New global survey results from TechBehemoths outline the content and social media marketing strategies small and medium-sized IT businesses are planning for 2026. The data indicates a strong and continued shift towards organic content formats, led by traditional blogs and rapidly engaging short videos. A significant majority of companies also identified artificial intelligence and personalization as the dominant social media trends for the coming year, highlighting a focus on credible, methodical communication over experimental tools.
Quick Intel
Blogs (31.6%) and short videos (29.4%) are the top content formats for 2026.
81.6% of SMB IT firms see AI and personalization as the key social media trend.
LinkedIn remains the most effective platform for B2B visibility and networking.
Engagement, reach, and website traffic are the top success indicators.
Major challenges include lack of time (50%) and limited budgets (40.3%).
Paid advertising and AR/VR were considered minor trends by comparison.
The 2026 Content Format Hierarchy
The survey confirms the enduring value of credible, SEO-driven content, with blogs and articles holding the top spot as the leading format for the coming year. Short videos follow closely, reflecting the demand for fast and engaging content on social platforms. Infographics, long-form videos, and Stories are expected to be the next most popular, indicating a diverse but focused content mix for SMB IT companies.
AI and LinkedIn Dominate Strategic Thinking
When inferring social media trends, an overwhelming 81.6% of participants pointed to artificial intelligence and personalization being at the forefront in 2026. In contrast, paid advertising, micro-influencers, and AR/VR were deemed significantly less important. This suggests a strategic pivot towards deliberate, data-driven communication. For platform effectiveness, LinkedIn firmly retains its position as the most valuable for B2B SMBs, with Instagram and Facebook also ranking as fairly effective.
Measuring Success Amid Significant Challenges
The primary metrics for measuring social media success are engagement (69.4%), reach and impressions (60.7%), and website traffic (60.2%). However, achieving these goals is hampered by consistent challenges. A lack of time was cited by half of the respondents, followed by limited budgets (40.3%), the constant change of algorithms (31.6%), and difficulty measuring ROI (31.1%).
In summary, SMB IT businesses are strengthening their digital presence by doubling down on trusted organic formats like blogs and short videos while leveraging AI for personalization. Despite persistent constraints, these companies view social media as a critical channel for growth, prioritizing credibility and measurable engagement over fleeting trends.
TechBehemoths is a leading German platform connecting IT companies and customers worldwide. With a global community of companies - over 54,772 technology professionals to date - TechBehemoths enables companies to showcase their expertise, build credibility, and access growth opportunities in the digital economy.
TechIntelPro empowers B2B technology decision-makers with the latest industry trends, deep insights, leadership perspectives and actionable intelligence to drive both organizational and professional milestones—and thrive on the tech pulse.