Report
Global State of Social Media 2026
The Global State of Social Media 2026 report highlights how AI continues to reshape the digital landscape while social media usage remains on a strong growth trajectory, reaching 5.66 billion users worldwide in 2025. As social platforms become increasingly important sources of information, entertainment, and product discovery, businesses must adapt their strategies to stay competitive. The report notes that 72% of internet users research brands through social media, making these platforms critical for influencing purchasing decisions and building customer relationships. Meltwater’s annual study examines key global trends, audience behaviors, platform developments, and emerging opportunities that will shape social media marketing in 2026. By leveraging social intelligence, analytics, and da
