How to win as a brand on social media in 2026
Social media in 2026 is an order of magnitude different to what it was in 2024 and even early 2025.
But the way brands still show up on socials is to create content that (i) talks about themselves ALL the time (ii) tries to sell their products ALL the time (iii) misunderstands how people use social media these days.
We’re all familiar with the concept of the 2nd screen - well if you take that concept seriously then what that actually means is people are using their phones and their social feeds as another entertainment platform.
Netflix on the TV, maybe YouTube.
IG Reels and/or TikTok on the 2nd screen.
They’re using social media to be entertained, not sold to. They’re using their social feed in the same way they use their TV.
And this is really important for brands to get their heads around.
Because once you do, you understand that your job is not to try to sell your products to them with every post but rather become part of their consumption diet by entertaining them (in whatever way that feels right for your brand/product).
Inserting your brand into their lives that feels natural and native to their feed.
And in that way you build brand awareness, brand love which ultimately makes the selling you need to do a lot easier at other points of the funnel.
Our next online talk will be on Thursday 30th April and, led by Brand Hackers Head of Social Laura Hartley, we'll be going deeper on the concept above, diving into all things content series, social shows and other ways to win on social media in 2026.
To say this is mission critical for your brand is a MASSIVE UNDERSTATEMENT!
Be there of be square...