🔒Why influencer marketing is hot — and AI ‘slop’ is not — in 2026

“Slop” was 2025’s word of the year from dictionary publisher Merriam-Webster, which defines the term as “digital content of low quality that is produced usually in quantity by means of artificial intelligence.”

In 2026, Rich Brooks of flyte new media expects a war on slop, with platforms like Facebook, YouTube and LinkedIn forced to rein in unwanted AI content that’s clogging their feeds. His other predictions: “Expect ‘Made with AI’ designations for AI-generated audio, video and imagery, although I don't expect text to be affected as much,” he said. And amid a renewed call for authenticity, “brands will do everything they can to put their people front and center of their marketing.” Here’s what other industry insiders are expecting this year.

Greer Pearce, Words From The Woods: “A huge shift in 2026 is the move from traditional SEO to GEO: Generative Engine Optimization … For businesses, this means the goal is no longer simply ranking No. 1 on a list of blue links, but becoming the cited source in an AI direct answer. Content strategies must pivot from keyword stuffing to authoritative, answer-based content that these models can easily digest and recommend.”

Greg Glynn, Pliable Marketing: “We will continue to see an increase in influencer marketing, including the use of micro-influencers, who brands want to work with to reach local or industry-specific and niche audiences that value the opinions and endorsement of the influencer.” Marnie Grumbach, Fluent IMC: “In 2026, the brands that pull ahead will be the ones that truly understand how to use AI strategically, not just tactically, to enhance productivity and focus their teams on higher-value work.” Meredith Strang Burgess, Burgess Advertising & Marketing: “People are using social platforms more to find content/information, message each other and for product research. Video will remain king. And authenticity is key.”

Becky McKinnell, iBec Creative: “As AI-generated content floods feeds, people crave the realness of human moments. 2026 is a year to double down on what makes us unique. It’s time to showcase the messy, human, unpolished, realness of life and business. Brands that make their audience laugh, teach them something and delight them with scroll-stopping content win.”