Free Research: What’s Driving Visual Engagement This Year

The way people interact with images is changing fast—and staying ahead of the curve matters. At Newscom, we’re all about helping you tap into the visuals that actually get attention. So what’s hot this year in visual engagement? Let’s break it down:

1. Real is the new perfect

Highly staged stock photos? Out. Authentic, relatable, and even a little messy? In. Audiences want real moments that feel human, whether it’s on the field, on the red carpet, or in everyday life.

2. Movement grabs attention

From looping GIFs to short-form video, motion is everywhere. People pause longer on visuals that move—and platforms are rewarding it. Don’t sleep on motion if you want to boost engagement.

3. Bold visuals stop the scroll

Bright colors, striking contrasts, unexpected angles—this is the year of scroll-stopping imagery. The bolder, the better.

4. Metadata is your secret weapon

Here’s the twist: the best image in the world won’t work if no one can find it. Smart keywords, captions, and context make all the difference. Metadata = visibility = engagement.

Why it matters for you

Whether you’re a publisher, marketer, or content creator, these trends aren’t just buzz—they’re your roadmap to connecting with audiences. And the best part? Newscom makes it easy. With our massive library of authentic, bold, and ready-to-use visuals, you’ll always have content that works with the trends, not against them.

Want the full scoop? Dive into our free research and see what’s driving visual engagement in 2025. Because better insights = better storytelling.