Visual storytelling has been with us since the beginning of humanity. The earliest visual stories were in the form of figures and handprints covering cave walls and the facades of ancient structures. Today we’re immersed. Visuals are everywhere, and for good reason. When done right, visuals convey a narrative, they make us feel something, they can make us want to take action.
Unfortunately, the execution of engaging visual storytelling can be difficult. Just ask any cave dweller who spent weeks, maybe months, looking for a pigment that didn’t soak into or run off the cave wall.
For us moderns, the technical challenges we must overcome lie within the management of the sheer volume of visual content to ensure we get the right asset to the right audience no matter where they’re engaged, every time. Enter the modern DAM.
Effectively managing this superabundance of content within the asset management systems is one of a business’s greatest challenges.
To get a fuller understanding of what these challenges are and how they’re impacting businesses, Cloudinary recently commissioned a survey from independent research firm Researchscape International. Polling 420 marketing, IT, and business leaders the survey revealed both the growing importance of digital asset management (DAM) and the hurdles companies face in optimizing their strategies.
The survey highlights the rising demand for visual assets. Over two-thirds of respondents (66%) plan to expand their DAM use within the next year, emphasizing the critical role visuals play in brand trust, product credibility, and market awareness. This aligns with the increasing focus on composable content, where businesses can easily assemble and deliver personalized experiences across channels.
However, the survey also uncovers some roadblocks.
The leading barriers to DAM success involve resource constraints (51%), followed by content creation costs (50%), and the time required to develop variants across platforms (48%). These challenges showcase the need for DAM solutions that streamline workflows and optimize resource allocation.
The survey sheds light on business leaders’ desire for automation and AI capabilities within DAM systems. A significant portion of respondents (over 50%) see value in features like AI-powered editing, automated asset management, and personalized content creation. These tools hold the potential to significantly reduce costs, save time, and enhance content production.
Key takeaways for business leaders:
- Visual content is a top priority, driving the need for robust DAM solutions.
- Challenges lie in resource management, content creation costs, and content variation for different channels.
- Business leaders are looking for DAM systems with built-in automation and AI functionalities.
View this infographic for more survey results.
By implementing a modern DAM system equipped with automation and AI features, businesses can overcome resource limitations, streamline content creation, and experience the value of visual storytelling. Invest in a DAM solution that empowers your brand to deliver impactful visual experiences to your audience. Contact Cloudinary today to learn more.
