Social Media Trends and Predictions From Industry Experts for 2026

If you’ve felt social media shifting under your feet these past few years, you’re not imagining things. 2026 is shaping up to be a year of transformation—the kind that asks brands and creators to throw out the old playbook and get deeply personal, creative, and smart about what’s next.

So, without further ado, let me quickly present you with the latest social media trends that every marketer should put on their radar, based on experts’ takeaways and hands-on advice to help you thrive, stand out, and connect in all the right ways.

#1. Social SEO: make your content discoverable

If you’ve noticed how people are now using Instagram or TikTok to search for everything from travel tips to product advice, you’ve spotted one of the most important trends on social media. Social SEO is quietly transforming how brands get noticed—think less about chasing viral fame, and more about making sure your posts show up when people are actually searching.

Social media marketing trends in 2026 are no longer just about catchy visuals; it’s about showing up for the right queries with authentic, helpful content. By adding thoughtful keywords and hashtags to your captions, you make it much easier for your ideal audience to find you—right when they need you most.

Social SEO isn’t just another buzzword; it’s how you become visible in a crowded feed, and how you stay relevant as new trends on social media emerge.

I’ve felt this shift starting in 2025, SEO in social media was already making waves, but 2026 is the year brands will fully lock it into their strategies. The platforms aren’t just for scrolling, they’re search engines. That means captions, titles, and even the words you speak on camera matter for discoverability. - Arina Lazar, Sr. Social Media Manager at ING

We've started to see it, but social media is functionally becoming a utility hub, transforming into our primary search engine, in-app shopping mall, and customer service center all at once, forcing creators to design every piece of content to sell, inform, or serve, blurring the line between content and commerce completely.

Ultimately, the creators and brands that will see some success when it comes to their online content are those who pivot from seeking viral reach (which, is truly never a strategy) to cultivating deep loyalty within their niche and who embrace adaptability as a way of helping their strategy, versus working against it. - Brianne Cail, Integrated Content & Channels Strategist at Mylo Tango

Search-driven social content will be non-negotiable - social platforms are now discovery engines. In 2026, creators and brands will need to intentionally optimize content for search using captions, on-screen text, spoken keywords, and accessibility features like alt text. The ability to create content that’s both engaging and searchable will be a major competitive advantage, especially on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and LinkedIn. - Georgia Gonzalez, Social Media Manager at Penn State

#2. Private communities: build high-trust spaces that last

Have you noticed how so many conversations are moving away from the public eye? Well, that's because private micro-communities are one of the most meaningful upcoming social media trends. They’re where your most loyal fans gather—and where true advocacy starts.

For brands, nurturing a private community means you’re building long-lasting trust instead of chasing attention. As social platforms grow noisier, it’s these close-knit circles that offer the strongest sense of belonging.

Community will outperform virality - by 2026, success on social media will be defined less by reach and more by relationship depth. Brands and creators will focus on building smaller, highly engaged communities where conversations happen in comments, DMs, and shares. Georgia Gonzalez, Social Media Manager at Penn State

People crave belonging, and niche spaces are booming: private groups, broadcast channels, WhatsApp Channels. And we’ll see more and more brands step into these spaces to build authentic connections. It’s not about chasing reach anymore, it’s about creating spaces where your audience feels seen and connected. - Arina Lazar, Sr. Social Media Manager at ING

Private groups, subscription communities, IRL meetups and closed messaging channels will grow as people look for smaller, more intentional spaces alongside their usual feeds. Less broadcasting, more engaging and connecting. - Rhianne Lee, Personal Brand Manager at Amplify

#3. AI as a creative partner: amplify, don’t replace

Not long ago, I worried that AI would take the magic out of creating content. Instead, it’s become my new sidekick—helpful, quick, and surprisingly inspiring.

We’re seeing more conversations about social media trends and predictions, but the smartest move isn’t swapping out humans for algorithms. It’s using AI to kickstart creative ideas, edit more efficiently, or brainstorm when you hit a wall. That’s where the real spark happens.

AI isn’t here to replace what makes your voice unique—it’s here to help you amplify it. So, if you're asking for my opinion, I'd definitely say that one of the most powerful future trends in social media is letting AI handle the busywork, so creators can focus on what’s truly original.

AI will play a huge role, but not in the cold, automated way that scares people. It will work more like a creative partner that helps teams move faster, experiment more, and unlock ideas that used to take weeks. The brands that will stand out are the ones that use AI to enhance their personality, not replace it.  - Mihai Roventa, Digital Marketing Specialist

AI can crank out content, but it can't create context. Strategy and human editorial oversight remain important. Call it the "human signature" that makes it unmistakably unique to that brand. AI can now recognize AI, and humans are getting better at it too. In 2026 and beyond, the standout brands will use AI for speed and scale, but recognize human expertise, and the metrics will reward them. - Carmen Collins, Director of Social Media at Generac

#4. Transparency: build trust by letting your audience in

Open, honest brands are resonating with people more than ever. Among the major social trends right now, transparency stands out as a real difference-maker. More audiences are gravitating toward businesses that show what’s happening behind the scenes—the good, the bad, and everything in between.

This isn’t just a fleeting idea; it’s one of those rising trends that’s actually fueling long-term loyalty. When you invite your audience into the process, you show you’ve got nothing to hide. That level of trust can’t be manufactured—it’s earned, one genuine update at a time.

And maybe the most refreshing trend will be the push for transparency. Users are asking for clarity about data, algorithms and the real humans behind brand accounts. The brands that communicate honestly and show who they really are will naturally attract more trust. This is exactly the direction I’m taking with my team and the clients we work with, helping them build smarter, more human social media strategies that actually connect with their audiences. Mihai Roventa, Digital Marketing Specialist

#5. Storytelling & originality: share what only you can say

Let’s be honest: social media gets crowded fast. But one thing never goes out of style—genuine storytelling. People crave honest, personal moments that reveal a brand’s true character. Sharing the little wins, odd quirks, or lessons learned brings your feed to life in a way canned content never will.

That’s why, when looking at trends in social media marketing, originality and storytelling are always at the top. You don’t need to be perfect; you just need to sound like yourself. The more your posts speak from experience, the more they’ll resonate, and the stronger your connection with your audience will become.

Storytelling power drives influence. Thought leadership is shifting from polished speeches to raw, authentic videos and social-first strategies. Young content advisors will play a pivotal role in guiding leaders to reimagine their presence, coaching them to be relatable, savvy, and genuinely engaged. But this cannot be a mere PR exercise; it must reflect a real commitment to connect with audiences and demonstrate care through action. - Diya Banerjee, Head of Social Media At WHO

I think in 2026, creative storytelling and original content will reign supreme. We've seen trends start to feel "overdone" by brands (who else saw Taylor and Travis' engagement photos become memes for every brand?) and I think that this year we'll see a larger lean-in to the creativity, originality and brand building that have always been the backbone of social with less inclination to just jump on trends right out of the gate. - Jenn Crim,, Marketing & Communications Specialist at South Bend International Airport

#6. Human-led content & livestreaming: connect authentically and in real time

Ever notice how the best moments online often feel unplanned? That’s what’s new in social media these days: real people showing up live, unpolished and unscripted. Whether you’re hitting “go live” to answer questions or just sharing a quick update from your phone, people are drawn to moments that feel spontaneous and genuine.

We’ll see more employee-led content, founder brands, expert opinions and personality-driven posts as audiences push back against AI-heavy content. - Rhianne Lee, Personal Brand Manager at Amplify

Livestreaming brings out the side of brands that’s usually hidden—a face, a voice, a quick laugh. It breaks down barriers and reminds your audience there’s a real human behind the account. If you want to build trust and engagement, sometimes the best move is to put away the fancy graphics and just show up as yourself.

Human-led content creation will take the spotlight. Q4 of 2025 showed that AI-created content was nothing more than AI slop. To get away from this, brands will need to focus on bringing humans (back) into the picture and creating raw, human-centered content that speaks to humans, not bots. and Livestreaming is the last frontier. AI can do almost anything, but it simply can't replace humans who show up live, with empathy and emotions, and expert knowledge, and answer questions in real time. So for those brands that want to show up human, embrace livestreaming in 2026. - Dorien Morin van Dam, Content Strategist at More In Media

#7. Retention metrics: focus on long-term engagement over vanity numbers

If you’ve been looking for social media marketing trends lately, you’ve probably noticed a big shift: it’s no longer about chasing the highest follower count or obsessing over “likes.” The real story is in who sticks around, who keeps coming back, and who actually cares about what you share.

Retention metrics—like repeat views, shares from loyal fans, and meaningful comments—tell a much deeper story about your impact. They show you’re building something lasting, not just grabbing quick attention. In today’s landscape, paying attention to these signals is what helps brands grow communities that actually matter.

It’s easy to get distracted by big numbers, but the smart move is to focus on lasting engagement. That’s where true social media success is headed.

Metrics like saves, meaningful comments, and repeat engagement will matter more than one-off viral moments. - Georgia Gonzalez, Social Media Manager at Penn State

Attention is no longer the metric. Retention is the filter. In 2026, creators will not be paid for views alone. Yes, there are still brands doing this but from my perspective, that approach is already outdated. When I’m optimizing campaigns, I treat raw reach as table stakes and use attention span metrics as the real qualifier.

Completion rate, average watch time relative to video length, and end of video retention now matter far more than likes or comments. I want to be clear that there is nuance with this, since no single metric tells the full story.

The real value comes from using all available data to paint a narrative that explains what worked, what didn’t, and why. That’s how brands make smarter decisions around creator selection, platform choice, format, length, hooks, and even creative direction. Attention that doesn’t hold long enough to transfer meaning is no longer valuable, especially in an oversupplied creator market.- Jessica Mann, Influencer Marketing Manger and Campaign Strategist

#8. Behind-the-scenes & employee stories: reveal your real brand

I can't emphasize enough that some of the newest trends are all about getting personal. People want to see what goes on behind closed doors—the messy desks, the early-morning brainstorms, and the team members who make the magic happen.

Sharing behind-the-scenes glimpses or letting employees tell their own stories does more than humanize your brand—it creates genuine connections. When people see the real faces and hear the day-to-day moments, it makes your business feel approachable and trustworthy.

If you haven’t tried it yet, now’s the time. Invite your team to share their own perspectives, and watch how quickly your brand comes to life in a whole new way.

In 2026 I think  B2B social will see a big uptick in more outdoor  activations and IRL events. that being said, I think with AI and programmatic content, human voice will be more relevant than ever and consistency for brands will be important on social for building trust. - Renee Shaw, Brand & Social at tl;dv

Renee also tells that her bets are:

• more web series/ short form content with narratives
• documenting offline experiences/ more "BTS" from brands and individuals 
• employee-generated content and programs will be huge

#9. Humor: use joy to stand out and spark real connections

Here’s something I’ve noticed: lately, some of the most memorable brands online are the ones that make you smile. Among today’s rising trends, using humor is proving to be a real superpower—it breaks the ice and brings people together in a way few other things can.

If you keep an eye on social media trends and predictions, it’s clear that joy and playfulness aren’t going anywhere. A clever meme, a witty reply, or just a lighthearted story can cut through the noise and help your brand feel more approachable. People love to laugh, and when you make them chuckle, they’re far more likely to remember you—and come back for more.

So, don’t be afraid to let your brand’s sense of humor shine. Sometimes, all it takes is one good laugh to turn a follower into a fan.

It will be a funny year on social as humor becomes the beating heart of the internet. Things have been tense, heavy, and often rageful on the internet the past few years. But humor will reign supreme this year as the pendulum swings back the other way and people crave a more innocent and lighthearted experience. This trend will also create more personally relevant experiences for social media users.

Across all age groups surveyed in a recent study by WARC and TikTok, humor was the top trait that makes content feel personally relevant. But it’s important to note that humor doesn't just mean recycling the same memes as everyone else.

And it's more than just being funny for the sake of being funny. Rather it’s about meeting an audience's needs because they find the content funny, which is a byproduct of their cultural conditioning (i.e., look to their online and IRL sub-communities to identify their sense of humor). - Tom Miner, Managing Partner & Social Media Strategist at Gold Miner Media

#10. User-generated content: invite genuine participation and advocacy

If you’re looking for the heartbeat of upcoming social media trends, it’s right here: people sharing their own experiences with your brand. User-generated content is leading the way among social media future trends, not just because it boosts credibility, but because it turns everyday users into active contributors.

Think about it—when someone posts about your product or tags your brand in their story, it’s more than just a compliment. It’s a powerful recommendation that new audiences pay attention to. This kind of content feels trustworthy and spontaneous—which is exactly what people want from brands today.

The easiest way to build lasting advocacy? Invite your followers to join the conversation and celebrate their stories. You’ll gain authentic promotion, and your community will feel like they’re really part of what you’re building.

UGC evolved into CGC (Creator Generated Content)—more polished and professional, and distinctly, paid. But authentic UGC is making a comeback. - Michael Mims, Social Media Manager at Faith Driven Entrepreneur

Final thoughts

This year is your chance to lead by being more real, more strategic, and more human than ever before. I personally think the newest trends on social media aren’t really about technology—they’re about you: how true you are to your voice, how brave you are in your storytelling, and how skillful you are in meeting your audience where they are.

Ask yourself: How can I make every interaction count? How can I show up not just as a brand, but as a person, partner, and guide? Because in 2026, that’s what will make you unforgettable.