Your 2026 social strategy starts now.
Stop scrolling—the social media landscape is about to change, again. Game-changing new tools, features, and policy changes are coming to all of the major platforms in 2026. Don’t let your brand get left behind in 2025; prepare now for the new year. Keep reading to understand the updates that matter most.
Threads, Instagram, and Facebook: Major Meta Platform Updates
Algorithm Changes and Content Prioritization
2026 will bring major platform updates for all of Meta’s apps, including their newest addition of Threads. Although Threads requires an Instagram account to sign up, it is still one of the fastest-growing social media platforms, gaining 5 million new users within the first hour of its launch. This new year, Threads is even on track to surpass X in daily users.
How does this affect your brand’s marketing strategy? As of April 2025, ads on Threads became accessible to all Meta advertisers. With this feature evolving in 2026, the app’s algorithm should not be overlooked for paid or organic content reach. Because Threads is connected to users’ Instagram accounts, your brand’s ad targeting has access to consumer data from not one, but two apps. This allows for the optimization of your ad spending and algorithmic reach.
Instagram is also experiencing big changes to its algorithm in 2026. Everyone knows there is a growing importance placed on reels, but carousels will undergo a new boost, too. When users begin but do not finish swiping through a carousel, the slides that have not been viewed will still be viewed as new content by the algorithm, meaning it will continue to be pushed to the same user. This allows for multiple chances for your post to gain engagement.
The updates don’t stop there—a stronger significance will be placed on authentic content that utilizes AI tools. This content will be prioritized over obvious promotions by the algorithm. Authenticity will be key to optimizing your reach. Focus on real stories, customer testimonials, and emotional appeals over broad content.
Facebook’s algorithm will now allow users to choose from two types of timelines: chronological or AI–driven feeds. This gives your brand different ways to connect with your audience. An algorithmic approach will prioritize emotionally engaging, AI-generated but authentic content, while a chronological timeline will push relevant and timely content over general posts.
Influencer Content
Influencer content is undergoing shifts on Meta as well. Qualifying creators in Facebook’s Content Monetization Program will gain the ability to be notified when their content is stolen and be able to take direct action against content theft. Influencer marketing spending on Meta platforms is set to reach $4.93 billion in 2026, so this new measure makes sure you get what you pay for with original and authentic content that can’t be replicated.
X (formerly twitter): Updates and Adjustments
Premium and Paying Users
X now offers exclusive features for businesses and government organizations that pay for premium accounts. Brands with premium business accounts can enjoy enhanced tools and different content limits than free accounts. Regular accounts have limited video lengths, typically capped at 140 seconds, while paid premium business accounts can post videos up to 4 hours long, depending on their operating system. Ad accounts are generally limited to the same 140 seconds as regular users, although you can request video lengths up to 10 minutes.
Algorithm and Discovery Adjustments
The X algorithm has changed its metrics for pushing content through the algorithm. The most recent content with more retweets and comments will be prioritized over those with the most likes. Your brand’s reach now depends on reshares and deeper engagement than just likes. Along with timely high-engagement posts, niche content will be pushed further by the algorithm, too. The X algorithm will promote heavily curated feeds by AI to meet users’ specific interests beyond overreaching posts. Narrowing your focus can lead to enhanced audience targeting.
LinkedIn: B2B Platform Shifts and Feature Rollouts
Advanced Video and Event Tools
As one of the top platforms for business professionals, LinkedIn is shifting its features and focus. With a transition to video-first feeds, there will be more opportunities for long-form and live videos. Live videos will be a useful opportunity for event coverage or even simple Q&As. You can also easily repurpose long-form blogs into videos for optimized reach while reusing content.
Company Page Upgrades
With the new ability to create newsletters on LinkedIn, you have the unique chance to position your brand as a thought leader in your industry. You can leverage your professional expertise to reach a wider audience and achieve your engagement milestones. You can also drive views to your newsletter by sending push notifications to your newsletter subscribers, as well as all of your followers, when you publish new material.
TikTok: Discovery, Commerce, and Search Take Center Stage
TikTok Shop Transition
TikTok Shop is a great way to make your products easily accessible to your audience. 2026 will bring a major update to ensure all brands are meeting postal requirements in the United States. Starting in January, all sellers using USPS must buy shipping labels through TikTok. This change protects your business and builds trust between your brand and its audience.
Algorithm Optimization
The new year will bring new opportunities to expand your reach on TikTok. Adding trending keywords into your bio, captions, and even subtitles will push your content farther and make it more searchable. Appeal to your niche with specific words and phrases to reach the right audience.
Along with keywords, brands that take advantage of TikTok’s new advertising tools will be prioritized by the algorithm. Symphony Digital Avatars are one way to gain that momentum. TikTok’s new digital avatars are a fresh way to use AI while remaining authentic to your brand voice. You can create these digital avatars on TikTok by using either stock or custom packages. This allows your business to maintain a human touch while streamlining your content creation process.
How to Refine Your Social Media Strategy for 2026
All of the major platforms have one new focus in common: authenticity. Upholding that human touch while using AI as a tool is key to keeping up. Maintaining this balance can be tricky, but at Devaney & Associates, we’re already experts. Let us help you keep your brand on track this new year.