The IF Blog: Social Media Insights and Trends

Social media in 2026: trends and tribulations

The social media landscape has undergone another seismic shift, and brands that fail to recognise the growing trust gap between marketers and consumers risk being left behind – that’s according to Brandwatch’s 2026 State of Social report. Analysing 910 million online mentions, Brandwatch has found

Designing for social media can feel overwhelming with all the trends, algorithms, and platform updates constantly shifting. But at its core, great design still comes down to the basics: clarity, consistency, and creativity. This blog will take you back to the essentials of social media design while helping you adapt…

LinkedIn newsletters have exploded in popularity – over 500 million people have subscribed to at least one newsletter, but what are the best ways to use them – and are they actually being viewed? As with anything on social media, if used effectively, serious engagement is possible. But the news we’re getting…

Meta’s selling more ads, TikTok’s selling more stuff & users have all the power Meta is flogging more ad space, TikTok is coming for your wallet, and Instagram is sneakily reshaping how brands tell their stories. Meanwhile, AI is worming its way into your DMs, Threads is…

If your content’s been flopping lately, it’s not just you. Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn have all shaken up their algorithms and what worked last year (or even last month) might not cut it anymore. Platforms are getting smarter, feeds are getting tighter, and brands that don’t adapt? They’re disappearing. Here’s…

You can have the best campaign, the smartest strategy, and the flashiest creative, but if your audience doesn’t trust you, none of it matters. In B2B marketing, trust is everything. It’s what turns a casual buyer into a loyal customer, a one-off project into a long-term partnership, and a client…

YouTube just dropped its 2025 strategy, and it’s clear the platform is doubling down on key areas that marketers cannot afford to ignore. With a growing emphasis on AI, Shorts, Connected TV (CTV), creator monetisation, and cultural engagement, the video giant is shaping the future of…

Another week, another algorithm shake-up. If your engagement has dropped or your content is disappearing into the void, it’s not you. It’s the platforms. AI is tightening its grip, engagement metrics are shifting, and the old tricks won’t cut it anymore. Here’s what has changed. Facebook…

Platforms like LinkedIn and Meta are looking to AI for the enhancement of ad targeting for users. But there are serious questions to be asked about whether this is helping brands deliver their messaging to the optimal groups, or whether it’s just a way of farming clicks for the platforms…

78% of B2B buyers purchase based on influencer trust Influencer marketing in B2B has evolved. It’s now a necessity for brands looking to build trust (and bear in mind, 52% of buyers value trust over popularityMarTech), drive engagement, and generate leads. But many marketers are still hesitant,…

Ah, the retro aesthetic. It’s like finding an old vinyl record in your attic – instantly nostalgic, undeniably cool, and somehow still relevant. In the world of social media design, retro aesthetics have made a triumphant comeback, and honestly, we’re here for it. Whether it’s the neon glow of the…

The ads are here, now what? Meta’s just begun to roll out ads on Threads (USA and Japan), and the reactions are mixed. Users are grumbling, advertisers are cautiously eyeing up the new real estate, and marketers? We’re here wondering if this is the next big opportunity…

Marketing is full of big ideas and bold predictions, but the reality is that most campaigns struggle because the fundamentals are not in place. That is exactly what we tackled in a LinkedIn Live with Tejal Patel, Scott Stockwell and me, Katy. These are experts who have led marketing at…

For brands in social media marketing, keeping up with colour trends is more than just an aesthetic choice, it’s a way to capture attention, build emotional connections, and reinforce brand identity. The Pinterest 2025 colour palette provides a versatile foundation for brands to experiment with different moods, from bold and…

Pinterest is making moves. The platform has announced a slew of ad updates for 2025, pushing harder into video, automation, and shopping integrations. With an active user base of 465 million, it’s a space brands can’t ignore. But is it worth your ad spend? Let’s break…

From Instagram’s Trial Reels to the rise of nano-influencers and the dominance of short-form video, staying ahead in 2025 is all about adapting fast. Instagram’s next evolution Instagram is making bold moves to keep creators and marketers hooked, and Reels are at the centre of its strategy.

The IF Blog: Social Media Insights and Trends

Social media in 2026: trends and tribulations

Social insight, opinion, thinking