{"version":"1.0","type":"rich","provider_name":"Acast","provider_url":"https://acast.com","height":250,"width":700,"html":"<iframe src=\"https://embed.acast.com/$/62e074adb038a40013e0d7b6/699493543ba25772fecf4d47?\" frameBorder=\"0\" width=\"700\" height=\"250\"></iframe>","title":"Is Your 2026 Social Media Strategy Completely Backwards?","thumbnail_width":200,"thumbnail_height":200,"thumbnail_url":"https://open-images.acast.com/shows/62e074adb038a40013e0d7b6/1771946767458-4496d05c-68d2-49a9-9d52-675fc0b086fb.jpeg?height=200","description":"<p>What if everything you thought you knew about social media marketing in 2026 was actually backwards?</p><p><br></p><p>In this solo episode of <em>Rocky Mountain Marketing</em>, I’m breaking down the 2026 Social Media Content Strategy Report—and the data reveals something BIG.</p><p>While 70% of marketers are prioritizing AI-generated content, consumers are asking for the exact opposite. They want real voices. Real connection. Real people.</p><p><br></p><p>In this episode, I walk you through:</p><ul><li>Where brands are actually investing (Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, YouTube)</li><li>Why Facebook is far from “dead”</li><li>The rising importance of YouTube for product education</li><li>Why TikTok only makes sense for certain audiences</li><li>The massive disconnect between marketers and consumers</li><li>How to use AI for intelligence — not replacement</li><li>What consumers truly want from brands in 2026</li></ul><p><br></p><p>If you’re a business owner trying to figure out where to spend your time, energy, and marketing budget this year, this episode will save you from expensive mistakes.</p><p><br></p><p>Timestamps:</p><p>00:00 Everything You Know About 2026 Social Media Might Be Backwards</p><p>00:51 Welcome to Rocky Mountain Marketing + What We’re Unpacking Today</p><p>01:21 Where Brands Are Investing in 2026 (Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Facebook)</p><p>04:10 Facebook Isn’t Dead: Discovery, Service &amp; Community (Plus What to Post)</p><p>05:57 Instagram’s New Role: Episodic Reels &amp; Entertainment-First Strategy</p><p>07:15 YouTube’s Big Moment: Long-Form, Product Education &amp; Video Podcasts</p><p>08:33 TikTok Reality Check: Gen Z, Search Behavior &amp; Authenticity Wins</p><p>09:53 Quick Break: How NeXTSTEP Social Helps You Simplify Your Strategy</p><p>10:49 The AI Disconnect: Marketers Want Automation, Consumers Want Humans</p><p>12:18 Use AI for Social Intelligence (Not Just Content) + Why Podcasts Help</p><p>14:15 What Consumers Actually Want From Brands in 2026 (6 Must-Do’s)</p><p>15:59 Your 2026 Action Plan: Pick Platforms, Be Human, Engage More</p><p>18:38 Final Thoughts + Subscribe, Connect, and Get the Book</p><p><br></p><p>Ready to simplify your strategy and amplify your results?</p><p><br></p><p>Visit <strong>NextStepSocial.com</strong> to build a data-backed content strategy that actually works.</p><p><br></p><p>Learn more about Katie and Next Step Social &amp; Podcasting:</p><p>Speaking: https://katiebrinkley.com/</p><p>Website: https://www.nextstepsocial.com/</p><p>Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiebrinkley</p><p>YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/@rockymountainmarketing</p><p>Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamkatiebrinkley/</p><p><br></p>","author_name":"Katie Brinkley"}