Over the last two decades, we’ve seen an explosion of content creation. Digital tools have democratised storytelling, empowering anyone with a camera, an idea, or a keyboard to share their voice with the world. This era of creation has been exciting and transformative—but it’s also left us swimming in a sea of endless options. As someone who has spent those decades working at the intersection of storytelling and post-production, I believe the next decade will be defined not by creating more content, but by curating what already exists.
Looking Back: The Age of Content Creation
When I began my career, storytelling was largely controlled by gatekeepers—broadcasters, studios, and publishers. But as platforms like YouTube, social media, and podcasting democratised content, the floodgates opened. As an editor moving across formats like branded to content, commercials, music video and documentary, I've seen firsthand how the focus shifted to lean heavily on quantity, with algorithms pushing creators to churn out more to stay relevant.
While this proliferation of content allowed unique voices to shine, it also created challenges. Audiences are now overwhelmed with choices, and standing out has become increasingly difficult.
The Emerging Need for Curation
With so much content at our fingertips, the real challenge is no longer creation—it’s navigation. How do we find stories that resonate, educate, or inspire us amidst the chaos? This is where curation comes in.
As an editor, I’ve always viewed my role as a curator of sorts—shaping hours of raw footage into compelling, cohesive narratives. Whether working on docuseries like Equator from the Air (BBC Two) or Alien Worlds (Netflix), my focus has been on making complex ideas digestible and engaging for audiences. The same principle applies to content curation on a broader scale: it’s about cutting through the clutter to deliver meaning.
Platforms are already evolving to meet this demand. Services like Spotify playlists, Goodreads, and Letterboxd thrive because they curate experiences tailored to individual tastes. Even social media influencers have pivoted to become trusted curators, recommending everything from books to binge-worthy shows.
The Quest for Authenticity
In this age of filters, fakery, and hyper-curated social media personas, audiences are increasingly craving authenticity. As a result, I believe the appetite for real-life stories and documentary content will only continue to grow. People are desperate for narratives that reflect genuine human experiences—stories that inspire, challenge, or simply remind us of what it means to be human.
Documentary storytelling, a field I’ve been privileged to contribute to through projects like The Boy Who Can't Stop Dancing (Channel 4) and The Parkinsons Drug Trial (BBC Two), is uniquely positioned to meet this demand. These stories connect us to real people and real struggles, cutting through the noise of manufactured content. They ground us in reality and provide much-needed clarity and connection in a world often dominated by illusion.
Algorithms vs. Human Touch
Of course, algorithms play a significant role in this shift. Netflix, TikTok, and YouTube rely on AI to suggest content, but these systems often prioritise engagement over quality. In contrast, human curators—critics, niche communities, and thought leaders—bring context, expertise, and intentionality to the process.
In my work, I’ve seen how a human touch can elevate storytelling. Editing isn’t just about assembling clips; it’s about understanding the emotional core of a story and connecting it to the audience. Similarly, the future of curation will require a balance between technology’s efficiency and humanity’s intuition.
Opportunities for Curators
For creators, this shift offers exciting opportunities. The next wave of influence may belong to those who excel at organising, contextualising, and adding value to existing content. Think about a newsletter that curates the best documentaries on social justice or a platform that ranks the most inspiring stories about the environment. These kinds of services have the potential to cut through the noise and build trust with audiences.
Even in the editing suite, I see potential for curation to drive innovation. One of my current projects, The Art of... (ABC Television), celebrates storytelling by endeavouring to answer some of life's big questions through art. By curating unique voices and perspectives, we create narratives that stand apart in an oversaturated media landscape.
A Call to Curate
As someone who has spent decades shaping stories, I find the pivot to curation both natural and exciting. The challenge of the next 10 years won’t be creating more content—it will be curating with intention and care, elevating the stories that matter. And as audiences increasingly seek authenticity, real-life storytelling will be at the heart of this new era.
So, whether you’re an editor, a creator, or a consumer, ask yourself: how can I contribute to this curation revolution? How can I help others discover what truly resonates? Because in a world drowning in content, the curators—and the authentic stories they elevate—will be the ones who truly shine.
Zoe Davis is an international editor and writer with two decades of experience crafting compelling stories for leading networks and streaming platforms. Specialising in award-winning documentaries, she brings a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling to every project.