Trend Forecast: What Gen Z Will Watch in 2026
Irene Allen
Trend Forecast: What Gen Z Will Watch in 2026
The Core Pillars of Gen Z Content Consumption
Radical Authenticity and Lo-Fi Content
Community Over Content
Values-Driven and Socially Conscious Media
Format Forecast: What Will Short-Form Video Look Like in 2026?
The Rise of 'Mid-Form' Content
Immersive and Interactive Storytelling
The Creator-Audience Blur
Key Content Trends to Watch For
The 'Un-Influencer': Niche Experts and Relatable Voices
AI-Assisted and Co-Created Content
Hyper-Local and Community-Focused Stories
How Brands and Videographers Can Prepare Now
Build Community, Not Just an Audience
Embrace Experimentation and New Formats
Prioritize a Clear Brand Voice and Values
References
Trend Forecast: What Gen Z Will Watch in 2026
As the first truly digital-native generation, the content preferences of Gen Z dictate the evolution of social media. To stay relevant, brands and creators must look beyond current trends and anticipate what this influential demographic will want to watch in the coming years. This requires an understanding of their core values and how they use technology, like the AR and effects that are becoming increasingly popular. By preparing now, you can connect with a Gen Z-native Reels videographer to build a future-proof video strategy.
Think about it this way: Gen Z doesn't just consume content—they shape it. They're the ones who turned TikTok from a lip-syncing app into a cultural powerhouse. They made Instagram pivot to Reels. They're the reason every platform now has a "Stories" feature. Understanding what they'll want next isn't just smart business; it's survival.
The Core Pillars of Gen Z Content Consumption
Gen Z's viewing habits are not random; they are driven by a clear set of values that differ significantly from previous generations. These foundational pillars will continue to shape their content choices in 2026 and beyond.
Unlike millennials who grew up alongside the internet, Gen Z has never known a world without it. This fundamental difference shapes everything about how they interact with content. They don't just watch videos—they expect to participate, respond, and reshape what they see.
Radical Authenticity and Lo-Fi Content
Gen Z is tired of overly polished and curated content. They gravitate towards creators and brands that are transparent, relatable, and unfiltered. This preference for lo-fi, 'behind-the-scenes' style video is expected to grow.
Remember when everyone thought you needed expensive cameras and perfect lighting to go viral? Gen Z threw that rulebook out the window. They'd rather watch someone film on their phone in their bedroom than see another glossy, overproduced advertisement. Authenticity beats aesthetics every single time.
This shift goes deeper than just production values. Gen Z can spot fake enthusiasm from a mile away. They've grown up surrounded by advertising and have developed an almost supernatural ability to detect when someone's being genuine versus when they're putting on a show. A creator admitting they're having a bad day often gets more engagement than someone pretending everything's perfect.
By 2026, expect this trend to intensify. The most successful content will feel like FaceTime calls with friends rather than broadcast television. Mistakes won't be edited out—they'll be highlighted. Behind-the-scenes content won't be bonus material; it'll be the main event.
Community Over Content
For Gen Z, social media is a tool for connection. They are drawn to niche communities and fandoms where they can engage in two-way conversations. Brands that facilitate community rather than just broadcasting content will win their loyalty.
Think about the last time you felt truly connected to a brand or creator. Was it because of their content quality, or was it because you felt like part of something bigger? Gen Z chooses the latter every time. They don't want to be viewers; they want to be participants.
This generation treats comment sections like group chats. They create inside jokes, develop their own languages, and build genuine friendships with people they've never met in person. Smart creators don't just acknowledge this—they actively encourage it. They respond to comments, create content based on audience suggestions, and make their followers feel like co-creators rather than passive consumers.
The implications for 2026 are clear. Successful content strategies won't focus on reach or impressions. Instead, they'll measure success by the strength of the community they build. A creator with 10,000 engaged community members will outperform someone with a million passive followers.
Values-Driven and Socially Conscious Media
This generation wants to see their values reflected in the content they consume and the brands they support. They expect brands to take a stand on social and environmental issues and are quick to boycott those they deem problematic.
Gen Z doesn't separate entertainment from ethics. They want to know where their favorite creators stand on climate change, social justice, and mental health. Staying neutral isn't an option—it's seen as complicity.
But here's the catch: they can smell performative activism from across the internet. A rainbow logo during Pride Month isn't enough. They want to see consistent action, transparent communication about mistakes, and genuine commitment to making the world better. They'll fact-check your claims, investigate your supply chain, and call out hypocrisy without hesitation.
By 2026, this values-first approach will be non-negotiable. Content that doesn't align with Gen Z's worldview won't just be ignored—it'll be actively rejected. The most successful creators and brands will be those who lead with their values and back them up with action.
Format Forecast: What Will Short-Form Video Look Like in 2026?
The format of the 'Reel' or 'TikTok' is not static. It will continue to evolve based on technological advancements and changing user behavior. Looking ahead, we can expect a move towards more immersive and participatory video formats.
The Rise of 'Mid-Form' Content
While short-form video will remain popular, there's a growing appetite for slightly longer content (2-5 minutes) that allows for more depth and storytelling, blending the brevity of TikTok with the substance of YouTube.
We're already seeing the signs. TikTok extended its video length limit. Instagram Reels went from 15 seconds to 90 seconds. YouTube launched Shorts but also saw growth in 5-10 minute videos. The sweet spot is shifting.
Gen Z has proven they have the attention span for longer content—when it's worth their time. They'll binge entire Netflix series in one sitting but swipe past a boring 15-second video instantly. The key isn't length; it's engagement. They want stories that unfold, concepts that develop, and ideas that can't be compressed into a soundbite.
By 2026, expect platforms to optimize for this "mid-form" content. Videos will be long enough to tell a complete story but short enough to watch during a coffee break. Think mini-documentaries, detailed tutorials, and narrative arcs that span multiple minutes rather than multiple episodes.
Immersive and Interactive Storytelling
Gen Z wants to be part of the story. We can expect to see a rise in interactive video formats, including polls, quizzes, branching narratives, and AR experiences that allow the viewer to influence the content.
Remember Choose Your Own Adventure books? Gen Z wants that for everything. They've grown up with video games where their choices matter, and they expect the same from their video content. Passive watching feels outdated when you could be actively participating.
We're already seeing early versions of this. Instagram Stories polls, TikTok's duet feature, and YouTube's end screen choices are just the beginning. By 2026, expect full branching narratives where viewers vote on plot directions in real-time. Imagine watching a cooking video where you choose which recipe variation to follow, or a travel vlog where the audience picks the next destination.
AR will take this even further. Instead of just watching someone try on clothes, you'll be able to see how they look on your own body. Instead of watching a room makeover, you'll be able to visualize the changes in your own space. The line between content and experience will blur beyond recognition.
The Creator-Audience Blur
The line between who is a creator and who is an audience member will continue to blur. Tools that empower user-generated content, remixes, and co-creation will become central to platform experiences, making every user a potential creator.
Gen Z doesn't see a hierarchy between "creators" and "viewers." To them, everyone's a creator—some just post more than others. This democratization of content creation will accelerate dramatically by 2026.
Platforms will build this philosophy into their core features. Remixing won't be an option; it'll be expected. Every piece of content will be raw material for the next creation. The most successful videos won't be standalone pieces but starting points for community creativity.
Think about how TikTok sounds become trends, with thousands of users adding their own spin. Now imagine that concept applied to every aspect of content creation. Templates, effects, storylines, and formats will all be open-source, ready for anyone to adapt and improve.
Key Content Trends to Watch For
Based on the foundational values and format shifts, we can predict several key content trends that will resonate with Gen Z in 2026. These trends reflect a desire for more genuine, useful, and community-oriented content.
The 'Un-Influencer': Niche Experts and Relatable Voices
The era of the mega-influencer is giving way to the rise of micro-influencers and niche experts. Gen Z trusts relatable individuals with deep knowledge in a specific area (e.g., a scientist explaining climate change, a historian debunking myths) over celebrities with generic endorsements.
Picture this: You need advice about houseplants. Do you trust the celebrity with 10 million followers who just posted a #sponsored succulent pic, or the plant biology student with 50K followers who posts daily care tips? Gen Z picks the expert every time.
This shift represents a fundamental change in how influence works. It's not about follower count anymore—it's about credibility. Gen Z would rather learn guitar from someone who's been playing for 20 years than from someone famous who picked it up last month. They want cooking tips from actual chefs, not just people with pretty kitchens.
By 2026, the most influential voices won't be the loudest or most visible. They'll be the most knowledgeable and authentic. Expertise combined with relatability will be the new currency of influence. A marine biologist explaining ocean conservation from their research boat will have more impact than any celebrity PSA.
AI-Assisted and Co-Created Content
As AI video creation tools become more accessible, we will see a surge in AI-assisted content. Furthermore, 76% of Gen Z consumers are interested in receiving AI videos from brands. The most successful examples will be those where AI is used as a collaborative partner to enhance human creativity, not replace it.
Gen Z isn't afraid of AI—they're excited about it. They've grown up with Snapchat filters, Instagram effects, and TikTok's AI-powered recommendations. To them, AI isn't a threat to creativity; it's a tool to enhance it.
But here's what brands often miss: Gen Z can immediately tell when AI is being used to cut corners versus when it's being used to create something genuinely new. They'll embrace AI-generated backgrounds that transport them to impossible locations, but they'll reject AI-written scripts that feel soulless.
The sweet spot for 2026 will be human creativity augmented by AI capabilities. Think creators using AI to visualize concepts they couldn't otherwise afford to produce. Or brands using AI to personalize content for different audience segments while maintaining a human touch. The key is transparency—Gen Z appreciates knowing when and how AI is being used.
Hyper-Local and Community-Focused Stories
In a globalized digital world, there is a growing counter-trend towards localism. Content that focuses on local communities, businesses, and events can create a powerful sense of connection and belonging that resonates deeply with Gen Z viewers.
While Gen Z is globally connected, they're also deeply rooted in their local communities. They want to know about the new coffee shop downtown, the local artist making waves, or the community garden project that needs volunteers. This isn't nostalgia—it's a desire for tangible impact.
Local content offers something that global content can't: the possibility of real-world connection. When a creator highlights a local business, viewers can actually visit. When they showcase a community issue, viewers can get involved. This bridge between digital and physical worlds is incredibly powerful for a generation often accused of living entirely online.
By 2026, expect to see platforms developing better tools for local discovery and community building. The most successful creators will be those who balance global reach with local relevance. They'll use their platforms to strengthen their communities, not just build their personal brands.
How Brands and Videographers Can Prepare Now
The future of content is not something to react to; it's something to prepare for. Brands and creators who start adapting their strategies today will be best positioned to connect with the Gen Z audience of tomorrow.
Build Community, Not Just an Audience
Shift your focus from vanity metrics like follower counts to engagement metrics that reflect a real community. Foster conversations, encourage user-generated content, and create a space where your audience feels seen and heard.
Start by changing how you think about your followers. They're not numbers on a dashboard—they're individuals with stories, opinions, and creativity of their own. Your job isn't to broadcast to them; it's to create spaces where they can connect with each other.
This means responding to comments like they're text messages from friends. It means creating content based on community suggestions. It means celebrating your followers' achievements and amplifying their voices. When someone creates content inspired by yours, don't just like it—share it, discuss it, build on it.
Community building is slow work, but it's the only work that matters. A thousand engaged community members who know each other's usernames will drive more meaningful results than a million passive followers who couldn't pick your content out of a lineup.
Embrace Experimentation and New Formats
Don't be afraid to test new video formats, platforms, and technologies. Be an early adopter of interactive and immersive features. The digital landscape rewards those who are willing to innovate and take creative risks.
The biggest mistake you can make is getting comfortable. The format that works today might be obsolete tomorrow. The platform where you've built your audience might lose relevance. The only constant is change, and the only strategy is adaptation.
Start small. Try one new feature each week. Experiment with different video lengths. Test interactive elements. Play with AR filters. Not everything will work, and that's the point. Gen Z respects creators who try new things, even when they fail. They'd rather watch someone experiment and learn than see the same safe content repeated endlessly.
Document your experiments. Share what works and what doesn't. Let your audience be part of your creative process. By 2026, the creators who thrive will be those who treated the next two years as a laboratory, not a formula to perfect.
Prioritize a Clear Brand Voice and Values
In a world of fleeting trends, a strong brand identity is your anchor. Know what you stand for and communicate it consistently and authentically. This will attract a loyal Gen Z audience that connects with your brand on a deeper level than just a product or service.
Your values aren't just words on an About page—they're the filter through which you make every decision. Which trends do you jump on? Which partnerships do you accept? Which causes do you support? Gen Z is watching, and they're taking notes.
But authenticity doesn't mean perfection. In fact, acknowledging your mistakes and showing your growth journey can strengthen your connection with Gen Z audiences. They don't expect you to be flawless; they expect you to be honest. When you mess up, own it. When you learn something new, share it. When you change your mind based on new information, explain why.
By 2026, the brands and creators still standing will be those who stood for something. Not just in their content, but in their actions. Not just when it was trendy, but when it was difficult. Build that foundation now, and you'll weather whatever changes come next.
The future of content isn't just about predicting trends—it's about understanding the values and desires that drive them. Gen Z isn't just another demographic to market to. They're the architects of our digital future, and they're building a world where authenticity, community, and values matter more than metrics.
Start preparing now. Not by chasing every new platform or trend, but by building genuine connections, experimenting fearlessly, and standing firmly in your values. The content landscape of 2026 will look different than today, but these principles will remain constant. The question isn't whether you'll adapt—it's whether you'll help lead the change.
References
Like this project
Posted Jun 30, 2025
Peer into the future of content. We're forecasting the key trends and shifts in what Gen Z will be watching in 2026, and what it means for your video strategy.
Rise of the Machines: How AI is Changing Video Creation in 2025
AR, Filters & Effects: New Tricks to Level-Up Your Reels Content
Global Talent, Local Rules: A Legal Guide to Hiring International Reels Videographers
Analytics 2.0: Using AI to Predict Your Next Viral Reel
