26 Jan 2026

Social Media in 2026: What Communicators Need to Know

Social media may not have changed dramatically in 2025 — but the competition certainly did. With platform saturation increasing, many brands found that reach and engagement were declining despite producing more content. Springboard Communications highlights that success in 2026 will depend on adapting to major shifts.

According to the article, traditional search engines are no longer the primary route for discovery. Platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Reddit are now key search destinations, supported by AI‑powered results that answer questions directly — often without users ever leaving the platform. At the same time, hashtags matter less than clear captions, on‑screen text, and context‑rich content that algorithms can easily interpret. 

Video, meanwhile, is no longer a value‑add — it’s the entry point. With Reels and short‑form content dominating user attention, communicators must prioritise clear, human, easily searchable storytelling in video format.  

For a full breakdown of these trends and what they mean for your 2026 strategy, read the full article on Springboard Communications' website - https://springboardcommunications.ie/what-to-expect-from-social-media-in-2026/

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