Color Grading Trends 2024: From Cinematic to Viral

2024 Color Grading Trends: What's Hot Right Now

Color grading has evolved beyond just correcting footage. It's now about creating a signature aesthetic that makes your content recognizable.

Trend 1: The Desaturated Look

High contrast, desaturated colors with pops of bold hue. Think Netflix crime dramas. This trend conveys sophistication and timelessness.

Trend 2: Warm Vintage Tones

Bringing back 70s aesthetics with warm oranges, yellows, and faded blacks. Popular with lifestyle and vlog content.

Trend 3: Digital Neon

High saturation neon colors. Popular with tech, gaming, and music content. Creates an energetic, futuristic feel.

Trend 4: Flat & Clean

Minimal contrast, muted colors, clean blacks and whites. Modern, professional, and scannable for attention.

Trend 5: High Contrast Drama

Crushed blacks, punchy highlights, extreme saturation. Grabs attention in a crowded feed.

Top LUTs to Try

VSCO, LUTS.pro, FilmConvert, Lowepost, and DaVinci's built-in LUTs all have trending options. Start with pre-made LUTs, then tweak to match your brand.

Best Practices

1. Create a LUT or preset for consistency

2. Match color grading to your brand personality

3. Keep it subtle—don't over-grade

4. Test on different monitors and devices

Conclusion

Color grading is about mood and brand consistency. Pick a trend that aligns with your content, master it, and make it your signature look.