@emmieo You will find sitters who will not confirm a sit without a video. I’ve been on the site for many years as a sitter and only once have I made an exception and went with just a phone call and additional photos.
Where you are located in Ontario, Canada, and wanting sitters for Christmas may have affected your low application rate. Many sitters are looking to escape colder weather for warmer climates. Also some sitters are more hesitant these days to do international sits.
I suggest you add your listing to your forum profile so that forum members can offer suggestions to perhaps improve your listing.