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.
