2025 Year in Review: What Worked, What Changed, and What’s Next in 2026

January always brings a fresh start, but this one feels especially meaningful for us at Delux Digital. 2025 marked our first full year in business, and we’re incredibly thankful for every client who trusted us, partnered with us, and grew alongside us.

This past year was filled with momentum, learning, and exciting progress. We had the opportunity to test new ideas, refine proven strategies, and see real results come to life for our clients. As we look back, we’re proud of what we accomplished together, and even more excited about what’s ahead.

Here’s a look at what worked in 2025, how marketing evolved, and the trends we’re leaning into as we build toward 2026.

     1. Native Advertising Continued to Shine

One of the biggest success stories across multiple clients in 2025 was native advertising. With audiences becoming increasingly selective about what they engage with, native ads proved effective because they blended seamlessly into trusted content environments.

We saw native placements drive:

* Stronger engagement rates

* Lower cost-per-click compared to traditional display

* More qualified traffic that actually stayed and converted

For brands focused on storytelling, education, or awareness paired with performance, native ads consistently delivered meaningful results.

     2. Video Took Center Stage

Video wasn’t new in 2025, but the way our clients used it evolved. Select clients invested in higher-quality video production, from short-form social content to polished brand and campaign videos.

What stood out was how video supported the entire funnel:

* Short-form clips increased top-of-funnel awareness

* Longer-form video helped build trust and credibility

* Repurposed video content improved performance across paid and organic channels

Brands willing to invest in thoughtful production saw content that worked harder and lasted longer.

Trends & Ideas We’re Watching for 2026

The 2026 Winter Olympics: A Global Video Moment

One of the most significant media moments of 2026 will be the Winter Olympics, and it’s a reminder of just how powerful large-scale video moments still are. Between broadcast, streaming, social, and second-screen experiences, the Olympics create an environment where brands can tell meaningful stories at massive scale.

The opportunity isn’t just visibility, it’s relevance. Brands that plan and show up with thoughtful creative will have the chance to connect in a way that feels timely and memorable.

Gaming & In-App Advertising: Meeting Audiences Where They Are

Another space we see continuing to grow is gaming and in-app advertising. These environments offer something increasingly rare: attention. Whether it’s mobile games, interactive apps, or immersive digital experiences, brands can integrate messaging in ways that feel native, not disruptive.

When done well, in-app and gaming placements create longer engagement, stronger recall, and a more natural brand experience. As traditional formats become easier to ignore, these mediums give brands new ways to stay top of mind.

In summary, 2025 challenged brands to be more thoughtful, more creative, and more adaptable. As we head into 2026, we’re excited to build on what worked, test new ideas, and continue helping our clients grow with strategies that feel both innovative and intentional.

Schedule a Discovery Call with Delux Digital to learn how to capitalize on these changes and put the right strategies into action.