The entertainment industry is changing fast. New technologies like generative AI are shaking up how content is made, shared, and enjoyed. This shift is driven by both audiences and the tech companies behind these innovations.
Media platforms used to mainly observe user behavior to keep people engaged. Now, they’re studying data from both audiences and creators to improve their content. This means platforms are gaining more control over storytelling. While creators still earn money and audiences enjoy low-cost entertainment, the platforms profit the most from the data they collect.
Social media and app stores are also sharing valuable insights with creators. The more data platforms provide, the more creators are encouraged to produce, giving the platforms more content to monetize.
Audiences are also encouraged to share their own content, effectively becoming creators. Tools like Meta AI, Snap AI, and YouTube’s new features help users create and share engaging content. Off-platform tools like OpenAI’s Sora and Canva are making it easier for everyone to become a creator.
Most popular social platforms are automatically opting users into data training, making it essential for creators to understand how their contributions impact AI learning. Games like Pokémon Go use player scans as data for AI models. Platforms like LinkedIn require ongoing contributions for users to maintain value badges, while offering tools from AI that can enhance audience experiences.
As platforms learn about their users, they might end up controlling both the production of synthetic content and the algorithms that determine which narratives reach audiences. It’s a crucial time for industry leaders to establish rules ensuring fair treatment for everyone involved.
Characters are quickly becoming a new medium in entertainment. Since 2019, virtual beings have been entering the scene, and by 2025, they might be standard thanks to tech advancements and consumer interest. Just like users enjoy on-demand content, they can now interact with AI characters. For example, ChatGPT users are already having conversations with characters created through simple prompts.
Recent advancements have allowed companies like Meta to create digital doubles of individuals, enabling real-time interactions. Apps like Replika let users create their own virtual AI friends that can come alive in augmented reality. These advancements mean audiences can have more engaging experiences with characters while platforms learn even more about user preferences.
With the rise of generative AI, both creators and audiences can craft interactive characters. However, easy character creation also raises concerns about unauthorized deepfakes and impersonation.
Customization is becoming a game-changer. Platforms that offer personalized experiences build audience loyalty. As generative AI evolves, customized entertainment options will expand significantly.
While long-form custom content can be expensive, short-form options are already emerging. For example, TIME AI offers chat-enabled articles where users can learn more about their interests while engaging with the content.
Brands are also eager to leverage storytelling for engagement. This drive for hyper-personalization opens doors for fans to co-create experiences with their favorite brands, from crafting customized ads to brainstorming product ideas. The potential for personalization extends to how audiences interact with digital environments, similar to Disney’s personalized character encounters.
New features on various platforms make it easier to create content across different mediums. For instance, YouTube is now stepping into podcasting, and video content is becoming essential. Successful podcasts will likely adapt to include video formats, helping them stay relevant.
Tools like Genie 2 can create playable 3D environments, while NotebookLM can turn PDFs into podcast episodes. Here’s an example of an AI-generated podcast based on this article:
AI isn’t just transforming storytelling; it’s uncovering new narratives. Projects like the Earth Species Project are using machine learning to decode animal communication, creating a new realm of storytelling possibilities. AI’s role in shedding light on untold stories is something to watch as technology continues to evolve.
