{"id":64112,"date":"2025-10-09T12:33:11","date_gmt":"2025-10-09T19:33:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/birdeye.com\/blog\/?p=64112"},"modified":"2025-10-15T12:27:47","modified_gmt":"2025-10-15T19:27:47","slug":"consumer-vs-brand-social-media-trends","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/birdeye.com\/blog\/consumer-vs-brand-social-media-trends\/","title":{"rendered":"The social mismatch: Birdeye data reveals where your brand\u2019s attention gap lies\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>In this crowded digital world, grabbing someone&#8217;s attention is easy. But keeping it? That\u2019s the real challenge. With billions of scrolls and swipes happening every day, brands are still out of sync with where audiences actually spend their time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To figure out why, we conducted a survey in early 2025 to compare consumer behavior with business investment. Our survey revealed a clear misalignment: while consumers spend more time on TikTok and YouTube, many brands continue to invest heavily in Facebook and Instagram.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This blog unpacks the attention gap, what platforms are gaining traction, which are losing momentum, and what your brand should do now to succeed in 2026 and beyond.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-yoast-seo-table-of-contents yoast-table-of-contents\"><h2>Table of contents<\/h2><ul><li><a href=\"#h-the-platform-gap-consumers-vs-brands\" data-level=\"2\">The platform gap: Consumers vs. brands<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-platforms-to-watch-in-2026\" data-level=\"2\">Platforms to watch in 2026<\/a><ul><li><a href=\"#h-why-brands-can-t-afford-to-underinvest\" data-level=\"3\">Why brands can&#8217;t afford to underinvest<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-time-spent-on-social-apps-what-it-means-for-brands\" data-level=\"2\">Time spent on social apps: What it means for brands<\/a><ul><li><a href=\"#h-posting-often-isn-t-the-same-as-posting-smart\" data-level=\"3\">Posting often isn\u2019t the same as posting smart<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-where-brands-need-to-pivot\" data-level=\"3\">Where brands need to pivot<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-what-content-format-works-and-what-doesn-t\" data-level=\"3\">What content format works and what doesn\u2019t<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-social-media-trends-you-can-t-ignore-nbsp\" data-level=\"2\">Social media trends you can\u2019t ignore \u00a0<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-faqs\" data-level=\"2\">FAQs<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n\n\n<pre class=\"wp-block-preformatted\"><strong>How we measured the gap<\/strong><br><br><strong>Consumer sample:<\/strong> 1,300 adults, U.S. &amp; Canada, balanced for age, gender, and region. <br><strong>Business sample: <\/strong>300 firms spanning retail, healthcare, home services, financial services, and multi-location franchises.<br><strong>Survey window:<\/strong> Q2 2025.<br><strong>Approach: <\/strong>Matched-pair analysis of self-reported usage (consumers) against channel mix (brands) to expose over- and under-investment.<\/pre>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-the-platform-gap-consumers-vs-brands\">The platform gap: Consumers vs. brands<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Ever wondered why aren\u2019t many your posts gaining traction? The simple reason is that audiences and content are often not in the same place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Our 2025 survey revealed a clear divide. Consumers are spending more time on TikTok and YouTube, while brands continue to focus on legacy platforms like Facebook and Instagram. This mismatch creates wasted effort and missed opportunities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"651\" src=\"https:\/\/birdeye.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/The-platform-gap-Consumers-vs.-brands-1024x651.jpg\" alt=\"Consumer platform usage vs Brand presence across various social media platforms\" class=\"wp-image-64119\" srcset=\"https:\/\/birdeye.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/The-platform-gap-Consumers-vs.-brands-1024x651.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/birdeye.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/The-platform-gap-Consumers-vs.-brands-300x191.jpg 300w, https:\/\/birdeye.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/The-platform-gap-Consumers-vs.-brands-768x488.jpg 768w, https:\/\/birdeye.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/The-platform-gap-Consumers-vs.-brands-1536x976.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/birdeye.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/The-platform-gap-Consumers-vs.-brands-2048x1302.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/birdeye.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/The-platform-gap-Consumers-vs.-brands-810x515.jpg 810w, https:\/\/birdeye.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/The-platform-gap-Consumers-vs.-brands-1140x725.jpg 1140w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>This attention gap matters. Brands that keep relying on older platforms are increasingly out of sync with where consumers are actually active.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-platforms-to-watch-in-2026\">Platforms to watch in 2026<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Not all social platforms are growing at the same pace. As the chart shows, Facebook is flattening, Instagram remains steady, and LinkedIn is gaining ground. But two platforms stand out above the rest: TikTok and YouTube. These are where time spent is accelerating fastest, and where brands are still lagging behind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"651\" src=\"https:\/\/birdeye.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/Change-in-platform-usage-2-1024x651.jpg\" alt=\"Graph showing the change in platform usage by consumers in 2025\" class=\"wp-image-64122\" srcset=\"https:\/\/birdeye.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/Change-in-platform-usage-2-1024x651.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/birdeye.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/Change-in-platform-usage-2-300x191.jpg 300w, https:\/\/birdeye.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/Change-in-platform-usage-2-768x488.jpg 768w, https:\/\/birdeye.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/Change-in-platform-usage-2-1536x976.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/birdeye.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/Change-in-platform-usage-2-2048x1302.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/birdeye.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/Change-in-platform-usage-2-810x515.jpg 810w, https:\/\/birdeye.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/Change-in-platform-usage-2-1140x725.jpg 1140w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Too often, businesses repurpose Facebook or Instagram posts and push them onto TikTok and YouTube. That approach rarely works. Each platform has its own rhythm, voice, and creative expectations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To win attention in 2026, brands need to create content designed specifically for the platforms where their customers are already engaged.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<pre class=\"wp-block-preformatted\"><strong>The platforms driving social media in 2026<\/strong><br><br><strong>TikTok: <\/strong>The internet\u2019s discovery engine. Where trends begin, memes spread, and products go viral. Quick, creative, and built for real-time engagement. Now with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.statista.com\/statistics\/1299807\/number-of-monthly-unique-tiktok-users\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">1.6 billion monthly active users<\/a>, mostly Gen Z and Millennials.  <br><br><strong>YouTube:<\/strong> The internet\u2019s classroom and stage. Tutorials, explainers, and long-form storytelling dominate. The top platform for authority, exploration, and sustained attention.  <\/pre>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-why-brands-can-t-afford-to-underinvest\">Why brands can&#8217;t afford to underinvest<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Despite this shift, many brands still treat TikTok and YouTube as secondary channels, relying on recycled Instagram or Facebook content. That approach doesn\u2019t translate. These platforms demand native, visual-first storytelling that\u2019s short, authentic, and to the point.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<pre class=\"wp-block-preformatted\"><strong>The Birdeye take: <\/strong>If you\u2019re not creating platform-native content, you\u2019re missing peak attention and influence.<strong> Birdeye Social AI<\/strong> helps enterprises publish tailored, visual-first content built for TikTok and YouTube\u2019s unique strengths.<\/pre>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-time-spent-on-social-apps-what-it-means-for-brands\">Time spent on social apps: What it means for brands<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The true signal of engagement isn\u2019t how many people log in, it\u2019s how much time they spend once they\u2019re there. Social media isn\u2019t a quick check-in anymore; it\u2019s part of daily routines. That means brands aren\u2019t just competing for eyeballs, but for meaningful slices of consumer time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"651\" src=\"https:\/\/birdeye.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/Daily-time-spent-on-social-media-1024x651.jpg\" alt=\"Graph showing the daily time spent on social media\" class=\"wp-image-64125\" srcset=\"https:\/\/birdeye.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/Daily-time-spent-on-social-media-1024x651.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/birdeye.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/Daily-time-spent-on-social-media-300x191.jpg 300w, https:\/\/birdeye.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/Daily-time-spent-on-social-media-768x488.jpg 768w, https:\/\/birdeye.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/Daily-time-spent-on-social-media-1536x976.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/birdeye.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/Daily-time-spent-on-social-media-2048x1302.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/birdeye.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/Daily-time-spent-on-social-media-810x515.jpg 810w, https:\/\/birdeye.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/Daily-time-spent-on-social-media-1140x725.jpg 1140w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>But here\u2019s the catch:<\/strong> while consumers are giving more time, many brands are still misfiring in how they show up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-posting-often-isn-t-the-same-as-posting-smart\">Posting often isn\u2019t the same as posting smart<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Many businesses post several times a week or more, but frequency isn\u2019t the same as strategy. Without tailoring by platform or location, brands risk wasting effort.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"651\" src=\"https:\/\/birdeye.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/How-often-brands-post-on-social-media-1024x651.jpg\" alt=\"Graph showing how often brands post on social media\" class=\"wp-image-64126\" srcset=\"https:\/\/birdeye.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/How-often-brands-post-on-social-media-1024x651.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/birdeye.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/How-often-brands-post-on-social-media-300x191.jpg 300w, https:\/\/birdeye.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/How-often-brands-post-on-social-media-768x489.jpg 768w, https:\/\/birdeye.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/How-often-brands-post-on-social-media-1536x977.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/birdeye.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/How-often-brands-post-on-social-media-2048x1303.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/birdeye.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/How-often-brands-post-on-social-media-810x515.jpg 810w, https:\/\/birdeye.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/How-often-brands-post-on-social-media-1140x725.jpg 1140w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-where-brands-need-to-pivot\">Where brands need to pivot <\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>On the surface, many businesses appear socially active. In fact, over half describe themselves as \u201cvery involved\u201d in social media. But activity alone doesn\u2019t equal alignment. When we dig deeper, the cracks start to show: most businesses still run a single, shared social profile across all locations, even though <strong>57%<\/strong> of consumers prefer following local accounts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"651\" src=\"https:\/\/birdeye.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/Consumers-preferred-types-of-brand-accounts-to-follow-1024x651.jpg\" alt=\"Donut chart showing the type of brands account consumers prefer to follow. (National account - 14%, Local account - 57%, Both - 29%)\" class=\"wp-image-64147\" srcset=\"https:\/\/birdeye.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/Consumers-preferred-types-of-brand-accounts-to-follow-1024x651.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/birdeye.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/Consumers-preferred-types-of-brand-accounts-to-follow-300x191.jpg 300w, https:\/\/birdeye.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/Consumers-preferred-types-of-brand-accounts-to-follow-768x489.jpg 768w, https:\/\/birdeye.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/Consumers-preferred-types-of-brand-accounts-to-follow-1536x977.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/birdeye.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/Consumers-preferred-types-of-brand-accounts-to-follow-2048x1303.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/birdeye.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/Consumers-preferred-types-of-brand-accounts-to-follow-810x515.jpg 810w, https:\/\/birdeye.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/Consumers-preferred-types-of-brand-accounts-to-follow-1140x725.jpg 1140w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Why does local matter so much? The answer lies in relevance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"651\" src=\"https:\/\/birdeye.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/Advantages-of-following-local-accounts-1024x651.jpg\" alt=\"Graph showing the various advantages of following local accounts\" class=\"wp-image-64148\" srcset=\"https:\/\/birdeye.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/Advantages-of-following-local-accounts-1024x651.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/birdeye.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/Advantages-of-following-local-accounts-300x191.jpg 300w, https:\/\/birdeye.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/Advantages-of-following-local-accounts-768x489.jpg 768w, https:\/\/birdeye.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/Advantages-of-following-local-accounts-1536x977.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/birdeye.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/Advantages-of-following-local-accounts-2048x1303.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/birdeye.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/Advantages-of-following-local-accounts-810x515.jpg 810w, https:\/\/birdeye.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/Advantages-of-following-local-accounts-1140x725.jpg 1140w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Consumers prefer local pages because they feel more relevant and personal. Local accounts can deliver:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Content tailored to the community<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Promotions and deals specific to the area<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Faster responses to local questions<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Better support for neighborhood needs<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Brands that rely on generic, one-size-fits-all content risk fading into the background. Businesses that invest in local presence, on the other hand, earn more attention, stronger loyalty, and higher conversions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-content-format-works-and-what-doesn-t\">What content format works and what doesn\u2019t<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s not only about where you post, but what you post. Different content formats perform differently, and our data highlights which ones truly capture engagement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"651\" src=\"https:\/\/birdeye.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/Content-formats-that-drive-engagement-1024x651.jpg\" alt=\"Graph showing the content formats that drive engagement\" class=\"wp-image-64146\" srcset=\"https:\/\/birdeye.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/Content-formats-that-drive-engagement-1024x651.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/birdeye.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/Content-formats-that-drive-engagement-300x191.jpg 300w, https:\/\/birdeye.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/Content-formats-that-drive-engagement-768x489.jpg 768w, https:\/\/birdeye.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/Content-formats-that-drive-engagement-1536x977.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/birdeye.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/Content-formats-that-drive-engagement-2048x1303.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/birdeye.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/Content-formats-that-drive-engagement-810x515.jpg 810w, https:\/\/birdeye.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/Content-formats-that-drive-engagement-1140x725.jpg 1140w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The message for brands is simple: it\u2019s not just about being present on a platform, it\u2019s about showing up with content that feels native, engaging, and easy to consume. Visual storytelling, whether through video or strong imagery, consistently outperforms static or boilerplate messaging because it speaks the language of today\u2019s feeds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<pre class=\"wp-block-preformatted\"><strong>Did you know?<\/strong><br><strong>Nearly 1 in 3 consumers<\/strong> want content tailored to their community, but most businesses still deliver broad, generalized messaging designed for scale, not impact. <\/pre>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Matching content to platform<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Each platform serves a different audience mindset and requires its own creative style:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Instagram<\/strong>: Visual storytelling and aspirational content &#8211; best for lifestyle, retail, and wellness.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>TikTok<\/strong>: Discovery, spontaneity, and trends &#8211; ideal for creative, real-time engagement.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>YouTube<\/strong>: Long-form and explainer content &#8211; perfect for education and authority-building.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>LinkedIn<\/strong>: Professional voice and thought leadership &#8211; essential for B2B and recruiting.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Facebook<\/strong>: Broad reach and community groups &#8211; still strong with older demographics, useful for awareness but less practical for breakout growth.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Threads<\/strong>: Niche, fast-growing platforms &#8211; valuable for testing with micro-communities and early adopters.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Platform strategy checklist<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Use this 6-point checklist during quarterly planning to keep your strategy aligned with where your audience actually spends time:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Audience alignment<\/strong>: Is your primary platform the same one your customers use most?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Native creative<\/strong>: Are videos, images, and captions designed for each platform\u2019s format and tone, not recycled from another channel?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Short-form focus<\/strong>: Do you have a recurring video series under 60 seconds to capture high completion rates?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Local amplification<\/strong>: Do frontline teams have tools and guardrails to publish location-specific content?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Signal tracking<\/strong>: Are you prioritizing time spent, saves, and shares over vanity metrics like follower counts?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Emerging bets<\/strong>: Is at least 10% of your social budget reserved for new formats or experimental platforms each quarter?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-social-media-trends-you-can-t-ignore-nbsp\">Social media trends you can\u2019t ignore<strong>&nbsp;<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The way people use social media keeps changing. These four trends stand out as the ones brands can\u2019t afford to ignore:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Short-form video is becoming the default. <\/strong>Reels, Shorts, and TikToks consistently outrank images on every major platform. Video isn\u2019t optional anymore, it\u2019s the format audiences expect.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Social commerce is mainstream. <\/strong>Shoppable posts, influencer recommendations, and in-app checkout are standard across Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. Discovery and purchase now happen in the same feed.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>AI is transforming social content<\/strong>. The AI-in-social market is projected to reach <a href=\"https:\/\/www.marketsandmarkets.com\/Market-Reports\/ai-in-social-media-market-92119289.html\"><strong>$5.7B by 2026<\/strong><\/a>. Tools like Birdeye Social AI are leading the shift, helping enterprises create, automate, and optimize content at scale.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Niche platforms are gaining ground.<\/strong> Threads and Lemon8 don\u2019t rival Meta yet, but they\u2019re attracting loyal micro-communities. A flexible strategy is essential to follow customers wherever they scroll.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What this means for the brands:<\/strong> Staying competitive means knowing which of these shifts matter most to your audience, and showing up ready.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-faqs\">FAQs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block\"><div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1759993912983\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><strong>Q1. What is the biggest social media trend for 2026?<\/strong><\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">The top trend is the dominance of short-form video. TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts now outperform images on every platform. Social commerce features, like shoppable posts and in-app purchases, are also becoming standard.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1759994240176\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><strong>Q2. Why is there a gap between consumer behavior and brand investment on social media?<\/strong><\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Consumers spend most of their time on TikTok and YouTube, but many brands still invest heavily in Facebook and Instagram. This misalignment creates wasted effort and missed opportunities for engagement.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1759994234761\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><strong>Q3. Which social media platforms should brands focus on in 2026?<\/strong><\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">TikTok and YouTube should be top priorities for reach and engagement. LinkedIn remains essential for B2B and professional visibility. Facebook still matters for older demographics, but it is no longer where growth happens.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1759994245570\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><strong>Q4. How much time do people spend on social media daily?<\/strong><\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Birdeye\u2019s 2025 survey found that more than 80% of consumers spend between 30 minutes and 5 hours daily on social platforms, with TikTok and YouTube leading in time spent.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1759994378195\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><strong>Q5. What type of content performs best?<\/strong><\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Short-form videos under 60 seconds, visually engaging posts, and locally tailored content drive the highest retention and engagement.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1759994382606\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><strong>Q6. How will AI shape social media marketing by 2026?<\/strong><\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">AI will handle much of the heavy lifting: creating, scheduling, personalizing, and optimizing content. Enterprise tools like Birdeye Social AI make it easier for brands to scale short-form and location-based content without losing quality.<\/p> <\/div> <\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Final word: Don\u2019t just post. Strategize.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Being active on social isn\u2019t enough. Your customers have shifted, and your strategy must follow suit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>At Birdeye, we make it easy to keep up. Our <a href=\"https:\/\/birdeye.com\/social-media-management-software\/\"><strong>Social AI<\/strong><\/a> platform helps businesses create, schedule, and monitor content across all major platforms and locations. Whether you need to localize posts, experiment with short-form video, or simply stay consistent, we\u2019ve got you covered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Stay visible.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Stay relevant.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Show up where your audience is.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Ready to explore how Birdeye Social AI can help you transform your social media marketing efforts? Watch our <a href=\"https:\/\/birdeye.com\/free-demo\/\">free demo<\/a> to learn more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/birdeye.com\/resources\/guides\/birdeye-s-state-of-social-2026\/\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"684\" height=\"180\" src=\"https:\/\/birdeye.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/Download-Birdeye-State-of-Social-2026_.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-64151\" srcset=\"https:\/\/birdeye.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/Download-Birdeye-State-of-Social-2026_.jpg 684w, https:\/\/birdeye.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/Download-Birdeye-State-of-Social-2026_-300x79.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 684px) 100vw, 684px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>In this crowded digital world, grabbing someone&#8217;s attention is easy. But keeping it? That\u2019s the real challenge. With billions of scrolls and swipes happening every day, brands are still out of sync with where audiences actually spend their time. To figure out why, we conducted a survey in early 2025 to compare consumer behavior with [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":100,"featured_media":64117,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[10548],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-64112","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-social-media-management"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v26.5 (Yoast SEO v26.5) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Birdeye data reveals where your brand\u2019s attention gap lies\u00a0in 2026<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Discover the social media attention gap: Birdeye data shows where consumers spend time, where brands invest, and how to pivot for 2026.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, 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