Trends in Media and Entertainment. DataArt Predictions for 2019

Photo: DataArt

This year will see further integration of new technologies, entertainment, and social media, DataArt experts predict. A key factor will be the development of 5G networks, enabling a new level of connectivity with instant access to content anytime and anywhere. This technology is expected to bolster an industry already moving toward on-demand services, potentially equating subscription revenues with advertising revenues—even in areas traditionally dominated by ads.

Personalization Will Be Key

This trend will drive the exponential growth of the value of intellectual property in media, music, and sports. While industry giants like Netflix, Amazon, Google, Facebook, and Apple will maintain their dominance, other players will need to carve out niches with well-defined products, personalized microservices, and unique offerings. This challenge may lead to increased competition or market consolidation.


The competition for market share will intensify, with technology serving as the critical tool for success. Personalization of content, as demonstrated by Netflix, will be crucial. For example, Bloomberg reported in October that Netflix`s new season of "Black Mirror" would allow viewers to decide on the storyline or ending of each episode—a concept borrowed from video games that could soon become a staple on the "silver screen."

Personalization vs. Compliance

Challenges related to data security and privacy regulations will complicate this battle. Personalization can only thrive within legal boundaries and users` willingness to share information. While technology expands the possibilities for personalization, regulations may impose limitations. Compliance becomes even more challenging with new laws that not only change legal frameworks but also impact trust between companies and consumers.

Those who overcome these challenges will be able to focus on intelligent data collection, analysis, and visualization—key factors for success in content creation, distribution, and monetization.

AI, VR, AR

Artificial intelligence is likely to play a significant role in this transformation. AI will enhance personalized advertising, content recommendations, and even content creation. Virtual assistants, combining analytical and communication skills, are emerging as promising tools for creating more personalized and human-like interactions.

Technologies like virtual and augmented reality, along with 360-degree images and videos, will further personalize experiences by enabling consumers to create virtual environments from scratch. VR and AR are already making their way into entertainment, sports, journalism, and education.

Shifting Revenue Structures

A shift in the revenue structure of the industry will be another indicator of this evolution. Historically, two-thirds of revenues came from hardware. However, as technology becomes more advanced and accessible, software is poised to take a larger share of growth. Augmented reality technologies are set to outpace virtual reality, making AR the dominant segment in the near future.