Quintus Studios’ Adam Jacobs shares his 2026 digital-first outlook.
What’s the single biggest shift you expect to see in digital-first production and publishing in 2026?
An increase in lower cost, high production values long-form shows. Plus more TV talent using their own production arm to create / boost their YT offering so they’re not sitting around waiting for TV commissions! Even more YouTube channel launches from literally everyone but without the more niche genres that will really make their channel cut through the masses.
Which platform behaviour or algorithm change do you think will matter most next year, and why?
The YouTube algorithm changes all the time, so you always need to be on your toes to see what’s next. One minute your shows are seeing incredible views, watch time and making money. The next the performance all round has dipped and you need to find a new way to give them a boost. It’s an organic process that requires dedication, analysis and patience because without this, your channel will falter.
Where will your company’s biggest increase in revenue come from in 2026 – CPMs, brand spend, partnerships, new revenue models or something else?
New revenue models – we are working on several exciting projects that we haven’t announced yet but will be in Q126. Our legacy revenue streams are incredibly important to the business, but if we stand still and rely on them we will not progress further. We need to evolve to make us stand out from the crowded YouTube market which will only become more flooded, but doing so without moving too far from our core and what we have expertise in. All will be revealed soon!
What creative formats or genres do you think will break out next year?
Those that are more niche but that have a dedicated, existing community who are currently underserved. I could provide examples but then I’d be giving them away! So I won’t 🙂
How do you expect the relationship between traditional broadcasters/ distributors and digital-native studios to evolve in 2026?
The lines are blurring but next year, the walls will be down so that there is even less discrepancy between the two. Broadcasters need shows but can’t afford many full commissions. Digital studios know how to make shows that are affordable but reasonably priced. Someone needs to sell them. But what if there was already a company that does all of this already? Enter Quintus Studios – we have a channel network but also our traditional broadcast clients, we are doing our first in-house production and we are a distributor. Our original series are all long-form and all TV quality – our relationship is strong already but we can still make it rock solid in 26.
What’s one data point, trend, or move from 2025 that people are underestimating — and what does it signal?
That starting, managing and monetising a YouTube channel is not easy and is a long play. You can have the best shows in the world, but it takes time to grow, so expectations need to be managed. Is it worth starting one then? Certainly, but with the caveat that you’ll need a dedicated resource to make it successful and not be expect it to be a serious revenue stream immediately.
If you could give one piece of advice to producers or creators preparing for 2026’s digital-first landscape, what would it be?
Come and speak to us – we are nice people, do a lot of things well and always open to discussing new initiatives even if they might seem too far removed from what we do. The door is open!
