Adobe, Nasdaq and Samsung Are 2026 Digiday Video and TV Awards Finalists

Why It Matters

These recognitions validate that high‑quality branded video can drive both engagement and revenue, prompting more companies to invest in entertainment‑first content strategies.

Key Takeaways

• Immersive storytelling now core to brand marketing
• Adobe's series earned 36.3M interactions, 6% engagement
• Nasdaq leverages sports content to broaden business audience
• Branded video recognized as strategic growth driver

Pulse Analysis

The 2026 Digiday Video and TV Awards finalists illustrate a broader industry migration from static ads to immersive, audience‑centric narratives. Marketers are no longer satisfied with one‑off impressions; they seek sustained engagement that unfolds across social feeds, streaming platforms, and live events. This omnichannel approach leverages data‑driven personalization, allowing brands to measure interaction depth rather than just reach. As a result, premium video and original programming have moved from peripheral tactics to central pillars of revenue‑generating strategies, reshaping how agencies allocate creative budgets.

Adobe’s “Great Big Giant MAX Creator Challenge” epitomizes the creator‑led entertainment model that is winning awards. By framing product education as a competition among nine creators, Adobe blended studio‑produced challenges with live conference footage, delivering four long‑form episodes and numerous short cuts. The series generated 36.3 million interactions and a 6 % engagement rate—double the company’s social benchmark—demonstrating that authentic creator voices can translate complex software features into shareable content. For enterprise brands, the case proves that event‑centric video can extend the lifecycle of a conference far beyond the physical dates.

Nasdaq’s “The Winning Formula” shows how financial institutions can borrow from sports storytelling to broaden appeal. Hosted from the MarketSite studio and featuring athletes, executives, and a sponsorship from Mercedes‑AMG Petronas F1, the series tackles leadership, innovation, and entrepreneurship, topics that resonate with both investors and sports fans. Distributing episodes on Nasdaq.com and social channels amplifies reach while reinforcing the firm’s thought‑leadership credentials outside traditional market commentary. The nomination signals that original branded programming is becoming a viable avenue for banks and exchanges to build credibility and attract new demographics.