How Freelancers Really Feel About AI in 2026 – Survey

Luke Glassford

Luke Glassford

Artificial intelligence is no longer a future concept for creative freelancers, it’s a part of everyday work for many.

From editing and design, to admin, proposals and planning, AI tools are quietly becoming part of how freelancers operate. But while the tools are moving fast, the conversation around how creatives actually feel about AI is still missing an important voice: freelancers themselves.

That’s why we have developed this short survey to capture how freelancers across film, media, design and creative industries are really using AI, how they feel about it, and what it means for their future work.

This survey is about:

  • how creatives are actually using AI (if at all)
  • whether freelancers are paying for AI tools
  • what platforms are most popular
  • where confidence gaps exist
  • whether AI feels like an opportunity, a threat - or something in between

Our goal is to turn this into a genuinely useful industry snapshot that reflects the lived experiences of creative freelancers in the UK.

freelancers-ai-survey

Who should take part?

This survey is open to:

  • filmmakers and videographers
  • sound engineers and AV professionals
  • designers, photographers and editors
  • writers, marketers and creative consultants
  • freelancers and small creative business owners

You don’t need to be an AI expert - in fact, hearing from people who feel unsure or conflicted about AI is just as important.

What’s in it for you?

By taking part, you’ll:

  • help shape a clearer, more balanced conversation around AI and creative work
  • contribute to an industry-wide resource we’ll publish and share publicly
  • be entered into a prize draw to win a £50 Amazon voucher as a thank you for your time

The survey takes around 5 minutes to complete.

Freelancer AI Survey 2026

Prize draw terms and conditions

  • The prize draw is open to UK residents aged 18 or over who complete the Freelancer AI Survey 2026.

  • Only one entry per person is permitted.

  • One winner will be selected at random from all eligible entries.

  • The prize is one £50 Amazon.co.uk voucher.

  • The winner will be contacted via the email address provided in the survey within 14 days of the survey closing.

  • No cash alternative is available.

  • The prize draw closes at 11:59pm on [Friday 20th February 2026].

  • By entering the prize draw, participants agree to these terms and conditions.

  • Survey responses will be anonymised and used for research and content purposes only.

  • This promotion is not affiliated with or endorsed by Amazon.

Written by

Luke Glassford

Marketing Director

Any views or opinions expressed above are for guidance only and are expressed in generic terms. They are not intended as a substitute for readers taking appropriate professional advice relevant to individual circumstances.

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