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
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If you’ve ever scrolled through social media and found yourself staring at a stunning plate of food for far too long, then you’ll know the power of a great food post. But let’s be honest: not all food photos are created equal. Some make you drool whilst others make you…
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If you work with social media, you must have noticed it by now: Instagram has changed its phone grid size from 1:1 to 4:5 ratio. You might already been despairing about it, but here are some reflections to take under consideration. The 4:5 aspect ratio offers more vertical space, allowing…
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Let’s talk about short-form video because if you’re not already all-in, you’re missing out. This isn’t just another shiny trend. Short-form videos are the real deal, delivering incredible engagement, boosting product discovery, and driving conversions like no other format. The stats are jaw-dropping: short-form videos generate 2.5x more engagement than…
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Short-form video is dominating social content. With TikTok holding its ground in the U.S., and YouTube Shorts, Instagram Reels, and Snapchat Spotlight innovating at breakneck speed, the opportunities have never been greater. Or riskier. But it’s not just about the platform. Competition is stepping up and there…
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While the US has carried out its threat to ban TikTok – experts believe more countries could be next. What’s the impact for influencers and content creators…and how much will other platforms benefit? A recent article by the BBC suggests TikTok may be turned off in other…
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It’s tempting to focus on the latest trends and shiny innovations. But here’s the truth: without a strong foundation, even the most advanced strategies will fail. That’s why revisiting and mastering the basics is more important than ever. The numbers speak volumes Did you know that organisations with aligned…
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TikTok’s future in the U.S. remains uncertain, with the platform facing potential legal restrictions over national security concerns. In 2024, TikTok’s engagement rates dropped by 35% (SocialInsider), averaging 2.65%, but it remains one of the most ROI-positive platforms for marketers. This duality highlights the critical need…
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As the cheese fog settles and the calendar flips to January, many of us feel an itch—a restless desire to start afresh, reinvent ourselves, or simply shake off the cobwebs of the past year. It’s not just about resolutions (though we’ll get to those later) but something deeper: a creative reset. A chance to clear the slate, find our spark, and move forward with a little more purpose—or at least with fewer regrets about how many mince pies we devoured in December.
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Colour is more than just a visual element; it’s a powerful tool influencing emotions, perceptions, and behaviours. In B2B marketing, where trust, professionalism, and clear communication are paramount, the strategic use of colour can make a significant impact on how a brand is perceived and how effectively it engages its…
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Focus on what works, skip what doesn’t Social media can be overwhelming, with endless tools, trends, and promises of quick wins. But this year doesn’t have to be about doing more. It’s about doing what works. By focusing on strategies that deliver real results, you’ll save time, energy, and maybe…
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Hey there, social media enthusiasts! As we kick off 2025, the digital world is buzzing with new trends that are reshaping how we connect, engage, and grow our brands online. Staying on top of these trends isn’t just smart – it’s essential if you want to stand out in today’s…
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The festive season is the perfect time to take a break, unwind, and recharge after a year of hard work, but it’s also a moment to feel the creative pulse around you. As you know, inspiration can strike at the most unexpected moments. So, how can you enjoy your well-deserved…
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Subscribe on LinkedIn Platforms are evolving fast, but not all changes are worth a marketer’s time. Between AI tools promising creativity on steroids, platform updates throwing curveballs, and users craving more authenticity, it’s starting to feel like social media is finally maturing. But are brands keeping up?…
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Ho, ho, ho! Christmas is almost here, and you know what that means: cosying up with a hot chocolate and diving into this year’s best festive adverts. The 2024 Christmas campaigns are out in full force, bringing all the feels, laughs, and festive cheer. Let’s take a look at some…
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Links are a double-edged sword in social media. They can drive traffic, but they also risk cutting your engagement. Platforms are rewriting the rules to keep users on their apps. And it’s changing how links perform in posts. The challenges with links in social posts Algorithms deprioritise external links (I…
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