News Summary

Social media marketing is rapidly evolving, with predictions for 2026 indicating a focus on short-form videos, user-generated content, and the integration of generative AI. Brands will need to adapt their strategy to video-centric platforms and foster a unified experience across marketing, customer service, and commerce. Emerging cultural terms highlight the importance of community engagement and authenticity in content creation.

Exciting Trends in Social Media Marketing for 2026

The landscape of social media marketing is evolving rapidly, and a recent report has shed light on what the future holds. Emplifi, a leader in the social media marketing sphere, has unveiled some significant predictions for 2026 that promise to change how brands connect with consumers. Based on extensive data from tens of thousands of global brands, these insights offer a sneak peek into the exciting twists and turns the marketing world may take in the coming years.

1. Emphasis on Short-Form Video and User-Generated Content

First off, it looks like short-form video is here to stay! According to the predictions, about 73% of marketers will make it a priority to create content in quick, digestible formats, like Reels, TikToks, and Stories. There’s a growing desire for brands to showcase authenticity, and that’s where user-generated content (UGC) comes in. Approximately 47% of marketers will put emphasis on this type of content, allowing customers to share their experiences and form a deeper connection with the brand.

2. Investment Shifts Towards Video-Centric Platforms

As marketers embrace these trends, we can expect a noticeable shift in where their budgets go. More investment will flow into video-centric platforms like Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok. Brands will adopt strategies tailored to each platform rather than recycling the same content across different venues. This approach is expected to create more engaging and effective marketing campaigns.

3. Generative AI Becomes Central

Generative AI is not just a buzzword anymore; it’s becoming a crucial part of marketing and customer care workflows. The integration of Generative AI will help brands manage tasks in real-time, seamlessly enhancing efficiency. Instead of merely experimenting with AI, companies will weave it into their routines, optimizing how they interact with customers.

4. The Rise of Virtual Influencers

While we’ve seen a dip in partnerships solely with AI influencers—down by about 30%—the rise of virtual creators is indicative of a broader trend. Brands will engage these AI-generated personas in thoughtful campaigns that tell stories in a compelling way, blending the lines between reality and the digital world.

5. Agentic AI to Combat Burnout

Marketers are feeling the heat, with over 52% reporting frequent burnout. Here’s where Agentic AI comes into play. By automating routine tasks, AI will help ease non-strategic workloads, allowing marketing professionals to focus more on the creative aspects of their jobs. This balance will help foster a healthier work environment.

6. A Unified Experience

Lastly, the worlds of marketing, customer care, and commerce are on a collision course. Social media will increasingly integrate these areas to create seamless customer experiences. Already, over two-thirds of social media marketers are working closely with customer care and commerce teams, indicating a collective approach to enhancing the customer journey.

Insights from Emplifi

As Susan Ganeshan, Emplifi’s Chief Marketing Officer, notes, the blend of AI efficiencies with authentic customer interactions will be essential for brands hoping to thrive in this evolving landscape. Emplifi will be providing even more insights in a free webinar on December 9, 2026, discussing these emerging trends and what brands can do to position themselves for success.

Cultural Trends and Community Engagement

In related news, a recent analysis published in the Social Media Dictionary highlighted some intriguing cultural shifts. The term “Aura” took the spotlight as the Word of the Year for 2025, racking up an astonishing 31.9 billion impressions. Additionally, two new terms, “AI Slop” and “Clanker”, are emerging on the scene, reflecting a growing skepticism about low-quality AI-generated content.

As we head into 2026, community engagement will become increasingly important. Brands are encouraged to transition toward more authentic and personal content that resonates with their audiences, paving the way for an exciting future in social media marketing.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

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Additional Resources

• Business Wire
• Wikipedia: Social Media Marketing
• Quiver Quant
• Google Search: Social Media Trends 2026
• North Penn Now
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Marketing
• eMarketer
• Google News: Social Media Trends

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