On the surface, your Friday night OTT binge, late-night gaming session, or streaming playlist may look like pure leisure. But step back and you’ll see that these everyday entertainment choices are actually windows into structural shifts reshaping the global economy. Entertainment isn’t just fun—it’s where technology, demographics, and culture collide. These structural changes are called megatrends, long-term forces that are influencing economies, industries, and societies on a global scale.
Table of contents
Streaming: More than just binge-watching
When you queue up a new series on an over-the-top (OTT) platform, you’re participating in streaming revolution, which in turn is part of overlapping megatrends that include digitisation and wider access to fast and affordable internet connectivity. Traditional TV is giving way to on-demand, personalised platforms. Entire business models have pivoted, with studios investing directly in global streaming audiences instead of relying only on cinema or cable. This isn’t just changing how you watch—it’s rewriting the economics of entertainment.
Also Read: Megatrend Investing Via Consumption Fund
Gaming and E-sports: New stadiums of the world
If you’ve ever lost hours on a console, or tuned into an e-sports livestream, you’re witnessing another facet of megatrends such as digitisation, internet adoption and demographic changes: the rise of interactive entertainment. Gaming is no longer a niche hobby; it’s a multibillion-dollar industry larger than movies and music combined.
The growth of e-sports—where players compete before massive online and offline audiences—reflects shifting youth culture, global connectivity, and even new forms of career aspiration. In countries like India, affordable smartphones and internet access have turbocharged mobile gaming, making it a growing entertainment segment.
Music without borders
Your playlist probably looks different from what your parents grew up with. Music from across the world and across the decades sit comfortably next to home-grown contemporary tunes. Social media, streaming algorithms, and fandom communities are breaking down barriers, giving local artists global stages and fans access to genres they may never have encountered otherwise. It’s not just music—it’s a cultural export reshaping soft power and creative economies.
AI-generated art and storytelling
A futuristic shift in entertainment is AI-driven creativity. From algorithms that recommend your next show to AI-generated music, artwork, and even screenplays, artificial intelligence is becoming a co-creator. At the same time, important debates are underway—about authenticity, the role of human creativity, intellectual property rights, and the potential effects on employment in creative industries. These questions are far from settled, and different stakeholders view the trade-offs differently. What is clear, though, is that audiences are already engaging with AI-curated or AI-assisted experiences, sometimes without even realising it. This points to a megatrend where technology doesn’t just distribute art—it CAN participate in shaping it. How this evolves may redefine the boundaries of creativity, ownership, and imagination in the years ahead.
Why this matters
So, why should you care about these megatrends beyond weekend plans? Because where audiences go, businesses, investors, and entire industries may follow. Streaming platforms invest billions in original content. Gaming companies are building metaverse ecosystems. Music labels are betting on cross-border collaborations. AI start-ups are rethinking entertainment production. Each of these shifts offers insight into how economies evolve, how culture is consumed, and where potential opportunities for long-term growth may lie.
Also Read: From AI To Climate Change: What Megatrends Mean For Your Portfolio
The bottom line
The next time you hit play, plug in your controller, or vibe to a global playlist, remember—you’re not just being entertained. You’re also participating in a web of megatrends transforming technology, culture, and commerce. Entertainment is no longer a guilty pleasure; it’s a front-row seat to where the world may be headed.
Note: References to any industry/sector are provided for illustrative purposes only. This should not be construed as a research report or a recommendation to buy or sell any security or sector.
At Bajaj Finserv Asset Management Ltd, we aim to harness the power of megatrends by offering investors access to themes shaping the world’s future — from clean energy to technology, innovation, demographic shifts and more. Many of our funds follow a megatrends investment approach to help you participate in these long-term shifts, with a focus on growth potential and diversification. Build your future-focussed portfolio with Bajaj Finserv AMC.
Mutual Fund investments are subject to market risks, read all scheme related documents carefully.
This document should not be treated as endorsement of the views/opinions or as investment advice. This document should not be construed as a research report or a recommendation to buy or sell any security. This document is for information purpose only and should not be construed as a promise on minimum returns or safeguard of capital. This document alone is not sufficient and should not be used for the development or implementation of an investment strategy. The recipient should note and understand that the information provided above may not contain all the material aspects relevant for making an investment decision. Investors are advised to consult their own investment advisor before making any investment decision in light of their risk appetite, investment goals and horizon. This information is subject to change without any prior notice.
The content herein has been prepared on the basis of publicly available information believed to be reliable. However, Bajaj Finserv Asset Management Ltd. does not guarantee the accuracy of such information, assure its completeness or warrant such information will not be changed.The tax information (if any) in this article is based on current laws and is subject to change. Please consult a tax professional or refer to the latest regulations for up-to-date information.
Home
Contact Us
Login
Downloads
Schemes