Entertainment Marketing is the strategy that combines brands with different forms of entertainment.

This includes reality TV, movies, music, online content, video games, concerts, and live events. 

Let's explore the top entertainment marketing trends in reality TV and more, so you can stay ahead of the curve!

Trend #1 : AI for Content and Personalization

First, we can’t talk about the top entertainment marketing trends for reality TV and beyond without mentioning AI. 

An AI-powered Recommendation Engine analyzes your content preferences. It can suggest TV shows and movies you may like. Think Netflix suggesting Perfect Match to you, after you binge-watched Love is Blind and The Ultimatum. 

You no longer have to sift through lists of shows and movies. Nor do you have to wait to hear recommendations from family, friends, and pop culture. 

You can let AI recommend the best TV shows for you, or market the hottest movies to you. And the best part is that everything is tailored to you.

Trend #2 : More Streaming, Less Traditional TV

Traditional reality TV and media are out, and streaming is in. In fact, 44.8% of TV watching was done through streaming services as of May 2025. 

So, if you want to be in the know about the top entertainment marketing trends for reality TV and more, you should get comfortable with streaming, if you aren’t already.

Streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, Peacock, and Disney+ offer affordable Subscription Video-On-Demand (SVOD) models.

Netflix focuses on original and high-quality programming. Netflix reality TV show Selling Sunset has even been nominated for three Emmys.

Additionally, instead of searching for your favorite nostalgic movies and shows, Disney+ has them all in one place for you, and hosts live events, too.

Platforms like YouTube, which promote user-generated content, also offer YouTube TV.

This has shifted the focus away from traditional pay TV and networks. Streaming allows for premium content and higher budgets. 

In turn, the audience gets better production quality for reality TV, scripted shows, and movies. The audience also gains limitless entertainment choices.

Even Live streaming platforms like Twitch are also getting a slice of the entertainment marketing pie. 

Live streaming is now one of the largest distribution channels for entertainment, with nearly 30% of internet users watching live-streamed content weekly.

Looking to discuss teasers about a reality TV show like Love Island with other fans, or hear about exclusive news on a new movie, or an upcoming game? A live stream or watch party on Twitch may be the answer. 

By joining a live stream, you will likely also leave feeling more connected to the brand. After all, entertainment marketing is all about connecting the brand with the entertainment itself.

Trend #3 : VR and AR for an Immersive Experience

Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) help audiences to explore an immersive experience. This hot trend in entertainment marketing opens the door for brands to collaborate with platforms on interactive AR and VR.

With the help of VR or AR glasses, you can feel like you have been transported from your couch to a theater, inside a movie, or to a concert. This goes beyond traditional entertainment to create a hybrid event. 

Interactive games inspired by reality TV and scripted shows also create a memorable experience for users.

For example, CBS’s Survivor launched Survivor: Horizon Island in Meta Horizon Worlds on Quest. This was an interactive VR game to simulate fan-favorite Survivor challenges. Players were able to experience the world of Survivor, right from their homes. 

The live experiences that AR and VR provide to engage with viewers and audiences are growing. They will only get better as technology continues to advance. 

Therefore, when it comes to entertainment marketing and unique campaigns, AR and VR are a trend to look out for.

Trend #4 : Social Media Hype

Social media is a major part of our everyday lives. This is especially true for entertainment marketing in reality TV, movies, music, and more. Social media is a top trend that will not be going anywhere anytime soon.

Fans are able to see a sneak peek or behind-the-scenes announcement of a reality TV show through social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and X. 

To drum up more hype for TV shows and movies, entertainment brands sometimes enable viewers to connect with cast members or share their thoughts in real-time, via social media. From Instagram Q&As to X posts and TikTok discourse, the possibilities are endless. 

For instance, Big Brother utilizes social media channels like X to promote and incentivize audience voting on their official app and websites. Viewers are then able to decide the fate of contestants.

Similarly, reunion host and Executive Producer of the Real Housewives franchise Andy Cohen, regularly asks the audience to share their viewer questions on X and features them during reunion specials. 

The loyal community that social media hype builds within entertainment marketing is also one that is invaluable. When audiences can participate and influence outcomes, it can be very beneficial for entertainment brands. 

Many reality TV stars have gone on to catapult their careers to new heights on social media through these communities. 

Social media in entertainment marketing for reality TV, scripted TV, movies, and music also helps audiences to build trust. 

Imagine seeing one of your favorite TV stars making a TikTok endorsing another show or product. You are more likely to trust their recommendation about the show or invest in the product. 

By leveraging the star’s authenticity and celebrity, it can help to skyrocket the success of a campaign. 

As social media continues to have more of a larger impact on our everyday lives, it is important to be familiar with it as a trend in entertainment marketing. 

Trend #5 : Influencer and Celebrity Voices

Influencer and celebrity voices are another hot trend that goes hand in hand with entertainment marketing in reality TV and beyond. Influencer and celebrity voices are also closely tied to social media. 

Incorporating influencer and brand collaborations is a growing strategy in entertainment marketing. 

A popular YouTuber or celebrity endorsing a reality TV show or a new movie is sometimes all it takes. 

Social media fans raved during Megan Thee Stallion’s cameo on Love Island USA, as she gushed over the islanders and ushered in a couple of new cast members.

This further helped to enhance the marketing for Love Island USA and for Megan Thee Stallion’s new swimwear line as well. 

Now that we have discussed the top 5 hottest trends in entertainment marketing for reality TV and more, you are officially in the know!

In today’s world, entertainment marketing is more than just combining brands with reality TV, movies, music, online content, video games, concerts, and live events.

It is about knowing how to use the new technologies, platforms, online media, and influential voices to up your strategy and boost reality TV and other forms of entertainment. 

As a result, if you are a marketer, you can increase brand awareness and revenues.

If you are a viewer or listener, you can join in on the fun and experience an enhanced entertainment experience.

So, whether you are an active viewer or listener, marketer, or just a curious individual, understanding these trends in entertainment marketing for reality TV and beyond is important.

It will help you stay on top of what’s new and enjoy all the possibilities within entertainment and entertainment marketing in reality TV and more. 

✍️Written by Amy Newton