: Mobile consumption (accounting for 60% of stream viewing) has normalized vertical, "snackable" formats like micro-dramas and Netflix’s Fast Laughs.
: To combat deepfakes and AI "slop," 2026 has seen the rise of blockchain-based verification and invisible digital watermarking (supported by groups like the Coalition for Content Provenance and Authenticity ). Evolution of the Creator Economy Tushy.21.09.13.Jia.Episode.4.XXX.720p.mp4
2026 M&E trends: simplicity, authenticity, and the rise of ... - EY : Mobile consumption (accounting for 60% of stream
: As trust in traditional institutions hits record lows, independent journalists on platforms like Substack (which grew to over 5 million subscribers by 2025) are becoming the primary sources for credible information. The Return of "Real-Life" (The Experience Economy) - EY : As trust in traditional institutions
: Major streaming platforms are scaling back volume to focus on fewer, "marquee" releases while relying on classic library content to anchor engagement.
: High-end creators now operate with professional studio complexes and budgets that rival traditional Hollywood.
: Generative video and "synthetic celebrities" (AI-driven idols like Lil Miquela ) are moving into primetime roles, though they remain a battleground for labor and intellectual property rights.