The most influential brand in the Brand Influence Rank Report for 2026 is YouTube, and all in the top 10 are technology-based brands.

Google ranks in second place, followed by Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Apple, Amazon, Microsoft, TikTok and ChatGPT.

The report analyses how effectively brands shape public perception across social and mainstream media and measures their ability to generate coverage.

The brands in the list’s top 10 offer a reminder of big tech’s dominance in terms of media discourse and public conversation. However, Onclusive’s analysis also found that there is a growing ‘sentiment ceiling’ for many big tech brands due to increased ethical debate, regulatory scrutiny and workforce concerns.

Jennifer Roberts, chief marketing officer at Onclusive said: “This report reinforces a fundamental shift in the communications landscape: influence is no longer just about brand size or reputation, but about the ability to generate sustained attention across media channels. With the rise of AI search, this shift is only set to continue. Digital platforms have a built-in advantage, but that visibility also brings increased scrutiny, thereby putting a ceiling on sentiment.” 

Onclusive is formerly Kantar’s Reputation Intelligence business, which became Onclusive in early 2022 after it was sold. 

The Brand Influence Rank analyses 50 global brands by combining mainstream media and social media performance into one Global Media Influence Score.

Onclusive analysed 100 companies from the Kantar BrandZ Top 100 Most Valuable Global Brands to identify the 50 most influential in the media.

It awarded each brand three scores: Media Score, Social Score, and Global Media Influence Score. The Global Media Influence score is what determines each brand’s position in the Brand Influence Rank. The Global Media Influence Score is determined by combining Media Score and Social Score.

Data collected and analysed in the 2026 report covers the period between 25th February 2025 – 26th January 2026.