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.
