Today we’re launching Battenhall Labs — our new global innovation unit focused on applying emerging tech across marketing & communications. 🧪 From AI personas to proprietary measurement tools, Labs turns complex data into practical advantage for brands. 🤖 Find out more in our latest blog from our Chief Innovation Officer and Labs lead, Phil Sheard: btnhl.com/4c9etVY

It may be too early to bring up New Year’s resolutions but, we like to stay one step ahead. From Gen Alpha’s influence to the double-edged sword of virality, we asked our Year Ahead in Social speakers to share what they are expecting from the social media landscape in 2026.

It’s HERE! 🔥 Check out our 13th annual social media forecast here, where we delve into the five forces set to shape the social media landscape in 2026: battenhall.com/blog/battenha… #YAS2026

WHAT a morning at our 13th annual Year Ahead in Social event! Take a look at the highlights. 👇 Our experts took the stage at the British Library to present the 5 forces we believe will shape the social media landscape in 2026. Thanks to everyone who joined us! trends.battenhall.com/?utm_s… #YAS2026

And that is a WRAP on YAS 2026! Thank you all for following along and thank you to every speaker, panelist & guest who joined us at The British Library. Keep your eyes peeled for our social media trends report dropping later, and see you again next year... #YAS2026 #Battenhall

To wrap up this wonderful conversation: - Jumping on trends might boost short-term engagement, but without authenticity, it’s noise not impact. - The key isn’t to avoid trends altogether, but to use them with purpose. - When timing, tone, and intent align, cultural relevance becomes brand value.
 As Niantic Spatial’s @gloverboy put it, “It’s better to lean into strategic story-telling than just the meme.”

Time to open up the trend conversation to our distinguished panel: The O2's Lois Saxton Niantic Spatial's @gloverboy Rhian Robinson from Battenhall
 Moderated by Elise Pearce from Battenhall 
 Today’s topic: trend fatigue and how it’s reshaping modern content marketing. #YAS2026 #Battenhall

And that’s a wrap on The Social Cycle with Jonny! Here is the topline: - Trends aren’t linear: they come back reshaped by new generations and cultural moments. - Slow, cosy storytelling is the new trust-builder: think long-form, episodic content that invites your audience in. - Community will define the next era: in 2026, connection will outlast every algorithm. You can't chase virality, but you can build belonging that will carry your brand to success! #YAS2026 #Battenhall

Ever wondered what the cycle of a trend looks like? Well, Jonny has just broken it down fo us: ♻️ Introduction ♻️ Growth and adoption ♻️ Peak ♻️ Decline #YAS2026 #Battenhall

Next up we have Jonny Atter, Director of Inisghts, discussing The Social Cycle ♻️ Just like fashion trends (hello y2k revival), social trends are cyclical. The question we should be asking isn't "what’s next?", but "what’s back?"... #YAS2026 #Battenhall

Wow! That felt like an episode of Black Mirror! Let's come back down to earth to wrap up those incredible insights from Akilah. When it comes to AI influencers: - Brands buy in for reach, consistency, and safety. 
 - Audiences hesitate over trust, transparency, and emotion. Ultimately, “AI can build the face, but not the feeling.” True influence still comes from emotion, empathy, and the human spark behind the screen! #YAS2026 #Battenhall

We're about to get a bit sci-fi up in here... Up next is Akilah Harper on the rise of the AI influencer. We’re talking virtual creators, algorithmically designed faces, and synthetic personalities that command real audiences. Why are brands investing in them? Why are audiences divided? 

 All this and more, coming up... #YAS2026 #Battenhall

🚨WARNING! If your slogan becomes a meme, you may have won the battle but lost the war... along with your message. #YAS2026 #Battenhall

Now taking centre stage, Senior Associate Director, Georgie Freeman! She'll be taking us through The Double-Edged Sword of Virality: When viral moments make or break a brand. Stay tuned... #YAS2026 #Battenhall

Gen Alpha might just be the key to the future of social... Let’s recap the key takeaways from @drewb's fantastic talk: 
 -Hire and learn: collaborate with young digital voices to stay ahead of trends. -Map their moves: use data to understand how Alphas navigate social ecosystems. -Be fluid: design strategies that work across platforms, private DMs, and AI-assisted tools. -Watch Australia: the upcoming under-16 social media ban (8 December) could mark a major global shift in youth engagement.

And we're off! Founder and CEO of Battenhall @drewb takes to the stage to talk about the next generation of digital natives: Gen Alpha 🚀 
 Born in the age of AI, social media, and instant interactivity, it's not surprise that Gen Alpha isn’t just adapting to platforms; it is redefining them.
 How will their habits, values, and expectations reshape the next decade of social? 

 Stay tuned...

Good morning! 👋🏼 We're posting live from The British Library for our 13th Year Ahead in Social breakfast briefing! From the rise of AI creators to the rebirth of slow, community-driven content, today’s talks will unpack what’s next for brands, creators, and platforms alike. Buckle up for a morning of insights, trends, and predictions that will shape social media in the year ahead. #YAS2026 #Battenhall