There’s been a notable rise in AI-generated content over the last year, with the technology now capable of creating highly realistic videos. People are finding it harder than ever to tell the difference between what’s real and what’s been AI-generated, and many are not happy about this new reality.
In fact, it has led to a shift towards people consuming content that’s much simpler than ever, with many single-camera influencers finding success in 2025. This trend is likely to continue in 2026, with low-production, human-led videos outperforming glossy AI-generated content.
Consumers Looking for Alternatives to AI-Generated Content
Although AI has been hailed as the future and the next major disruptive technology, it’s clear that some fatigue is already setting in. This is especially true with AI-generated videos, which temporarily flooded the YouTube and TikTok algorithms in 2024. There was a brief trend of glossy videos with quick cuts and AI-generated voiceovers, but these faded away after YouTube implemented new policies to demonetise low-effort content with AI narrations.
The shift in 2025 was towards content that felt more grounded and human. This would often come in the form of simple video recordings of one person with a camera phone or GoPro, documenting their lives. Food vlogs and travel videos have been highly successful, as have videos of people simply giving advice on certain topics. Podcasts have continued to grow in stature, thanks to short clips of them being shared on video platforms and helping to drum up interest.
Human Connection is Still Highly Valued
A lot of futurists believe that, as AI’s influence over the online world grows, people will actively search for human connection. That means that people who create authentic content online have the chance to be successful in 2026 and beyond.
This concept of connecting people through the screen is nothing new. Live streaming blew up way before AI came along, purely because it emerged as the best way for people to interact with real-world experiences online. Online casino developers found that it was a great way to transmit table games to players, giving them the sense that they were playing in a real casino. Now, blackjack online features various live options with real-world dealers, including Lightning Blackjack and Free Bet Blackjack.
Live streaming was one of the biggest upgrades that ever happened to Facebook as well, with users of the platform able to share live videos and have people comment on them in real time. Facebook Live had more than 800 million daily users at its peak, highlighting how many people enjoyed this format.
Content creators who live stream to their audiences can encourage connection and interact with them in real time, but there are other ways to do this with short-form content as well. For example, some creators make short videos based on comments that fans have posted on their past content. This still fosters a human connection but allows people to discover the videos and the creators in their own time.
AI will still have an impact on video streaming platforms, but human content creators who have their face on camera are likely to continue capturing attention. The beauty of this content is that it’s genuine and gives people a way to connect with other humans online.