6 influencer marketing shifts brands and agencies need to prepare for in 2026

Why it matters

US creator economy ad spend forecast at 43.9 billion dollars in 2026, up 18 percent, with paid amplification of direct creator partnerships alone at 13.2 billion (plus 48 percent YoY). 79 percent of marketers plan to invest more in generative AI creator content, but only 26 percent of consumers prefer AI content over human content. Budget is accelerating faster than trust.

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