Archives

MONDAY MORNING LEARNING – 7 JULY 2025

YouTube Revamps In‑Stream Trending Sections

YouTube overhauled its trending content presentation, removing in-stream trending lists and shifting them to the YouTube Charts hub. The change aims to improve content discovery by categorizing trending videos by topic—like music, podcasts, or trailers—making it easier for users to find what interests them.

Source: https://www.socialmediatoday.com/topic/social-media-updates/


YouTube Clarifies Monetization Rules on Inauthentic Content

Responding to creator concerns, YouTube provided more transparency on how “inauthentic content” is assessed. The update outlines new guidelines on what constitutes misleading titles, thumbnails, or mislabeled content—offering clarity on violations and eligibility for ads.


Meta Announces Major AI Investment Push

Meta committed to a substantial investment in its AI and AGI (Artificial General Intelligence) development. This initiative includes enhancing AI across its platforms—especially in content moderation, recommendation systems, and user personalization—signaling a strategic focus on AI-driven growth.

Source: https://www.socialmediatoday.com/topic/social-media-updates/


Facebook Cracks Down on Unoriginal Content Reach

Facebook rolled out measures to limit the visibility of “repeated or derivative” content to prioritize original posts. This move is designed to reduce content recycling and boost fresh, creator-produced material in users’ feeds.

Source: https://www.socialmediatoday.com/topic/social-media-updates/


Reddit Enforces Age‑Verification in the UK

Reddit implemented new age-checking protocols for UK users to comply with updated child protection laws. Users must now verify their ages before accessing potentially age-restricted content, reinforcing safer platform standards .

MONDAY MORNING LEARNING – 1 JULY 2025

YouTube Rolls Out AI Assistant for Creators

YouTube introduced “Ask Studio,” an AI tool within YouTube Studio, to help creators better understand their analytics. It provides intelligent suggestions to improve content performance, viewer retention, and engagement. The update is part of YouTube’s push to simplify data insights for creators.


Reddit Shares New Ad Optimization Tips

Reddit released updated best practices for advertisers, focusing on improved audience targeting, creative formatting, and community-based engagement. The tips are backed by recent performance data and aim to help brands better connect with Reddit’s unique user base.


Threads Adds Trending Feed and Direct Messaging

Threads officially launched a trending highlights feed, showing real-time hot topics across the platform. In addition, direct messaging is now available to all users, making private interactions and conversation sharing much easier.


WhatsApp Business API Moves to Per‑Message Billing

WhatsApp changed its Business API pricing model from per-conversation to per-message billing. This shift will affect how brands manage outreach costs, especially for frequent customer interactions or large-scale campaigns.


Instagram Upgrades Ideas Tab in Edits Tool

Instagram’s Edits tool received an update to its “Ideas” tab, offering more ways to save trending audio, add sticky notes, and explore creative inspiration. This enhancement helps creators organize content ideas and streamline the editing process.


Bluesky Adds Custom Notification Settings

Bluesky introduced new notification controls, allowing users to customize alerts by type and priority. This change gives users a more focused and less distracting experience while staying updated on important interactions.


YouTube Enhances Creator–Brand Data Sharing

YouTube now lets creators securely share deeper audience insights with advertisers, improving the effectiveness of brand partnerships. This feature aims to support monetization by helping advertisers target relevant audiences more accurately.


Meta Supports EU Regulations for Teen Safety

Meta expressed support for new EU proposals to raise minimum age limits and implement stricter safety measures for minors using social platforms. The move aligns with global pressure on tech companies to enhance online child protection.

MONDAY MORNING LEARNING – 23 JUNE 2025

All New Facebook Videos Will Soon Be Classified as Reels

Facebook announced that all new video uploads—whether short, long, or live—will automatically become Reels. The existing “Video” tab will be renamed “Reels,” and users will be prompted to review audience settings. The move aims to simplify video publishing and introduce more creative tools.


Meta to Introduce Ads on WhatsApp

Meta confirmed plans to expand its monetization of WhatsApp by launching advertising in the Updates tab. This includes channel subscriptions, promoted content, and ads—the end of its previously ad-free stance. The rollout will begin globally over the upcoming months.


Facebook Implements Passkey Login for Mobile

Meta has introduced passkey authentication for Facebook logins on mobile devices. Users can now sign in using device-level credentials—such as fingerprint, Face ID, or PIN—eliminating the need for traditional passwords. This feature will also extend to Messenger.


Pinterest Debuts AI‑Powered Auto‑Collages

At Cannes Lions, Pinterest unveiled its Auto‑Collage tool, powered by generative AI. Brands can automatically transform product catalogs into thousands of shoppable collages. The feature, developed in Pinterest Ad Labs, is currently in pilot and expected to roll out publicly soon.


Instagram Unveils New Creative Tools & ‘Trial Reels’

To celebrate its 15th anniversary, Instagram launched several new creative features. Notably, “Trial Reels” allows users to test a story publicly before fully posting. They’ve also updated the Edits app with keyframes, 30+ dynamic text effects, voice enhancements, and an improved Ideas tab to inspire content creation. Plus, users can now reorder posts in their grid.


WhatsApp Rolls Out AI‑Based Conversation Summaries

WhatsApp introduced “Message Summaries,” a privacy-centric AI feature in group chats. New group members can quickly catch up via AI-generated summaries of missed messages, with end‑to‑end encryption ensuring that only they can view the content.

MONDAY MORNING LEARNING – 16 JUNE 2025

YouTube Adds “Community Notes”-Style Feature to Shorts in Push for Credibility

YouTube is now testing a new pilot feature that allows context-based notes to appear on Shorts videos. This feature closely mirrors Twitter’s (X) “Community Notes” initiative, aiming to improve the quality and reliability of content shared on the platform.

These notes will appear below Shorts content and provide viewers with additional context — such as whether a clip is satire, outdated, or taken out of context. YouTube is initially rolling this out to a small group of users in the U.S., with plans to expand based on feedback and performance.

This makes it easier for users to understand the full background of viral clips, especially those that may be misleading or manipulated.

Why?

With the explosive growth of Shorts and short-form content in general, platforms like YouTube are under pressure to combat misinformation that spreads rapidly. Adding fact-check-like elements helps users stay informed without disrupting the flow of entertainment.

As short-form videos continue to dominate user attention spans — especially among Gen Z — YouTube’s move shows a growing commitment to platform integrity. It’s a signal that more tools focused on “context and clarity” are on the way.

Link: https://blog.youtube/news-and-events/testing-notes-on-youtube/

TikTok Launches “Symphony” AI Tools to Help Brands Create Ads More Efficiently

TikTok recently unveiled a suite of AI tools under the name Symphony, designed to help marketers produce high-performing creatives using generative AI.

From automated video scriptwriting to avatar-based ad generation, the Symphony tools aim to reduce ad production time and improve personalization at scale.

These tools are expected to play a key role in expanding TikTok’s ad revenue and giving businesses of all sizes access to creative capabilities that previously required large production budgets.

Instagram Tests “Creator Insights” Dashboard to Attract More Influencers

Instagram has started testing a new Creator Insights dashboard designed to give influencers and content creators better analytics around their Reels, Stories, and collaborations.

This tool provides detailed performance metrics, including engagement trends, follower growth over time, and earnings from branded content. It also allows creators to benchmark their content against similar profiles.

This makes it easier for influencers to understand what’s working and what’s not — and to pitch themselves more effectively to brands.

Why?

Instagram is facing growing competition from TikTok and YouTube Shorts, where creators often receive clearer monetization paths and better tools. By offering robust analytics, Instagram hopes to retain top-tier talent and improve creator loyalty.

As platforms compete for creator attention, tools like this could be a game-changer — particularly for micro-influencers looking to go pro.


Link: https://techcrunch.com/2024/06/03/instagram-creator-insights-dashboard/

LinkedIn Introduces “AI-Powered Job Match” to Speed Up Hiring

LinkedIn is rolling out an AI-based job matching system that helps both job seekers and employers connect faster. This new system not only highlights relevant jobs but also explains why a particular role is a good fit, based on the user’s profile, experience, and skills.

Employers will now also see suggested candidates who may not have applied but are a strong match — cutting down on the time spent searching through resumes.

This makes it easier for professionals to find meaningful roles without spending hours tweaking resumes and search filters.

Why?

The job market is evolving rapidly, and professionals are demanding smarter tools. LinkedIn’s AI move aligns with the broader shift towards personalization and automation in the recruitment space.

By using AI to bridge the gap between employers and candidates, LinkedIn is positioning itself as not just a professional network — but a smart career platform.


Link: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/ai-powered-job-matching-linkedin-future-hiring/

MONDAY MORNING LEARNING – 9 JUNE 2025

TikTok Introduces AI Assistant for Sellers

TikTok launched an AI Assistant for Seller Center, enabling sellers to optimize product listings, marketing campaigns, and titles with real-time guidance.
This tool analyzes data like engagement trends and keywords to provide tailored improvement suggestions—helping small businesses refine store setup and boost sales quickly.
As TikTok deepens its social commerce repertoire, this assistant is a strategic step toward making DIY storefront enhancements accessible to all sellers.

Source: https://brandnation.co.uk/news-insights/the-social-media-updates-to-know-in-june-2025/


YouTube Shorts Now Appear in Google Search

YouTube Shorts are now indexed directly in Google search results via mobile-friendly vertical carousels, combining short-form video with traditional search discovery.
For creators, this opens a powerful distribution avenue—target longer traffic with hooks that prompt rapid engagement. Search visibility for Shorts is now a key metric to optimize for growth.
This shift underscores the rising importance of short videos in SEO and cross-platform content strategy.

Source: https://frizbit.com/blog/digital-marketing-updates-and-news-from-june-2025/


TikTok Enhances Under‑13 Experience with Family Mode

TikTok rolled out a new Family-Friendly Mode for users under 13, which filters mature content and disables DMs.
This next-gen parental control tool aims to protect younger audiences in line with global regulatory focus.
For brands, the update presents both an opportunity (targeting younger audiences safely) and a call to ensure campaigns align with family standards.

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kids_Off_Social_Media_Act


Meta to Insert Ads into WhatsApp Updates Tab

WhatsApp will begin inserting ads in its Updates tab—appearing alongside Channels and Status—and launching channel subscription options.
This move marks a major monetization shift for WhatsApp’s previously ad-free model, with potential yet-to-be-seen targeting metrics following a broad Q1 investment push.
For creators and brands, it opens a high-impact access point to tap into WhatsApp’s vast, daily user base.

Source: https://www.barrons.com/articles/meta-stock-whatsapp-ads-7544359f


Facebook Converts All New Video Posts into Reels

Meta announced that all new Facebook video uploads will be automatically converted to Reels, removing past length and format distinctions.
The platform’s “Video” tab is being renamed to Reels, consolidating short- and long-form video content under one creative-first format.
This helps creators and brands focus their strategies on Reels’ visual-first story format and universal discovery system.

Source: https://www.reuters.com/business/all-new-facebook-videos-be-classified-reels-soon-meta-says-2025-06-17/

MONDAY MORNING LEARNING – 26 MAY 2025

Instagram Edits App Adds In-App Teleprompter

Instagram upgraded its mobile “Edits” video-editing app with an in-app teleprompter feature—letting creators draft, scroll, and rehearse scripts directly while filming.
This streamlines production for tutorials, announcements, and presentations by merging script-taking and filming in one tool. It boosts content quality and reduces retakes, helping creators maintain a polished presence without external software.

Source: https://www.socialmediatoday.com/news/instagram-tests-on-screen-teleprompter-in-edits-video-app/749748/


Pinterest Pilots Price-Drop Alerts on Buyable Pins

Pinterest began testing price-drop notifications on shoppable pins, so users get alerts when items they’ve saved go on sale.
This turns passive inspiration into a dynamic shopping experience—encouraging impulse purchases and fostering conversion. For creators and retailers, it adds an automated way to re-engage shoppers and drive sales without manual promo campaigns.

Source: https://www.jckonline.com/editorial-article/social-media-updates-may-25/


Meta Expands Ad Options with Threads API

Meta extended its marketing API to allow advertisers to run ad campaigns directly in Threads, opening monetization opportunities for brands and creators on its X-like platform.
Through Threads ads, companies can reach audiences with traffic, reach, or conversion goals—integrating seamlessly with existing ad tools. This expansion strengthens Threads as a viable channel in social advertising strategies.

Source: https://www.adobe.com/express/learn/blog/social-media-news-may-2025/

MONDAY MORNING LEARNING – 19 MAY 2025

Bluesky Debuts “Trusted Verifier” Checkmark

Bluesky rolled out a new trusted verifier badge for qualifying organizations and profiles—denoted by a unique scalloped blue check. Verified users gain higher trust visibility, and the feature helps reduce impersonation and improve content credibility.
This reinforces Bluesky’s mission to foster a reliable, high-integrity social space. For brands and creators, earning verification means added credibility and better audience confidence.

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bluesky


Instagram’s Edits App Now Includes Teleprompter Feature

Instagram expanded its standalone Edits mobile app by adding a built-in teleprompter, enabling users to display and scroll scripted text while filming.
This supports smoother, more professional-looking video dialogue—ideal for tutorials, presentations, or direct-to-camera brand messages. It streamlines content production for creators by merging scripting and recording in one step.

Source: https://embedsocial.com/blog/instagram-new-features/ embedsocial.com


TikTok Launches Creator Safety Tools for Live Moderation

TikTok introduced enhanced live-stream safety tools that allow creators to appoint moderators, block harmful content in real time, and enforce comment filters more effectively.
The new features empower creators to maintain positive, controlled environments during live sessions—reducing harassment and protecting community well-being.
This update supports healthier interactions and gives influencers and brands greater confidence to host live events without risk.

Source: https://www.naturallysocial.co.uk/social-media-updates-may-2025/


Pinterest Tests Buyable Pins with Price Drop Alerts

Pinterest began testing new shoppable pins that show live price-drop alerts—users get notified when items they’re interested in reduce in price.
This feature streamlines the ecommerce experience, transforming passive inspiration into actionable purchase decisions. For creators and merchants, it adds an automated channel to drive conversions and re-engage visitors when pricing shifts.

Source: https://www.jckonline.com/editorial-article/social-media-updates-may-25/

MONDAY MORNING LEARNING – 12 MAY 2025

Instagram Emphasizes DMs & Shares Over Likes

Instagram creators are increasingly prioritizing shares via DMs as the most impactful engagement signal, reflecting a shift from visible likes to private shares. According to industry experts, content optimized for shareability—especially early emotional hooks—drives algorithmic reach, helping posts spread across personal networks.
This change encourages brands to focus on relatable, moment-worthy videos that resonate with individuals rather than just appealing to metrics.

Source: https://www.businessinsider.com/inside-instagram-meme-empire-doing-things-strategy-dms-2025-5


Instagram ‘Edits’ App Adds New Features for Reels

Instagram’s standalone Edits app gained a new wave of creative tools—more advanced transitions, green-screen effects, and real-time audio editing at the start of May.
These updates help creators refine Reels workflows entirely on mobile, removing the need for external editing software, and enable more polished, on-trend content production that appeals to evolving audience expectations.

Source: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/may-2025-social-media-platform-updates-3sixfive-tnwce


WhatsApp Boosts Channels with Video Notes & Reaction Emojis

WhatsApp enhanced its Channels feature, introducing short video notes and a broader palette of reaction emojis.
Admins can now record voice or video updates, making announcements more vivid and engaging. Followers can respond with nuanced reactions, increasing community interactivity and emotional resonance.
This enriches the channel experience, giving creators and businesses new ways to connect emotionally and personally.

Source: https://www.theezeragency.com/post/social-media-industry-news-may-2025


Pinterest Expands Visual Search to Teen Self‑Expression

Pinterest touted an updated Visual Search Experience that helps users discover style ideas without conforming to trends.
Users can browse curated visuals based on personal rather than algorithmic preferences—supporting the platform’s push toward individual expression, especially among teens and Gen Z.
This encourages brands to consider how product imagery aligns with personal aesthetics.

Source: https://www.jckonline.com/editorial-article/social-media-updates-may-25/

MONDAY MORNING LEARNING – 5 MAY 2025

Snapchat Introduces AI Video Lenses for Platinum Users

Snapchat launched AI Video Lenses exclusively for Platinum subscribers—allowing users to transform videos with immersive, AI-generated effects in real time. These premium filters include dynamic backgrounds, stylized visuals, and interactive overlays.
The feature enhances creative storytelling and incentivizes subscriptions by offering next-level tools to superfans and content creators alike.

Source: https://blog.hootsuite.com/social-media-trends?srsltid=AfmBOorhiTMAyrCpnBUjQ7mCrzrAthXwYZP3VsQ_N6F6-520k-2T8aju thatrandomagency.comtrendhunter.com


Threads Rolls Out Paid “Verified by Meta” Subscription

Threads introduced a new Verified by Meta paid subscription, enabling users to add a verified checkmark, access blue-tinted profile themes, and gain early access to features.
By monetizing verification, Meta generates revenue directly from heavy users while offering visibility perks and platform stability.

Source: https://blog.hootsuite.com/social-media-trends?srsltid=AfmBOorhiTMAyrCpnBUjQ7mCrzrAthXwYZP3VsQ_N6F6-520k-2T8aju


TikTok Enhances Under-13 Experience with Family-Friendly Mode

TikTok implemented a new Family-Friendly Mode for users under 13, automatically filtering out mature content and disabling direct messaging.
This update reflects broader regulatory efforts (e.g., proposed U.S. Kids Off Social Media Act) and strengthens TikTok’s compliance with child safety standards—helping parents feel more comfortable with underage usage.

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kids_Off_Social_Media_Act en.wikipedia.org+1theguardian.com+1


Facebook Begins Testing “New Posts” Chronological Feed Option

Facebook rolled out a public test of a “New Posts” chronological feed, giving users the option to view friend content in real-time order versus algorithm-driven suggestions.
This caters to power users who prefer transparency and control over what they see, potentially boosting engagement among advocates of unfiltered timelines.

Source: https://www.naturallysocial.co.uk/social-media-updates-april-2025/

MONDAY MORNING LEARNING – 28 APRIL 2025

YouTube Trials AI-Generated Video Summaries

YouTube has begun testing AI-generated video summaries atop search results, delivering quick, text-based overview snippets to help users decide which videos to watch. This mirrors Google’s AI summarization approach and aims to enhance content discovery efficiency.
For creators, this means the metadata and first few seconds of videos could be more impactful than ever—clearly framing content topics could help trigger these summaries and improve click-through rates.

Source: https://www.naturallysocial.co.uk/social-media-updates-april-2025/


Facebook Introduces “Original Credit” for Verified Users

Facebook has started rolling out a toggle for Meta Verified users to mark posts as “Original”, helping ensure that reposted content links back to its true creator. A human review validates originality, offering stronger attribution for verified creators.
This enhances trust, encourages content ownership, and may encourage users and publishers to post directly rather than resharing others’ work—boosting original engagement.

Source: https://www.naturallysocial.co.uk/social-media-updates-april-2025/


Facebook Adds Dynamic Spend Labels to Advantage+ Ads

New dynamic overlay labels are appearing in Facebook Advantage+ catalogue ads—automatically showcasing product info like prices, discounts, or inventory status directly on ad images.
For ecommerce, this enhances real-time product transparency and could drive higher click and conversion rates by surfacing relevant details upfront—without cluttering visuals.

Source: https://www.naturallysocial.co.uk/social-media-updates-april-2025/


Threads Expands with Interest Tags & Ads

Meta’s Threads now has interest tags on profiles, helping users showcase their passions and making it easier for like-minded people to connect. Also, global ads are rolling out with content sensitivity filters to let brands control placement.
Together, these updates support stronger community building and more targeted monetization—making Threads more attractive for both personal networking and business engagement.

Source: https://www.naturallysocial.co.uk/social-media-updates-april-2025/