"I've spent a lot of time looking at the comment sections on these videos actually, and it does not seem like bots. I clicked on people's profiles, these are real profiles, thousands of followers, no signs of inorganic activity. People just like it."
The 2026 Digiday Video and TV Awards finalists reflect a shift toward more immersive, audience-driven storytelling, where participation is as important as reach. Brands, publishers and agencies are embracing entertainment-first formats and designing content that extends beyond single moments, building sustained engagement across platforms.