Top 15 Video Trends in 2026
- Laura Doman
- 8 hours ago
- 5 min read
Why speaking delivery, human presence, and smart use of AI - not polish or platforms - determine whether your videos convert.
Video is no longer optional for business visibility.
But in 2026, simply making videos isn’t enough.
Entrepreneurs, executives, and service providers are showing up on camera more than ever, and they’re asking the same question:
“Why isn’t this bringing me leads?”
The answer isn’t better lighting.
It isn’t chasing every new platform feature.
And it definitely isn’t more content for content’s sake.
The biggest video trends of 2026 point to something far more human:
People don’t connect to perfect videos. They connect to people.
Key Takeaways (read this first)
Video that generates leads in 2026 prioritizes human connection over polish
Speaking delivery now matters more than production quality
Short-form viewing behavior is shaping all platforms
Trust is built faster—and lost faster—on camera
AI works best as a support tool, not a replacement for your presence
Why Speaking Delivery Is the Foundation in Every 2026 Video Trend
Nearly every video trend shaping 2026 points to the same underlying skill: how you speak on camera.
This isn’t about scripts, platforms, or performance tricks. It’s about delivery: pace, presence, vocal variety, and how comfortable you are being seen and heard through the lens.
That’s where I specialize.
I work with entrepreneurs and executives who know what they want to say, but struggle with how it lands on camera. By borrowing proven techniques from acting and performance training, I help people speak naturally, confidently, and credibly on video, without sounding rehearsed, stiff, or “performative.”
The trends below don’t require you to become a content creator.
They require you to become more effective in how you show up when the camera is on.
The Top Video Trends for 2026
1. Attention Is Decided in the First 2–3 Seconds
Viewers decide instantly whether to stay or scroll. Not because they’re shallow, but because they’re overloaded.
Clear intent, grounded presence, and confident pacing now outperform flashy intros or overproduced hooks.
2. Speaking Delivery Is the Real Differentiator
In a sea of similar messaging, delivery is what separates watchable from skippable.
Viewers respond to:
Natural rhythm
Strategic pauses
Conversational tone
Flat delivery = skipped video.This is why delivery, not content volume or production quality, is now the strongest lever for improving video results.
"Authenticity sells more — way more." - Forbes
3. Authenticity Is No Longer Optional
Audiences can spot “performed authenticity” instantly.
What works:
Comfort being seen
Emotional presence
Ease in your body and voice
Authenticity isn’t oversharing. It’s not hiding behind polish.
4. Calm Authority Outperforms High Energy
The loudest voice no longer wins.
In a noisy digital environment, calm confidence reads as credibility, especially for executives and service providers. Measured pace beats manic enthusiasm every time.
5. Short-Form Behavior Is Shaping All Video
Even on platforms like LinkedIn and YouTube, viewers now expect:
Immediate clarity
Tight structure
Direct relevance
Short-form habits have changed how people watch everything.
“Trust is the currency of modern marketing — and video is the language that earns it.” - Ntooitive
6. Video Is the New First Sales Conversation
Your video often speaks before you do.
Viewers are deciding:
Do I trust this person?
Do they feel credible?
Do I want to talk to them?
Long before they ever click “Book a Call.”
7. Presence Beats Personality
You don’t need to be loud, big, or charismatic.
You need to be:
Present
Connected
Grounded in your message
Presence is a learnable skill, and it’s one of the most overlooked aspects of business video.
8. Thought Leadership Is Going Visual
Written authority still matters… but video accelerates trust faster.
Business leaders are using video to clarify ideas, demonstrate confidence, and establish authority quickly, often before a prospect ever reads a word.
“Authentic videos resonate more deeply with audiences, fostering trust and engagement.” - Mango Media
9. Conversational Beats Scripted
Over-scripted videos feel stiff.Under-prepared videos feel rambling.
The sweet spot:
Clear structure
Conversational delivery
A strong through-line
This is where delivery training makes the difference between sounding prepared and sounding natural.
10. Vertical Video Is the Default EVERYWHERE
People watch video on phones first:
Social feeds
Landing pages
Embedded emails
Vertical framing now feels more personal and more modern, even off social platforms.
“People remember 95% of a message delivered by video compared to 10% from text.” - Teleprompter.com
11. Trust Is Built Faster Than Ever (or not at all)
Viewers read your:
Nervous system
Comfort level
Confidence
Often before they evaluate your credentials. People decide whether to trust you based on how you speak, not what you say.
12. AI Is Raising the Value of Being Human
As AI-generated video becomes common, human nuance becomes the differentiator.
AI can’t replicate:
Emotional intelligence
Subtle timing
Genuine presence
13. Availability Beats Perfection
The most effective business videos in 2026 are:
Clear
Consistent
Human
Not flawless.
“Using video in your content marketing strategy can help humanize your brand, build trust, boost brand recognition and generate more sales leads.” - Business.com
14. Video Is Now an Authority Signal
Showing up on camera signals leadership, confidence, and willingness to be visible.
Silence increasingly signals uncertainty.
15. The Camera Rewards Those Who Understand It
The camera amplifies truth.
When you understand how to work with it, rather than perform at it, your message lands with less effort and more impact.
How AI Fits In (as a tool, not a replacement)
AI is transforming video in 2026, but not by replacing people.
AI can support your workflow - but it can’t fix delivery, presence, or connection. Those still come from the human on camera.
What AI Is Best For
Drafting scripts or talking-point outlines
Trimming, captioning, and formatting
Repurposing long videos into short clips
Audio cleanup and accessibility
What AI Should Not Replace
Your on-camera presence
Your delivery
Your authority
Your emotional connection
AI assists. You still lead.
Recommended Tools for Easy, Inexpensive Video Creation
AI-Assisted Editing & Repurposing
Descript – Edit video by editing text
Opus Clip – Turn long videos into short-form content
Pictory – Repurpose scripts or long videos quickly
Canva Video – Simple editing with AI support
AI Video Generators (Use Strategically)
Best for concept visuals, B-roll, or internal content. Not as your primary business voice:
Sora – Text-to-video for visual concepts and prototypes
Runway – Generative video plus traditional editing
Pika Labs – Short-form visual generation
Veo – Cinematic AI video generation
Best practice: Let AI support your message, not replace your face, voice, or authority.
Beginner-Friendly, Non-AI (or Light-AI) Tools
CapCut – Fast, intuitive editing
Veed.io – Simple web-based editor
DaVinci Resolve – Professional editing with optional AI features
A Smart 2026 Video Workflow (Human-First)
Use AI to outline ideas or scripts
Record yourself on camera (your phone is enough)
Use AI to trim, caption, and format
Repurpose across platforms
Let your delivery do the heavy lifting
What This Means for Your Business
If your videos aren’t generating leads, the issue is rarely:
Your camera
Your lighting
Your platform
More often, it’s speaking delivery, presence, and connection.
Video works when people feel you, not when they’re impressed by you.
Ready to Improve How You Come Across on Camera?
If you’re using video but not seeing results - or avoiding it because it feels awkward, stiff, or ineffective - the issue is rarely technical.
It’s almost always speaking delivery.
I specialize in helping entrepreneurs and executives speak with ease, authority, and authenticity on camera so their videos feel natural, credible, and worth watching.
👉 Book a consult call and let’s make sure your delivery matches the value of what you’re saying.
I'm Laura Doman, a voice & TV/film actor and video communications coach. As an actor, I create memorable characters that tell my client's stories well, from the friendly CEO to your sassy best gal pal dispensing real-world advice. As a coach, I help you become more comfortable and charismatic on camera in videos, presentations, and online appearances.
