Everyone is so inundated with emails, news, and AI Hype there’s little time to focus on your marketing strategy. So, to make things a little easy, we did the research for you and pulled together five video and marketing trends on the horizon for 2026. Here’s what the big brands are doing and here’s how you can use them for your business.

1. Vertical Short-Form Is the First Touch.

Short, vertical video isn’t optional anymore. It’s the introduction.

Smart brands turn one real project into multiple quick clips: problem, fix, result, behind-the-scenes, testimonial. One shoot. Multiple assets.

Brand Example: Apple uses Reels as a primary storytelling lane.

2. AI Is a Helper — Not the Hero

The brands doing this right use AI behind the scenes to move faster and create more versions. The story still feels human.

AI supports the work. It doesn’t replace it.

Brand Example: Google’s Gemini “New Home” Super Bowl spot frames AI as a practical helper for a real life moment.

3. Video Podcasts = Content Engine

One recording day can fuel weeks of content. Full episode. Short clips. Social cuts. Website embeds. Sales snippets. Consistency builds trust.

Brand Example: For this one we wanted to share an example from one of our clients. The Cuyahoga East Chamber of Commerce. We’re the production team behind a podcast series titled “Is Owning a Business a Blessing or a Curse?” To date we’ve recorded 25 full length podcasts which has been turned into over 100 short clips and social cuts.

4. Search-First “Helpful Video” Wins

Teach instead of pitch.

Short, focused answer videos that match what buyers are already searching for are outperforming generic brand videos.

Brand Example: The Home Depot runs tight “Home Basics” how-to videos designed for learning (and search).

5. AI Avatars (Used Carefully)

Not for everything.

But powerful for training, internal updates, multilingual messaging, and repetitive announcements. And we can help you record clean high-quality source material that can be used to train your very own AI avatar.

Used strategically, they increase speed without increasing production day

If you need help on your next creative project, contact us today to discuss how our expert team can help.