Global Scans · Media & Entertainment · Weekly Summary

• [New] By 2026, AI will move from supporting media workflows to actively orchestrating them. Digiday
• [New] In 2026, digital ads will be led by retail media. Marketplace
• [New] Retail media is expected to grow to $190 billion in 2026. Marketplace
• [New] U.S. advertisers will shell out $69.33 billion on retail media. Digiday
• [New] In the U.S., social commerce is on track to exceed $100 billion in annual sales by the mid-2020s, fueled heavily by TikTok Shop, Instagram Shopping, Facebook / Meta platforms and retail media tie-ups. The AI Innovator
• [New] The Prediction: In 2026, the collapse of big social and mass youth abandonment of mainstream platforms will force journalism and philanthropy to rebuild civic information systems around something social media no longer provides: trust, safety, and community control. Ben Werdmuller
• [New] The macro trend to end all macro trends in media revenues shows no sign of slowing: in 2026, a yet greater share of ad dollars will go to digital channels, raking in 83.7% of all revenues. The Drum
• [New] More television, more audio and more commerce media will be transacted programmatically in 2026. Digiday
• [New] In 2026, digital and social media-driven recruitment has become more than just a trend; it's an essential strategy for engaging Gen Z candidates. Elevatus
• In 2026, streaming is no longer a one-dimensional entertainment medium - it has become a dynamic commerce environment where viewers transition seamlessly from watching content to purchasing products without breaking immersion. Avenga
• By 2026, interactive streaming is emerging as a core monetization strategy rather than an experiment - and a defining feature of modern media and entertainment industry trends. Avenga
• By 2026, platforms that invest in predictive algorithms, interoperable identity layers, and cross-platform behavioral analytics will define the competitive benchmark across the media industry trends landscape. Avenga
• What differentiates 2026 from previous cycles is that growth now hinges on efficient monetization, meaningful viewer engagement, and the intelligent application of emerging technology trends in media and entertainment industry - particularly artificial intelligence. Avenga
• Global retail media, in which businesses such as grocery and big-box chains offer advertisers ways to reach consumers using customer data, will surpass television advertising revenue in 2025 for the first time, with an increase of 11.3% to $174.2 billion. MartechVibe
• In a milestone shift, global retail media is expected to surpass TV advertising in 2025, rising 11.3% to $174.2 billion, even as TV spending inches up just 0.6%. Baton Rouge Business Report
• By 2026, 25% of people will spend at least one hour per day in the metaverse for work, shopping, education, social interaction, or entertainment. Devsu
• There are so many social media marketing trends ahead going into 2026. Sprout Social
• Moving into 2026, brands need to prioritize genuine connection and storytelling, rather than blindly hopping on social media trends and chasing fleeting moments. Sprout Social
• Community management will be a key social media marketing trend in 2026. Sprout Social
• Propaganda outlets are preparing large-scale information operations alleging terrorism by the Ukrainian Armed Forces, torture of civilians, shootings of citizens, and blocking detachments, which will be actively circulated through social media, messaging apps, and controlled media. RBC-Ukraine
• Among the most dominant themed entertainment trends in 2025 and 2026 is the integration of cutting-edge technology from design and engineering to every stage of the park experience. ICM Project

Last updated: 29 December 2025