STN DIGITAL - 2026
social
best PRACTICEs
OUR RECOMMENDATIONS
FROM REAL USE CASES
STN DIGITAL - 2026
WHERE WE’RE SEEING SUCCESS WITH
REAL CONTENT. REAL CLIENTS.
social media BEST PRACTICE
THE EXPERTS
WE ARE
6B
Impressions
6M
New Followers
Here at STN, we work with some of the biggest brands in sports and entertainment. Working 365 days a year, we are constantly finding new insights into how to make content stand out on the feeds and reach non-followers. The algorithms and platform functionality is constantly changing, but so is our strategy and approach.
Below you will find our ever-evolving Social Best Practices that our experts use daily to deliver social content with REAL RESULTS:
56M
Engagements
Impressions
Engagements
19K
Posts
New Followers
Posts
56M
19K
6M
6B
The hook is the most important aspect in any social post. With carousels continuing to perform strongly within Instagram’s algorithm, it’s imperative to include multimedia to tell a full story. Start with stacked imagery, add strong text-on-screen as a hook, and swipe to 2-4 videos to fully flesh out your post.
HERE IS WHERE WE WILL GIVE AN INTRO AND CONTEXT FOR THE NUMBERS BELOW.
2.0B
Instagram is the third most popular social media platform worldwide, with 2 billion monthly active users and over 500 million daily active users.
In the world of AI, where everyone reviews each piece of creative with a hyper critical eye, it’s more important than ever to have standout creative on your feeds. Prepare beautiful, thumb-stopping photomanipulations that can be deployed as the moment occurs to break through the noise in the social zeitgeist.
It’s not about being “part” of the culture, it’s about being additive to the culture. When a moment is trending, make sure your brand hops on in a way that makes sense for them. Simple TOS or trending audio on a lo-fi video is all you need to find success.
2.0B
Instagram is the third most popular social media platform worldwide, with 2 billion monthly active users and over 500 million daily active users.
What our experts are saying:
Slow social will hopefully be the new normal for 2026. Followers are drained from digital fatigue due to over posting, constant AI content, and every major brand hitting the same trend or comment section. Be deliberate and intentional with your posts. Every trend does not properly transition to your brand, messaging, or demographic. Events do not need a post every minute of their duration. Content gets buried, your engagement is spread thin, and overall your followers will not be as invested when something more meaningful is finally posted.
Tre Bennett
Boasting a high follower count is like having a multi-step skincare routine without getting your daily water intake; it only does & shows so much. Engagements and engagement rates should be the priority. You don't just want a big audience, you want an audience that's tapped in. Especially with non-followers having more discovery avenues than ever before.
Marcus Hall
2.7b
monthly active users worldwide in 2025.
Source
What our experts are saying:
More and more legacy brands are discovering that zany, quirky social content resonates with younger audiences. While that’s a positive shift, it’s equally important to stay grounded in your brand’s identity. If a trend pulls you too far from who you really are, don’t force it, your audience will spot the inauthenticity immediately. Jumping on viral moments can be valuable, but knowing when to stay on the sidelines is just as essential.
Austin Abhay
2.11B
Facebook has about 2.11 billion daily active users, which is roughly 68.7% of its monthly active user base.
What our experts are saying:
Don’t run from, or be turned off by AI - it’s here to stay. Whether it’s for process optimization, market research, or even assistance in the actual content creation process, lean fully into it and figure out how it can help you do what you do BETTER. Because everyone else is (or will eventually) and you don’t wanna get left behind.
Will Britton
What our experts are saying:
From what we've learned in social this year, there has been an evolution of social content and types of social content depending on your brand, messagings and goals. For example, a video may do well on TikTok, but the same type of video may not resonate the same or perform as well on other channels like Instagram or X, etc. it isn't "one size fits all". Being one of the best brands on social means understanding your audience not just overall, but what really makes it unique to your audience and the creative variety and success on each platform.
Taylor Orr
Be timely with your posts. If you're trying to hop on a trend, create your post and don't overthink it
Rob Felizardo
5.6x
Pages that post at least once a week on LinkedIn see approximately 5.6× more follower growth than pages posting less frequently.
What our experts are saying:
Brands shouldn’t hop on trends just because everyone else is doing it. Pause and ask: Does this fit our voice? Are we adding anything meaningful? Will our audience care? If yes, bring your own POV and twist. And remember, you don’t have to wait for others to lead. Be early. Be intentional. Make it yours.
Alejandra Betanco
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