News Summary

Emplifi shares its fascinating predictions for social media marketing in 2026, highlighting the growing importance of AI in enhancing customer interaction. The predictions cover trends like short-form video, user-generated content, and the integration of generative AI to automate processes, ultimately transforming how brands engage with their audiences.

Exciting Predictions for 2026: How AI Will Transform Social Media Marketing and Customer Care

Have you heard the buzz about the future of social media marketing? Emplifi, a prominent player in the social media marketing world, has just shared its fascinating predictions for 2026. If you’re a marketer or anyone interested in the intersection of technology and customer interaction, these insights are worth your time!

Understanding the Landscape

Emplifi’s predictions are rooted in data from countless global brands that utilize their social media marketing and customer service solutions. The insights show a strong shift toward integrating artificial intelligence into our daily marketing practices. It’s not just a trend; AI is becoming a fundamental part of how brands operate across various channels.

The Predictions Breakdown

Let’s dive into the top six predictions that Emplifi identified for 2026:

1. Short-Form Video and User-Generated Content Take Center Stage

Marketers are increasingly recognizing the power of short-form video formats. In fact, a striking 73% of marketers are embracing platforms like Reels, TikTok, and Stories. Alongside this, consumer preference reflects a growing affinity for user-generated content (UGC). About 47% of marketers are focusing on this to create authentic, relatable storytelling that resonates more deeply with audiences.

2. Brands Invest More in Video Platforms

With the success of video content, brands are now reallocating their marketing budgets to focus on video-centric platforms such as Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok. It’s essential for brands to develop platform-native strategies rather than simply repurposing existing content. This shift signifies the competitive edge that innovative video strategies can provide.

3. Generative AI Becomes a Core Component

Generative AI isn’t just a buzzword anymore. It’s evolving from experimental projects to being a core element of marketing technology stacks. This means that we’ll see real-time task management integrated into marketing workflows, allowing marketers to concentrate more on strategy rather than getting bogged down with execution.

4. Virtual Influencers are Here to Stay

While the shiny novelty of AI-only influencers has worn off a bit, the incorporation of virtual influencers into marketing campaigns will be more sophisticated in 2026. Transparency about the use of AI will be crucial to maintain trust, and successful campaigns will keep a keen ear to their audience’s sentiments.

5. Agentic AI Automations to Tackle Burnout

A concerning statistic: 52% of marketers report frequent feelings of burnout. Emplifi projects that with smart AI solutions in place, businesses can reduce these burnout rates by automating tasks like scheduling and reporting, allowing marketers to focus on what really matters: connection and creativity.

6. The Convergence of Marketing, Customer Care, and Commerce

Finally, the lines between marketing, customer care, and commerce are blurring. With nearly two-thirds of social media marketers collaborating closely with customer care and commerce teams, by 2026, social media platforms will evolve into primary access points for customer experiences, enabling seamless discovery, purchase, and customer service.

Looking Ahead

Susan Ganeshan, Emplifi’s CMO, notes the importance of balancing these AI-driven workflows with authentic customer experiences. The brands that adapt to these trends will not only survive but thrive in the ever-changing digital landscape.

Join the Discussion

If you’re eager to delve deeper into these predictions, Emplifi’s CMO has plans to share more insights in an upcoming webinar on December 9. It promises to be a fascinating session that you won’t want to miss!

As we look forward, it’s clear that the role of AI in social media marketing and customer care will only grow stronger. So, get ready, because the future looks bright!

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Growing Demand for Data-Driven Marketing Support Boosts Local Agencies
Surge in U.S. Social Media Advertising Spending Expected Through 2025
Celebrating 20 Years of Digital Innovation: Boomcycle Digital Marketing
Revitalizing Your Brand in 2025: 15 Creative Social Media Marketing Ideas
Celebrating Two Decades of Digital Innovation at Boomcycle
Exciting Times in NYC: A Glimpse at Anthropic’s Claude Cafe
Boomcycle Celebrates 20 Years of Digital Innovation
The Challenges of Marketing in American Museums Post-COVID
Marketing Trends for 2025: Insights from the Emplifi Report
Boomcycle Digital Marketing: Celebrating 20 Years of Innovation

Additional Resources

• Business Wire: Emplifi Releases Top 6 Predictions for 2026
• eMarketer: B2B Marketers Prioritizing AI Tools for 2026
• Social Media Today: Emplifi State of Social Media Marketing Report 2026
• CMS Wire: 6 Marketing Technology Trends to Watch This Year
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Artificial Intelligence

Author: STAFF HERE NOVI WRITER

The NOVI STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENovi.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Novi, Oakland County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Motor City Comic Con, Michigan State Fair, and Novi Home and Garden Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Novi Chamber of Commerce and Novi Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in automotive, technology, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Gentherm, Stoneridge, and Daifuku North America. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HEREGrandRapids.com, HERENorthville.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.