The entertainment industry as we know it is changing every day. The lines between gaming, TV, film, streaming and social media are all converging and new business models are emerging. We look at some of the trends shaping the content we love.

We’re in an always on, hyper-connected era where information and trends are developing so fast that you’ll probably get left behind if you’re not chronically online. Music, movie and gaming content all live in the cloud rather than on shelves and talented artists, musicians and creators are emerging from the unlikeliest places.

So what’s going on? We get to the bottom of the trends shaping the content we love.

Stream like you mean it

Think about all the music, TV series, games and movies you’ve enjoyed over the last few years. Chances are it was all thanks to streaming. What you may not be aware of is that we are in the middle of the “streaming wars”. Giants in the industry such as Amazon, Netflix, Apple, YouTube and Disney are all competing for your attention – each offering a buffet of entertainment options to fit any mood you’re in and doing their best to stand out from the rest. In South Africa, we’re also spoiled with great homegrown entertainment on Showmax. We’ve never had more choice and you’ll need the best uncapped data plan to keep you connected to all the action.

What you may not be aware of is that we are in the middle of the “streaming wars”. Giants in the industry such as Amazon, Netflix, Apple, YouTube and Disney are all competing for your attention – each offering a buffet of entertainment options to fit any mood you’re in and doing their best to stand out from the rest.

In South Africa, we’re also spoiled with great homegrown entertainment on Showmax. We’ve never had more choice and you’ll need the best uncapped data plan to keep you connected to all the action.

In the game

Once upon a time, gaming was its own separate thing. But today, the line between gaming and other forms of entertainment is becoming harder to see. Games like Fortnite and Roblox are no longer just about playing – they’re social platforms where people hang out, attend virtual concerts, and even watch movies. Fortnite hosted a live Travis Scott concert in 2020 that was attended by millions, showing how gaming is starting to merge with music and live events.

Even Netflix has experimented with interactive shows like Black Mirror: Bandersnatch, where you can choose the storyline, similar to how you make decisions in a video game. This crossover between gaming and TV is a trend we’ll be seeing a lot more of.

Social media is the new TV

It’s no longer just about consuming content, it’s about creating and interacting with it too. Platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram have surpassed the usual TV show in becoming the new “channels” where short-form videos dominate. TikTok is leading the way, giving content creators a platform where user-generated content can set trends and earn them an income at the same time. Entire shows are now designed with social media in mind, using short clips that go viral, boosting their popularity.

In fact, TikTok has even started creating its own original content. The way people binge-watch TV shows is evolving, too. With so many creators making series-style content on social media, you can binge-watch episodes of your favourite influencer’s life just like you would a Netflix series.

Let’s make it personal

Personalisation is everything. Platforms like Netflix and Spotify have figured out how to recommend exactly what you want to watch or listen to, based on your habits. It feels like the entertainment you enjoy is being created just for you.

But it's not just about passive watching anymore. Entertainment is becoming more interactive. Think of the rise of live streams on platforms like Twitch, where you can interact with the person you’re watching in real time. Live-streaming adds a social element that “normal” TV can’t offer.

What about the money?

Subscription services like Netflix and Disney+ have already changed how we enjoy content, but new models are starting to pop up, blending free content with paid experiences. For example, YouTube offers free videos with ads, but also has YouTube Premium for an ad-free experience. Some platforms are experimenting with tiered subscriptions, offering exclusive content or perks for a price. In the US, Netflix introduced a cheaper plan that includes ad breaks during TV series and movies, which is a return to the way traditional TV generates revenue.

Even in gaming, the business model has changed. Free-to-play games like Fortnite and Candy Crush make their money through in-game purchases, allowing players to buy skins, emotes, boosters and other digital items.

So, what’s next?

The future of entertainment is going to be more connected and interactive than ever. With virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR)  becoming more mainstream, we’re on the verge of even more immersive experiences. Imagine being able to step inside a movie or a concert from your bedroom. This reality is not far off.

The content you love is more connected, immersive, and personalised than ever before. And the best part? It’s just getting started