That magical time is here again — January 2025 is just a few weeks away!

And as we wind down 2024 and prepare for the new year, we can’t help but think about how much the industry has changed.

If you read last year’s article on 2024 trend predictions, you’ll notice a few things came true (and a few things didn’t).

But in 2025, we know there’s a lot on the horizon. 

So come along with us as we peek into the future.

Our 7 digital signage predictions for 2025

We’re over-the-moon excited for 2025. Mostly because we’ve got a lot in the works. 😉

But based on our visits to DSE and ISE — plus a few amazing clients who have freely shared their insights — we feel comfortable sharing our latest hot takes for digital signage in 2025.

Let’s dive in.

1. Frontline workers go front & center

Considering frontline employees make up 80% of the world’s workforce, it’s surprising just how little attention they’ve received from digital signage (at least, until recently).

Using old-fashioned methods to communicate with frontline workers might result in missed emails and tone-deaf newsletters. Even if you think your methods are working, your employees may not agree — 65% of them feel like the communication they receive is ineffective.

This is why thousands of global businesses have turned (or will turn) to digital signage. The numbers don’t lie:

• 60% of banks use digital signage for customers or bank members
• 93% of manufacturing businesses use digital signage 
• A whopping 100% of educational institutions use digital signage in general

These numbers will only continue to rise as new technologies pave the way to better frontline experiences, from TV dashboards and QR codes to scheduled content for different shifts.

2. Touchscreen kiosks start hitting the big leagues

The touchscreen industry is projected to grow from $65.60 billion to a whopping $163.1 billion by 2030. In other words, it’s already a massive industry, and it’s only going to get bigger over time.

Case in point: digital kiosks. Touchless experiences might have been the hallmark of 2020, but in the age of AI, tactile is key. That’s why many growing businesses have implemented interactive touch tables, which create self-service opportunities for team members and customers. 

Think touchscreen flows might be in your future? Learn more about possible use cases for interactive signage.

3. QR codes (still) can’t be killed

QR codes are nothing new, but they’ve managed to stay relevant long past their inception. Since their earliest history in 1994, they’ve been used on countless retail products, dinner menus, and of course, TV screens.

QR codes are seeing a renaissance of sorts — roughly 100 million US consumers will use them by 2025. They’re also getting an upgrade next year, which will hopefully make them even smaller and more compact. 

Why does this matter to digital signage? Because the possibilities are endless! Whether you’re embedding a form on a TV screen or asking workers to complete an in-store survey, you can easily get the message across without taking up more than a margin of space.

4. Third-party integrations go first-class

In 2024, the average US business has 105 apps in its tech stack, representing millions of dollars of revenue. It also represents literally thousands of lines of data — so it’s no wonder why four in 10 businesses report uncontrollable data silos. 

That’s one of the biggest reasons why third-party integrations are so critical. Considering 84% of organizations say integrations are their highest priority, it’s clear that connected tech stacks are the new norm for successful businesses.

This, of course, should include your digital signage program. Because how else are you supposed to handle it all on your own?

We predict that, in 2025, digital signage platforms will be more connected than ever. We’ll use ourselves as an example: Fugo built integrations with Dropbox, Google Drive, and Microsoft PowerPoint just this year so you can seamlessly connect the tools you’re already using.

Check out our guide to digital signage integrations. 

5. Cloud technology gets more love

Everyone is headed to the cloud — and if you’re not there already, you’re getting left behind. A whopping 85% of businesses will be cloud-first in 2025, from productivity tools and finance channels to their digital signage platforms. 

It’s not hard to see why cloud-based CMS programs are getting so much attention. With a platform like Fugo, for example, you can:

• Manage your content remotely (anywhere with a WiFi connection)
• Add or reduce screens depending on your needs
• Schedule and automate content at a glance
• Collaborate on content in real-time
• Run content on (almost) any screen

It goes without saying there will be a serious migration this year. If you haven’t already thought about heading to the cloud, now is a great time to consider your options.

💡 Related: Cloud Based vs On-Premise Digital Signage

6. AI tools will keep paving roads

Last year, we mentioned AI would make inroads into digital signage — and oh boy has that rung true. You can barely get online without seeing ‘AI’ somewhere on your feed, and you’ve probably caught companies slinging around the term like it’s nothing these days.

But snark aside, AI has created major innovations in the digital signage industry. You don’t have to look far to see its effects, from advanced interactivity features to data-driven content scheduling.

It’s also led to some interesting innovations, including a new breed of AI digital signage players.

Speaking of signage players. . .

7. Innovation for digital signage players

We saw a lot of unique players hit the market last year, from the Raspberry Pi 5 to the Google TV Streamer. However, 2025 promises to be one of the biggest years yet.

Because AI-powered players are finally sliding into the spotlight.

We’re most excited about the Fugo Flash, which promises to be one of our biggest releases yet. This one-of-a-kind player will offer everything you need to marry digital signage with AI.

With Fugo Flash, you can:

• Use a simple mobile app to manage all your screen content in one place
• Integrate with dozens of apps, including Meta, Shopify, Zapier, and more
• Create playlists and organize content directly from your cellphone
• Instantly generate content with the help of AI (voice-activated, by the way!)
• Kick off with a 30-second setup process and plug-and-play USB system

Fugo Flash will be available for preorder in early 2025, so stay tuned for updates (or join the waiting list here).

So where's Fugo going in 2025?

Ha, great question!

And some of it is NDA.

But we can reveal a few of our secrets, just to whet your appetite.

Get ready for:

• AI-powered digital signage players. Our waiting list is filling up fast!
• Displaying casting links on your TVs. That way, anyone in your conference room(s) can cast to Fugo-connected screens
• Running Fugo on your Raspberry Pi 5. We’re ready to rumble whenever you are.
• Uploading PowerPoint files. Who says you can’t get the best of both worlds?
• Connecting Google Drive and Dropbox files. It’s easy to retrieve the media you need without hunting through dozens of tabs.
• Even more platform support. We added macOS to the roster this year, and we’re hoping to add even more.

This, of course, is just the tip of the iceberg. You can see what else is planned on our handy-dandy roadmap.

Curious to try what Fugo’s got so far?

You sign up today with a 14-day free trial.