This article presents 26 predictions for 2026 regarding technology and media convergence, categorized into two parts. It highlights the likely emergence of advertisements in ChatGPT to monetize its large user base, the potential IPO of Anthropic contrasting Stripe’s decision to remain private, and the increasing trend of synthetic media in platforms like Instagram and TikTok. Moreover, it discusses expected upheavals in the music industry, ticketing sector, and Hollywood related to AI, and anticipates a boom in generative media and AI-enabled services. The article concludes with predictions about pricing models shifting in SaaS and how intra-agent interactions could streamline operations. Overall, it outlines a transformative year ahead for technology, media, and business models.
| name | description | change | 10-year | driving-force | relevancy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rise of AI-Integrated Advertising | OpenAI’s ChatGPT is predicted to launch integrated advertising due to revenue needs. | Shift from subscription-based revenue to ad-based model for monetization. | AI-driven platforms may dominate advertising, creating personalized user experiences and monetization strategies. | The need for tech companies to maximize user engagement while seeking sustainable revenue streams. | 4 |
| Shift Toward Private Companies | Stripe’s decision to remain private showcases a trend in tech finance. | Transition from IPO-driven growth to a focus on acquisitions and robust private market strategies. | Less pressure on tech firms to go public may lead to a more diverse economy of private innovation. | The influx of investment capital and changes in market conditions favoring private growth. | 4 |
| AI-Generated Content Normalization | Social media feeds are expected to contain significant amounts of AI-generated content. | From mostly organic user-generated content to AI-enhanced and synthetic media making up 25% by 2026. | Content consumption regimes will include an overwhelming presence of AI-generated media, altering engagement dynamics. | Advancements in AI creativity tools fueling demand for innovative and engaging content. | 4 |
| Music Industry AI Scandal | An expected music scandal regarding an AI-created hit highlights tensions in creativity. | Shift from traditional music creation to generative AI impacting public perception and industry standards. | Debates surrounding AI and creativity could redefine what constitutes artistry in popular music. | Consumer acceptance of AI in creative processes versus traditionalist views of artistic value. | 5 |
| AI Royalties Negotiation | Hollywood unions negotiating AI royalties signals adapting to AI’s role in content creation. | From traditional talent compensation structures to new models incorporating AI contributions. | The establishment of an equitable framework for compensating creators whose works are enhanced by AI. | The necessity of adapting talent agreements to reflect evolving technological landscapes in media. | 4 |
| Emergence of Generative Media Startups | ‘Generative Media’ is poised to become a significant startup category driven by AI capabilities. | From traditional media production processes to widespread adoption and monetization of AI-generated media. | Generative media could revolutionize entertainment, education, and advertising sectors, creating vast opportunities. | Innovations in AI and creativity tools fostering new applications and business models. | 5 |
| Escalation in Anti-AI Sentiments | Growing tension between pro- and anti-AI groups illustrates a societal split on AI usage. | Shift from novelty acceptance of AI to critical debate over its implications in creativity and society. | Increased polarization could influence public policies and ethical standards around AI implementation. | Cultural and societal responses to AI’s increasing presence illustrating deeper values and beliefs. | 4 |
| Ticketing Industry Disruption | Potential regulation changes in ticketing due to public dissatisfaction with current systems. | From unregulated scalping and consumer frustration to possible bans or reform initiatives for fair access. | The ticketing landscape may see fairer practices and enhanced consumer protection measures. | Consumer demand for transparency and fairness in ticketing amid rising costs and scalping issues. | 4 |
| AI Agents Collaboration | Expectations of cooperation and interaction between AI agents suggest a new workforce dynamic. | Shifting from human-C2-agent interactions to agent-to-agent collaborations as a standard work model. | Work dynamics may drastically reshape with AI agents coordinating tasks autonomously, enhancing efficiency. | Improvements in AI communication protocols and integration into existing business processes. | 4 |
| Adoption of Usage-Based Pricing Models | Transition from fixed per-seat pricing to a flexible model based on usage reflects industry evolution. | From standardized SaaS licensing to dynamic pricing based on actual usage metrics. | Pricing models in software and services will reflect real-time usage, creating a more tailored business approach. | The need for companies to adapt pricing to consumption habits and optimize revenue generation. | 5 |
| name | description |
|---|---|
| Monetization of AI through Ads | The potential negative impact of integrating ads into AI platforms like ChatGPT, possibly degrading user experience. |
| Impact of AI on Music Industry | Social backlash and chaos expected when AI-created music is revealed, dividing public opinion on AI’s role in creativity. |
| Synthetic Content in Media | Rise of synthetic media could potentially mislead viewers and erode trust in digital content. |
| AI-Driven Changes in Ticketing | Potential upheaval in the ticketing industry could lead to unfair practices and accessibility issues for fans. |
| AI Royalties in Hollywood | Negotiations for AI royalties may create friction within the industry, affecting artist compensation and rights. |
| Agent-to-Agent Interactions | Increased reliance on AI agents for communication and task delegation could lead to job displacement and decreased human interaction. |
| Generative Media Dominance | Predicted surge in generative media may diminish human creativity and lead to a homogenized content landscape. |
| Anti-AI Sentiment and Backlash | The growing public and industry resistance against AI could hinder technological progress and innovation. |
| Economic Models Shift | Transition from per-seat pricing to usage-based models could destabilize existing business practices, affecting companies and consumers alike. |
| Zombie Unicorns Acquisition Trend | AI companies acquiring underperforming startups could lead to monopolistic practices and stifle smaller innovators. |
| name | description |
|---|---|
| Integration of Ads in AI Platforms | OpenAI will start integrating ads into ChatGPT to monetize its large user base, resembling established tech monetization strategies. |
| Private Companies Staying Private | Stripe exemplifies the trend of companies opting to remain private, influenced by strong private market conditions. |
| Increased Acquisitions in Tech | Both Stripe and Anthropic will pursue aggressive acquisition strategies to expand their market presence and capabilities. |
| Synthetic Content in Media | By 2026, 25% of social media feeds will be AI-generated content, marking a significant shift in how media is produced and consumed. |
| AI as a Creative Tool | AI will be recognized as a tool for enhancing creativity in various media forms, rather than a replacement for human creativity. |
| Tension Between Anti-AI and Pro-AI Camps in Music | A cultural divide will emerge as AI-generated music gains popularity, leading to conflicts over authenticity and creativity. |
| Reform in Ticketing Industry | Significant changes will emerge in the ticketing industry, potentially leading to new regulations and fan-centered innovations. |
| AI Royalties for Creative Work | Hollywood unions will negotiate for AI royalties, reflecting a new paradigm in talent rights amidst growing AI content generation. |
| Emergence of Generative Media Startups | Generative media will become a prominent startup category, further integrating AI with media production across formats. |
| Rise of Experience-Focused Businesses | A shift towards in-person, authentic experiences will occur as people seek real-world engagements in contrast to virtual AI solutions. |
| AI-Enabled Services Boom | A surge in AI-native business structures is expected, where firms leverage AI for operational enhancements in professional services. |
| AI Agents Collaborating with Each Other | The rise of interactions between AI agents rather than just human-agent interactions will streamline operational processes in businesses. |
| Shift to Usage-Based Pricing Models | Software pricing models will transition from per-seat to a model based on platform fees and usage, reshaping SaaS revenue dynamics. |
| name | description |
|---|---|
| Generative Media | AI models create high-quality video, audio, 3D environments, and more, enabling new forms of content creation. |
| AI-Enabled Services | Companies leveraging AI tools to enhance worker efficiency in various professional fields, like law and finance. |
| Synthetic Content in Social Media | Use of AI to generate synthetic content for social media feeds, increasing the proportion of AI-generated videos. |
| Agents as Coworkers | Utilization of AI agents working together to handle tasks and interactions, improving workplace efficiency. |
| AI Royalties for Talent | Negotiations around compensating creative talent for work involving AI-generated content in entertainment. |
| New SaaS Business Models | Transition from per-seat pricing to platform fee + usage-based pricing in software businesses. |
| AI in Music Production | AI tools used in music creation, potentially causing significant public discourse and controversy. |
| Personalized AI-generated Content | AI-generated media tailored to individual preferences or needs, including children’s shows and learning materials. |
| AI-powered Acquisitions | Companies like Anthropic use acquisitions to expand into new sectors, particularly in AI technology. |
| name | description |
|---|---|
| Monetization of AI Platforms | AI platforms like ChatGPT may pivot to ad revenue models to sustain user growth and justify expenditures. |
| IPO Trends in Tech Startups | Companies like Stripe adopt a ‘stay private forever’ approach while others like Anthropic see IPO opportunities. |
| Synthetic Content in Media | An increase in AI-generated content in social media feeds, raising questions about authenticity and value. |
| AI in Music and Entertainment | The rise of AI-created music could lead to public backlash and ethical debates within the music industry. |
| AI Royalties for Creative Talent | Negotiations over AI royalties in Hollywood may change revenue distribution models for talent. |
| Generative Media Startup Boom | Emergence of new startups focused on generative media due to advancements in high-quality content creation. |
| Real-life Experiences Demand | An increasing consumer preference for authentic, real-world experiences in response to AI advancements. |
| AI-Workforce Interactions | The rise of agents as coworkers could lead to shifts in workplace dynamics and task delegation. |
| Changes in SaaS Pricing Models | Transition from per-seat pricing to platform fee and usage-based pricing in SaaS applications. |
| Ticketing Industry Revolution | Potential regulatory changes in the ticketing industry due to ongoing public dissatisfaction over ticket pricing. |