15/12/2025
Before you plan anything for 2026 social media, read this.
2026 is the year social media gets louder, faster, and more competitive. So which brands win? The ones who really understand how social media works in 2026.
1. Shares > Likes
Instagram’s 2026 algorithm prioritises shareability above everything.
If people are sending it to a friend, the platform sends it further.
2. Creators Drive the Feed, Not Brands
Instagram’s unified creator-first ecosystem means brand content only performs when it feels human, original, and not pushing product or sales-forward content.
3. Storytelling Beats Aesthetic
Perfect grids don’t matter.
Context, value, and emotional and cultural relevance do.
4. Platform Signals Come From Everywhere
The 2026 algorithm reads:
• your DMs
• your saves
• your comments
• your watch time
• how you behave on other Meta platforms
(Yes, even WhatsApp)
The brands who grow are the ones who understand these signals and create content that aligns with their audience and these signals.
Want your FREE cheat sheet for clarity, consistency, and content that actually moves the needle?
Introducing: The Wonder Co Social Media Content Calendar 2026. 52 weeks of prompts, themes, post suggestions, and hooks for FREE.
Comment ‘26CAL’ to get the link sent to your DMS.