Why Authenticity Matters More in 2026

And why it's your only defence against AI content.

The social media landscape about to fundamentally change forever. AI is here now, love it or loathe it, we’ve got to adapt or die.

Today I want to talk about authenticity. I’ve seen a lot of creators talking about how authenticity is the way to stay relevant in 2026 and beyond, and they’re right. But what does it mean to be “authentic” and how can you lean into this type of content?

Let’s start by explaining what it’s not. Authenticity isn’t a style of content. You don’t make a video more authentic by just filming it in vlog style on an iPhone in your living room.

Authenticity is about connecting with people on a fundamental human level and tapping into their emotions. As smart as AI can be, us humans will always have an edge when it comes to emotional connection.

We’re about to see an avalanche of AI generated content hit our feeds. It’s going to be everywhere, that’s an unavoidable truth. As much as you might want to disregard it as “AI Slop” and move on, you’re going to have to face the reality that a lot of AI generated content is going to replace content creators and if you don’t want that to be you, then you need to produce something that AI can’t.

No amount of fancy editing tricks, pattern interrupting hooks and slick production can save you if all you are doing is wrapping up information and delivering it. AI will dominate you.

As a small creator, you’re never going to compete on that playing field. Those who will survive the next few years are going to be the ones that people connect with. People will always follow people, it’s in our DNA. That’s the edge that you must lean into to grow in 2026.

This brings us back to authenticity and what it really means.

Authenticity means putting yourself out there, not just your face and your voice, but the real you. It’s about showing you are vulnerable, highlighting your flaws and sharing your failures.

I’m not going to lie, it’s not easy.

When we share from behind a camera or keyboard it’s easy to build a wall around ourselves. We want everything polished and perfect, we only show the very best of us. But that’s not real, being human is an imperfect existence and to compete in an AI world our humanity is our biggest commodity.

So next time you’re coming up with a content idea try to really talk to your audience on a more emotional level. Did you solve a problem? Don’t just show how to solve the problem, tell a story instead. How did this problem affect you? How many times did you try and fail to solve it before finally figuring out the solution. Take your audience on a journey that will tap directly into their emotions.

Your information needs to be gift wrapped in your story, that makes you human, that makes you authentic.

Remember, being authentic is not a content style. There is no guidebook on making authentic content because authenticity comes from within you.

Do you. ❤️

Photo by Toa Heftiba