HIGH LEVEL UPDATES TO NOTE:

Introducing quiet posts. Instagram is piloting a way to post to your grid without pushing content to followers’ feeds or sending notifications—ideal for lowpressure sharing.
Ready to rearrange your grid? The platform is releasing an update that will allow users to reorder the posts on their grid.
WHAT’S TRENDING
Instagram posts will now appear in Google Search.

Introducing passkeys on Facebook for an easier sign-in. Facebook has introduced passkeys as a new, more secure way for users to log in on iOS and Android devices, allowing authentication through device biometrics or a PIN instead of traditional passwords.
Meta unveils creative breakdown for flexible formats and AI-generated image ads. The new “Creative” breakdown feature in Ads Manager allows advertisers to analyze ad performance by individual creative elements, including flexible formats and AI-generated images. This update gives marketers deeper insights into which images or videos perform best in campaigns.
Meta removes six-ad limit in ad sets. Meta has removed its previous guideline recommending six ads per set, clarifying that this was always intended as a suggestion. While advertisers with larger budgets can now experiment with more ads per set, Meta still advises moderation, as running too many ads simultaneously can decrease delivery and performance.
Meta ad CTAs now show example phrases to replace the default button text. The updated Enhance CTA feature aims to boost creative performance and engagement. While users cannot edit these suggested phrases individually, they can review and activate them if they believe the alternatives will improve ad results.

New member analytics APIs have been launched. Users can access detailed profile and post analytics such as follower insights and video performance directly through third-party tools like Hootsuite and Buffer. This update streamlines reporting and performance tracking for creators and brands without the need for manual data retrieval.

TikTok
TikTok adds countdown bidding for livestream auctions. Countdown bidding acts as an eBay-style auction for listed products, which can increase interest in sellers’ streams and help boost sale prices.
WHAT’S TRENDING
TIkTok is preparing to launch a standalone app for the U.S.

YouTube
YouTube’s new monetization policies. YouTube is focusing on improving content quality by eliminating repetitive, automated, and low-value content. Educational videos, innovative content, and narration/editing with creators’ own voice and style will still be eligible for monetization.
No more solo streaming for under-16 creators. To reduce risks around online safety, harassment, and exposure of minors, YouTube is raising the minimum age for independent live streaming to 16 years.
WHAT’S TRENDING
YouTube clarifies its plan to demonetize “spammy AI slop”.
YouTube targets AI-generated content revenue with new rules.

X
The platform will begin charging advertisers based on the size of ads. As a part of its broader strategy to boost ad revenue and improve the platform, X will soon move to charge advertisers based on the size of their ads in the feed, rather than just performance.
Grok 4 went live in early July, coinciding with a barrage of antisemitic responses from the chatbot. Elon Musk said X’s AI was “too eager to please and be manipulated.”
WHAT’S TRENDING
Elon Musk says no more hashtags on X ads.
Linda Yaccarino announces her departure from X.

Reddit expands its desktop chat. A larger, more user-friendly chat window will make conversations easier to follow and manage on desktop.
Moderators gain access to user history. Moderators now have full access to a user’s posting and commenting history for 28 days after the user engages in specific activities within their communities.

Introducing AI-powered auto-collages and new shopping trend forecasting. Pinterest is unveiling powerful new AI-driven ad solutions and shopping trend forecasting to help advertisers.
WHAT’S TRENDING
Pinterest launches a trend-inspired coffee blend in partnership with Chamberlain Coffee.
Pinterest Men’s Trend Report: How men are redefining masculinity through style, substance, and self-care.
