Why Some Agents Take Off with Video—and How You Can Too in 2026
By Emily Terrell — The Top Real Estate Coach & Speaker at Tom Ferry | The Top AI Coach in Real Estate
A few months ago, I sat across from a brand-new agent during a coaching session. She looked exhausted—not from work, but from comparison.
“I feel like every agent in my city is already crushing it with video,” she said. “And I don’t even know what to post.”
She’s not alone.
If you’re a newer agent, you’ve probably felt it too—the pressure to show up online, look confident, and somehow create content that gets attention in a crowded market.
But here’s what I told her, and what I want to tell you:
Video is not about having a big personality or expensive production.
It’s about having a plan.
And when you understand the right video types—the ones that build authority, connection, and trust—everything becomes simpler.
Let’s talk about those video types, why they matter, and how you can build a system that removes confusion and builds momentum.
Why Video Marketing Has Become the Fastest Path to Trust
Consumers used to meet agents through open houses.
Now they meet you through their feed.
Video is the only format that lets buyers and sellers:
- Hear your voice
- Experience your personality
- Understand your expertise
- Build connection before they call
That’s why video outperforms every other marketing medium.
But most agents make one mistake: they try to invent content instead of following repeatable formats that already work.
So let’s break down those formats.
The 7 Video Types Every Agent Should Rely On in 2025
These are not trends.
These are evergreen categories that work in any market.
1. The Walkthrough: Where Professionalism Meets Approachability
A walkthrough video is one of the strongest ways to demonstrate skill as a marketer. You’re not just showing a property—you’re showing competence.
Keep your narration simple and personal.
Focus on the buyer experience, not just the features.
2. The Local Guide: Your Secret SEO Advantage
Every time someone searches “moving to [city]” or “best neighborhoods in [area],” the platforms are looking for videos to recommend.
Agents who consistently post local expertise get discovered by people who are nowhere near their network—and that’s where relocation leads start.
This content positions you as the agent who knows the area from lived experience, not a sales pitch.
3. The Client Testimonial: Proof That Speaks for You
You could talk about your value all day, but nothing compares to a client saying it in their own words.
A short testimonial communicates:
- Competence
- Safety
- Results
- Humanity
You don’t need perfect production.
You need sincerity.
4. The Educational Tip: Authority in Under 60 Seconds
Short, helpful videos build recognition faster than anything else on social.
These are the videos people save, share, and return to.
Topics might include:
- Pre-listing steps
- Buyer mistakes
- Financing questions
- Offer strategies
Clear, simple education = instant trust.
5. The Behind-the-Scenes Moment: Where Connection Happens
This is the content that surprises agents the most.
People want to know who you are beyond the polished brand.
Show:
- A day preparing for showings
- Reviewing comps
- Staging work
- Meeting contractors
- The real process behind getting results
This is where clients start thinking, “I want to work with someone like this.”
6. The Market Explanation: Turning Data Into Direction
Your audience doesn’t want charts.
They want meaning.
A strong market update video helps people understand:
- What’s changing
- What that change means for them
- Whether they should wait, buy, or sell
This positions you as the thinking partner, not just the transaction coordinator.
7. The “Coming Soon” or “Just Sold” Momentum Clip
Handled correctly, these videos aren’t about bragging—they’re about educating and demonstrating your strategic approach.
Example:
“We sold this home above list price because we did three things differently…”
Education + proof creates professionalism.
The Real Problem: Agents Don’t Fail Because of Video—They Fail Because of No System
Every time I work with a struggling agent, the pattern is the same.
They are trying to create from scratch every time.
But successful agents use structure, not inspiration.
Here’s the framework I teach:
The 5-Part Weekly System for Video That Builds Momentum
1. Choose your core two weekly video types
Monday: Tip video
Friday: Walkthrough
2. Use a simple scripting formula
Hook → Three insights → CTA
3. Film with your phone
Good lighting, clear audio, simple backdrop.
4. Edit lightly
Captions, music, clean cuts. That’s it.
5. Repurpose
Post the same video to five platforms.
Visibility compounds through distribution.
How AI Makes This Easier Than Ever Before
AI does not replace your personality—it removes friction.
Here’s where to use it:
- Script starters
- Editing efficiencies
- Caption automation
- Branding templates
- Talking points for market updates
- Repurposing content across platforms
AI reduces decision fatigue so you can focus on showing up.
A Quick Story: The Agent Who Started with One Video
I worked with an agent earlier this year who spent six months thinking about video without posting anything.
We created a simple plan: one educational video per week.
That was it.
Within eight weeks, she had:
- A recognizable online presence
- A growing following
- A buyer lead from Instagram DMs
She didn’t go viral.
She went visible.
And visibility is what builds pipelines.
FAQs
What video should a new agent start with?
Short educational content or property walkthroughs. They’re simple and high-impact.
Is phone quality enough?
Yes. Clarity and storytelling matter far more than equipment.
How much should I post?
Twice a week is ideal. Once a week is enough to build presence.
What platforms matter most?
Instagram and TikTok for discovery, YouTube for depth and SEO.
How does AI help?
It speeds scripting, editing, captions, and content planning.
Final Message: You Don’t Need to Be Perfect—You Need to Be Present
Buyers and sellers don’t choose the best speaker, the best editor, or the most extroverted agent.
They choose the agent they feel they know.
Video is how they get to know you.
Start with one format.
Build your system.
Let visibility do its job.
If you want help building your video system or integrating AI tools, reach out at coachemilyterrell.com or DM me on Instagram @coachemilyterrell.