Brand, broadcast and digital consultant Luci Sanan shares her 2026 digital-first predictions.
The single biggest shift in digital-first production and publishing in 2026
Broadcast and digital will work more closely than ever, helped by AI-driven production efficiencies and a surge in cross-platform IP exploitation. We’re already seeing YouTube-first shows picked up for FAST, TikTok ideas becoming long-form, and creators embedded across the ecosystem.
The platform behaviour or algorithm change that will matter most
Platforms will continue prioritising retention and predictable, format-led viewing over one-off feed content. YouTube already rewards series continuity and strong watch-through more than subscriber count; TikTok is quickly moving the same way. This shift will make returning formats, longer-form storytelling and AVOD exploitation more commercially important for both digital studios and broadcasters.
Where the biggest increase in revenue will come from in 2026
Growth will come to those who stack revenue streams efficiently: digital production fees, platform ad revenue, brand partnerships, FAST exploitation, format fees and licensing whilst embracing digital change and tech efficiencies.Ancillary opportunities like events or merch will add further value where the IP warrants it. For broadcast-first teams, multi-window digital rights and companion content will continue to open new revenue channels. For advertisers, entertainment marketing ROI will come through editorially led entertainment, primarily digital-first, but there will be some landmark big streaming and linear plays; but always heavily supported by social and digital assets.
Creative formats or genres likely to break out
We’ll see more digital reinventions of legacy formats, often brand-funded, and more streamer and broadcaster acquisitions of digital-first IP. Dating formats (my fave!) will continue to thrive, with more creator-led formats reaching mainstream scale. Documentary-led digital content will also grow, as digital studios show that investigative and access-led storytelling can be delivered authentically on digital budgets.
How the relationship between broadcasters/distributors and digital-native studios will evolve
Expect significant consolidation as broadcasters and distributors acquire digital-native studios to accelerate output and safeguard their future. Legacy groups will increasingly collaborate on companion IP around tentpole shows, and workflows between digital, agency and broadcast cultures will start to merge, creating more efficient and creative partnerships.
An underestimated 2025 trend — and what it signals
The scale of YouTube’s dominance in the under-35 attention economy still isn’t fully appreciated by many traditional media owners. For distributors, AVOD is no longer a secondary window but a major long-term revenue driver. The companies that treat AVOD and digital-first distribution as core business rather than add-ons will gain the most ground.
One piece of advice for producers or creators preparing for 2026
Think in IP, not videos. Returning formats create retention, build loyal audiences and open multiple revenue streams. And for both digital and broadcast producers, collaboration is key — shared rights, shared ideas and shared resources will unlock opportunities that siloed workflows simply can’t.
