Social media moves fast, but so do the opportunities. Whether it’s longer videos, smarter search, or fresh platforms, a sound strategy is all about experimenting with purpose. To help keep our team sharp, Account Director Jennifer Kramer did a social media deep dive and presented some of the trends worth following to our team. See what she found and what we keep top of mind in our social media strategies.
Prioritizing video content.
Throughout 2025 and looking ahead to 2026, video is still king. Long-form videos have surged on Reels, TikTok and LinkedIn. Users are no longer looking to social media for just a distraction, they’re often seeking connection and longer, more authentic content.
Further, algorithms prioritize content that keeps users engaged for longer periods of time, which makes video a key opportunity for brands and businesses. Content creators are experimenting with longer formats to build stronger communities and diversify their content.
Key Takeaways
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- Brands should consider allocating more dollars to their video spend. It’s available across platforms and generates high engagement.
- Repurpose and cross-promote video content across social networks (as applicable) to get the most out of your budget.
Following online trends strategically.
Today’s consumers are turning to their screens, not traditional media, to stay on top of trends and culture. 93% of consumers say it’s important for brands to keep up with online culture. However, consumers are split on whether it’s always cool for brands to jump into trends.
Key Takeaways
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- Trends are just one piece of online culture. Be strategic if you choose to join the conversation. Be intentional and selective, add your own spin, and focus on trends that naturally align with your brand values and audience interests.
- Invest in social listening tools to track conversations and trends early. Wait too long, and you miss the moment. Move too quickly, and you risk misreading the tone or coming off as “cringey.”
Telling stories through social.
Social media saturation forces us to find ways to stand out. Creating original content is one way brands can set themselves apart from others on a social media feed. 49% of consumers say the originality of content makes their favorite brands stand out. A strong personality can make brands memorable.
Key Takeaways
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- Use social media to amplify your brand story and voice and to connect with your audience on a deeper level.
- Prioritize authenticity over polished, salesy messaging.
- Be intentional with content. Aim to add value, spark meaningful conversations and celebrate the heart of your community.
Optimizing content for social search.
Rather than going to a search engine, consumers are looking to social media search bars to find answers. AI-driven search features now provide content summaries to give direct, scannable answers to user queries. YouTube and TikTok have positioned themselves as major search engines, emphasizing the importance of optimizing content for social media search.
Key Takeaways
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- Think about how people would search for your content in real language, then incorporate those phrases naturally into captions, alt text, video titles and on-screen text. Avoid vague, generic captions.
- Use AI search tools and social listening platforms to identify the keywords and trends your audience may be searching for.
Experimenting with emerging networks.
New social media networks are becoming testing grounds for innovative content and engagement strategies. As more social networks are introduced, brands should stay intentional about where they spend their time, dollars and creative energy.
Key Takeaways
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- Give new platforms time to develop before investing too heavily.
- When trying new networks, give yourself time to learn and experiment.
- Prioritize the right social networks for your brand. Be strategic and intentional.
As the social landscape changes and new social media trends emerge, our team is here to keep you ahead of the game. Keep up with it all on our Brogan blog.
