February 23, 2026 
Share This PostWith 2026 well underway, it hasn’t taken long for social media to shift again, with new platform changes and proposals for under-16 social media bans gaining traction across Europe. Read on to discover emerging trends from Pinterest and TikTok, the latest social media benchmarks and why LinkedIn articles are having a moment.
Community building and engagement
The new Pinterest palette for 2026
Pinterest share their annual update on trending colours for 2026 for consideration in this year’s content creation.
Social Media Today share 2026 benchmarks
See the latest social media benchmarks, including engagement rates, to use when reviewing social media performance in 2026.
Spotlight highlights the importance of LinkedIn content for Large Language Models
LLMs, like ChatGPT, are citing LinkedIn sources 4-5 times more often than before, in particular LinkedIn articles, showing the importance of this content type for a brand’s content strategy.
TikTok’s trend forecast for marketers for 2026
TikTok share their trend forecast for the year ahead to help brands create engaging and inspiring content.
Social media platform updates and new features
- Bluesky finally adds drafts
- BBC announces landmark deal to make bespoke content for YouTube
- Digg is launching new Reddit rival
- Instagram shares new features for Instagram videos
- Instagram is testing a ‘friends’ display instead of ‘followers’
- X adds Starter Packs to help users find relevant creators
- TikTok offers enhanced Shops promotion program
Online safety and moderation news
Spain announces plans to ban social media for under-16s
France, Denmark and Austria have also announced that they are considering their own national age limits.
Ofcom continues to investigate X and the scope of the Online Safety Act
Ofcom has highlighted the limitations of the UK’s Online Safety Act in relation to the moderation of AI chatbots.
TikTok settles just before social media addiction trial to begin
The platform reached a settlement to avoid being involved in a landmark social media addiction trial.
AI, misinformation and brand protection developments
The Observer examines the mass production of credible misinformation
Questioning how much content seen on social media is real, the Observer highlights concerns around the amount of manufactured mis-leading information and resulting erosion of trust.
Child internet safety campaign accused of censoring teenagers’ speeches
A Guardian investigation found that Childnet, a UK charity part-funded by US tech firms, edited out warnings by two young speakers at its 2024 Safer Internet Day event.
As always, we’ll continue monitoring platform, policy, and user behaviour changes, and what that means for those of us working on the front lines of digital communities. If you’re looking for a trusted partner in social media moderation, safeguarding, or strategic online community support, get in touch with our team.
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