The Instagram Stories - Social Media News 1-2-26 - Predictions for Social Media for 2026 with Jen Lehner
Jan 2, 2026
Jen Lehner, a dynamic marketing strategist and founder of Front Row Daily Briefing, dives into the standout marketing campaigns of 2025. She discusses the impact of Duolingo's mascot stunt and the viral Jet2 holiday audio. Jen also shares bold predictions for 2026, including the rise of live commerce through apps like Whatnot, while Daniel predicts a shift towards more private social interactions and a trend of consuming social content on TVs.
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Duolingo's Mascot Theater
- Duolingo staged a theatrical death and community-driven resurrection of its mascot Duo to huge effect.
- The campaign created collective mourning, drove app engagement, and boosted merch sales.
A Chrome Extension As Marketing
- RX Bars released a Chrome extension that filters corporate jargon as a playful brand-aligned tool.
- The BS filter extension reinforced RX Bars' no-nonsense positioning and generated attention.
The Power Of Persistent Audio
- Jet2 used the same audio clip in UK ads for a decade and it exploded into viral remixes in 2025.
- The persistent audio became a cultural meme that dramatically increased brand awareness.