Discover the Hottest Creative Trends of 2018 with Shutterstock
All images via Shutterstock.
Are you ready to stay ahead of the game in the world of video production? Shutterstock, the global marketplace for stock footage and music, has just released their Creative Trends 2018 report, revealing the most-searched keywords in the industry. Get ready to be inspired by the skyrocketing popularity of these trends!

Why is it important to know these trends? Well, if you’re a filmmaker or content creator, you might find yourself working on a project that aligns with these popular topics. And if you happen to own any trending footage, you can sell it through Shutterstock’s contributor platform and make some money! So let’s dive into the top trends and start creating amazing content.
Major Trend 1: Fantasy
From the enchanting world of Game of Thrones to the thrilling adventures of Stranger Things, mystical creatures have captured our imaginations. Searches for terms like “unicorn” have increased by 297 percent, while “mermaid” has seen a 145 percent rise. And when it comes to music, the synthwave soundtrack of Stranger Things has taken the genre by storm, with a staggering 494 percent increase in popularity.
Explore the captivating Shutterstock Fantasy footage collection here.
Here are some royalty-free playlists that will transport you to the world of fantasy:
- ’80s Synth Mixtape
- Strange ’80s Synth Music for Horror and Fantasy Films
- Immersive Epic Music
Major Trend 2: Space
If you’ve ever dreamed of exploring the vastness of space or imagined a dystopian sci-fi future, you’re not alone. Searches for “solar” have skyrocketed by 991 percent, while “astro” has seen a 671 percent increase. And just like in the fantasy genre, synthwave music continues to dominate, thanks to the incredible score of Blade Runner 2049.
Immerse yourself in the cosmic vibes with these collections:
- Futuristic Sci-Fi Synth: Royalty Free Music for Ultramodern Noir Thrillers
- Space Footage by Shutterstock
- Space Music by Shutterstock
Major Trend 3: New Minimalism
New minimalism isn’t just about clean lines and bold looks in filmmaking—it’s a whole aesthetic. With searches for “continuous line” up by 432 percent and “neon circle” up by 387 percent, this trend is making waves in films like John Wick and Atomic Blonde, as well as in music videos. Quasar lights have become a staple on sets, not only for their affordability but also for the dynamic look they create.
Discover the sleek and stylish collections from Shutterstock:
- New Minimalism images
- New Minimalism footage
- New Minimalism music
See More Creative Trends
Ready for more inspiration? Head over to Shutterstock to explore all the 2018 Creative Trends. You’ll find stunning collections of images, footage, and music for each trend, as well as other design-oriented topics. Here’s the full list:
- Natural Luxury
- Punchy Pastels
- A Global March
- Cactus
- Digital Crafts
- Ancient Geometrics
- Cryptocurrency
- Holographic Foil
And if you’re curious about trends from around the world, Shutterstock has got you covered. Dive into their data and get inspired!