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.
