: As feeds become inundated with automated, low-quality content (often dubbed "AI slop"), authenticity has become a premium asset. Audiences increasingly seek Employee-Generated Content (EGC) and "raw" vertical videos that feel unpolished and honest. 2. Convergence of Platforms and "Frenemy" Strategies

: To combat "subscription fatigue," 2026 has seen the return of the next-generation bundle , integrating direct-to-consumer streaming apps directly into traditional cable and internet interfaces. 3. The Shift in Discovery: Social is the New Search

The lines between traditional media, streaming, and social media have largely disappeared.

Search behavior has mutated; for many, traditional search engines are no longer the starting point for discovery.

: YouTube is pivoting toward more Netflix-style premium long-form content, while Netflix is increasing its short-form, mobile-based content to capture more advertising.

2026 M&E trends: simplicity, authenticity, and the rise of ... - EY