Content Marketing Trends 2026: what you need to know
Feeling overwhelmed already by the 2026 trend predictions?
It’s okay. I get it.
Every December it feels like we get bombarded with “THIS is what’s coming” and “if you don’t do this now you’re irrelevant.”
But the truth is… trends are just insight.
You don’t need to do everything. You just need to choose what works for your strategy.
So if your content strategy still feels a little unclear, go back there first. That’s your foundation.
If you’re feeling good, then let’s dive in.
These are the five content marketing and social media trends I believe will shape 2026, based on what I’ve seen, what’s working for clients, and what’s emerging.
Let’s do it.
Trend 1: In-person connection (and content from it)
This one’s been bubbling for a while. But 2026? It’s the year of in real life.
People are craving in-person experiences again. It’s not just about showing up on Zoom… it’s about community you can feel. Events, dinners, coffee catch-ups.
And while you might be thinking, “That’s not content marketing…” - it actually is.
Because the best content? Comes from these in-person moments.
User-generated content
Testimonials
Behind-the-scenes videos
Case studies
All born from community.
Action steps:
Attend or host a small event in your niche
Plan an in-person meetup if you have a local audience
Capture content from the event, even if it’s raw
Use what happens offline to fuel what you post online
Trend 2: Docuseries-style content
We’re going behind the brand this year.
More people want to see how your brand operates, the people, the process, the journey. And not just in the “here’s my morning routine” way.
Think mini-series. Think story arcs. Think Netflix vibes (but make it low-key and doable).
It’s not about polished perfection… It's about deeper storytelling and emotional connection. We did this for a client in 2025 and it worked so well.
Action steps:
Map out a simple 3–5 part video series that tells a story
Show behind-the-scenes of a project or client journey
Use your phone - you don’t always need a film crew
Share your values and how they show up in your brand
Show your personality
Trend 3: Social search will keep growing
Google isn’t the only place people are searching anymore.
They’re using TikTok. Instagram. Even YouTube Shorts. Not just for fun… but to find things.
Your audience is typing real, specific questions into social platforms, and your content can show up as the answer.
Action steps:
Think: what would my ideal client type into search?
Create short videos and captions that answer those questions
Use natural language but also things people would search (no making up words)
Post consistently to build up searchable content
Trend 4: AI search is real (and your content needs to be ready)
AI tools like ChatGPT are starting to recommend businesses, services, and content. So if your messaging is too vague or fluffy, it might just skip over you.
That doesn’t mean ditching your voice. But it does mean being clear, concise and easy to understand.
Action steps:
Review your website and content… can a bot (or a human) understand it?
Keep your language simple, even if you use creative words
Make it obvious what you do, who it’s for, and how people can work with you
Include clear, direct explanations in blogs, socials, and offers
Trend 5: We want proof
This one’s big. We’re officially in the era of receipts.
It’s not enough to say “I did this for myself.”
People want to know, have you helped others? What changed for them?
Case studies, transformation stories, behind-the-scenes of client work… These will become core pillars of your content strategy.
Action steps:
Share specific client stories and results (not just “great to work with” testimonials)
Ask: what transformation did they experience?
Create mini case studies in your captions, Reels, or blogs
If you’re new: use your own results, or past work from other roles
Final thoughts
You don’t have to do all five of these.
You don’t need to create a docuseries and plan a local event and SEO your TikToks tomorrow.
Just look at these trends through your own strategy lens.
What aligns with your values?
What feels fun to test?
What could bring you closer to your audience?
That’s the magic.
Let’s make 2026 a year of connection, clarity, and content that actually means something.
And if you want help pulling these trends into your strategy… you know where to find me.