The 2026 Community Trends Report
WHAT MATTERS Most TODAY ISN’T ATTENTION.
IT’S CONNECTION.
We interviewed 12 experts, surveyed 750+ community builders, and explored product data from 18,000+ Circle communities to bring you cutting-edge trends and behavioral shifts that will put you at the forefront of community building.
Ready to step into 2026 ahead of the curve?
A new era of community is taking shape
As AI-generated content surges and algorithms amplify noise over nuance, people are gravitating towards things that feel real. Our research shows that this craving for unmistakably human experiences is driving two core shifts in the community-building world.
Core shift one
Communities are now a key differentiator for businesses
For a long time, community was seen as a feel-good, nice-to-have extension of branding. It’s now widely recognized as a powerful growth engine for creators and brands — one that fuels the kind of belonging and transformation that not only helps businesses grow, but last.
"There’s been a recent return to all things definitively human, which makes communities more important and impactful than ever."
Daniel Cmejla, CEO, Community Marketing Company
Dive into the trends redefining the future of communities
core shift two
Creators and community businesses are realizing there’s no “one right way” to build a community
Communities are evolving, and so are the strategies behind them. Community builders are ditching the copy/paste approach, learning to experiment and pilot programs, and designing spaces that feel more intentional, human, and built for the long run.
“Your customers are different. Your product is different. Your team is different. Your brand is different. Focus on building a community unique to your specific audience and needs.”
Jocelyn Hsu, Head of Community, Hint Health
Ready to step into 2026 ahead of the curve?
Unlock cutting-edge trends and behavioral shifts that will put you at the forefront of community building.
