The world of video production has never evolved faster than it did in 2025. As consumer expectations shift and technology breaks new ground, video has solidified its dominance as the most engaging form of digital content. From AI-enhanced storytelling to immersive virtual experiences, 2025 brought significant transformations across the media landscape.
At BOXmedia, we’ve had a front-row seat to this exciting evolution – and we’re already looking ahead. This article breaks down the key trends that shaped 2025 and offers a forecast for what to expect in 2026, so your brand can stay ahead in a highly competitive space.
2025: A Breakthrough Year for Video Production
AI Took Centre Stage – in Creation and Post-Production
AI wasn’t just a buzzword in 2025 – it was a core component of video production workflows. From automated video editing to scriptwriting, AI tools have become indispensable.
- Script Generation: Tools like ChatGPT-Video and Sora by OpenAI assisted with ideation and rough cuts of scripts, streamlining the pre-production process.
- AI Editing Suites: Platforms powered by machine learning allowed editors to cut hours off their timelines by automating transitions, colour grading, and even sound mixing.
- Text-to-Video Tech: Text prompts generated near-final videos using AI engines, speeding up content creation for explainer videos, social media campaigns, and corporate training materials.
- BOXmedia Insight: We’ve seen clients cut post-production costs by 30–50% when incorporating AI-enhanced tools – without compromising quality.
Short-Form Video Dominated Consumer Attention
Fueled by platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts, short-form video remained king. But the format matured in 2025:
- Micro-Narratives: Brands began telling complete, impactful stories in under 60 seconds.
- Vertical-First Shooting: 9:16 aspect ratio became standard for mobile-first strategies.
- Authenticity Over Polish: Viewers preferred raw, human content over hyper-produced videos.
- Key Stat: Short-form video had the highest ROI of any video format in 2025, according to Wyzowl’s State of Video Marketing Report.
Hybrid Production Models Became the Norm
Post-pandemic, the industry leaned fully into hybrid productions – blending remote talent, virtual sets, and cloud-based editing tools.
- Virtual Collaboration: Directors remotely managed shoots via live-streamed feeds with real-time camera control.
- Cloud Post-Production: Editing, VFX, and sound design shifted to cloud platforms, enabling 24/7 collaboration across time zones.
- BOXmedia Advantage: Our remote-first production framework helped brands scale faster and reduce the carbon footprint of on-location shoots.
3D and Virtual Production Took Off
The rise of LED volume stages and Unreal Engine integration unlocked a new era of cinematic storytelling – with real-time 3D environments replacing expensive physical sets.
- Virtual Sets: Seamless blending of real and digital assets saved on travel, set design, and post-VFX.
- Motion Capture: Affordable mocap suits made animated content more accessible for marketing and gaming clients.
Interactive and Shoppable Videos Boomed
Video became more than just passive viewing – it became interactive.
- Shoppable Experiences: Viewers could click on products mid-video and buy them instantly.
- Interactive Storytelling: Brands used branching narratives where the viewer controls the outcome – perfect for e-learning and branded entertainment.
Looking Ahead: Video Production Trends to Watch in 2026
So, what’s next? Based on our internal research, client demands, and global industry shifts, here’s what to expect in 2026:
Hyper-Personalised Video Content
AI will go beyond content creation into hyper-personalisation at scale.
- Dynamic Personalisation: A single video campaign will generate thousands of versions customised to audience segments – by language, behaviour, demographics, and preferences.
- Real-Time Rendering: Expect real-time video rendering based on viewer data, especially in sectors like e-commerce, real estate, and automotive.
Volumetric Video and Holographic Experiences
The next frontier of immersive video lies in volumetric capture – creating holograms and 3D video that can be viewed on AR glasses or spatial displays.
- Spatial Content for Vision Pro and Beyond: With Apple Vision Pro, Meta Quest 4, and Samsung XR devices rolling out, demand for spatial video content will spike.
- Virtual Product Demos: 3D product walkthroughs that users can explore in real space will become standard in e-commerce and B2B sales.
Green Video Production Will Go Mainstream
As sustainability takes centre stage, more companies will prioritise eco-friendly video production practices.
- Virtual Sets vs. Physical Locations: Reducing emissions by minimising crew travel and physical build-outs.
- Green Certifications: Studios and agencies will begin offering carbon-neutral video production packages.
AI-Generated Avatars and Digital Doubles
Digital humans – indistinguishable from real ones – will be used in commercials, training, and even influencer marketing.
- Synthetic Talent: AI-generated actors can deliver brand messages in multiple languages without a live shoot.
- Voice Cloning: Brands will licence voice profiles for multilingual campaigns at a fraction of traditional dubbing costs.
Voice and Gesture Controlled Video Experiences
Video will become more immersive and intuitive. Think: Netflix meets Siri meets VR.
- Voice-Activated Navigation: Viewers will control video experiences hands-free.
- Gesture-Controlled Interfaces: Especially in AR/VR content, gestures will allow users to engage with stories in new ways.
Final Thoughts: Video Is Evolving – Are You?
As 2026 approaches, one thing is clear: video is no longer just content – it’s a dynamic experience. Brands that adapt to the new expectations of interactivity, personalisation, and immersion will be the ones that dominate attention in an increasingly crowded digital space.
At BOXmedia, we’re helping businesses, agencies, and storytellers navigate this transformation with cutting-edge video strategy, production, and distribution services. Whether you’re building a virtual set, launching an AI-powered campaign, or simply trying to future-proof your brand’s visual identity we’re here to help you lead.