Social media growth in Australia, as of early 2026, is driven by platforms leveraging short-form video, immersive experiences, and increasingly sophisticated AI-powered personalisation algorithms to capture user attention and engagement.
- TikTok: Continues its dominance, now features advanced e-commerce integration directly within the app, allowing for seamless ‘shop-now’ experiences.
- Instagram (Threads integration): Instagram’s growth is bolstered by its tight integration with Threads, offering businesses a combined reach for text-based updates and visual content.
- YouTube Shorts: YouTube Shorts is experiencing significant user adoption, particularly amongst Gen Z and Millennials, and now features enhanced analytics for creators and advertisers.
- BeReal: While niche, BeReal’s authentic, unedited content format is gaining traction with younger demographics, presenting opportunities for brands to engage in a more relatable way.
In 2026, Australian businesses must also navigate evolving data privacy regulations, including stricter interpretations of the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) regarding user data collection and targeted advertising. Current systems include enhanced consent management platforms and a greater emphasis on first-party data strategies. Furthermore, the ACCC continues to monitor digital platform power, impacting advertising costs and reach for some businesses.
Instead of navigating these complex platform features, compliance requirements, and algorithm changes yourself, let ROI.com.au handle your social media strategy and execution. We can take care of all this for you. Contact ROI Growth Agency today to discuss how we can optimise your social media presence for maximum return.
