2024 TOP TRENDS IN DIGITAL SIGNAGE: HOW WE TRANSFORMED THE WAY WE COMMUNICATED THIS YEAR
Digital signage has evolved significantly in recent years, driven by advancements in SaaS technology and changing consumer behaviors. In 2024, the industry continued to make great strides in innovation, influencing how businesses communicate with customers, deliver information in public spaces, and engage individuals in their environments. As a leader in the industry, REACH Media Network celebrates the strides digital signage has made this year and believes it is important to reflect on all the great trends that came out of 2024. By doing so, we can analyze what trends may continue to expand in 2025, as well as predict potential new opportunities the digital signage field can explore. This article explores the top trends in digital signage for 2024 and highlights the innovations that are shaping the future of this dynamic industry.
THE NUMEROUS BENEFITS OF PRODUCTION FLOOR SIGNAGE
AI-DRIVEN CONTENT PERSONALIZATION
In 2024, artificial intelligence (AI) took the world by storm. Through meaningful advancements, the public could experience and experiment with AI-powered content management and creation. In 2024, AI became one of the most influential technologies across many sectors, and digital signage is no exception. In 2024, digital signage saw integrations involving AI that drove automation in terms of scheduling, content shifts, and brand maintenance. AI-powered software can also easily collect data, such as watch times, downtimes, scheduling information, and, in some cases, even facial recognition to tailor content accordingly.
For example, say you integrate AI with location-based content. In a healthcare setting, digital signage could provide personalized health tips based on a patient’s current location within the facility or the time of day. The ability to provide hyper-relevant content will significantly improve customer engagement and enhance the effectiveness of digital signage as a marketing tool. Eventually, clients will be able to combine their scheduling tools with insights gathered from AI to create the most effective content for each of their target demographics.
INTERACTIVE AND IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCES
Interactive digital signage continues to grow in popularity as businesses seek to engage audiences more deeply. By putting users in control of their engagement experience, you can develop stronger feelings within them associated with your company. Touchscreen interfaces, motion sensors, and gesture recognition are all contributing to a more immersive and engaging experience for consumers. In 2024, we saw even more sophisticated and intuitive interactive displays, enabling users to interact with content in creative and dynamic ways.
For example, digital signage in shopping malls may allow customers to use gesture controls to browse through product catalogs or find specific stores. Wayfinding initiatives have especially benefitted from interactive kiosks as they allow customers to directly map out their routes. Similarly, museums and exhibitions will use interactive signage to create more engaging experiences that enable users to interact with exhibits or access additional information via digital touchpoints.
Additionally, augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) technologies will continue to enhance the interactive experience. Retailers are increasingly using AR on digital signage to enable customers to virtually try on products, such as clothing or eyewear, while tech companies are using AR to create captivating, gamified experiences at trade shows and events. We will touch on how AR technology will continue to evolve in the digital signage sector once we touch on 2025 trends.
CLOUD-BASED DIGITAL SIGNAGE NETWORKS
In 2024, cloud-based digital signage will be the standard for many organizations, enabling easier content management, real-time updates, and scalability. REACH Media Network’s cloud-based system allows businesses to manage and update their signage from anywhere, whether across multiple locations or from the comfort of an office desk. This flexibility and convenience make cloud-based solutions more attractive than traditional on-premise systems, which require manual updates and have limited remote capabilities. In fact, at REACH Media Network, we take it a step further and make our software hardware agnostic. This means you can run your REACH content on anything from a BrightSign media player to an Amazon Fire TV stick.
Cloud technology also enables better collaboration. Teams across different locations can easily share and synchronize content, ensuring that messaging remains consistent across all touchpoints. For example, a global retail chain can push a promotional video from headquarters to all its stores worldwide in seconds, ensuring the campaign is consistent and timely.
Furthermore, cloud-based digital signage systems allow for improved data analytics and reporting, offering insights into the performance of digital signage content, audience engagement, and return on investment (ROI). As businesses become more data-driven, these insights will help refine content strategies and improve decision-making.
SUSTAINABILITY AND ECO-FRIENDLY DIGITAL SIGNAGE
As environmental concerns continue to grow, there is an increasing push toward sustainability in all areas of business, and digital signage is no exception. In 2024, eco-friendly digital signage solutions will become more prevalent as companies seek to minimize their carbon footprint and reduce energy consumption.
One key trend is the use of energy-efficient LED displays. These displays consume significantly less energy than traditional screens, reducing both operational costs and environmental impact. Furthermore, companies will invest in digital signage that uses recyclable materials and is designed for easy maintenance and longevity, thus reducing electronic waste.
Another important aspect of sustainability in digital signage is the shift toward solar-powered displays. In outdoor environments, such as bus stops or street advertising, solar-powered digital signage can significantly reduce energy consumption and minimize the need for power grid connections. This technology allows for self-sustaining digital displays that operate in remote locations where access to traditional power sources may be limited.
AI-POWERED ANALYTICS AND AUDIENCE MEASUREMENT
As the digital signage industry becomes more data-centric, AI-powered analytics will play an increasingly vital role. We have already touched on how these analytics will further expand in the future. In 2024, digital signage networks incorporated advanced audience measurement tools, such as facial recognition, demographic analysis, and emotion detection, to track and analyze the impact of displayed content.
For example, in a retail environment, facial recognition technology can measure the age, gender, and emotional reaction of customers viewing a particular ad. This data can be used to optimize content in real-time, adjusting the message or visuals based on the audience’s preferences or mood. Similarly, digital signage in public spaces will use audience analytics to ensure that content is relevant and engaging for different demographic groups, improving overall effectiveness.
AI-powered analytics can also help businesses gauge the effectiveness of their signage. Metrics such as the number of views, engagement rates, and the length of time individuals interact with a display can provide valuable insights into the return on investment (ROI) of digital signage campaigns. From there, the company can use this data to cultivate effective, hard-hitting, and dynamic content that will speak to the base as well as draw in new audiences. These insights allow businesses to continuously optimize their content strategies and improve user engagement.
5G CONNECTIVITY AND FASTER CONTENT DELIVERY
With the global rollout of 5G networks in full swing, the year 2024 will see a significant boost in the speed and reliability of digital signage content delivery. 5G connectivity will enable faster content updates, seamless streaming of high-quality video, and more reliable remote management of digital signage networks.
For instance, large retail chains or quick-service restaurants can now deliver real-time video content and interactive experiences without the lag or buffering issues that can sometimes occur with lower-speed networks. With 5G, these businesses can run high-definition video ads or immersive experiences across multiple locations simultaneously without worrying about the bandwidth limitations that plagued older technologies.
Moreover, 5G will also make it easier to implement real-time data integration in digital signage. For example, financial institutions can display up-to-the-minute stock prices, news, or live events, all delivered seamlessly thanks to 5G’s low-latency capabilities. This improvement in network speed will also help facilitate the adoption of AI-powered dynamic content, where real-time data influences the display’s messaging and visuals.
REMOTE CONTENT MANAGEMENT AND AUTOMATION
Remote content management has become increasingly popular in recent years, and in 2024, it will continue to be a key trend in digital signage. Businesses will increasingly rely on cloud-based platforms that allow for real-time remote management of signage content across multiple locations.
Content scheduling and automation will also become more advanced. With machine learning algorithms and AI, businesses will be able to schedule and automate content changes based on factors such as time of day, weather conditions, or consumer behavior. For example, a digital billboard might display a weather-related advertisement for an umbrella retailer during rainy days or a sunscreen ad during sunny periods. Automating this process will reduce the need for manual updates, allowing businesses to focus on strategic content creation.
DIGITAL SIGNAGE IN TRANSIT AND PUBLIC PLACES
In 2024, digital signage will continue to proliferate in public spaces, particularly in transportation hubs such as airports, train stations, and bus terminals. These locations will increasingly deploy digital signage for wayfinding, scheduling updates, and even entertainment during wait times.
The integration of digital signage in public spaces is not limited to large cities or transportation hubs. Smaller municipalities and rural areas are also embracing digital signage for community announcements, emergency alerts, and local news dissemination. Smart cities, in particular, are using digital signage to provide real-time information and create more interactive environments for residents and visitors alike.
Transit agencies will continue to embrace digital signage to deliver real-time updates, including information about delays, arrivals, and other service disruptions. These displays will be more than just informational; they’ll also serve as opportunities for advertising and sponsorships, enabling agencies to generate additional revenue.
2024 SIGNAGE WRAPPED
Digital signage is evolving rapidly, and 2024 promises to be a year of significant innovation in this field. From AI-driven content personalization and interactive experiences to cloud-based management and eco-friendly solutions, the trends emerging this year are shaping the future of how businesses engage with their audiences and how information is shared in public spaces.
The combination of emerging technologies like AI, 5G, and immersive interfaces is creating new possibilities for digital signage, making it more dynamic, interactive, and data-driven. As businesses continue to leverage these advancements, digital signage will become an increasingly integral part of our daily lives, influencing how we shop, navigate spaces, and receive information.
By staying ahead of these trends, organizations can ensure that their digital signage remains relevant, impactful, and sustainable in an ever-evolving landscape. However, it’s also important to prepare for what’s next. Whether for marketing, information delivery, or customer engagement, digital signage in 2025 will be even more powerful and personalized than ever before.
RISING TRENDS TO WATCH OUT FOR IN DIGITAL SIGNAGE IN 2025
As we move closer to 2025, the digital signage landscape is rapidly evolving. The intersection of technology, user experience, and marketing is bringing about a shift in how brands, businesses, and institutions engage with their audiences. Digital signage has long been a powerful tool for communication, but recent advancements in artificial intelligence, interactivity, and immersive technologies are taking this medium to the next level. In this article, we explore the most prominent trends in digital signage to watch for in 2025.
AI-POWERED CONTENT PERSONALIZATION WILL CONTINUE TO EXPAND
As we’ve already extensively touched on, one of the most significant developments in digital signage is the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) to power hyper-personalized content. In 2025, AI-driven systems will be able to analyze a viewer’s demographic data in real-time—such as age, gender, mood, and even facial expressions—through cameras and sensors embedded in the signage.
This enables advertisers and businesses to display content that resonates more deeply with specific individuals. For example, a store could use AI to display tailored promotions on digital signage based on the customer’s gender, past purchasing habits, or even the weather. The more accurate the data and algorithms, the more powerful the impact of this personalization.
While this type of dynamic content can elevate the customer experience, it also raises privacy concerns. In response, businesses will need to balance innovation with ethical practices, ensuring transparency and security around how consumer data is used.
INTERACTIVE AND TOUCHLESS INTERFACES SEE INCREASED POPULARITY
Interactive digital signage will continue to rise in popularity, and in 2025, we will see even more sophisticated versions of these systems. Traditional touchscreens will evolve into more advanced touchless interfaces driven by gesture recognition, voice commands, and even eye-tracking technology. These features allow for a more seamless and hygienic interaction with digital displays.
For example, instead of physically touching a screen to navigate a menu or select a product, consumers will be able to make selections with a swipe of their hand or a vocal command. This shift will be particularly relevant in environments such as public transport stations, airports, museums, and retail stores, where minimizing physical touch is a priority.
Alongside these features, haptic feedback will offer a more immersive user experience, providing users with tactile sensations when interacting with virtual objects or controls. By 2025, these touchless and interactive systems will likely become the norm in public spaces, enhancing both convenience and safety.
IMMERSIVE AND AUGMENTED REALITY (AR) CONTINUES TO GROW
Immersive technologies, particularly augmented reality (AR), will have a transformative effect on digital signage in 2025. Through AR, digital content will be seamlessly integrated into the physical environment, offering consumers a richer and more interactive experience. Digital signage screens could serve as the starting point for AR experiences, triggering virtual elements when a user points their smartphone or AR glasses at a display.
For example, a retail store could use AR digital signage to allow customers to visualize how a piece of furniture would look in their living rooms, or a fashion retailer could enable customers to “try on” clothes virtually by projecting the item onto their reflection in a smart mirror.
As the use of AR and wearable devices like smart glasses becomes more widespread, the potential for highly immersive digital signage experiences will only increase. This integration of virtual and physical worlds will push the boundaries of what is possible with digital communication, blurring the lines between reality and digital content. In fact, some AR functionality is already being used with QR codes. QR codes can generate AR-powered graphics or redirect users to a desired action.
5G-ENABLED SIGNAGE AND REAL-TIME DATA PROCESSING
The rollout of 5G technology is poised to drastically change the landscape of digital signage. With faster, more reliable internet speeds and lower latency, 5G will enable the seamless streaming of high-resolution content and real-time data updates to digital signage displays. This opens the door for more dynamic, data-driven content, which can be updated instantaneously based on live events, weather conditions, or social media trends.
For example, sports arenas could use 5G to display live scores or replays with no lag, while outdoor billboards can adjust content in real time based on traffic patterns or local demographics. Retailers could use 5G to adjust pricing or promotions in real time based on inventory levels or sales performance. This level of flexibility and immediacy will make digital signage a much more effective and adaptable tool for both businesses and consumers alike.
Additionally, the combination of 5G with AI and machine learning will create opportunities for even more advanced predictive analytics, where signage can anticipate what customers are likely to want based on data such as weather forecasts, time of day, or historical trends.
SUSTAINABILITY AND ECO-FRIENDLY SIGNAGE
Sustainability will play a central role in the future of digital signage as businesses increasingly seek eco-friendly solutions. In 2025, companies will focus on energy-efficient signage technologies, such as low-power LED displays, solar-powered screens, and recyclable materials. The rise of sustainable practices in the signage industry aligns with the growing emphasis on corporate social responsibility and environmental stewardship.
Energy-efficient signage solutions, coupled with smart sensors that adjust brightness based on ambient lighting conditions, will reduce energy consumption significantly. For example, outdoor billboards can automatically dim or adjust brightness based on the time of day or weather, ensuring optimal visibility while minimizing energy use.
The use of environmentally friendly materials and production methods will also increase, with brands aiming to reduce their carbon footprints. As the global focus on sustainability intensifies, the demand for eco-conscious digital signage solutions will likely become a competitive differentiator for businesses.
CONTENT AUTOMATION AND PROGRAMMATIC ADVERTISING
In 2025, content automation and programmatic advertising will be key drivers of efficiency and personalization in digital signage. Programmatic advertising—an automated process of buying and placing ads based on real-time data—will allow digital signage networks to display the most relevant and timely content to specific audiences.
This means that digital signage will no longer rely on static content schedules or fixed advertisements. Instead, the content will be dynamically selected and served based on data sources such as foot traffic, weather, time of day, or social media activity. For example, a shopping mall’s digital signage could display a special promotion for ice cream on a hot day while showing discounts on winter coats during a cold spell.
By integrating programmatic ad buying and content scheduling with audience analytics, digital signage will become more responsive and flexible, improving the overall effectiveness of marketing campaigns.
DIGITAL OUT OF HOME (DOOH) ADVERTISING EXPANSION
The digital out-of-home (DOOH) advertising market has been growing steadily, and by 2025, it is expected to continue expanding as advertisers recognize the power of dynamic, location-based content. Digital billboards, bus shelters, and transit displays will become more sophisticated, enabling advertisers to deliver tailored messages to highly specific audiences at the right time and place.
In urban areas, screens embedded in public spaces could use sensors to detect foot traffic or the presence of specific demographic groups, adjusting content accordingly. These digital displays could display everything from entertainment promotions to public service announcements, with content changing throughout the day based on real-time data and analytics.
In addition, with the rise of 5G and advancements in mobile technology, advertisers will be able to deliver hyper-targeted ads directly to consumers’ smartphones in conjunction with digital signage displays. This creates a two-way communication channel between brands and their audience, enhancing engagement and driving conversions. REACH Media Network already offers some web-based signage solutions, so contact your account manager for more details!
VOICE INTEGRATION AND SMART DISPLAYS
Voice integration is another trend that will make digital signage more interactive and intuitive in 2025. Voice assistants like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple’s Siri have already become household names, and their integration into digital signage will allow for more hands-free interaction.
For instance, in a retail setting, a customer could ask a smart display for information about a product, store hours, or current sales promotions, and the screen would respond with the relevant content. In airports or transit stations, voice-activated signage could assist travelers in navigating through terminals, finding gates, or getting directions.
The integration of voice will complement touchless and gesture-based interactions, creating an even more fluid and intuitive user experience. Voice-activated digital signage can be especially beneficial for those with disabilities, making content more accessible to a wider audience.
CONTENT CREATION AND DESIGN TOOLS CONTINUE TO EVOLVE
As digital signage becomes more accessible and affordable, businesses of all sizes will be looking for easier ways to create their own content. In 2025, expect a rise in user-friendly content creation and design tools that empower small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) to develop their own dynamic signage solutions without the need for extensive design expertise.
Cloud-based platforms that allow users to create, schedule, and manage content remotely will become increasingly common. These platforms will also leverage AI to suggest content and design improvements based on data, making the content creation process more efficient and data-driven.
CONCLUSION
Digital signage is set to evolve in exciting ways in the next few years. By 2025, we will see a shift toward more personalized, interactive, and immersive experiences driven by advancements in AI, AR, 5G connectivity, sustainability, and content automation. As digital signage continues to integrate with other technologies and become more adaptive to real-time data, it will offer businesses unparalleled opportunities to engage with customers in innovative ways.
While the potential for digital signage is immense, businesses must navigate challenges around privacy, security, and sustainability. Those that embrace these trends and adapt to the changing landscape will be well-positioned to leverage the power of digital signage to connect with their audiences in more meaningful ways.
FOLLOW OUR SOCIALS
REACH OUT NOW
Many facilities are updating their signage approach. With that in mind, we HIGHLY recommend reaching out to your account manager now if you want free spring content, interactive integrations, or other signage implementations. While the process itself should not take too long, we do like having time to test the connection and ensure stable connectivity. Additionally, if any issues arise in that time, our support team can quickly sort them out. For more information, click the button below!
