If your best-performing platform changed the rules tomorrow, would your business survive it?

Most people say no. That’s why this episode exists.

In this solo 2026 forecast, I break down the real shifts that will define how we grow, engage, and show up on social this year — so you can stop guessing and start getting ahead.

Key Takeaways:

• Why AI is no longer optional for content creation workflows
• How social platforms are now acting like search engines — and what to do about it
• Why short-form content is shifting from entertainment to education
• The return of long-form content (and how to leverage it)
• Why algorithm-proof brands are built on communities
• How to diversify your strategy before platforms pull the rug out
• Why real expertise will outperform “raw authenticity” in 2026

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction: The Importance of Adaptability in Marketing

00:26 Welcome to Marketing Trends with Katie Brinkley

00:47 Looking Ahead: Trends Shaping 2026

02:25 Trend 1: AI Integration in Social Platforms

04:35 Trend 2: Social Platforms as Search Engines

06:49 Trend 3: The Evolution of Short Form Video

08:06 Trend 4: The Comeback of Long Form Content

09:27 Trend 5: The Rise of Micro Communities

10:44 Trend 6: Diversified Content Systems

11:49 Trend 7: Authenticity and Real Expertise

12:46 Conclusion: Embrace the Future of Marketing

Pick one trend, build a 30-day experiment around it, and let me know what happens. This isn’t about doing more — it’s about being smarter.

Learn more about Katie and Next Step Social & Podcasting:

Speaking: https://katiebrinkley.com/

Website: https://yournextstep.agency/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiebrinkley

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MarketingTrendsNow

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamkatiebrinkley/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/marketingtrendsnow/

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