So, you're looking to get ahead of the video production game in 2025?
You want to know the latest in it's innovation and technology, ultimately, so your skills can grow & you can attract clients looking to market themselves a the cutting edge? Well, you've landed on the right blog post - as that's exactly what I'm going to tell you, along with a few of my opinions/predictions on whether I think these will just be 'fads' or not.
But first, why should you listen to me? Well, my name is Stokely, I'm the owner of 'Videographer Life', but also I'm the owner of the global video production company, Trendy Grandad. Believe it or not, and it makes me feel very old as I write this but I've been in the video agency game for over a decade now. Each year I see new 'trends', some stand the test of time & some come and go before you get a chance to explore them properly.
Over the last year, Ai has probably come up more times than you can imagine. Some industry skeptics might be looking for career changes as it's going to 'take our jobs' whereas others are embracing & for some, even making money from it. Like me for example, this blog post was entirely written by ai. Joking! I don't think Ai could replicate the amount of grammatical errors that are in my blog writing skills.
Anyway, lets get into the real reason as to why you searched in Google 'Top video production trends in 2025' or something along those lines.
Number One - The Decline of User Generated Content
As a professional videographer or creative, you're probably thinking 'praise the lord' I hope this actually happens and there is more work for me by the end of it. Well, let me tell you why I think this is probably one of the biggest video production trends we'll see in 2025. Like I said before, in my very comprehensive introduction (Did you read it?) I have been in the industry for quite some time now and trends come and go almost like they are on some sort of merry-go-round.
At the moment, User-Generated Content is at the peak of the circle and what's goes, must come down. I think that's the right saying? Anyway, i've seen it time and time again with other video trends such as handheld camera, quick transitions, using photographer in video edits, faster and faster edits. They all have their time and then they go again as the next thing takes over.
Although, yes UGC is cheaper & faster to make, brands & businesses are slowly starting to understand that they can't just heavily rely on that one source of content creation and editing style anymore. Audiences will get bored. Each style of content has it's place and at the moment User Generated Content is at it's peak.
Here are some examples of the types of content and why it's needed;
- Cinematic Content = Needed to increase brand equity
- Live Streaming = Needed to physically connect with customers
- User Generated Content = Needed to fuel the social media beast 'on the daily' (Apparently that's a hip saying nowadays?)
- Interactive Video = Needed to help customers feel included in the brands or business
- Long Form Video = Needed to increase brand equity, retain audiences for longer & fully immerse audiences
Brands, businesses and marketeers need to understand that's it's variety that consumers & customers want. Not the same of one thing and as I said, unfortunately because UGC is quick, dirty & cheap most people who create content and weigh too heavily.
Number Two - Vertical Video Increasing Popularity
Look, as a videographer myself, I get it. Filming for a vertical orientation KILLS me. It feels squashed and it's harder to create a more cinematic shot. Even with all the tools we have in our arsenal and the fact that we can film in 4k, 6k and even 8k nowadays it still feels painful when a clients asked for it only to be in portrait or we have to cut our beautiful landscape film in portrait.
However, I think if we fight this, we are just going to be fighting a losing battle. Everywhere I look I see evidence that the demand for vertical video is going to increase. I look at my own website, mobile traffic is 80%. The chances of you reading this on your phone are high. Digital billboards are everywhere. TikTok is booming every year. I even predict that soon films and tv shows will be entirely in vertical format - how crazy would that be! The fact is, vertical video is everywhere and we as video production people need to understand that and more than anywhere we need to embrace the reality of it!
So, how do we take the 'embracing' approach when it comes to our own content creation? Well, ofcourse there is offering it as a service, but my advice would be to proactively push it - suggest it to clients first, say that you're a social-first video production company, have loads of vertical video examples on your website - just embrace it & trust me, it's not going away!
Number Three - Drone Filming Becoming Expected
There was a time where drone filming was only a 'drone operators' job and in some cases, it still is. But in some, it's definitely becoming more and more expected. Us videographers are expected to be blooming go-go-gadget sometimes and well, it's tricky sometimes!
Shoot vertical and landscape, get video for TikTok, take photos and drone footage - all in one day with one person? Sure thing. I've been there and frankly, it's the recipe for a stressful shoot.
However, the reason why so many drone schools are booming at the moment is because telling clients in your sales pitch that they can have access to your drone operating skills is helping videographers win pitches over others. The collaboration between a solo videographer and drone operator is dwindling, and I'm unsure whether it's a good thing or not to be honest!
The cost of becoming fully licensed for commercial filming and buying a drone is maybe around £3500-£5000 nowadays, compared to 10 years ago where it was pretty much triple that. This is what is driving the 'drone filming becoming expected' trend in 2025.
So, what should you do? Well, ofcourse you need to weigh up your options. Firstly, consider if your conversion rate will increase because you can offer drone filming in your quotes. Then calculate how much it will cost you. Then calcuate how many jobs you will need using the drone to make your money back and start making a profit. Make sure to forecast how long this will take you. Now look a the other option, which is incorporating/baking the cost of a freelance drone operator into your quotes. Ofcourse option B will be the cheaper option initially, but if it only takes you 6-9 months to get your money back then Option A is most likely a better investment. Think about the mid-long term here.
Number Four - AI Video Editing Benefiting Us More Than Anyone Else
Well, I couldn't write an article about 2025 video production trends without mentioning AI could I? Listen, you're just as sick of hearing about it as I am, but here is why I think it's going to benefit us videographers and our distribution capabilities more than our clients.
The first reason is trust.
Clients trust us as their creative resource and if we're using software to enhance their creative process, that's great because they trust us. But what they don't trust is if they did it themselves. People don't want that responsibility on their plate as they don't want the mental strain.
The second reason is time.
Similar to first reason, our clients don't have the time to use AI in their video editing fandangos. They are busy people and that's why they pay us to edit and create for them.
The third reason is effort.
Secondly, is effort. Learning how to use AI to enhance your video editing takes a lot of effort, if you've got the cash and limited time it's much easier to just pay someone to do your video editing, whether their using AI or not & then it land in your frame.io folder ready to download and post.
So, in conclusion, this is why I don't think we should fight against AI video editing, if you've used it in some fashion in recent months you'll probably understand that it will massively improve every aspect of your video content and storytelling. From using ChatGPT to help you with scripts, to using AI colour grading tools, AI in multicam syncing, video personalisation, immersive video editing and podcast editing. It's like an assistant. We are always crying out for help with video production! Embrace the Ai video editing platforms and I promise you, life will get far easier!
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Number Five - Content Creation Barrier To Entry Lowering Even More
Well, unfortunately, for us creatives in many sectors and niches, the use for our fancy cameras, lights and audio is dwindling away because the barrier to entry for video production companies, professional photographers and professional creatives is becoming lower. I'm not saying that the demand is lowering, because that's certainly not the case. But because of the rise of the truly innovative technology in cameras, phones and AI it's becoming far easier for the 'average joe' to film something half decent and call themselves a videographer.
The problem lies within these 4 facts;
1. Cameras are cheaper.
2. Cameras are smarter
3. The demand for high creative production is declining.
4. AI automation is increasing.
You see, when all of these happen, the barrier to entry for content creation lowers. The skeptic would say 'they are taking our jobs' and will automatically blame. However, in my opinion, that's the wrong outlook to have. You can't stop what's happening, so instead of sitting back and moaning that 'ai is coming for us' and 'I will only film high-production landscape video as that's my craft' think about how you can adapt, change and evolve your skills in different ways to make money. How can you use what's happening for you, rather than against you?
Still not understanding what I'm saying? Here is an example of what happened to me and how I evolved my company to change, twice in fact. The first was about 4 years my video production company, Trendy Grandad, was 95% working in the hospitality industry. The cold happened & killed our clientele overnight. We lost most of our forecasted revenue and didn't know what to do. We didn't moan about it as it was out of our control, so we shifted our sector and started reaching out to ecommerce brands. Ecom brands thrived off covid as online spending boomed. 2 years later we had to shift our sector again, because of the rise of the value of UGC. Our whole proposition was based on our video engagement, outperforming our clients in their paid social media advertising, but ultimately, what happened was the UGC creative become far cheaper for the brands to create it in-house & suddenly we found we were competing against a losing battle. So we had to shift again. I have a saying that I live by. If you're on a sinking ship, you need to find a new ship, repair your shop or build a new ship. Adapt or die.
Number Six - Live Streaming Soaring Into The Stratosphere
Live streaming is a powerful tool that’s transforming the way creators connect with their audience. It’s like taking your video marketing to the next level by creating virtual, real-time experiences that feel personal and impactful. Whether it’s a product launch or a behind-the-scenes look at your process, live videos give viewers a sense of being part of the moment, building trust and engagement. Platforms like YouTube have made it easier than ever to deliver high-quality streams that leave a lasting impact. From boosting results to gaining valuable insights about your audience, live streaming is a success story waiting to happen.
So yeah, Live Streaming is booming. If you're not offering it as a service already then I would recommend doing so - even if it's just on social media!
Number Seven - (HFR) High Frame Rate Rocketing!
High frame rate (HFR) content is making waves in video marketing by delivering ultra-smooth visuals that grab viewers’ attention. Shooting videos at 60fps or higher adds an unmatched quality to your projects, especially for creators looking to stand out on platforms like YouTube. It’s a virtual way to elevate action shots, sports clips, or any dynamic content where precision matters. The results speak for themselves—HFR enhances the viewing experience, creating a professional impact that keeps audiences coming back for more. When it comes to insights into success, HFR is the secret weapon for making your content shine.
Number Eight - Interactive videos are on the up even more!
Yes yes, it's happening as we predicted - Interactive videos are taking the spotlight as one of the most exciting formats in video marketing, and for good reason—they transform passive viewing into an engaging, dynamic experience. These videos let users take the reins, whether it’s choosing the direction of a story, exploring products in a virtual showroom, or even playing mini-games within the video itself. It’s creativity at its finest, offering brands and creators an opportunity to build deeper connections with their audience in a way that traditional videos just can’t match.
The role of interactive videos is growing, especially for events, product launches, or even fun campaigns featuring influencers, pets, or animals (because let’s face it, who doesn’t love a good cat cameo?). They’re perfect for showcasing products in a way that feels immersive and personal, giving viewers the power to explore and learn at their own pace.
But it doesn’t stop there. Interactive videos are also an incredible way to advertise. Imagine a pet food brand creating an interactive video where users can "choose their pet’s meal," or an influencer hosting a virtual Q&A where fans click to reveal answers. The reach of these creative formats is massive—they’re memorable, shareable, and most importantly, they spark meaningful engagement.
Whether you’re telling stories, hosting virtual events, or gamifying your marketing strategy, interactive videos offer endless possibilities to captivate audiences and drive results. So, why not give your creativity the starring role it deserves?
Authors Last Words
So, to keep this conclusion pretty simple. I think there is one three words that you need to take from my article and that's 'embrace the change'. The video production world is constantly evolving and adapting, if you don't dive into the numbers, analytics and facts, face them and then embrace them. Then you're going to stay very stagnant and end up in a hole you don't want to be in. I've seen it time and time again, it all starts with the power of your mind and what the energy you're broadcasting out onto the world, and then everything will follow on from them.
And that concludes, the first article ever written on Videographer Life. I hope you're enjoyed reading it, just as much as I've enjoyed writing this! Now it's time for what some call the 'call to action' and that being if you'd like to stay in touch, then please subscribe to my newsletter below! I promise to fill it full of value & insights if you do so! See you next time!
