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The Great BTN Bake (Take) Off — Top Trends for 2026: Micro-Dramas Break Out and Online Consumer Trust Tanks | Behind the Numbers

Behind the Numbers: an EMARKETER Podcast · with Jacob Bourne, Max Willens · December 12, 2025 · 37 min

Summary

This episode expertly dissects two impending shifts for 2026: the boom of micro-dramas as a new creator economy engine and the critical erosion of online consumer trust due to AI-generated content. Ecommerce operators need to understand how to leverage short-form strategic content while simultaneously mitigating the brand risk associated with a skeptical, AI-fatigued audience by prioritizing authenticity and transparent content moderation strategies.

Key takeaways

Themes

brand & contentinfluencer & creatorai & automation

Topics covered

micro-dramascreator economyai-generated contentconsumer trustonline content moderationshort-form video strategydigital marketing trends 2026brand authenticity

Episode description

On today’s podcast, we will cover a few of the takes from our Top Trends to Watch in 2026 report. Our analysts (or bakers) will compete in a Great British Bake Off style episode discussing if the micro-drama craze will mint a new generation of creators with dual support from social networks and entertainment studios, and why AI’s content takeover will shake consumer trust in the internet. Join Senior Director of Podcasts and host Marcus Johnson, along with Analyst Jacob Bourne and Principal Analyst Max Willens. Listen everywhere, and watch on YouTube and Spotify. To learn more about our research and get access to PRO+ go to EMARKETER.com Follow us on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/emarketer/ For sponsorship opportunities contact us: advertising@emarketer.com For more information visit: https://www.emarketer.com/advertise/ Have questions or just want to say hi? Drop us a line at podcast@emarketer.com For a transcript of this episode click here: https://www.emarketer.com/content/podcast-behind-numbers-great-btn-bake-take-off-top-trends-2026 © 2025 EMARKETER Campaigns take flight with Viasat Ads. Unlock access to over 250 million passengers annually across leading global airlines, with high-engagement ad formats and real-time delivery. Viasat Ads provides access to a verified audience in a captive environment, so your message reaches passengers when they are ready to engage. Join their journey with Viasat Ads.

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Frequently asked about this episode

What does this episode say about brand & content?
Investigate micro-dramas as a potential channel for authentic, short-form customer engagement and brand storytelling, considering collaboration with creators leveraging this format.
What does this episode say about influencer & creator?
Develop strategies to combat declining consumer trust by ensuring transparency in content creation and clearly distinguishing human-generated content from AI-assisted efforts.
What does this episode say about ai & automation?
Monitor the evolution of online content moderation and platform policies regarding AI-generated content, adapting your marketing and communication strategies accordingly.
What does this episode say about brand & content?
Explore new ways to establish and communicate brand authenticity and reliability to a skeptical audience, potentially by focusing on user-generated content or behind-the-scenes glimpses.
What does this episode say about brand & content?
Assess the potential for your brand to participate in the 'micro-drama' trend by creating episodic, engaging short-form video content that resonates with evolving consumer attention spans.

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