2026’s just started, and social media’s already going through some major changes. And those changes will become some of 2026’s biggest social media trends. As experts, we can already see how a few of those trends will play out.
In this article, we’re sharing our top social media trend predictions for 2026. Grab a pen and put your strategy cap on; the sooner you can work these themes into your content, the better.
1. Authenticity Will Matter More Than Ever ✨
We’re starting with a trend that began at the end of 2025. At Clapper, authenticity has always been king, and now the other platforms are catching on.
Audiences are getting tired of constantly being sold to. And we’re all feeling more isolated or alone than ever. So the audience is looking to connect with their favorite creators and with each other. That means that your content doesn’t have to be authoritative, perfectly polished, or professional. Fun, imperfect, and casual is in.
2. You’ll Need to Diversify Platforms 🪺
The TikTok Trial/Ban/Fallout still isn’t over. Crazy, right? Now the algorithm is undergoing some major changes, and users have started to notice. But people’s trust in Meta is dwindling. So, where are they supposed to go?
Short answer: Clapper.
Longer answer: several platforms. Instead of putting all your eggs in one basket, you should be posting content on a variety of platforms. Not only will you be reaching the audience on several platforms, but you won’t lose your followers (and content) if a platform takes a nosedive.
And each platform has a different algorithm, so your content might pop off if you find the right platform.
3. YouTube’s Making a Comeback 📈
Both long- and short-form content on YouTube is doing well. New creators are sharing their content on YouTube Shorts, and YouTube’s original format is literally taking over. People are watching YouTube more than they’re watching TV. Not to mention it’s a trove of how-to tutorials and educational content. Like we said last year, people are using social media as search engines – and YouTube usually has the answer.
If you’ve been considering making long-form content, 2026 is the year to give it a shot.
4. AI Content Is On The Rise 🤖
It’s no secret that AI is taking over, which we predicted at the start of 2025. That extends to social media, too. AI content creation and AI content creators keep popping up on people’s FYPs. There are thousands of AI tools to integrate into your content, including platforms like Sora and Veo that generate videos. So, in 2026, one of our big social media trend predictions is that we’ll be seeing even more AI content on our FYPs.
5. But Human Content Won’t Go Away 🫶
You might be thinking that, if AI is on the rise, human-created content is on the decline. But that couldn’t be further from the truth.
In fact, in 2026, we think that human content will also be on the rise. Like we said up top, viewers will be craving human connection and more personal content. That doesn’t go away just because AI is booming. Some viewers are going to avoid AI altogether, so they’ll want human content. Other creators won’t mind AI…and they might like personal content created using AI.
We love this breakdown from Busy Blooming on YouTube. It dives into how companies might start using AI for their content, and why human content creators will still be valuable in 2026.
6. 2016 is Back 🎉
While these are evergreen trends we expect to stick around, one big trend so far this year is the resurgence of 2016. Music, fashion, and even tech from 2016 are coming back into style. People are posting videos from their parties and sharing fun throwbacks.
Take a shot at it! If you were living it up in 2016, post a few videos or pictures showing us what it was like. Or recreate what you can. If you’ve still got the clothes you wore or any 2016 icons lying around, pull’em out.
And, if this is a little too fleeting for you, consider it as part of a larger trend. Nostalgia is in. How can you use it?
Now that you know what to expect from 2026’s social media trends, it’s time to start creating content! Keep an eye out for an article all about content strategy. In the meantime, check out this one for an introduction. And if you have a strategy that’s already killing it, follow these steps to revive it for 2026.
