Start 2026 as you mean to go on
If you’re planning your video marketing strategy for this year, you’re in exactly the right place. Much like we said in last year’s blog, the design and video landscape is evolving rapidly. According to a Wyzowl article, 93% of video marketers still see video as an important part of their overall strategy. It’s a slight dip from last year but still a dominant result. At DreamingFish, we’ve been working with brands and businesses across the UK (and beyond!) to create videos that truly connect with audiences and drive real results. Whether you’re a tech company looking to showcase your latest innovation or a start-up aiming to boost engagement, we’re here to walk you through what is trending right now and what you need to know to make your content stand out in 2026. Let’s dig in?
1. Short-form isn’t going anywhere — but it’s evolving
Short form videos are becoming increasingly dominant but the way they’re being used and consumed is changing. Recent research shows that most people (71%) believe videos between 30 seconds and 2 minutes are most effective, and there’s a reason for that. The way people consume content is completely different now. They’re watching between meetings, while commuting and especially during those late night scrolling sessions (we’re all guilty of!). Short-form video fits naturally into these micro moments throughout the day. Did you know that mobile viewing now accounts for the vast majority of video consumption? If your video doesn’t look good on a phone screen, you’re missing out on most of your potential audience…
Brands and businesses aren’t just posting random clips anymore, they’re building repeatable series that audiences recognise and come back for. It’s not just about posting constantly; it’s about posting cohesively. And this is something we at DreamingFish are experimenting with by kicking off our new series; Surrey Uncommon. Shameless plug but please go like and subscribe! 🔔
Platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, along with YouTube Shorts are pulling in massive engagement. It’s clear the algorithms favour quick, snappy and punchy content. Additionally, we’re seeing a much higher need of vertical and square video formats. Vertical videos have become essential for capturing attention on platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts, while square formats favour Instagram and LinkedIn. These formats aren’t just a creative experiment anymore; they’re a strategic move to meet your audience where they already are. If your target audiences are on platforms like TikTok, YouTube Shorts or Instagram, think about tailoring your content to suit their needs. Think about your framing, text placement and visual hierarchy to capture attention and engage your viewers.
2. The AI effect
Over the last few years, AI has moved from a “nice to have” to an essential part of the video production world. And in 2026, it seems like that isn’t changing any time soon. It’s estimated that 75% of marketing videos will be AI-generated or AI-assisted in 2026. Scary right? AI is becoming increasingly popular for quick turnaround edits and fast moving projects; and for good reason too. It can dramatically reduce production time, streamline repetitive tasks and help brands keep pace with the demands of always-on content. However, audiences and viewers are getting increasingly better at spotting AI and template-driven content. And, if overdone, this type of repetitive content actually runs the risk of doing more harm than good to your business. It can dilute brand identity, flatten tone of voice and create a lack of trust, especially if your brand positions itself as premium, creative or human led.
In 2026, the challenge isn’t whether to use AI, it’s how to use it correctly and responsibly. The brands and businesses seeing the most success are those using AI as a tool rather than a creative shortcut. They use it as a tool to accelerate workflows, explore ideas faster and push boundaries, not to define their creativity. At DreamingFish, we blend human creativity with the power of artificial intelligence to deliver AI video production and bespoke AI animation services that captivates your audience and drives real results. “The key is balancing tech efficiency with human authenticity, combining data, storytelling, and automation to deliver truly personalised video experiences.”
3. Bold typography and textures
While the content and formats of your videos massively matter, did you know that the visual design language you choose is just as important? In 2026, we’re seeing shifts in how videos look and feel; from their colour palettes to typography to texture. Brands and businesses are now approaching video the way they approach brand identity: with structure and intention. As every design is considered, so is every frame. Every element has a reason for being there.
Typography, in particular, has stepped into the spotlight. It’s no longer considered an afterthought or an overlay. Kinetic typography has been around forever, but this year, it’s punchier and bolder than ever; letterforms are stretching, flowing and even breaking the grid in ways that feel intentional rather than chaotic. The typefaces you choose, how they move, where they sit in the frame and how they interact with your footage, communicates as much as the words themselves. Another big design movement in 2026 is the use of texture, grain and imperfection. Creatives are moving away from the super polished, AI-slick aesthetic in favour of something that feels more handmade and ‘human’. Think torn paper textures, paint strokes, film grain, VHS overlays; analogue nostalgia is coming back! At DreamingFish, we’ve been experimenting with typography, layering and textures in our work. A bit of grain or a hand-drawn element can make all the difference in creating something memorable.
4. Live-streaming and interactive video
Much like we saw last year, live-streaming and interactive videos remain dominant in 2026. But what makes them so powerful? Well, it is one of the few ways brands and companies can interact and have real time conversations with their audiences. Whether you’re live-streaming a Q&A session, showing behind-the-scenes glimpses or teasing a new product, it provides viewers with a level of authenticity. In a world where it feels like AI is taking over, people now actively look for real human connections.
Since Facebook Live launched back in 2016, live-streaming has come a long way and the integration of interactive video is now more popular than ever. We’re seeing brands integrate clickable storylines, polls, quizzes etc directly into their video content. This kind of engagement transforms passive viewers into active participants, which drives both connection and conversion= win win.
5. Pantone’s colour of the year
After the warmth and richness of last year’s Mocha Mousse, Pantone’s 2026 colour of the year is a clear change in direction. The 2026 ‘Cloud Dancer,’ is a much lighter, calmer and softer colour. Did you know that since the programme’s launch in 1999, this is the first time they’ve gone with a white-based shade? Check out some of the companies who have collaborated with Pantone on the launch of their colour of the year; there’s even a Cloud Dancer shade for Play-Doh!
You may be wondering how this fits into the world of video, design and marketing? Well, colour psychology plays a crucial role in how audiences perceive and respond to your visual content. In such a busy and chaotic world, Cloud Dancer represents a calming and fresh influence. For your 2026 video marketing, consider how you can incorporate this sense of calm into your content. That doesn’t mean making everything white, but, it could mean leaning into softer colour palettes, cleaner compositions and more thoughtful pacing that prioritises clarity over complexity. Your viewers may appreciate the refresh!
“Similar to a blank canvas, Cloud Dancer signifies our desire for a fresh start. Peeling away layers of outmoded thinking, we open the door to new approaches. An airy white hue, PANTONE 11-4201 Cloud Dancer opens up space for creativity, allowing our imagination to drift so that new insights and bold ideas can emerge and take shape.” – Laurie Pressan, Vice President, Pantone Color Institute
Here’s to looking ahead
2026 is shaping up to be an exciting year for video production and marketing. Whether you’re looking to create stunning 3D animations, capture authentic event highlights, or short-form social content, the key is to stay flexible, keep experimenting and always put your audience first. At DreamingFish, we’re here to help bring your visions to life. From our studio in Woking, we’ve been creating impactful video content for over 10 years, providing an end-to-end production services from script to screen, covering live-action, 2D and 3D animation. Ready to level up your video content this year? Get in touch and let’s create something brilliant together.
