Across Europe, the media landscape is undergoing a profound transformation. Broadcasters are accelerating their shift toward digital-first strategies, streaming platforms are securing rights to national-scale events, and authorities are increasingly emphasizing the importance of digital data sovereignty.

Together, these developments point to a fundamental reality: streaming is no longer just one of the distribution channels for media companies. It is becoming a critical asset that requires resilient digital infrastructure.

What does it really take to deliver flawless video streaming at scale, as audiences grow, expectations rise, and network complexity increases?

In a recent video interview hosted by Andy Waltenspiel, our leadership team sat down alongside one of our key customers to unpack the realities of today’s streaming landscape and explore where the industry is heading next. The discussion brings together strategic vision, hands-on experience, and a strong customer perspective on what truly defines successful modern video delivery.

As we close another transformative year in the media ecosystem, one thing is clear: streaming has become the beating heart of global content consumption. Live events, premium content, immersive media formats, and data-driven experiences are reshaping audience expectations at a pace never seen before.

Looking ahead to 2026, the video streaming industry is entering a new phase, defined by national-scale live events, stronger content protection, high-performance delivery, and smarter analytics. At MainStreaming, we see several major trends accelerating over the next 12–24 months, and we’re already working with broadcasters, OTT platforms, and ISPs to help them prepare.

Below are our key predictions for the industry in 2026, and why they matter.