Consumers Are Ready to Spend 29% More Time with AI Content by 2029

A new survey reveals that audiences are not just accepting the rise of AI-generated content — they are actively preparing for a future where it dominates their media diet.

According to the “Lights, Camera, AI” report by Alvarez & Marsal (published via The Wrap in April 2026), consumers expect to spend 29% more time on AI-powered platforms and content by 2029.

At the same time, they anticipate spending less time with traditional formats: -7% on broadcast TV, -4% on cable, -3% on streaming, and -9% on social media.

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Acceptance of an AI-Dominated Future

The survey of nearly 2,000 Americans aged 18–65 shows a striking level of resignation — and even optimism — toward AI creativity:

• 64% believe AI (often in collaboration with humans) will be capable of producing high-quality premium content, including Hollywood blockbusters.
• Only 17% think fully human-created films will continue to dominate theatrical releases. Notably, more people (19%) expect fully AI-generated movies to take over.

This marks a significant psychological shift. Just a few years ago, the idea of AI blockbusters was met with widespread skepticism. Today, a clear majority sees it as inevitable.

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The New Consumption Model

Consumers aren’t just passive about the change — they want AI to play an active role in their media experience:

• 76% say they want AI to filter, recommend, and curate content and information for them.
• Short-form AI video is particularly popular. Micro-dramas, vertical shorts, and algorithmically generated clips are exploding in popularity, with AI now acting as the primary “director” in this fast-growing segment.

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What It All Means

The data paints a clear picture: the future of media consumption is personalized, algorithmically curated, and increasingly synthetic.

Traditional long-form human-created content isn’t disappearing, but it is being squeezed into a smaller share of attention.

For creators and studios, this creates a challenging strategic fork:

• Double down on premium, human-driven storytelling that stands out in a sea of AI slop.
• Or lean into hybrid production models where AI handles volume and iteration while humans provide taste and emotional resonance.

 

 

For platforms, the message is even clearer: the winners will be those who master AI curation and deliver seamless, personalized experiences rather than fighting the tide.

Consumers have spoken. They’re not just tolerating AI content — they’re allocating more of their precious time to it. The age of “all AI, all the time” may not be here yet, but the audience is already moving in that direction.