcase expertise. Whether it’s a well-researched thought leadership piece or a compelling brand story, it establishes credibility in ways that short-form simply can’t.
Example: Publications like The New York Times and The Economist still thrive because they dive deep, providing unparalleled analysis that people trust.
It drives engagement & SEO 📈
Search engines love long-form. Studies show that articles over 1,500 words rank higher on Google and keep readers on a page longer. Well-crafted editorials encourage readers to explore more, boosting engagement and brand connection.
Example: Red Bull’s in-depth athlete profiles not only attract readers but keep them engaged, leading them to related content and videos.
It provides real value 💡
Long-form content thrives where complex stories and nuanced ideas need space to breathe. Case studies, research-based pieces, and industry deep dives answer questions that short-form content simply can’t.
Example: 11th Hour Racing doesn’t just publish updates—it provides educational content that explores the intersection of sustainability and competitive sailing, giving readers actionable insights.
When to go long?
Long-form isn’t for everything—but when used strategically, it’s powerful. Here’s when it works best:
- For complex topics – Explaining intricate ideas, research, or industry shifts.
- For rich storytelling – Narratives, case studies, and human-driven stories.
- For thought leadership – Providing expert opinions, analysis, or educational content.
What’s a Rich Text element?
The rich text element allows you to create and format headings, paragraphs, blockquotes, images, and video all in one place instead of having to add and format them individually. Just double-click and easily create content.
Static and dynamic content editing
A rich text element can be used with static or dynamic content. For static content, just drop it into any page and begin editing. For dynamic content, add a rich text field to any collection and then connect a rich text element to that field in the settings panel. Voila!
How to customize formatting for each rich text
Headings, paragraphs, blockquotes, figures, images, and figure captions can all be styled after a class is added to the rich text element using the "When inside of" nested selector system.
Pro tips for long-form success
Creating long-form content today isn’t about just writing more—it’s about writing better.
- 🖊️ Break it up – Use subheadings, visuals, and bullet points to make it easy to skim.
- ⚡ Keep it engaging – Add real-life examples, quotes, and rich storytelling.
- 🎯 Solve problems – Always ask: What does the reader want to learn from this?
The Verdict: Long-Form Isn’t Dead 💪
While short-form content grabs attention, long-form content holds it. The two formats aren’t in competition—they’re partners in a well-rounded content strategy.
In an age of fleeting distractions, long-form editorials may no longer dominate, but they’ve carved out a lasting place. The key isn’t choosing between long or short—it’s using both strategically to capture attention, deliver depth, and provide lasting value.
So, no—long-form isn’t dead. It’s just evolving.
Whether it’s deep dives, compelling storytelling, or an interview, we craft narratives that inform, inspire, and drive impact.
We’ll show ours if you share yours.
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