Schools are back to reality after a long (and hopefully rejuvenating) winter break, and what better way to kick off the new year than by learning the latest updates and news that will help upgrade your school's social media strategy in 2026.

With so many social media changes, it can be easy to miss the latest updates. But those who take the time to learn and grow reap the benefits. The right insights can make the difference between your posts being scrolled over or appearing at the top of your audience’s feed.

The latest edition of Finalsite’s Social Media Trends for Schools has pulled together the biggest updates schools should know this winter. We’ve got all the key insights about the newest features, trends, and strategies that could impact your school’s communications in 2026.

Here’s a sneak peek at what’s new this winter:

You can now control your Instagram algorithm.

Ever wish you could fine-tune your algorithm to match the content you actually want to see? U.S. users now have access to the “Your Algorithm” manual control feature, offering a new way to customize their Reels feed. 

Facebook links could be going away soon.

Meta is testing a new restriction that would limit how many organic link posts some Facebook Pages and professional profiles can share each month unless they subscribe to Meta Verified. 

While currently a small-scale test, the move signals Meta’s continued shift away from link-based content and toward paid features and native formats like Reels.

Google introduces social channels in Search Console

Google is testing a new feature in Search Console that brings your school’s website and social media performance into one report.

For some sites, Search Console will now show how linked social channels perform in Google Search, including clicks, impressions, top content, and where users are coming from. The goal is to give organizations and schools like yours a clearer picture of how their website and social profiles work together.

So What’s Next?

For more insights, tips, and strategies to improve your school’s social media strategy, download the latest edition of Finalsite’s Social Media Trends for Schools to get the inside scoop on all the latest social media news and how it will impact you and your school.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

As the Social Media and Content Specialist, Hailey oversees Finalsite's social media accounts and helps grow its online community. Following her time at the University of Kansas, where she took up rowing, Hailey is a fitness enthusiast who enjoys playing soccer and running.