Social Platform Newsletter 7/8-25
SUMMER 2025 EDITION
social platform
newsletter
Social platforms are always evolving, and it can be hard to keep up with new features and updates. This monthly newsletter will help keep you in the loop so you can adjust your strategy and maximize your social presence. See below for what’s new this month!
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.
Social Platform Newsletter 6-25
JUNE 2025 EDITION
social platform
newsletter
Social platforms are always evolving, and it can be hard to keep up with new features and updates. This monthly newsletter will help keep you in the loop so you can adjust your strategy and maximize your social presence. See below for what’s new this month!
HIGH LEVEL UPDATES TO NOTE:
Instagram’s algorithm is now prioritizing shares over likes. “We are looking to help people discover content they want to connect with friends over, and so sends is a great proxy for that sort of connection over creativity,” says Instagram CEO Adam Mosseri.
WHAT’S TRENDING
Audiences are gravitating toward authentic and unpolished content.
Meta launches Advantage+ feature to tailor ad copy variations to personas. This feature uses AI to generate different versions of ad copy (primary text and headlines) tailored to various personas, which Meta identifies based on your account and ad data. Importantly, these personas are used only to customize the ad copy, not for targeting the ads themselves. Advertisers can review and replace the AI-generated text if desired.
Meta launches new tools to optimize ad campaigns for business value and return on ad spend (ROAS). Features include enhanced value optimization, real-time incremental attribution, and expanded value rules to prioritize high-value customer segments. Early results show advertisers are seeing improved ROAS and more effective targeting with these updates.
Meta aims to fully automate ad creation using AI. Meta plans to launch fully automated AI-powered ad campaigns by 2026, allowing brands to generate complete ads—including images, videos, and text—by simply providing a product image and budget. This move aims to streamline ad creation and personalization for businesses, though some large brands are concerned about losing creative control to AI.
WHAT’S TRENDING
Meta in talks for scale AI investment that could top $10 billion.
LinkedIn is adding first Impression Ads. This video ad option is a full-screen, vertical video format for single-day campaigns, ensuring that your promotion is the first ad that a target member sees.
LinkedIn will be adding Video Ad Serving template (VAST) tags. VAST tags ensure that your video ads are displayed correctly in different environments, essentially translating your video content for various browsers, systems, etc.
WHAT’S TRENDING
Microsoft taps LinkedIn CEO for dual role leading Office in AI strategy shift.
LinkedIn publishes new guide on influencer marketing for B2B marketing.
TikTok
TikTok announces new ad features at the fifth annual TikTok World product summit. One tool, Insight Spotlight, allows advertisers to sort by user demographics to see what videos users in the target group are watching and what keywords are associated with popular content, helping identify key trends and behaviors.
WHAT’S TRENDING
Trump considers extending TikTok deadline for a third time.
Reddit updates its profile presentation format. This change gives more context to users as well as new controls over how much of their Reddit activity is visible via their profile listing. Profiles also include updated activity summaries, including post counts and subreddit engagement.
WHAT’S TRENDING
Reddit sues Anthropic, alleging unlawful use of data.
Shopping ads are trending on the Reddit platform.
Social Platform Newsletter 5-25
MAY 2025 EDITION
social platform
newsletter
Social platforms are always evolving, and it can be hard to keep up with new features and updates. This monthly newsletter will help keep you in the loop so you can adjust your strategy and maximize your social presence. See below for what’s new this month!
HIGH LEVEL UPDATES TO NOTE:
Instagram launched its new video creation app, Edits. This tool helps creators track ideas in one place, manage and edit projects, and export watermark-free content without leaving the app. It also optimizes content using an inspiration feed of Reels with trending audio and performance insights to show creators what’s working.
WHAT’S TRENDING
Use ‘Trial Reels’ to test content and experiment with new ideas.
Meta introduces new ad features for Facebook, Instagram, and Threads at NewFronts 2025. The new features include Reels trending ads, an AI-powered tool for real-time insights, and a Creator Marketplace API to streamline brand-creator collaborations.
Meta enhances ad creation with a new “URL Parameters” section and automatic UTM suggestions. The update enables advertisers to easily apply dynamic tracking parameters for more accurate campaign analytics and source attribution in Google Analytics.
Meta launches AI-powered “Translate Text” feature for advertisers. The feature enables automatic translation of ad headlines and primary text into multiple languages. Disabled by default, the feature has the capability to broaden audience reach beyond preset language settings, but Meta advises advertisers to carefully review each translation.
LinkedIn introduces secondary names for enhanced profile verification. Users can now display their ID name as an additional name for verification if their LinkedIn name differs from their legal name. The secondary name will be shown in parentheses next to the original LinkedIn username.
LinkedIn has launched a new video ad solution, BrandLink. Brands can now align their ads with top creators and publishers, sponsor exclusive shows, and run preroll ads—offering multilingual options for global targeting and driving higher video completion rates. This initiative aims to boost advertising ROI for B2B marketers as video becomes an increasingly effective format on the platform.
LinkedIn updates post embed feature with cleaner design and video previews. Users can now choose to embed a full post, a shortened version, or just the video, but embedding multi-photo posts or reposts with commentary is not currently supported.
LinkedIn has added an AI job search. A new AI tool powers a more personalized job search on the platform, by using large language models to rank jobs based on the user’s intent.
WHAT’S TRENDING
Read Elmo’s LinkedIn post about being laid off.
LinkedIn shared its Grad Guide 2025.
Threads
Threads announces expanded advertising initiatives. In an attempt to look more like their competitor X, Threads announced that a “small number” of advertisers will test 19:9 or 1:1 video ad creative to appear between pieces of organic content.
Threads will start telling users when their posts are demoted. Meta will be adding an Account Status feature, as seen on Instagram and Facebook, to Threads. This will allow users to view if the company has removed a post, made it less visible in other users’ feeds, or deemed it un-recommendable by Meta.
WHAT’S TRENDING
Internal Meta deck reveals early strategy for Threads.
Threads.net becomes Threads.com.
TikTok
TikTok expands ad placement options. TikTok rolled out new tools for its Pulse Plus offering, allowing brands to place their ads next to curated, high-performing content. The platform has also added more placement options for Pulse Core users, now allowing for custom lineups, which leverage generative AI for tailored content.
WHAT’S TRENDING
Trump may extend the TikTok sell-off deadline once again.
TikTok pledges $1M in ad credits for U.S. small businesses.
YouTube
Blurred thumbnail testing. Users will have the option of having thumbnails blurred, while video title, channel name, and description will remain visible.
YouTube introduces bumper +15 sec non-skippable ad format for advertisers. Google Ads has launched a beta format called “Bumpers + 15 Seconds,” combining 6-second Bumper Ads with 7-15 second non-skippable ads in one ad group. It automatically optimizes delivery between the two to improve reach and ad recall.
YouTube updates editing feature and ad system. YouTube is removing the “revert to original” feature in its Studio editor, so creators should download videos before editing or use Google Takeout to keep originals. Midroll ads now include a feedback system and allow both manual and automatic ad slots, with automatic additions unless creators opt out in the earn tab before the deadline.
WHAT’S TRENDING
YouTube takes action against fake AI-generated movie trailers.
X
X tests expanded DM functionality, including full encryption and file sharing. The platform continues to revamp DMs in an attempt to compete with dedicated messaging apps. While DM encryption is currently only available for premium subscribers, X is working to expand encryption, as well as the ability to delete messages. Additionally, they are working on the ability to delete messages in the chat.
X launches the NBA Portal. The new portal offers real-time stats, standings, a Feed Tab with trending content, and a dedicated hub for fan conversations during the postseason.
WHAT’S TRENDING
The hunt for the next Twitter: all the news about alternative social media platforms.
The Social Security Administration will be using X to communicate moving forward.
Pinterest is taking a new step in transparency with Gen AI labels. When users click on an image Pin, they will see an “AI modified” label if the image has been modified or generated using AI.
Pinterest is introducing new visual search features. The update allows users to interact with image Pins more intuitively to discover, refine, and shop the ideas that match their tastes.
WHAT’S TRENDING
The Pinterest Annual Wedding Trends Report is here.
Social Platform Newsletter 4-25
APRIL 2025 EDITION
social platform
newsletter
Social platforms are always evolving, and it can be hard to keep up with new features and updates. This monthly newsletter will help keep you in the loop so you can adjust your strategy and maximize your social presence. See below for what’s new this month!
HIGH LEVEL UPDATES TO NOTE:
Instagram shares how creators can break through the clutter. The full-length guide includes tips on improving ranking and engagement. The main takeaways:
• Post regularly
• Create content that can stand on its own
• Amplify your content with audio
• Keep experimenting
• Embrace unpredictability
Instagram adds double-speed playback for Reels. Instagram has rolled out a much-requested feature for Reels, with users now able to watch its short video clips at 2x speed if they choose.
WHAT’S TRENDING
Instagram has been rolling out more features using AI.
Facebook introduces a new “Friends” tab. The tab allows users to view content exclusively from their friends, including posts, stories, and Reels, without additional recommended content. This feature aims to enhance personal connections and is initially available in the U.S. and Canada.
Testing begins for Community Notes. Meta is initiating tests for Community Notes on Facebook, Instagram, and Threads in the U.S., allowing users to collaboratively add context to posts, aiming to reduce bias compared to the previous thirdparty fact-checking system. Initially, notes won’t be publicly visible as the system undergoes testing to ensure proper functionality.
Meta introduces branding definition in Ads Manager for fonts, colors, and logos. Meta has introduced a new branding definition feature in Ads Manager, allowing advertisers to upload logos, select brand colors, and choose fonts to ensure AI-generated creative aligns with their branding. While this update improves consistency and reduces brand risk, limitations such as minimal control over logo placement and text background colors remain.
Meta launches ratings and reviews feature for Facebook Ads. Meta has introduced a feature that displays customer ratings and reviews directly on Facebook ads, leveraging social proof to boost consumer confidence. Businesses can manage these reviews through the Meta Business Suite and customize their visibility, such as only showing ratings above four stars.
LinkedIn adds Calendly integration. LinkedIn now allows Premium users to integrate Calendly into their profiles with a customizable “Book an appointment” CTA button, making it easier for visitors to schedule meetings directly.
Introducing Campaign Manager improvements. LinkedIn updated its Campaign Manager with new tools including easier ad planning, performance tracking, and AI-powered tips to help marketers run campaigns more efficiently.
WHAT’S TRENDING
LinkedIn has launched a new in-app puzzle game called Zip.
Threads
Threads introduces Topic Tags. Users can now add up to ten topics on their profile. This can lead to increased views with posts that have tagged topics, follower only replies, and an enhanced video player. Threads also provides suggestions for trending topics.
The platform adds a new management option. The new option allows users to restrict replies and quote posts to followers.
WHAT’S TRENDING
Threads and X are working together to allow users to easily follow the same creators on both platforms.
TikTok
TikTok introduces a new tool, Security Checkup. The tool provides an all-inone security dashboard to review and update account security settings easily. Users now have a centralized place to make it easier to protect their accounts from hacking and unauthorized access. Security Checkup emphasizes proactive monitoring, tailored for younger users.
TikTok launches AMBER alerts for American users. In partnership with the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC), the platform has officially integrated AMBER alerts into its app to assist in locating missing children. The platform also donated advertising credits to NCMEC to support its messaging. This move highlights TikTok’s growing efforts around youth safety.
WHAT’S TRENDING
Trump delayed the TikTok ban, extending the sales deadline by another 75 days.
YouTube
YouTube introduces plan for new video editor. An improved editing tool is coming to YouTube, where users soon will be able to make precise edits, rearrange clips, and add text or music with a timeline view.
Automatic Beat syncing feature coming to the platform. Users will be able to automatically match their videos to the rhythm of their selected song, which will take away the need for manual syncing.
Introducing templates on YouTube. The platform will now allow users to choose from a template when uploading multiple videos or photos. Creators of the templates will also be attributed when their template is being used.
WHAT’S TRENDING
YouTube shorts on the rise.
X
X now lets you query Grok by mentioning it in replies. X is expanding access to xAI’s Grok model, allowing users to mention Grok in replies to ask questions about posts, in addition to existing access methods via sidebar and post buttons. This enhancement builds upon Grok’s previous capabilities, which includes explaining post text and images through its image understanding feature.
WHAT’S TRENDING
Elon Musk’s xAI to acquire his X social media platform.
X outage—again: Thousands briefly report issues with Elon Musk’s platform.
Introducing Reddit x Google Gemini. Reddit is integrating Google Gemini to its current AI search, Reddit Answers. This feature is meant to increase search relevance and provide Reddit conversation summaries.
Reddit debuts new Ad tools for SMB. In an attempt to enhance retail advertising performance for small to medium businesses on Reddit, advertisers can import campaign assets and parameters from Meta Ads Manager for a faster ad launch.
WHAT’S TRENDING
Pinterest invites Coachella fans to remix their style with top festival trends for 2025.
Social Platform Newsletter 3-25
MARCH 2025 EDITION
social platform
newsletter
Social platforms are always evolving, and it can be hard to keep up with new features and updates. This monthly newsletter will help keep you in the loop so you can adjust your strategy and maximize your social presence. See below for what’s new this month!
HIGH LEVEL UPDATES TO NOTE:
Facebook Live updates its video storage policy. Any new Facebook Live broadcasts will only be stored for 30 days. Users can download their old live videos using new tools before they are gradually deleted, and they have the option to postpone deletion for an additional six months if needed.
Meta expands Google analytics integration to more advertisers. Meta is providing early access to updates that aim to improve campaign performance. By connecting Google Analytics to their Meta accounts, advertisers can bridge the gap between the platforms and gain a better understanding of their campaign results.
Meta updates Leads and Sales campaign setup flow to prioritize AI-driven targeting. Meta’s Advantage+ options are now enabled by default. Advertisers can still access manual targeting options in the ad set level, but they are less obvious and require extra steps to implement.
LinkedIn is rolling out comment impression counts. This new feature allows users to see how many people have viewed their comment.
The platform is testing a new feed option. The LinkedIn app now displays updates exclusively from a user’s direct connections, aiming to enhance engagement by focusing on content from immediate networks.
WHAT’S TRENDING
LinkedIn opens new experience center in London.
The importance of human connection in AI content.
TikTok
TiKTok’s desktop version has a new look. To keep up with YouTube and Twitch, the platform added features such as a modular layout, a new Explore tab, a new For You feed, a collection feature that organizes videos into custom categories, live game streaming, and a floating player.
The platform will replace its Creative Center with a new platform called “TikTok One.” The update will provide a more centralized home for all of TikTok’s creative tools, including analytics, campaign creation, and Creative Challenges.
WHAT’S TRENDING
e.l.f Cosmetics channels telenovelas for TikTok and Instagram series.
YouTube
YouTube launches ‘Premium Lite’ as lower-cost subscription option. The new $7.99-a-month plan offers ad-free viewing on most videos but excludes music and some additional features like offline download and background playback.
WHAT’S TRENDING
YouTube is tightening its policies on gambling-related content to enhance user protection.
YouTube gets exemption from Australia’s landmark child social media ban.
X
X launches two new AI-powered advertising tools using its Grok AI system. “Prefill with Grok” generates draft ad copy, selects images, and suggests callto-action headlines based on a website URL, while “Analyze Campaign with Grok” reviews active campaigns, identifies trends, and provides data insights for optimization.
WHAT’S TRENDING
X shares new data on Gen Z users.
X is no longer relevant for public information officers.
WHAT’S TRENDING
Food-related content is surging and and driving users back to the platform.
Social Platform Newsletter 2-25
FEBRUARY 2025 EDITION
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newsletter
In our latest social newsletter, we provide a recap on how Meta is enhancing transparency with AI labels for Ads products.
HIGH LEVEL UPDATES TO NOTE:
Instagram has introduced longer Reels. The platform now allows users to create Reels up to three minutes long, increased from 90 seconds.
Add music to your profile. Users can now add a 30-second music clip to their profile page for increased personalization.
WHAT’S TRENDING
Instagram recommends longer reels in Explore.
Meta enhances transparency with AI labels for Ads products. Meta is implementing a new AI labeling system for advertisements that will disclose when generative AI tools have been used to create or significantly edit ad content. The labels will appear next to the “Sponsored” tag and will specifically highlight ads that include AI-generated photorealistic humans or have undergone substantial AI-driven modifications.
Meta announces changes to default inventory filter settings for in-content ads. Effective February 24, 2025, Meta will change the default inventory filter setting for in-content ads from “Moderate” to “Expanded,” affecting Facebook in-stream video, Facebook Reels, and the Meta Audience Network. This adjustment allows ads to appear alongside sensitive content such as tragedy, social issues, objectionable activity, and strong language.
Meta introduces Messenger integration for instant form leads. Meta has introduced a new feature in lead ads that allows businesses to connect with leads via Messenger immediately after form submission. Upon user consent, a Messenger conversation is initiated, including the lead’s contact information, facilitating prompt communication.
LinkedIn has updated its video display. The platform is testing a new feature that displays larger video posts in the main feed, with rounded corners to make them stand out. This update aligns with the platform’s focus on video content, which has seen a 36% usage growth in its TikTok-like immersive video feed this year.
LinkedIn expands its news banner test. The mobile app banner displays rotating headlines of trending stories curated by its editorial team above the main feed.
TikTok
TikTok launches AI-powered video editor with advanced features. The video editor tool in TikTok has recently undergone major updates to simplify video editing on the Ads Manager Platform. Accessed through the “Tools” tab, users can now use advanced features such as digital avatars, narration with auto-captions, one-click translation with voiceovers, and AI-generated soundtracks, improving efficiency and increasing engagement.
YouTube
YouTube has introduced “Communities.” Using this dedicated space, creators and viewers can discuss content, share fan art, and post polls to provide an alternative to Discord for fan engagement.
WHAT’S TRENDING
Warner Brothers quietly begins uploading catalog to YouTube for free.
Most-watched Super Bowl ads from 2025 end up on YouTube Top 10.
X
Elon Musk’s X announces “first of many” big updates for X Money this year. X is preparing to launch X Money in Q1 2025, marking a significant step towards becoming an “everything app.” Through a partnership with Visa, X Money will offer secure instant wallet funding, peer-to-peer payments, and the ability to transfer funds to bank accounts. This financial service aligns with Musk’s long-standing vision of creating a comprehensive platform where users can manage their entire financial ecosystem, potentially starting with supporting X platform creators.
X to prioritize informative and entertaining content in algorithm overhaul. Elon Musk announced an upcoming algorithm update for X aimed at prioritizing informative and entertaining content while maximizing “unregretted userseconds.” The changes will focus on promoting more positive and engaging content, and X is developing tools to give users greater control over their content feeds. Musk also highlighted improvements to the platform’s “Mute Words” feature to help users customize their experience.
WHAT’S TRENDING
Why leaving X can be a tricky decision for brands.
A new update restricts banned Redditors from editing their posts or comments. If the ban is temporary, they’ll be able to edit their content once their account is reinstated. Users will still be able to delete their content while banned.
WHAT’S TRENDING
Part of Reddit community is banned from using the platform, due to statements regarding Elon Musk’s employees.
WHAT’S TRENDING
Pinterest unveils “Tailored” Black History Month campaign: A tribute to Black fashion.
Social Platform Newsletter 1-25
JANUARY 2025 EDITION
social platform
newsletter
In our latest social newsletter, we provide a recap on the significant changes Meta has made to its content moderation policies and why they decided to end fact-checking.
A full list of changes coming to Instagram in 2025. Tech giant Meta has spent months tinkering with the social media app, quietly testing new functions before rolling them out in updates. Story Highlights are moving to a dedicated tab on user profiles, and the platform is also introducing “trial reels.” Rather than sharing with your followers or appearing on the Reels tab, these reels are only visible to a handful of random users.
Instagram updates profile grid with vertical-aligned thumbnails. This presentation style, which Instagram has been experimenting with for months, is more aligned with Reels, and incidentally, TikTok, which Instagram is trying to set itself up as a replacement for. And it’s also, according to Instagram chief Adam Mosseri, more suited to how the majority of people now use the app.
Significant changes to Meta’s content moderation policies. With the stated goals of enhanced free expression and reduced errors, the company plans to replace its third-party fact-checking program with a community-driven system called Community Notes, similar to the feature used by X.
Meta introduces CRM event testing tool for conversions API. The new tool enables advertisers to verify CRM event tracking through the ‘Test events’ feature within Data Sources. This enhancement aims to streamline the validation process of Conversions API implementations, ensuring accurate tracking for CRM-based lead generation campaigns.
Meta introduces lead quality labels for customer list upload. Advertisers can now label leads during customer list uploads. Leads can be categorized into Qualified Leads, Disqualified Leads, and Customers. This enhancement aims to improve ad delivery by providing Meta with data to optimize audience targeting, potentially increasing campaign effectiveness.
WHAT’S TRENDING
Here’s why Meta ended fact-checking, according to experts.
LinkedIn tests larger in-stream video display. LinkedIn is testing a new, larger video display format in its main feed with rounded corners, designed to make video posts more prominent, especially on mobile.
Introducing paid boosting for personal updates. Some individual users are now able to pay to boost their personal posts, expanding the existing “Boost” option beyond business page updates to help professionals increase their visibility and build their personal brand.
WHAT’S TRENDING
LinkedIn’s Agentic era.
TikTok
Trump signs promised executive action to delay TikTok ban for 75 days. The action directs the US Justice Department not to enforce the Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act, which passed with broad bipartisan support in Congress and was signed in April by former President Joe Biden. The law required that starting January 19, TikTok be banned in the United States unless it sells to a buyer from America or one of its allies.
The TikTok ban: A guide for brands.
X
Grok by xAI unveils updates for personalized experience on X. Grok, the AI assistant by xAI for X, is set to receive updates aimed at enhancing personalization and interactivity based on user interactions without requiring separate memory features. Upcoming enhancements include a new “Grok Personalization” settings section for Android users, follow-up suggestions on posts, and the ability to upload text files, all designed to create a more tailored and versatile experience on the platform.
Musk announces algorithm changes for X. Elon Musk has announced upcoming algorithm changes for the social media platform, aiming to prioritize engaging and valuable content while addressing the prevalence of negativity in user feeds. These modifications will also introduce features allowing users to dynamically customize their content feeds, enhancing their overall experience on the platform.
WHAT’S TRENDING
Elon Musk’s X to launch X Money payment platform.
What does the X exodus to Bluesky mean for journalism?
New features, AI integrations, and enhanced user experience. In 2024, Reddit introduced a host of new features, AI integrations, and policy updates, further solidifying its place in the social media landscape. Here’s a look at the key announcements and developments throughout the year.
WHAT’S TRENDING
Live updates on the L.A. fires.
Social Platform Newsletter 12-24
DECEMBER 2024 EDITION
social platform
newsletter
Reflect on all the social trends that happened this past year! In our latest social newsletter, we provide a recap on the social trends that emerged this past year and discuss what to expect for 2025.
HIGH LEVEL UPDATES TO NOTE:
Instagram is removing the option to follow hashtags. To counter spam and improve content relevance, Instagram is removing the ability to follow hashtags. Spammers have targeted trending hashtags, adding to irrelevant posts in order to get more reach. Hashtags will still remain searchable by users.
Deepen friendships in DMs with new Nicknames feature. Instagram announces a new way to customize DMs—setting nicknames in DM chats.
Instagram adds collage feature to Stories. A new option allows users to select multiple images from their camera roll to create a collage image. This feature is more flexible than the previous layout option, and aligns with Meta’s strategic approach of copying popular features from one app to the next.
WHAT’S TRENDING
Meta expands penalty avoidance education to Instagram creators.
Introducing new features for Messenger calling. Facebook has introduced AI backgrounds, HD video calls, noise suppression, and more to enhance the calling experience.
Meta Ads introduces a new sharing feature. Meta Ads has introduced Quick Views; a feature that allows users to create, edit, and share customized ad reporting views. Users can configure and share various aspects of their view, including view name, description, columns, sorting, attribution settings, breakdowns, and filters.
Meta Ads introduces new templates for creative optimization. Meta Ads introduced Safe Zones; a template to streamline the creative optimization process by allowing advertisers to create a single design that fits multiple ad placements. This template features a central square safe zone, ensuring that key content is visible across different aspect ratios, thereby reducing the need for multiple versions of ads.
Facebook introduces a new tag for unedited images in stories. Meta is testing a new “No Edit” tag for Stories, allowing users to indicate that images have not been altered within the app, as a potential mark of authenticity.
WHAT’S TRENDING
What Meta saw on our platforms during 2024’s global elections.
LinkedIn introduces a rotating slideshow. Premium Business subscribers can now create a revolving slideshow for their profile banner images, enabling them to showcase multiple aspects of their professional brand in a dynamic and visually appealing way.
LinkedIn is retiring live audio events. LinkedIn is phasing out its dedicated live audio events feature, and will instead integrate audio capabilities into its existing event and meeting tools.
WHAT’S TRENDING
LinkedIn adds ‘Open to Volunteer’ option.
TikTok
TikTok files emergency motion for injunction. On December 9th, the platform filed an emergency motion for an injunction to stop the TikTok ban from taking effect on January 19, 2025 until their appeal is heard by the US Supreme Court.
WHAT’S TRENDING
Year on TikTok 2024: A little creativity sparks a lot of impact.
TikTok Shop: A home for inspiration this holiday season.
Harnessing the power of TikTok this #GivingSzn to drive meaningful impact.
YouTube
YouTube TV to hike its price. YouTube TV announced a $10 increase to its base plan, bringing the monthly cost to $82.99. The price hike reflects rising content costs and operational expenses, continuing a trend of increasing prices since its 2017 launch at $35 per month.
YouTube adds a new auto-dubbing feature. YouTube’s new auto-dubbing feature allows creators to automatically offer videos in multiple languages. It supports dubbing between English, French, German, Hindi, and more.
New UI updates come on YouTube. The YouTube’s Android app is gaining a translucent bottom bar, marking a departure from the current solid-colored bottom bar, while the YouTube website is also gaining a similar tweak for the top bar.
WHAT’S TRENDING
BuzzFeed sells “Hot Ones” studio in $82 million deal.
X
X updates its terms of service. The revised terms allow Musk to use usergenerated content to train artificial intelligence, including tweets and images from private accounts. Users must consent to this use without compensation, and the platform reserves the right to alter or repurpose content while disclaiming responsibility for its accuracy.
X updates requirements for creator revenue share program. X’s creator revenue share scheme enables users to make money from their content, based on engagement with their posts from verified users. Originally, the program was based on ads shown to verified users within their post replies.
Social Platform Newsletter 11-24
NOVEMBER 2024 EDITION
social platform
newsletter
Have you heard that LinkedIn has added lead gen objectives to boosted posts? In our latest social newsletter, we provide details on how businesses can optimize on this update by creating more effective campaigns that drive conversations directly from their content.
New profile cards launch globally. New updates to profile cards are here, aiming to connect people through Instagram instead of other platforms.
Instagram introduces WhatsApp stickers. As the WhatsApp user base expands, Instagram is adding WhatsApp stickers for Stories to help brands make stronger DM connections with followers.
WHAT’S TRENDING
More people are partnering with micro-influencers to increase engagement rate.
Instagram is launching a new education campaign to help protect teens from “sextortion” scams.
Meta ends its ad restriction period. On November 7th, Meta began allowing new ads about social issues, elections and politics in the United States. These ads require a “Paid for by” disclaimer.
Facebook launches a Gen Z-focused redesign. Facebook is trying to compete against other social platforms such as TikTok who have a higher percentage of Gen Z users. Facebook has redesigned its platform to include Local tabs, an algorithm-powered Explore tab and a more prominent Reels tab.
WHAT’S TRENDING
South Korea fines Meta $15 million for illegally collecting and sharing user data.
LinkedIn adds lead gen objective to boosted posts. Businesses can now create more effective campaigns that drive conversions directly from their content on the platform.
The platform is testing a new navigation bar. The new interface sets in-app navigation options at the top of the screen for greater accessibility.
“Top Voice” badges are leaving. Following complaints that many members used AI to earn the “Top Voice” badge–an honor supposedly signifying expertise and authority–LinkedIn is removing the feature.
WHAT’S TRENDING
LinkedIn’s inaugural Work Change Snapshot report explores the evolving landscape of companies, jobs, skills and work dynamics.
Certain celebratory post templates are being retired.
TikTok
TikTok celebrates Cybersecurity Awareness Month. This month, TikTok is highlighting two important groups who contribute to their culture of online security: the researchers powering the HackerOne bug bounty program and the creators spreading cybersecurity knowledge on the platform.
TikTok announces new “Smart+” automated ad solution. With the holidays coming up, TikTok is working on more specific ad targets based on previous viewer data, in order to increase awareness of certain brands, events and sales.
WHAT’S TRENDING
MLS Season Pass on Apple TV and Major League Soccer to present ‘Player Spotlight: Messi’ exclusively on TikTok.
TikTok is failing to ban political ads.
YouTube
YouTube introduces new “Hype” feature. Hype will allow fans to actively support emerging creators by promoting their content within the first seven days of release, using a weekly leaderboard to boost visibility. This initiative gives smaller creators additional exposure and potential revenue through audience engagement.
YouTube launches longer Shorts. In a move that signals a push to compete with TikTok and Instagram Reels, YouTube is now allowing Shorts that are up to three minutes long.
WHAT’S TRENDING
YouTube revenue continues to climb.
Russia fines Google more than the world’s entire GDP.
X
New X block feature goes live. X has updated its blocking feature, allowing blocked accounts to view public posts unless the user’s account is private. While blocked accounts are still prevented from replying or reposting, critics argue this change could jeopardize the safety of abuse survivors by exposing them to potential harassment from individuals they have blocked.
X updates ad platform to optimize performance for SMBs. X has announced updates to its advertising platform aimed at enhancing performance for small and mediumsized businesses (SMBs). These improvements include new tools and features designed to simplify ad management and optimize campaign results for SMBs.
X introduces “Radar” tool for analytics. Premium+ subscribers can now use Radar to measure trends and track conversation volume.
Reddit announces controversial policy change. Following site-wide protests last year, moderators now need Reddit’s permission to turn subreddits private or NSFW.
The translation icon may have moved for some users. Reddit is experimenting with location features. Some features, like the translation icon, may have moved for certain users as Reddit tests different interfaces.
Threads
Threads adds an “activity status” feature. In response to demands for more real-time information, status indicators can show when a user is online.
Threads introduces time-sensitive reposts. Threads has introduced a new feature making reposts time-sensitive, aiming to encourage users to share and interact with content while it’s still relevant.
AI’m psyched for the future of video
We won’t geek out on all the rad capabilities AI is bringing to the video world right now, because we’ll need to keep updating this every week. The pace of innovation can be head-spinning. So how can we get our bearings amidst all the craziness? Here at Summer Friday, we’re focusing on curiosity and immersion. Meaning, we dedicate time each week to roll our sleeves up and get dirty with all the tools out there.
While we can get entranced by all the sexy bells and whistles, many of our clients are more seduced by the practical benefits AI poses for video. Essentially, doing more strategic, targeted video with less money and resources. From personalized content creation and advanced engagement analytics to automated versioning and resizing, the water’s plenty warm for brands to start making some waves.
Here’s a taste of some of the fun we’ve been having with AI in video. How about you? We’re always looking for inspiration. Send a sneak peek of what you’re working on to us at say@heysummerfriday.com.
