The Prophecy Came True: How Video Conquered the Internet (2017 vs. 2026)
If you look at the URL of this post, you’ll see the year 2017. That is ancient history in internet years.
Back then, analysts were predicting that video would eventually make up 74% of all internet traffic. At the time, that number seemed ambitious. Business owners were still asking, "Do I really need video? Can't I just post photos on Facebook?"
Fast forward to today. As we stand on the doorstep of 2026, the "future" is already here.
Video didn't just take over; it became the internet. Cisco reports now estimate that video accounts for over 82% of all internet traffic, and that number is still climbing as we head into the new year.
Here is what has changed since we first wrote this post, and why the stakes for commercial production are higher than ever for 2026.
1. The End of the "Viral" Lottery
In 2017, businesses wanted a "viral video." They wanted a lucky lottery ticket. In 2026, successful businesses treat video as infrastructure.
It’s your website header.
It’s your email signature.
It’s your automated sales funnel. You don't need luck; you need a library of high-quality assets that work for you 24/7.
2. The "Silent" Viewing Epidemic
One massive shift we see moving into 2026 is the consumption habit. People watch video everywhere—in line at the grocery store, on the subway, in the office. Often, they watch with the sound off.
The Production Fix: This means your visuals need to be stronger than ever. High-contrast lighting, dynamic motion graphics, and professional captioning are mandatory. If your video looks muddy or amateurish without sound, you lose the viewer instantly.
3. Streaming is the New Broadcast
In 2017, you either shot a TV Commercial OR a Web Video. They were two different budgets and two different cameras. In 2026, via OTT (Over-the-Top) and Streaming services, your web video is your TV commercial. The 4K corporate video we shoot for your website can be deployed directly to Hulu, Roku, and YouTube TV viewers in your local zip code.
The barrier to entry for "TV Advertising" has lowered, but the standard for quality has skyrocketed. You are now competing with Netflix-level content for attention.
The Verdict: Experience Matters
Why keep this old post alive? To prove a point: We saw this coming.
At Absolute Motion, we aren't jumping on a trend. We have been helping businesses navigate the video landscape for years. We helped clients transition from cable to digital, and now we are helping them dominate the streaming era of 2026.
Don't trust your brand's image to someone who just bought a camera yesterday. Trust a team that has watched the industry evolve and knows exactly where it's going next.
Ready for the next year of video? Contact Absolute Motion to future-proof your marketing with professional production.
Author Bio:
Mike Meyerson, owner of Absolute Motion, helping businesses in the NY area upgrade their image through professional video production. He writes about how small businesses can use visual media to compete with the big guys.
