Top Content Marketing Trends for 2026: Ford, Amazon Prime Video, and Pokémon

This year’s Digiday Content Marketing Awards finalists are really stepping up their game! They’re creating awesome interactive experiences and using immersive storytelling to connect with their audiences in a whole new way. Brands like Ford, Amazon Prime Video, and Pokémon are all in the mix, bringing some serious creativity to the table.

Take Ford, for example. They joined forces with Google Maps and Outside to bring the epic 5,900-mile TransAmerica Trail to Street View for the first time. This partnership blended adventure storytelling with practical utility, following an incredible journey powered by Ford Bronco, Expedition, and Ranger vehicles. The campaign featured hero videos, local talent, and Google Maps experts, giving audiences a chance to explore the trail through Street View while learning all about the vehicles, technology, and people behind the project. It was shared across Outside Online, Outside TV, social media, and premium display placements, connecting with outdoor and adventure enthusiasts in a major way.

And then there’s Amazon Prime Video, crushing it in the Most Impactful Campaign category with their promotion of the final season of “The Summer I Turned Pretty.” They transformed YouTube into a communal viewing destination, releasing full episodes from the first two seasons as scheduled “Watch Party” events. This clever strategy, complete with live chat, community posts, and cross-platform promotion, led to some seriously impressive results, including a 164% increase in organic watch time and 73,000 new subscribers. The campaign generated a whopping 28 million views, with the majority coming from non-subscribers, and drove over 67,000 clicks back to Prime Video.

Pokémon is also making waves as a nominee in the Best Multi-Channel Strategy category. By teaming up with Little Dot Studios, Pokémon expanded its YouTube presence by launching two dedicated channels: Pokémon TV for animated content and Play! Pokémon for championship competition and livestream events. With consistent publishing schedules, localized metadata, and multilingual content, these channels made it easy for audiences to find content tailored to their interests without overwhelming the main brand channel. The results? Pokémon TV racked up nearly 293 million views in its first year, and Play! Pokémon hit its viewership target way ahead of schedule. This channel expansion was a game-changer, boosting discoverability, improving audience segmentation, and expanding Pokémon’s global digital reach.

These are just a few highlights from the incredible work being done in the world of content marketing. Check out the full list of finalists below and get ready to be inspired by their creativity and innovation!