How Marketers Are Planning to Use AI, Influencers and More in 2026

11/05/25
Source: Social Media Today – Latest News by Andrew Hutchinson. Read the original article

TL;DR Summary of Key Insights from the State of Social Media Marketing 2026 Report

Most social media marketers (82%) use AI tools daily, primarily for analytics and content creation, but only 35% report significant productivity gains. Influencer marketing is set to grow with 67% planning budget increases, driven by the rise of short-form video. Instagram leads as the top platform, followed by LinkedIn, while marketers aim for diversification across multiple platforms using automation and AI to maintain efficiency. Short-form video and engagement remain top content priorities heading into 2026.

Optimixed’s Overview: Emerging Trends and Realities in Social Media Marketing for 2026

Widespread AI Adoption With Moderate Impact on Productivity

The 2026 social media marketing landscape is heavily influenced by artificial intelligence tools, with a vast majority of marketers integrating them into their workflows. However, the anticipated revolutionary efficiency gains are not yet widespread. AI’s role remains complementary, largely focused on pattern recognition for analytics, content creation, and ad targeting, rather than replacing human creativity or labor.

Influencer Marketing and Platform Preferences

  • 67% of marketers plan to increase influencer marketing budgets, recognizing influencers’ unique ability to leverage short-form video trends and boost brand awareness.
  • Instagram continues to dominate as the primary platform, with LinkedIn gaining unexpected traction, reflecting its growing importance as a professional engagement hub.
  • Reddit’s rising relevance is noted due to its frequent use by AI chatbots as an information source, attracting marketer attention.

Strategic Focus on Diversification and Content Priorities

Rather than concentrating efforts on single platforms, marketers are expanding their reach across multiple channels. This approach relies heavily on automation, AI scheduling, and cross-channel analytics to maintain efficiency without burnout. However, care is advised to avoid repetitive cross-posting, as each platform demands tailored content strategies.

In terms of content, short-form video reigns supreme as the key format, with increasing engagement metrics as the priority. Lead generation ranks third, indicating marketers view social traction as a pathway to conversions rather than a direct goal.

Conclusion

The insights from this report provide valuable context for shaping social media marketing strategies in 2026. While AI tools are widely adopted, their impact on productivity varies, and influencer marketing alongside platform diversification will be crucial drivers of success in the evolving digital ecosystem.