A Look at the 2026 Video Trends that will Fuel Business Growth
- Tower View Media
- 7 days ago
- 4 min read
The start of a new year has already been and gone, which for us at Tower View Media means it’s the perfect time to reflect, review and look ahead. Our passion is helping clients tell powerful stories through video - stories that connect, convert and leave a lasting impression. With over a decade (how did that happen!) of creating corporate, education and event videos we have met some genuinely lovely people and businesses along the way, so we’re once again turning our attention to the videography trends we believe will truly matter to you in 2026.
Story-Driven Corporate Films That Build Trust
Without getting too philosophical, it’s a fascinating world we live in. The way we work, communicate and consume content is constantly evolving, and it’s happening fast. One of the most rapidly developing technologies right now is AI-generated content, and its influence is spreading across the entire creative sector, not just our inboxes or search engines.
While it’s now technically possible to create a full talking-head video using nothing more than a headshot of your CEO, a voice recording and a script, that doesn’t mean it’s what audiences want to engage with. In fact, we’re seeing a growing trend where early adopters using AI to simulate emotion are being called out, and in some cases, losing trust with their communities.
So, what does that mean for 2026?
Businesses that invest in communicating their mission, values and genuine human stories will build stronger brand loyalty and stand out more clearly in a crowded market. It’s long been understood that corporate video isn’t just a “nice to have”, it’s vital for meaningful audience engagement. And while AI content is becoming more accepted, authenticity and reality still reign supreme.
From interviews to workplace documentaries, real human storytelling will continue to be the most powerful way to bring complex ideas to life on screen.
Location-Focused Video For Local Identity
Filming on location remains a powerful way for businesses to express their unique identity.
Whether it’s a cinematic capture of Oxford’s historic quads, Exeter’s vibrant student life, or Devon’s stunning coastlines, location-specific videos help our clients stand out with both local and international audiences.
Imagine a university prospectus film that immerses future students in day-to-day campus life, or a corporate video that uses real facilities as the backdrop to tell a brand story. That sense of authenticity builds trust and it’s something that will continue to drive results in 2026.
There is Still a Place for Long-Form Content
Doomscrolling might as well be added to the dictionary by now - maybe it already has?
Short-form content has dominated the video world ever since someone on Vine pointed at a pair of shoes and yelled, “What are those?”. Audiences want information instantly; by the time you’ve read this opening, someone somewhere has probably consumed five different brands’ curated content on TikTok.
So, is long-form video dead? Simply put, no. There is still a clear and important place for long-form content in the video landscape of 2026.
One sector where we consistently see long-form video perform particularly well is higher education. Universities are increasingly investing in longer-form films to showcase course offerings, share senior leadership insight and highlight research excellence. These videos are invaluable for student recruitment, donor engagement and wider community outreach, especially when they’re optimised for SEO and embedded on key website pages.
Our work developing video stacks for organisations such as Oxford Brookes University and Help to Grow has shown that deep-dive content keeps viewers engaged for longer and significantly boosts discoverability.
Bespoke Video Stacks for Multi-Platform Reach
One single piece of filmed content doesn’t cut it anymore, and that’s exactly where the video stack concept comes in.
A core shoot can become:
a polished main video for your website
short reels for LinkedIn, TikTok, Facebook and Instagram
highlight clips for admissions campaigns
interview segments for email newsletters
This versatile approach, which we’ve implemented for clients like Ants HQ and the Queen’s Nursing Institute, extends reach and maximises ROI across channels.
Purposeful Event & Campus Coverage
Live events, graduations, open days and industry summits will continue to be fertile ground for video that drives engagement long after the day itself.
Expertly captured event footage not only documents the moment but becomes evergreen content such as:
highlight reels for social
testimonial packages for marketing
internal communication assets
By thoughtfully planning shoots and post-production workflows, brands unlock multiple stories from one shoot, which makes every production day count.
Final Thoughts
Trends will keep trending, platforms will keep changing their algorithms, and someone will probably invent a new video format we all pretend to understand for a few months. But at the heart of it, video in 2026 still comes down to the same thing it always has: people connecting with people.
Businesses that focus on telling real stories, showing real places and speaking like real humans will continue to cut through the noise. Get that right, and your video content won’t just keep up with the times, it’ll keep working for you long after the upload button’s been clicked.
Ready to future-proof your video presence and grow your business with confident storytelling? Get in touch and let’s make 2026 your most impactful year yet.
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