The Authenticity Shift: Is Video Winning the Trust Battle?

We’re living in a time where technology can replicate almost anything—right down to that quirky, human touch we once thought was irreplaceable. AI is now generating blogs, writing LinkedIn posts, crafting marketing copy, and even helping us pretend we have all the answers. It's so seamless that sometimes we’re left wondering, “Did a real person even write this?”

But also... Do we even care?

With AI becoming so advanced, you have to wonder if it matters anymore whether content is AI-generated or human-created. If the message is still relevant and resonates, do we need to know where it came from?

Well, for most of us, the answer is still: Yes, we do care. 

People want to know there’s a real person behind the words or video, especially when it comes to building trust. And that’s another reason why video content is so intriguing and so relevant. In a world where AI can effortlessly spit out flawless, keyword-stuffed blog posts, video—specifically authentic video—is standing out because it feels human. It has quirks, imperfections, and (sometimes) awkward pauses. And all of that? It’s gold. It’s real. 

The Age of Perfect (And Why It’s Boring)

Let’s face it—written content is everywhere, and now that AI is in the mix, it’s often impossibly perfect. Perfect grammar, perfect structure, perfect answers. But here's the thing: perfection is boring. It doesn't resonate because it lacks personality, those idiosyncrasies that connect us to actual human beings.

People don’t connect with perfection—they connect with imperfection, with authenticity, with the rawness of real experiences. It’s hard for AI-generated content to nail that consistently because, well, AI doesn’t feel anything. So, when you post a video, showing up as yourself—without the perfect lighting or camera angles—you’ve already built more trust with your audience than a blog could after 2,000 words of pristine prose.

Video’s Secret Sauce: It's Unscripted (Even When It’s Scripted)

You know what makes video so powerful? It’s the illusion of being unscripted. People inherently trust what they can see and hear in real-time. That little stutter in your speech, or the way you roll your eyes when talking about a frustrating trend in your industry? That’s pure human connection. And while AI may be learning to mimic human expression, it can’t replicate the energy or nuance of real human interaction on camera.

Think about it. When was the last time you felt genuinely moved by a perfectly crafted blog? Now compare that to the last time you watched a video where the speaker—no matter the topic—was just real. That’s why video is dominating the content landscape right now: it’s got an authenticity factor that’s hard to fake.

The LinkedIn Video Experiment: Real vs. Real-Looking

Tewdilly founder Jared Harding recently posted a short video on LinkedIn riffing on this very topic, exploring the idea of authenticity in a digital world dominated by AI-generated content. While the video didn’t see huge engagement, it was still an important lesson. The experiment highlighted how difficult it can be to capture attention, even when delivering real, authentic content.

What became clear is that video still forces a different kind of interaction compared to blogs or written posts. It’s not just about the ideas being shared—it’s about who is sharing them and the connection that comes from seeing someone put themselves out there. In a crowded space like LinkedIn, where competition for attention is fierce, video content continues to stand out. Even when engagement is low, the human element in video can help foster a deeper connection—arguably much more important that vanity performance metrics. 

After all, even with the rise of Web3 experiences, video remains one of the most direct ways to connect with someone without being in the same room. In a digital landscape filled with AI-driven perfection, video still captures that sense of realness.

Authenticity in the AI Era: The Human Advantage

Don’t get this twister. AI is amazing at so many things. It helps businesses scale content, makes our lives easier, and is probably keeping a few of you from pulling all-nighters on those last-minute proposals. But as AI continues to grow and become more integrated into the everyday, its ability to mimic human voices makes it harder to trust the written word.

That’s why people are shifting to video—because it’s harder to fake.

In the past, video content may have been seen as a nice-to-have, something you’d mix in occasionally when you had the budget or the bandwidth. But now? It’s necessary. It’s the easiest way to communicate, “Hey, I’m a real person, I’m showing up for you, and you can trust me.” And let’s face it: trust is the currency of the digital age.

The Uncomfortable Truth: You’re Not Always Going to Like Video

Here’s the reality of video: you’re going to hate some of it—especially your own. You’ll cringe at how you look, how you sound, or that weird thing you do with your eyebrows. But that’s the whole point. The imperfections are what make it relatable.

The first few times you record yourself, you’ll probably want to throw your phone across the room. But stick with it. People don’t want to connect with polished perfection—they want to connect with you. So lean into that discomfort, embrace the awkward moments, and put yourself out there.

Because here’s the deal: the more AI takes over written content, the more people will gravitate towards video to find realness, authenticity, and trust. And that’s where you have the advantage.

So, What’s Next?

The future of connection isn’t actually written or spoken—it’s lived. It’s in the face-to-face moments, the genuine conversations, and the raw, sometimes awkward realities of human interaction. While AI-generated content may dominate the digital landscape, there’s no substitute for real-life connections.

In a world where digital interactions are increasingly polished and automated, what people are truly craving more and more is authenticity. Shaking hands, sharing stories, and experiencing genuine relationships that go beyond screens and algorithms.

So, step away from the keyboard and the camera, engage with people directly, and show your audience what authenticity really feels like. 

Because the future belongs to the real, and the most powerful impact happens in person.

However, when it's not possible to be face-to-face, remember: authenticity still matters. Show up as real as possible, even in the digital world, and you’ll stand out where it counts.