The social media marketing report for 2026 is drawing intense interest from both local marketers and national brands eager to shape their next moves.

This year, the stakes couldn't be higher as emerging social media industry trends spark creative pivots and new investments throughout the sector.

According to recent reports, marketers are taking a bold approach, weighing which platforms deserve more of their time and budget as user behaviors shift rapidly.

Questions abound about where the brightest opportunities will surface and which platforms will fade into the background.

One major finding from the industry’s latest deep-dive: marketers are not just doubling down on familiar territory but also exploring the latest social media platforms that have gained traction in the last year.

This year marks a turning point as video content continues to dominate strategic conversations.

Nearly half of surveyed professionals now see video as their top content priority, with plans to expand their video presence across multiple platforms.

At the same time, there’s a newfound confidence in generative AI tools, which are playing a larger role in crafting posts, designing visuals, and managing campaigns more efficiently than ever.

For local businesses, these shifts are opening new doors: from creative video campaigns to smarter targeting that captures the attention of community audiences.

In many neighborhoods, retailers and restaurants are leaning into platform-specific strategies that put them directly in front of their ideal customers.

Meanwhile, larger brands are piloting ad campaigns on platforms freshly popular with Gen Z, pushing the boundaries of digital engagement and customer connection.

Competition is fierce, but those willing to adapt will find unexpected opportunities and growth in the shifting social media landscape.

With the insights contained in this year’s comprehensive 44-page report, marketers have the context and data needed to make informed decisions for 2026 and beyond.