AlienTrick Insights Event 2026
Social media is constantly changing. But what really works? Which platforms are gaining ground? And where do target audiences lose interest?
Based on these questions, we organized the AlienTrick Insights event at our office in Hengelo. It was a session where we joined forces with clients and business partners to take a closer look at the latest developments in social media.
Not trends for trends' sake, but facts that provide insight.
About the event
At AlienTrick , we AlienTrick every day how quickly social media is changing and how many questions this raises for brands and organizations. Because we believe it’s important to share knowledge that goes beyond trends and assumptions, we organized the AlienTrick Insights Event: to bring insights, developments, and real-world experience together in one place.
During the event, Neil van der Veer, director and founder of the research firm Newcom, walked attendees through the 2026 National Social Media Survey. As the presentation unfolded, it became clear how the landscape is changing: which channels are growing, how screen time varies by generation, and perhaps most interestingly, how sentiment toward social media is slowly shifting.
Social media users are more critical than ever. This sentiment has been around for some time, but the survey also revealed it in the data. Social media remains an integral part of daily life; it’s just that the way people use and evaluate it is changing. This naturally raises the question: what does this mean for organizations, brands, and communication professionals?
During the interactive segment, these insights were put into practice. Where are the opportunities? How can you capitalize on them effectively? And what choices should you make as a brand? The session provided an opportunity for questions, different perspectives, and discussions. Attendees listened to one another and discovered new ways of looking at things.
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National Social Media Survey
Today, social media platforms have more users than ever before. At the same time, the landscape is constantly evolving. New platforms are gaining ground, target audiences are shifting, and usage patterns are changing. In such an environment, you want to understand what’s really happening, and as a business, you want to respond to these changes effectively. That’s exactly why we’ve been using The National Social Media Survey.
This large-scale, independent survey of more than 7,000 Dutch people provides insight into both the use of and attitudes toward various social media platforms. Which channels are growing? Which ones are losing ground? How is screen time evolving across generations? And how do users view social media? Now in its sixteenth year, the survey once again offers a clearer picture of the Dutch social media landscape than ever before.
At AlienTrick , we AlienTrick these insights as the foundation for our strategy. For clients such as DaVinci Academie and Magistor, we translate the data into concrete decisions regarding content, channel strategy, and positioning. Not based on assumptions, but on behavior and trends.
That means identifying where target audiences are actually active, determining which types of content work best, and figuring out how to stay relevant in a constantly evolving environment. By making informed decisions, we build social media channels that resonate. Profiles that align with the brand, connect with the target audience, and adapt to how people use social media today.
This results in content that is not only visible but also remains meaningful. Because when strategy, data, and creativity come together, it creates an opportunity not just to follow social media, but to truly understand it. And that’s where things start to get interesting!
Social media at AlienTrick
Social media is no longer just another channel. It’s a place where brands gain visibility, share stories, and build relationships with their target audience. At AlienTrick , we therefore AlienTrick beyond simply posting content. For us, social media is about choosing a direction, staying relevant, and understanding what truly motivates people.
It starts with insight. We examine how target audiences behave, where they are active, and what captures their attention. In doing so, we draw on insights from sources such as the National Social Media Survey. Not to blindly follow trends, but to understand how the landscape is evolving—which platforms are growing, where target audiences spend their time, and how their attitudes toward social media are changing.
One key insight that came up repeatedly during the event is that users are becoming more discerning. People are quicker to see through marketing and are looking for brands that are genuine. Humanity, authenticity, and trust are playing an increasingly important role in this. This doesn’t call for more content, but for better choices. Knowing what your brand stands for, and having the courage to decide where you do and don’t want to be visible.
We translate those choices into strategy and content for our clients. Every brand requires a different approach, and the key lies in making deliberate choices. That’s why we never develop social content in isolation from the bigger picture. Strategy, concept, design, video, and animation all come together in our work. This is how we build social channels that are not only active but also drive results.
Curious about how we use social media to drive growth? Check out our approach.
A good understanding requires a good conversation
What stood out? An evening where insights served as the starting point for new conversations. And that’s exactly why we did this. Because the future of social media isn’t set in stone. We’re building it together with curiosity, courage, and a good story.
Would you like to know how we apply these insights to our projects? Or would you like to brainstorm with us about your social media strategy? Let us know!
