What’s Shaping Digital Marketing in 2026?

Every year, new platforms, algorithms, and cultural shifts reshape what it means to build a brand online.

But this year, it’s a complete reset, and you’ll need to be at the top of your game to succeed.

Meltwater’s new 2026 Marketing Trends Guide decodes how AI, culture, and creativity are colliding to reshape marketing. From the rise of Answer Engine Optimization to LLM reputation management and creator-led commerce, the future belongs to brands that move at the speed of digital culture.

Inside the guide:

• AI Search Optimization: How Answer Engines like ChatGPT and Gemini are redefining discoverability.
• Social SEO & Video Everywhere: Why social search, Reddit threads, and short-form video are the new top-of-funnel.
• Trend-Shaping Over Trendjacking: How to move from chasing memes to creating cultural moments.
• The Rise of AI-Generated Influencers: What this means for authenticity, audience trust, and the creator economy.
• LLM Reputation Management: Why brand storytelling now extends into AI models.

For The Webby Awards community, where innovation meets creativity, this guide is your look at what’s next in digital marketing.

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