Storytelling Marketing Statistics: Why Storytelling is So Valuable
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Storytelling has taken the marketing world by storm, and for good reason—it works! Brands that tell great stories aren’t just grabbing attention; they’re building real connections with their audience. And the numbers back it up. In this article, we’ll dive into some eye-opening storytelling statistics that show just how powerful a good narrative can be. Keep reading!
Top 8 storytelling marketing statistics
There was more than a 3x increase in the amount of U.S.-based searches for the keyword “storytelling marketing” in September 2024 compared to September 2023.
62% of B2B marketers find storytelling in content marketing effective.
Brands can see a 30% increase in conversion rates with effective storytelling.
People are 22 times more likely to remember a story-based fact.
In 2018, only 10% of content marketers had embraced brand storytelling.
92% of people want brands to create story-like ads.
20% increase in customer loyalty for brands that tell compelling brand stories.
Personal stories make up 65% of our conversations.
Storytelling content stats
43% of adults want stories to be funny. (Source: Headstream)
People like humor! When brands make us laugh, we’re more likely to remember them. If you're telling a brand story, don’t be afraid to add some lighthearted moments. A little humor can go a long way in creating a memorable and relatable brand experience.
In 2018, only 10% of content marketers had embraced brand storytelling. (Source: Skyword)
Back in 2018, brand storytelling was still relatively overlooked for most marketers. If you haven’t already embraced storytelling, you’re missing out on a powerful tool that resonates with modern audiences.
92% of people want brands to create story-like ads. (Source: Go Globe)
People don’t want to be sold to—they want to be entertained. That’s one of the reasons story-like ads are such a hit. Whether it’s through humor, emotion, or intrigue, creating an ad that tells a story can pull your audience in and leave a lasting impression.
44% of marketers say branded video stories produce the best marketing results of all video types. (Source: Content Marketing Institute)
Videos already have great engagement, but when you mix in a story, the results skyrocket. It’s not just about showing your product; it’s about connecting with your audience on a deeper level. Marketers who master branded video storytelling are seeing better engagement and higher returns.
66% of people think the most engaging brand storytelling is about regular people. (Source: Headstream)
We love seeing ourselves in stories. That’s why people connect more with brands that share real, everyday experiences. Highlighting relatable characters or situations can make your brand feel more authentic and help you resonate with your audience in a genuine way.
28% of 18-24-year-olds prioritize brand stories that are funny. (Source: Soocial)
Younger audiences love humor, and they expect it from the brands they follow. If you're targeting Gen Z, keeping things light and funny could be your ticket to engagement.
79% of marketing decision-makers from the UK said creating an emotional response was the most essential element of storytelling. (Source: Statista)
Emotions often drive action. That’s why marketers are focused on creating stories that connect on a deeper level. Whether it’s joy, empathy, or inspiration, an emotional response can transform your story from just words into a powerful experience that sticks with your audience.
62% of consumers say they are less likely to trust content if they know it was created with AI. (Source: Hootsuite)
AI-generated content might be efficient, but trust is still a big issue. With 62% of consumers saying they’re less likely to trust AI-created content, it’s clear that people crave authenticity. If you’re using AI, blending it with a human touch can help keep that trust factor strong and your audience engaged.
Value of storytelling in business
55% of consumers are more likely to remember a story than a list of facts (Source: The Brand Shop).
Stories stick with us! Over half of consumers are more likely to remember a well-told story than a bunch of facts. If you want your message to resonate long after it's shared, wrap it in a narrative that speaks to your audience's emotions.
Storytelling can increase a product’s perceived value by 30%. (Source: Search Engine Watch)
It’s amazing how powerful a story can be! When brands tell compelling stories about their products, customers are more likely to see them as valuable. Storytelling doesn't just entertain—it can actually boost how people perceive your product, increasing its worth in their eyes.
20% increase in customer loyalty for brands that tell compelling brand stories. (Source: The Brand Shop).
When brands tell stories that connect, customers stick around. A compelling brand story can lead to a 20% boost in loyalty. Why? Because storytelling builds emotional ties, making customers feel more invested in your brand and more likely to return.
In a survey of 2,000 UK adults, 15% said they would make an immediate purchase if they loved a brand’s story. (Source: Headstream)
Love a good story? So do shoppers! In the UK, 15% of adults are ready to hit “buy” the moment they connect with a brand’s narrative. That’s proof that storytelling can be a powerful tool for driving purchases—especially when your story strikes the right chord.
77% of adults in the UK think it’s a good idea for brands to tell stories. (Source: Headstream)
Most UK adults agree—brands should be telling stories! With 77% in favor, it’s clear that storytelling is an approach customers want to see more of. It’s not just about pushing products; it’s about creating a meaningful connection through narrative.
Storytelling has the potential to increase the value of products by up to 2,706%. (Source: Go Globe)
Storytelling can increase product value by a jaw-dropping 2,706%! When a product is backed by a great story, people are willing to pay more because it feels more meaningful. That’s the magic of pairing value with a compelling narrative.
People are 22 times more likely to remember a story-based fact. (Source: Stanford University)
Facts alone don’t always stick, but when they’re wrapped in a story, they become 22 times more memorable. If you’ve got key information to share, consider tying it into a story. Your audience will be much more likely to retain it.
When data is combined with a story, retention increases from 5-10% to 67%. (Source: Go Globe)
Want your audience to remember your data? Tell a story! Data retention skyrockets to 67% when it’s combined with a narrative. This just shows how much more effective storytelling is at helping people understand and remember complex information.
Branded stories increase trust and brand connection by 4%.
Even a small boost can make a big difference! Branded stories increase trust and brand connection by 4%, proving that storytelling is more than just a trend. When brands share authentic stories, they create a deeper connection with their audience, making customers more likely to trust and stick with them over time.
62% of B2B marketers find storytelling in content marketing effective. (Source: Leapmesh)
Storytelling isn't just for B2C—62% of B2B marketers agree it works wonders in content marketing too. Even in business settings, stories help create stronger, more relatable connections. If you’re in B2B and not telling stories, you’re missing out on a big opportunity.
62% of people find social media effective for storytelling. (Source: Leapmesh)
Social media is all about stories—62% of people agree it’s the perfect platform for brand storytelling. Whether it’s a video, a post, or a series of updates, social platforms allow brands to engage their audience and share narratives that capture attention and inspire action.
64% of respondents believe that telling good stories helps brands connect with customers. (Source: Headstream)
Most people agree—a good story is the bridge that connects brands with customers. When 64% of respondents believe storytelling helps brands build that connection, it’s clear that stories aren’t just for entertainment; they’re key to customer relationships.
A product-related story has 40% more of an impact on people aged 18 to 34 than traditional advertising. (Source: 5W Public Relations)
For younger audiences, stories speak louder than ads. People aged 18 to 34 are 40% more impacted by product-related stories than traditional advertising. If you’re targeting this age group, you’ll get better results by telling stories rather than just pushing a sales pitch.
92% of business leaders and data professionals agreed that data storytelling is an effective way of communicating or delivering analytics results. (Source: Exasol)
Data is powerful when told through a story—92% of business leaders and data pros agree. Whether you’re sharing analytics or insights, wrapping it in a narrative helps make the data clearer, more relatable, and easier to act on.
Brands can see a 30% increase in conversion rates with effective storytelling. (Source: Leapmesh)
Storytelling doesn’t just captivate—it converts. Brands that use storytelling effectively can see conversion rates jump by 30%. When your story resonates with your audience, they’re more likely to engage, trust, and ultimately take action.
Nonprofits that use storytelling effectively in fundraising efforts have a donor retention rate of 45% compared to 27% for organizations that don’t use storytelling.
Storytelling is a game-changer for nonprofits! Organizations that tell compelling stories retain 45% of their donors, while those that don’t are stuck at 27%. Why? Because stories create an emotional connection, making donors feel more engaged and motivated to continue supporting the cause over time.
Personal stories make up 65% of our conversations. (Source: Scientific American)
65% of our conversations are made up of personal stories. Whether it’s a funny moment or a life lesson, storytelling helps us relate to one another. This natural human tendency is exactly why brands that use storytelling feel more authentic and memorable.
Storytelling trends
There was more than a 3x increase in the amount of U.S.-based searches for the keyword “storytelling marketing” in September 2024 compared to September 2023 (1,900 vs 590). (Source: Semrush)
Storytelling in marketing is gaining serious momentum! A 300% increase in searches shows that more brands are realizing its impact. People want more than just facts—they want a story. If you haven’t tapped into storytelling marketing yet, now’s the time to start.
There was a 1.25x increase of U.S.-based searches for the keyword “ai storytelling” in September 2024 compared to September 2023 (320 vs 260). (Source: Semrush)
AI is revolutionizing how we tell stories, and a 140% jump in searches proves it's catching on. Marketers are curious about how AI can help create more personalized, engaging narratives. With AI, the possibilities are endless—think tailored content that feels like it was made just for your audience.
Data storytelling has increased by 233%. (Source: Leapmesh)
The numbers speak for themselves—people want data, but they also want it to make sense. That’s one of the reasons why data storytelling is on the rise. Turning raw data into a compelling narrative helps brands communicate insights in a way that’s engaging and easy to understand.
By 2025, data stories will be the most popular method of consuming data. (Source: Gartner)
Forget boring spreadsheets—data stories are the future! By 2025, they’ll be the go-to way to consume information. Why? Because stories help us make sense of complex data and give it meaning. If you can weave a narrative around your data, you’ll keep your audience hooked and informed.
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