Call Her Creator with Katelyn Rhoades

Episode 104: The Weekly Scroll: 2026 Social Media Trend Report: Instagram, Meta, TikTok + AI Shifts Every Creator Must Know

Date: November 28, 2025
Host: Katelyn Rhoades

Episode Overview

In this value-packed Weekly Scroll episode, Katelyn Rhoades breaks down Amplify’s “2026 Social Media Trend Report” to empower creators and entrepreneurs in leveraging upcoming shifts across Instagram, Meta, TikTok, and the greater creator economy. Katelyn outlines six major trend takeaways, provides actionable steps to future-proof your brand, and dishes on the latest platform updates you need for 2026 social media success. The episode is delivered in Katelyn’s signature enthusiastic, conversational style, focusing on practical advice, first-hand agency experience, and memorable creator insights.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

[01:57] The 2026 Social Media Trend Report: Six Major Takeaways

1. Long-Term Brand Partnerships Over One-Off Deals

• Stop the constant hunt for new brand deals—brands and creators should develop ongoing, repeat collaborations.
• Katelyn’s Tip: “If you have a brand partnership with someone, keep in touch with them. And vice versa for the creator: Make sure you’re following up. Make sure you’re sending a little note to them, like, ‘hey, loved working with you.’” (05:27)
• Actionable: Pitch quarterly packages, not just single posts.

2. AI for Productivity, Not Just Creativity

• Use AI to streamline your workflow (scripting, researching trends, writing emails and content).
• Katelyn: “Top marketers are using AI to reduce workload and free up their creative energy, not to replace their own voice.” (08:34)

3. Scale Your UGC Pipeline

• 82% of marketers call UGC (user-generated content) critical, but only 31% utilize it—creators and brands are leaving free social proof unused.
• Creators can produce content for brands without posting on their own socials and pitch UGC packages/monthly bundles.
• Katelyn’s Real-World Example: Collaborating on “Christmas in Okeechobee” using attendee photos/videos as campaign material. (10:48)

4. Short-Form Video Strategy Evolution

• Move beyond “just post more Reels”—data-backed, niche-targeted, valuable videos are winning.
• The platform rewards: Talking-heads, storytelling, original audio, and consistency over one-off viral hits.
• Katelyn: “We are past the just-post-a-video era. It can’t be crappy, right? 2026 demands data-backed content, strategic posting, and content that speaks directly to your niche.” (15:58)

5. Brands Must Collaborate Across Teams

• Marketing, customer service, sales, and commerce now collaborate—more full-funnel campaigns, not just aesthetic content.
• Creators who offer a “bundle” (reel, stories sequence, testimonial) stand out.

6. Workflow Investments Reduce Burnout

• The most successful creators/businesses in 2026 will have adopted robust systems and time-saving tools.
• Katelyn: “If you’re feeling stretched thin right now, you’re not alone. But you do need stronger systems for the year ahead.” (19:45)

[21:41] Meta & Instagram Platform Updates

Meta’s New Content Protection Tool

• Meta will auto-scan Facebook for reposted/stolen content for swift removal—big win for creators.

Facebook Groups: Usernames

• Group members can now create unique usernames, enhancing privacy and community feel.

Meta's “Vibes” Feed Flopping

• The new AI-powered Vibes video feed underperforms and is likely being discontinued.

Instagram’s Latest Features

• New “NEW” Label on Recent Posts:
  • Increases post visibility—followers get another chance to see posts they missed.
  • Katelyn: “If you missed a post, you’ll get that again and you'll get a little update that says ‘NEW’. Have you guys seen that?” (25:50)
• Hashtag Limits:
  • Now limited to five per post to reduce keyword stuffing/spam.
  • Katelyn: “Limit your hashtags. You get five. Keep them very concise on what the post is about.” (28:33)
• Grid Rearrangement Coming:
  • You’ll soon be able to rearrange your Instagram grid (no firm launch date).
• QR Code Direct to DMs:
  • Businesses can create QR codes that send users straight into their Instagram DMs.
  • Katelyn: “If you sell anything, this is a dream—QR code them directly to your DM... have automated messages set up for FAQs.” (30:25)
• “Expiring Soon” Story Labels:
  • Stories nearing expiry will be labeled, increasing last-chance FOMO-driven view rates.
• Reels Templates Coming to Edits:
  • Could rival CapCut with in-app, ready-to-use reels templates.
• Reels Camera Upgrades:
  • Record up to 20 minutes in-app.

[33:05] TikTok Developments

• AI Content Exposure Controls:
  • Users now set how much AI-generated content appears in their FYP, boosting authentic creator reach.
• Wellness Features:
  • New affirmation journal, soothing sounds, and screen-time tools aimed at user well-being.
• FYP Algorithm Uncertainty:
  • No definitive news on TikTok regulatory issues or algorithm changes.
• 2x Playback Speed Lock:
  • Viewers can now watch videos at double speed easily.

Katelyn: “If people opt out of AI content, your real face and real voice gets prioritized. Love this.” (35:21)

[38:07] Other Social Media Headlines

• YouTube: Bringing back DMs.
• X (formerly Twitter): Adds encrypted DMs, public profile history.
• Snapchat: Testing ‘topic chats’ for public group convos on daily themes.
• Canva: Launches a short-form video editor—direct CapCut competitor.
  • Katelyn: “Canva’s new short form video editor is surprisingly good and it’s going to make everyone’s content creation a lot faster.” (39:44)

Memorable Quotes & Key Takeaways

• “Stop doing those one-off brand deals and start building ongoing partnerships.” — Katelyn [03:13]
• “AI is not here to replace your ideas... it’s here to save you hours.” — Katelyn [08:12]
• “82% of marketers say UGC is critical, but only 31% actually use it. So this is your golden opportunity.” — Katelyn [11:21]
• “Consistency over virality is what platforms want now.” — Katelyn [16:59]
• “The people winning in 2026 will be the people who adopt systems and workflows and tools that protect their time and their energy.” — Katelyn [19:55]

Actionable Steps for Creators

• Pitch long-term or quarterly partnerships—don’t settle for one-offs.
• Integrate AI for scripting, research, and workflow tasks—not for replacing your unique voice.
• Expand into UGC creation with packaged offers and proactive outreach.
• Focus on niche-driven, consistent short-form video; favor substance and data over quantity or broad reach.
• Streamline your systems now to prevent burnout in 2026.
• Leverage upcoming platform tools (new reels templates, grid rearrangement, content protection features).

Useful Timestamps for Reference

• [01:57] Trend Report Takeaways Begin
• [05:27] Katelyn’s Adobe Partnership Example
• [08:34] AI for Productivity Discussion
• [10:48] Christmas in Okeechobee UGC Case
• [15:58] Short-Form Video Commentary
• [19:45] Burnout Reduction & Workflow
• [21:41] Meta/Instagram Platform Updates Begin
• [25:50] Instagram’s New “NEW” Label
• [28:33] Hashtag Limit Changes
• [30:25] QR Code to DMs Update
• [33:05] TikTok & Other Platform Changes
• [35:21] TikTok AI Content Exposure
• [39:44] Canva Short-Form Video Editor Mention

Final Note

This episode distills strategic 2026 insights, actionable marketing pivots, and platform-specific hacks designed to strengthen every creator’s social media business. Katelyn’s real-life agency stories and energetic tone keep the episode both highly tactical and motivating—an essential Weekly Scroll for anyone ready to grow, adapt, and profit in the next wave of the creator economy.

For more, follow Katelyn Rhoades on Instagram [@thekatelynrhoades] and join the Club Influence creator community.