Brits are capturing more moments than ever, with the average person now taking 1,040 photos and 312 videos each year, according to fresh research. Gen Z leads the trend, snapping 39 photos and 17 videos weekly, while Millennials follow with 26 photos and seven videos in the same period.
Editing becomes second nature
The study, commissioned by Samsung, found that 42% of Brits now dedicate time to editing or polishing their posts before sharing online. Common edits include cropping images, cutting clips, tweaking brightness, boosting quality, adding music, or removing people from backgrounds.
Annika Bizon from Samsung UK & Ireland, celebrating the launch of the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, said: "Taking photos and videos has become second nature for many of us, but it's no longer just about capturing a moment. Our research found that over two in five Brits edit their content before posting, showing how much more considered the process has become."
What Brits capture most
Holidays top the list at 53%, followed by family events (52%), pets (41%), and meals (36%). Creator-style formats are also rising: 15% share food-related content, 12% take mirror selfies, and 11% have filmed 'day-in-the-life' or Get Ready With Me (GRWM) videos. Among Gen Z, that figure jumps to 47% for GRWM or beauty content.
Additionally, 18% have tried copying techniques from renowned directors, with 43% of Gen Z doing so, and 21% admit their content is influenced by blockbusters like The Odyssey.
More photos than five years ago
The research reveals 37% of adults now take more photos and videos than five years ago, and 35% produce and share content at least three days a week. Interest in editing has grown for 30% over the past five years.
Social media is raising the bar: 53% believe it has set higher standards for photo and video quality, and 49% now post better quality or more polished content (42%) than before. Features like stable video recording (21%), low-light photography (19%), AI tools (12%), and large editing screens (10%) would encourage amateur creators to capture even more.
