AI-driven search is reshaping how your content gets discovered and most brands aren’t paying attention. In our February 2026 Marketing Updates episode, Emma breaks down four major shifts happening right now across AI, social platforms, and content discovery that could significantly impact your marketing strategy this year. From LinkedIn content showing up more frequently in AI search results to Instagram testing a major change that replaces “followers” with “friends,” these updates signal a clear move away from vanity metrics and toward relevance, trust, and real connection. Reports also suggest that OpenAI may acquire Pinterest, which could have huge implications for product discovery, e-commerce, and the future of AI-powered shopping. Listen in to understand how to prepare, whether you’re already on Pinterest or are thinking of joining. Finally, you’ll hear how Meta is improving Reels recommendations using direct user feedback and why this raises the bar for content quality moving forward. Tune in to stay ahead of the curve, rethink where and how you show up online, and make smarter, more strategic marketing decisions as AI continues to change the social media landscape.
Listen in as Emma explains:
- Why LinkedIn content is increasingly cited in AI-driven search results
- What OpenAI’s rumored Pinterest acquisition means for e-commerce brands
- Why Meta’s improved Reels recommendations demand more intentional content
And much, much more!
Why LinkedIn Content Is Increasingly Cited in AI-Driven Search Results
AI search tools like ChatGPT and Perplexity are increasingly pulling from LinkedIn, – especially long-form content such as LinkedIn Pulse articles – because the platform offers structured, expert-led written content that AI can easily index and trust. As traditional website traffic declines, LinkedIn is emerging as a powerful visibility channel in an AI-first search landscape. Even brands who believe their audience “isn’t on LinkedIn” should rethink their strategy, since AI can surface LinkedIn content directly in search results, creating new discovery opportunities outside the platform itself.
What OpenAI’s Rumored Pinterest Acquisition Means for E-Commerce Brands
Reports of OpenAI potentially acquiring Pinterest signal a major shift toward AI-powered shopping and product discovery. Pinterest’s vast library of human-generated data – especially around visual inspiration, trends, and purchasing behavior – would significantly enhance ChatGPT’s commerce capabilities. This could allow users to search, discover, and eventually shop for products without ever leaving AI platforms. E-commerce brands would be smart to treat this as an early warning signal and start building shoppable Pinterest content now to stay ahead of future platform changes.
Why Meta’s Improved Reels Recommendations Demand More Intentional Content
Meta’s latest update shows that Reels recommendations are becoming more precise thanks to direct user feedback, not just passive metrics like watch time. This shift means content will only be shown to users who genuinely want to see it, raising the bar for brands relying on low-effort or generic video strategies. This change rewards creators who understand their audience, analyze their analytics, and consistently deliver content that aligns with real user preferences. Intentional, audience-driven content is no longer optional – it’s essential for visibility moving forward.
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