emerging
Rise of Digital Franchises
Creator-driven media franchises are rapidly gaining popularity and influence, coexisting with and sometimes surpassing legacy franchises.
Timeframe
near-term
Subcategories
Impact areas
Detailed Analysis
The lines between traditional and digital media are blurring as creator-driven franchises emerge as major cultural touchstones. Amazing Digital Circus, a YouTube series, exemplifies this shift, appearing on 8 of 12 trending topics lists globally despite only releasing three episodes. This demonstrates the power of online communities to propel creator IP to global prominence. The rapid growth of these digital franchises is changing the pace of cultural evolution, prioritizing digital-native properties and challenging traditional media.
Context Signals
Amazing Digital Circus's Netflix licensing deal
Roblox's Dress to Impress's rapid rise to prominence
Deadpool & Wolverine's integration into digital platforms like Fortnite
Edge
The increasing importance of fan communities in driving franchise success will lead to new models of audience engagement and monetization.
Traditional media companies will increasingly seek partnerships with digital-native creators and franchises to tap into online fandoms.
The accelerated pace of cultural evolution will create new opportunities for agile and innovative creators to build successful media empires.
