Why 2026 is the Year of Opportunity for IRL Experiences

About this episode

Gary Vaynerchuk discusses the shifts in consumer behavior for 2026 and the rise of analog experiences in response to AI.

In this episode of the GaryVee Audio Experience, I break down the biggest shifts in consumer behavior I’m seeing in 2026. I discuss why the "mid-funnel" has eaten the marketing world and why brands need to stop wasting money on "upper funnel" guessing games. I also dive deep into my prediction for the rise of "extreme analog" businesses - from physical retail to alternative sports - as a reaction to the explosion of AI. You’ll learn about: The Zero-Cost Distribution Opportunity Why I’m Betting on Pickleball and Wiffle Ball The Future of Live Social Commerce and TikTok Shop Why "Fresh Eyes" are Your Biggest Competitive Advantage

People in this episode

Host: Gary Vaynerchuk

Topics covered

• consumer behavior
• marketing strategies
• analog experiences
• live commerce
• sports trends

Keywords

• consumer behavior
• marketing
• mid-funnel
• upper funnel
• analog businesses
• live social commerce
• TikTok
• Pickleball
• Wiffle Ball

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: TikTok Shop

Products: Pickleball, Wiffle Ball

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