What if everything you thought you knew about social media marketing in 2026 was actually backwards?

In this solo episode of Rocky Mountain Marketing, I’m breaking down the 2026 Social Media Content Strategy Report—and the data reveals something BIG.

While 70% of marketers are prioritizing AI-generated content, consumers are asking for the exact opposite. They want real voices. Real connection. Real people.

In this episode, I walk you through:

Where brands are actually investing (Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, YouTube)
Why Facebook is far from “dead”
The rising importance of YouTube for product education
Why TikTok only makes sense for certain audiences
The massive disconnect between marketers and consumers
How to use AI for intelligence — not replacement
What consumers truly want from brands in 2026

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.

Timestamps:

00:00 Everything You Know About 2026 Social Media Might Be Backwards

00:51 Welcome to Rocky Mountain Marketing + What We’re Unpacking Today

01:21 Where Brands Are Investing in 2026 (Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Facebook)

04:10 Facebook Isn’t Dead: Discovery, Service & Community (Plus What to Post)

05:57 Instagram’s New Role: Episodic Reels & Entertainment-First Strategy

07:15 YouTube’s Big Moment: Long-Form, Product Education & Video Podcasts

08:33 TikTok Reality Check: Gen Z, Search Behavior & Authenticity Wins

09:53 Quick Break: How NeXTSTEP Social Helps You Simplify Your Strategy

10:49 The AI Disconnect: Marketers Want Automation, Consumers Want Humans

12:18 Use AI for Social Intelligence (Not Just Content) + Why Podcasts Help

14:15 What Consumers Actually Want From Brands in 2026 (6 Must-Do’s)

15:59 Your 2026 Action Plan: Pick Platforms, Be Human, Engage More

18:38 Final Thoughts + Subscribe, Connect, and Get the Book

Ready to simplify your strategy and amplify your results?

Visit NextStepSocial.com to build a data-backed content strategy that actually works.

Learn more about Katie and Next Step Social & Podcasting:

Speaking: https://katiebrinkley.com/

Website: https://www.nextstepsocial.com/

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

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/@rockymountainmarketing

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

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