5 Social Media Trends to look out for in 2026

Social media changes fast - and if you’re a small business owner, it can feel overwhelming. One minute you’re told to post more reels, the next everyone’s talking about AI, social search, and “structured content.” 

The good news? You don’t need to keep up with every trend to stay competitive. Instead, focus on the shifts that actually impact how people find you, trust you, and choose you. 

Here are the 5 biggest social media trends shaping 2026, explained in a simple, practical way - with tips you can apply even if you don’t have a full-time marketing team.

1. Social Media Is The New Google 

In 2026, it is becoming more obvious that people aren’t just using Google to find answers anymore. Instead, they are searching directly on social platforms like Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Facebook, and LinkedIn. Not only are they searching across platforms, but they are also changing how they search. They are using social channels to do their research, compare offerings and find answers.

If your business isn’t showing up when people search on social media, you’re missing out on customers who are already actively searching for what you offer. 

Tip: Post content that includes what you do, where you do it, and who it’s for. Think of answering all of your ideal customers FAQ’s in your social feed. 

2. Short Videos Are No Longer Just For Entertainment

Short-form videos (like reels, TikToks, and YouTube Shorts) are still growing and evolving. In 2026 the are no longer only for funny clips and trending audio, but they’re becoming a way people research and compare businesses. Think about how often you’ve watched a quick video and thought: “Oh wow, I didn’t know that!” or “That looks good, I want that.” 

Keep in mind that customers are doing the same with your business, which means that people want to see what it’s like to work with you, visit you, or buy from you - before they spend money. Videos can build trust much faster than text alone.

Tip: You don’t need fancy editing. Just focus on helpful, real-life content like: Before & After, Behind The Scenes, a quick “How It Works” Video, FAQs (answered in 15 seconds), and Packaging Orders or A Day In The Life. If you’re consistent, your videos become your best salesperson, working 24/7.

3. Creators And Real People Drive Trust

Here’s a big one for 2026: customers are tired of overly polished marketing. They want real. They want relatable. They want proof. That’s why creators, founders, staff, and customers are becoming the new trust layer on social media. You need to be showing up on your social channels, even if you are not an ”influencer,” you are the face behind your business - and that’s powerful. Social platforms are now used less for aspiration and more for validation. People are looking to see who is buying and what the real experience is like. They want quick, clear snapshots of what to expect and honest recommendations from real people. The businesses that provide this social proof are the ones earning trust and loyalty.

Think about your future customers and remember that they want to know: 

• Who they are buying from

• What is your vibe

• Whether you are a legitimate company 

• Whether other people trust you

Tip: Try mixing in more human content, such as introducing yourself on Stories, sharing a photo of you working, posting a client testimonial, and sharing your values (why you started). These are all ways to connect with your audience. Remember to keep asking your customers or clients for online reviews, it gives you fodder for your posts, reinforces social proof and also boosts your search engine ranking. 

Psst… In a recent survey conducted by NP Digital, respondents indicated that they are using Instagram and YouTube as a search engine DAILY.

4. AI Is Shaping What People See

AI is everywhere right now; people (and search engines) are using it whether you are or not. Even if you never use AI tools yourself, AI is already influencing what content you get shown, what gets pushed to the top of your feed, what gets recommended, and what shows up in your search results. 

As a small business owner, AI is also scanning your social posts and getting ready to feed that information to your audience. It understands content based on clear wording, topics, captions, keywords, and consistency. This means that random posting with vague captions like “Big things coming” won’t perform as well on AI searches. It needs context.

Tip: Make your posts clearer and more structured.

Instead of: “So excited for today!”

Try: “Our Pilates classes in (Your Area) are already fully booked - thank you! Next available sessions this week: (list times).” 

Think clarity over cute. You can still add your personal touch, just remember to be specific. 

5. Community & Trust Matter More Than Likes & Followers

This might be the most important trend of all: In 2026, success on social media isn’t just about going viral. It’s about building trust. A smaller audience that actually cares about your business is worth far more than a big audience that scrolls past. Platforms are prioritising content that gets comments, shares, saves, DMs, and real conversations, and not just likes. 

What this means for your business is that you don’t need 10,000 followers to grow. You need a community that remembers you, engages with you, recommends you, and buys from you repeatedly. 

Tip: Post content that encourages action, such as: 

• “Which one would you choose?”

• “Where are you based?”

• “Ask us anything”

• Polls on Stories

• “Dm us the word ‘INFO’, and we’ll send you pricing”

Don’t underestimate the power of replying to comments and messages - that’s where relationships (and sales) happen.

So… What Should Small Businesses Focus on in 2026?

If you want a simple plan, focus on these 3 things:

1. Be searchable - make sure people can find you by clearly stating what you do and where you do it. 

2. Be visible - use short-form video and consistent posting to stay top-of-mind.

3. Be trusted - show real people, real results, and real proof that you deliver. 

You don’t need to do everything - you just need to do the right things consistently.

If you’re not sure where to start, choose one trend from this list and build it into your content this month, or contact us and let us help you grow your social channels.