What’s on the horizon for 2026: technology, audiences and creative style
As we move into 2026, it’s clear that the marketing landscape is changing fast. For digital marketing agencies such as ourselves, helping clients stay ahead means understanding not just new tech, but also evolving audiences, and how visual style – like colours and fonts – will play a part in that. Let’s dive into what’s coming up.
Future technology: what’s next?
In 2026, the rapid technological evolution will continue to shape the marketer’s landscape and so we proactively seek to adopt and adapt. AI is certainly here to stay and its capabilities are developing quickly. While AI-powered tools are being integrated into the workflow of many creators, at Fenti we still maintain a human-first approach, putting the ‘person and personality’ at the centre of our marketing. Utilising AI tools for some routine tasks – informational research, for example – can be an efficient use of time and improve productivity. But it’s important to remember, it’s our expertise that steers the ship.
Immersive and mixed-reality experiences
The rise of Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR) and Extended Reality (XR) has implications beyond gaming. According to trend forecasting, immersive experiences are increasingly part of brand storytelling, especially among younger, tech-savvy audiences. Campaigns in 2026 will be expected to offer more than static content; they’ll need interactive layers, environments and dynamic engagement.
Kinetic typography and motion identity
Sounds fancy, right? Well, it’s simply text that moves and adapts. Expect to see an increase in animated text that’s designed to interact and drive engagement. A recent trend report for 2026 highlights the increase and value of ‘kinetic typography’ and ‘motion identity’, especially across social media content. For marketing agencies, this means designing for motion and ensuring type choices work in print, web and as dynamic elements in video and animations.
Audience data customisation and segmentation
Data gathering and analysis in 2026 will mean more precise targeting. With better analytics, machine learning models and real-time behaviour tracking, segments will evolve into micro-audiences powered by data. Marketers will need to craft bespoke messaging for these segments rather than broad-brush campaigns. Read our insightful blog about marketing to niche audiences here.
Sustainability, authenticity and experiential value
Technology also supports authenticity and sustainability. Consumers are increasingly aware and expect brands to show real rather than superficial commitment. Trend forecasting highlights this as part of design and communication in 2026.
Bitesize marketing shifts for 2026
Think interactive, responsive, immersive and authentic. You might not want to follow specific trends – in marketing, we always want to stand out! – but your campaigns need to incorporate technological shifts, optimising your content to perform across your chosen digital platforms.
Audiences in 2026: what’s changing
In tandem with technology shifts, the audience landscape is evolving in several key ways:
Generation Z and Generation Alpha maturity
By 2026, Gen Z will be well established in the workforce, and Gen Alpha entering teen years. These audiences expect digital-native experiences, faster responses, less tolerance for inauthenticity and more demand for purpose-driven brands.
Micro-communities and niche tribes
Rather than mass markets, audiences will fragment into smaller, interest-driven groups. Brands must speak to communities rather than everybody, which requires more nuanced messaging and platform choice.
Short-form video and mobile-first behaviour dominate
The trend toward smartphone consumption, short videos, vertical formats and ephemeral content continues. Marketing strategies will need to be mobile-optimised first.
Value beyond product: ethics, experience, engagement
Audiences now look for more than a transaction. They want meaningful interaction, co-creation opportunities, brand transparency and a reason to stay loyal. Look after your tribe.
Global and local marketing
With audiences more connected globally, marketers must consider the balance of global brand consistency with local relevance. Tailoring experiences in regional markets will be more important than ever. This means campaigns should consider platform, format, community, purpose and culture – all aligned with your brand’s narrative and offering.
Trending colours for 2026
Colour choices remain a powerful, subconscious signal in branding and campaign design. Here are some anticipated ‘on-trend’ colours for 2026:
Warm Eucalyptus
According to paint-brand forecasting, one “Colour of the Year” for 2026 is Warm Eucalyptus – a serene, nature-inspired green representing mindfulness, calm and restoration.
Earthy Vibrancy
Think rich ochres, olive greens, muddy blues and deep plums as part of an ‘earthy vibrancy’ palette for 2026. These tones are both grounded and expressive.
Peachy soft orange and low-chroma tones
The global colour-forecasting group Color Marketing Group identified ‘Protopia’ (a deep, low-chroma, red-cast purple) for Europe for 2026, signifying the narrative of sustainable transformation.
Spring / Summer 2026 pastels + neutrals
Soft pastels like Amber Haze, Bay Blue, Muted Mint, Icy Greys and Wax Paper cream are forecast.
What this means for marketers: when designing campaigns for 2026, consider shifting away from bright neons or cold tech‐blues alone, and move toward natural tones, softer greens, muted pastels, grounded neutrals and expressive rich shades. Pairing these kinds of tones with authenticity, storytelling and brand purpose will help you visually appeal to the 2026 audience.
On-trend fonts for 2026
Just as branding colours evolve, typography is shifts too. Here are some of the key font trends for 2026:
Bold, experimental display fonts and oversized serifs
Trend reports highlight large bold typography, distorted fonts and text-only layouts as a major direction.
Variable fonts / responsive typography
According to design commentary, variable fonts that adjust weight, width or slant in a single file are becoming increasingly important given cross-platform usage and responsive design demands.
Retro-futurism, nostalgic revivals with a modern twist
Expect typefaces drawing on ’70s, ’80s or ’90s aesthetics (for example, bold serif revivals – punk influenced) but reinterpreted in current contexts.
Kinetic and motion typography
With digital experiences and short-form video dominating, text is becoming increasingly more animated. Motion identity, animated overlays and scroll-activated text are worth your time.
Practical advice: when selecting fonts for your brand or campaign in 2026, aim for something both visually impactful and functionally adaptable. Use display type for headlines, motion typography for video and interactive formats, and ensure the main body fonts are legible across tech devices. Consider pairing a striking display font with a versatile variable font for digital agility.
Wrapping up 2026 marketing trends early
The convergence of AI technology, audience expectation and design aesthetics means marketers must pull together brand identity to create strong, visually appealing content for 2026. Palette choice and fonts all play their part in purposeful campaigns. There’s a lot to consider as part of your 2026 marketing strategy. If you want a little help with this, you can always talk to us at Fenti – we’re here to help you align your brand with the emerging tech, audience shifts and design trends so you fly through 2026 confidently and creatively – Let’s chat!
