Hot take as we head into 2026:
More video isn’t the answer. More intentional video is.

As the year kicks off, we’ve been reflecting on how quickly the video landscape keeps shifting and what we’re seeing across projects, platforms, and workflows, here are a few shifts shaping video this year and beyond 👇

° AI has moved from curiosity to craft
The industry has gone from freaked out → curious → actively implementing.
In 2026, AI is part of the workflow. Not replacing creative thinking, but removing friction so there’s more room for it.

° Authenticity ≠ shitty
The myth that “authentic” content has to look rough is finally breaking down. Authenticity isn’t the absence of craft, it’s alignment. Sometimes that means cinematic polish. Sometimes it’s handheld. What matters is choosing the right approach intentionally.

° Smaller, more elastic teams
The differentiator isn’t size anymore; it’s experience, adaptability, and knowing when to bring in the right expertise at the right moment.

° Creative and distribution are finally talking
Performance data is informing creative decisions faster than ever. Video is less about one perfect deliverable and more about continuous evolution—testing, learning, iterating.

° Purpose-built content libraries (not content grabs)
Content libraries work best when they’re designed with intention. We’re seeing a shift away from volume plays toward systems built around audience behavior, platform context, and real-world use. Otherwise you’re left with beautiful custom stock instead of something functional.

View Kristen's LinkedIn post here.