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Privacy PolicyThe social media updates to know in January 2026 by Niamh Conneely A new year brings a fresh wave of platform experimentation, and the January 2026 social media updates show no signs of platforms slowing down. Algorithms, AI, commerce and community are firmly at the centre of platform priorities as brands and creators head into 2026.
Missed last month’s roundup? Catch up on the December 2025 social media updates. Here are the January 2026 social media updates brands, creators and marketers need to know. Pinterest Predicts returns for 2026 One of the most talked-about social media updates this month comes from Pinterest who have released its annual Pinterest Predicts report, revealing the trends set to shape culture, creativity and consumer behaviour over the year ahead. Based on billions of searches and an 88 percent accuracy rate over the past six years, the report offers valuable, early insight for brands planning content, campaigns and product development.
Some of the standout predictions for 2026 include
Gimme Gummy : Playful, tactile aesthetics are on the rise, with jelly-like textures, bold colours and squishy accessories influencing fashion, beauty and product design.
Glitchy Glam : Beauty trends embrace imperfection, with asymmetric makeup, mismatched nails and experimental looks driving a more expressive approach to glam.
Scent Stacking: Personalised fragrance routines take centre stage, as consumers layer perfumes and oils to create bespoke scent combinations.
Afrohemian Decor: Interiors lean into culturally rich, global influences, blending Afro-inspired patterns, natural textures and eclectic design elements.
Khaki Coded: Utility-led fashion gains momentum, with practical silhouettes, earth tones and explorer-inspired styling shaping wardrobes.
Extra Celestial: Cosmic and futuristic aesthetics influence fashion and beauty, with holographic finishes and otherworldly visuals trending.
Throwback Kid: Nostalgia continues to resonate, with vintage-inspired children’s fashion, classic toys and heirloom-style aesthetics seeing renewed interest.
Wilderkind: Nature-driven visuals and forestcore influences reflect a growing desire for grounded, earthy and organic experiences.
For brands, these January 2026 social media updates underline the importance of tapping into emotional connection, personal expression and culturally relevant aesthetics, especially on visual-first platforms like Pinterest.
Threads experiment with algorithm control Threads is testing a new way for users to influence their feed. The platform is experimenting with posts that begin with “Dear algo”, allowing users to signal the type of c