Four Viewer Trends That Will Define TV And Streaming In 2026
For those building entertainment technology, the key is shielding viewers from complexity and letting them settle into a lean-back, low-friction experience.
www.forbes.comInteractive formats are expanding with viewers action-ready TV experiences, driven by creator-led ads and personalized content. AI features and 4K/8K streaming driving smart TV apps toward seamless multi-device experiences, while bundles and ease of use remain key to retention in 2026. New platforms aim to integrate AI tools and immersive features, shaping a more dynamic, user-centric TV app ecosystem. Those trends were seen at early industry events, attending major showcases, was seen at conferences, and driven rapid benchmarking across devices. Shoppable formats and action-ready content continue to redefine engagement. Smart TV apps offer bundles for retention and ease of use as a central feature. AI tools are shaping discovery and immersive experiences, accelerating a user-centric TV landscape. Multi-device compatibility remains essential for cross-device viewing and sync.