Hello, Gen Z! Do you remember when YouTube was the big thing and you spent hours watching kitten videos, gameplays or makeup tutorials? Well, get ready! Because the digital landscape is changing faster than a viral TikTok. Video, that format that reigned for years, is losing ground to new ways of connecting, creating and consuming content.
In this digital adventure, we will explore together this seismic shift in the digital world. We will analyze the new trends that are sweeping young people and discover why video is no longer the only option (or even the best!). Get ready for an amazing journey through the future of digital content, with interviews with creators who have dared to take the leap and advice so that you too can explore new horizons.
The Reign of Video: A Look Back
Before we delve into the present, let’s take a look at the past. YouTube, the platform that revolutionized the way we consume videos, was born in 2005. Since then, it has witnessed the explosion of YouTubers, gamers, vloggers and all types of creators who found in video a way to express themselves and connect with the world. Platforms like Twitch, with its focus on video game streaming, and TikTok, with its short, addictive videos, have also conquered millions of young people. However, despite its popularity, video as a single format is starting to show its cracks.
YouTube, for example, recently implemented policy changes that affect content creators.1. One of these changes is the obligation to label videos that contain altered or synthetically generated content. This measure, although it seeks to protect users from misinformation, has generated controversy among creators, since it involves reviewing thousands of old videos and labeling them manually. Additionally, YouTube has removed the option to create “stories,” a short video format that allowed creators to share ephemeral content with their followers.2. These changes, along with growing competition from other platforms, suggest that traditional video is losing ground in the digital landscape.
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New Trends: Digital Content is Reinvented!
But the digital world doesn’t stand still, and new ways of creating and consuming content are emerging. The digital world is constantly changing. New trends emerge every moment, and young people, always at the forefront, are the first to adopt them. Here we present some of the ones that are causing a stir:
- The Rise of Audio: Dust off your headphones! Podcasts are in their moment of glory. They are perfect for listening to while you do other things, like going to school, working out, or just relaxing. In addition, they offer a wide variety of topics, from horror stories to debates about science or interviews with your favorite artists. The ability to listen to content while doing other activities has made podcasts an attractive alternative to video, especially for young people looking to optimize their time.
- Microcontents: Little Giants: In the era of immediacy, shorts are king. TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts bombard us with short, concise videos that capture our attention in seconds. Perfect for those infinite scroll moments! This trend toward brevity has impacted the way we consume content, with many young people preferring the instant gratification of short videos to the time investment required by longer videos on YouTube.
- Interactive Experiences: Get ready to immerse yourself in new worlds! Online video games and the metaverse offer immersive experiences that go beyond simple passive consumption. In these virtual spaces, you can interact with other users, create avatars, explore fantastic worlds and live incredible adventures. The metaverse, in particular, has the potential to revolutionize the way we interact with digital content, offering immersive experiences that could eclipse traditional video. The ability to interact with content and other users in real time offers a much more engaging experience than simply passive consumption of videos.
- Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR): Get ready to live experiences that blur the line between real and virtual. AR superimposes computer-generated images onto the real world through your phone or tablet, while VR immerses you in completely virtual worlds using special devices. These technologies are transforming the way we interact with content, offering more immersive and personalized experiences. Imagine being able to try on clothes virtually before purchasing, or explore a museum from the comfort of your home. The possibilities are endless!
- Artificial Intelligence (AI): AI is changing the way content is created and consumed. From generating images and text to personalizing recommendations, AI is present in more and more aspects of our digital lives. In the future, AI is likely to play an even bigger role in content creation, allowing users to generate videos, music, and even interactive stories in an automated way.
Why Does Video Lose Its Attractiveness?
If the video has been so popular, why is it losing traction among young people? Here are some possible reasons:
- Market Saturation: There are so many videos that we don’t know what to watch anymore! The amount of content available is overwhelming, and sometimes it is difficult to find something that really interests us. Market saturation has led to a decline in content quality, with many videos feeling repetitive and unoriginal.
- Lack of Originality: Many videos repeat the same formulas and fall into monotony. Young people look for fresh, innovative content that surprises them. The lack of originality has led to a decline in interest in traditional video, with many young people looking for alternatives that offer newer and more stimulating experiences.
- Preferences for More Interactive or Concise Formats: Gen Z grew up in an interactive digital world. They prefer formats that allow them to actively participate, such as video games or social networks, or short and direct content that fits their fast pace of life. Young people today have a shorter attention span and are looking for content that suits their needs.
- Digital Fatigue: Spending hours in front of a screen watching videos can be exhausting. Many young people look for alternatives that allow them to disconnect and relax, such as listening to podcasts or reading a book. Digital fatigue is a growing problem, and many young people are looking for ways to reduce their screen time.
- Search for Authenticity: Young people value authenticity and genuine connection. Many content creators have focused on building online communities where they can interact with their followers on a more personal basis. Platforms like Discord or Patreon allow creators to connect with their audience in a more intimate and authentic way.
Creators Who Dare to Explore
To better understand this paradigm shift, we have spoken to some young content creators who have decided to take the leap and explore formats beyond video.
Hannah Witton, a popular YouTuber, decided to leave the platform due to declining views and engagement, increasing expenses, and risk of burnout.3. She has focused on her podcast, where she feels she can connect with her audience in a more authentic and sustainable way. Witton is not alone in her decision. Many other content creators have left YouTube in search of platforms that offer them greater creative freedom, better economic conditions, and a more genuine connection with their audience.
Alternatives to Video: A World of Possibilities!
Video is no longer the only option to connect with your audience. There are many alternatives that allow you to express yourself, share your ideas and build a community. Here we present some:
| Format | Description |
|---|---|
| Podcasts | Create your own audio program and share your knowledge, experiences or stories with the world. |
| Blogs | Write articles, reviews or tutorials on topics you are passionate about. |
| Newsletters | Send regular emails with exclusive content to your subscribers. |
| Online communities | Create a group on Facebook, Discord, or Reddit to connect with people who share your interests. |
| Live streaming the audio: | Interact with your audience in real time through platforms like Clubhouse or Twitter Spaces. |
| Creative writing: | Share your stories, poems or essays on platforms like Wattpad or Medium. |
| Creation of online courses: | Share your knowledge and skills through platforms such as Udemy or Coursera. |
Tips for Creators: Adapt to Change!
If you are a content creator, don’t worry. Change can be an opportunity to grow and reinvent yourself. Here we leave you some tips to adapt to new trends:
- Experiment with new formats: Don’t limit yourself to video. Try podcasts, blogs, newsletters or any other format that catches your attention.
- Interact with your audience: Respond to comments, ask questions, and create content that encourages engagement.
- Be authentic: Share your voice and your vision of the world. Don’t try to imitate others, find your own style.
- Stay updated: The digital world is constantly evolving. Find out about new trends and adapt to them.
- Innovate inside the video: If you are passionate about video, don’t give up! Look for new ways to connect with your audience. Experiment with interactive elements, new editing styles, or create specialized content for a specific community.
- Diversify your platforms: Don’t limit yourself to just one platform. Explore different options and find the ones that best suit your content and your audience.
- Build a community: Create a space where your followers can connect with each other and with you. Encourage participation and create a sense of belonging.
- Prioritize quality over quantity: In a world saturated with content, quality is more important than ever. Create original, well-produced content that provides value to your audience.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment: The digital world is constantly changing, so don’t be afraid to try new things and adapt to new trends.
Conclusions: The Future of Digital Content is Diverse!
Video is still a powerful tool, but it’s no longer the only option. Young people are looking for more interactive experiences, more concise content and formats that adapt to their lifestyle. The future of digital content is diverse, and the creators who know how to adapt to this new landscape will be the ones who succeed. The future of digital content is in your hands. Explore, create, and share your voice with the world!
Sources cited
1. YouTube Altered Content Policy Does NOT Apply To Prior Videos, acceso: febrero 12, 2025, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lK9yZVxRa48
2. YouTube’s Advanced Features Update: How to Avoid Losing Access, acceso: febrero 12, 2025, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JM6wAH2VOcM
3. YouTube’s OG creators have left: What’s next for the platform? – CORQ, acceso: febrero 12, 2025, https://corq.studio/insights/youtubes-og-creators-have-left/
