MONDAY MORNING LEARNING – 25 AUGUST 2025

Published on 25 Aug '25

Instagram Deprioritizes Hashtags for Reach
Instagram CEO Adam Mosseri confirmed that hashtags no longer boost organic reach as they once did, now primarily serving as content categorization tools. The algorithm increasingly prioritizes on-page keywords, alt text, and authentic engagement like comments and DMs over hashtag volume. Creators are advised to shift focus to Instagram SEO (keywords in the caption/video) and high-quality content to maximize discoverability.

Instagram Launches Multi-Part Reels Linking
Instagram rolled out a new feature that allows creators to link sequential Reels into a series, which significantly improves storytelling for multi-part content. Viewers can now move directly from one part to the next without having to navigate back to the creator’s profile to find the next video. This update is aimed at boosting watch time and viewer retention for episodic content and tutorials.

YouTube Introduces New Shorts Analytics Metrics
YouTube launched two powerful new analytics metrics for Shorts: Retention Charts and Skip Rate. Retention Charts show exactly where viewers drop off during the video, helping creators identify weak moments in their content. Skip Rate is now the primary metric for performance, replacing the standard view rate, and highlights how many people swipe past a Short in the first 3 seconds.

Threads Expands DM Functionality and Search
Threads began testing an independent Direct Messaging feature in select regions, allowing users to chat privately without relying on their linked Instagram DMs. The platform also added “AI-powered summaries” to its search results, providing quick answers from within the Threads ecosystem. These changes signal a clear effort to evolve Threads into a more independent, real-time social platform with stronger utility features.

TikTok Signals Move to Limited Hashtag Use
TikTok is testing a restriction that limits creators to a maximum of five hashtags per video upload. The platform is reframing the role of hashtags from a volume-based growth hack to a focused content filter. This change encourages creators to be highly selective, using only the most relevant tags, and is part of a broader push to reduce keyword stuffing.

LinkedIn Adds Rolling Post Performance Analytics
LinkedIn introduced new rolling analytics that allow users to view their post performance metrics over time, making it easier to track content momentum. This update is part of the platform’s investment in supporting its creator community and provides professionals with a better way to measure their personal brand growth. The new metrics include tracking of saves and sends, giving deeper insight into content quality and relevance.