In the digital world, things change quickly. This is especially true on social media platforms – you might think you’re up to date on everything that’s going on, only to find that you’ve been missing out on key features and current trends.
While no one has a crystal ball, there are some things you should be aware of as 2026 is fast approaching. When you know what to look for, you can pivot your strategies more easily and reach even greater success.
Planning Ahead and Restrategizing
The new year is in full swing, and for many businesses, that means it's time to incorporate a new or optimized strategy. In terms of social media and your overall digital marketing endeavors, it's important to pay attention to current trends, so you can engage with customers where they are most likely to notice your brand.
Internet users spend an average of 144 minutes per day on social media. Naturally, this number is only expected to increase. As social media usage continues to grow around the world, you must put your brand in a position that enables you to make the most of your online real estate.
Top Predictions and Trends for 2026
What does 2026 have in store for social media? Here's a look at some of the trends you should expect to see in the coming months:
1. Social Media for the Socially Conscious
Consumers have been paying attention to the ways companies handle global issues, and this is likely to take center-stage in the coming year. Therefore, it’s essential to know where your business stands and find organizations you can support to gain the trust of like-minded individuals.
Keep in mind that it’s critical to use caution when entering the conversation on sensitive issues. Take some time to determine how users would perceive your brand’s involvement, and always think critically about your messaging to avoid sounding tone-deaf.
2. Old-School Marketing with a Modern Twist
Video may have killed the radio star, but podcasts are here and making people tune in to audio in brand new ways. If you're looking to advertise, consider finding a podcast that has a demographic similar to your brand’s, and be sure to share your ads on social.
3. Connecting Through Conversations
In 2025, many of us had to turn to digital platforms for socialization due to the rise of TikTok and other social media platforms promoting short-form content. Therefore, it should come as no surprise that 2026 is expected to be the year of people-first content. Users across the digital space want to feel connected to the brands they love, so it’s crucial to offer opportunities for two-way conversations. Simple strategies like responding to comments can go a long way in forging lasting relationships.
4. In-Platform Shopping
Instagram Shops, TikTok Shop, Facebook Marketplace, and Pinterest Catalogs continue to evolve as powerful social commerce tools in 2025. With platforms now integrating AI-powered product recommendations and seamless in-app checkouts, social shopping is no longer a trend but it’s a core part of the buyer journey. If you run an eCommerce business, enabling shoppable profiles is essential. It not only streamlines discovery and conversion but also signals brand legitimacy and trust to both users and algorithms. Prioritizing optimized product metadata, authentic user engagement, and consistent brand representation across platforms helps enhance your visibility and perceived authority.
5. Diversifying Your Social Media Presence
Social platforms experienced a significant shift over the past year. TikTok, in particular, skyrocketed in popularity, stealing Facebook’s spot as the platform with the longest average monthly time spent per user. With this in mind, it’s important to evaluate your current social presence and incorporate new outlets wherever it makes sense.
Make the Most of Social Media This Year with Help from a Dedicated Marketing Team
Social media is constantly changing. You can try to keep up with trends yourself, but it helps to have a team of experts by your side to handle everything for you. Contact Zero Gravity Marketing today to speak to one of our social media strategists and start planning your winning strategy for 2026!
Daniel Hamilton
