Let's face it – keeping up with social media trends can feel like trying to drink from a firehose, right? One minute you're on top of the latest Instagram feature, and the next, TikTok's thrown a curveball that has everyone scrambling.

But don't worry, we've got your back!

We're rolling out this nifty little resource that we'll update every single week. Think of it as your cheat sheet to the social media marketing world. We'll sift through all the noise and bring you the juicy bits – you know, the stuff that actually matters for your marketing game.

No fluff, no filler, just the need-to-know updates that'll help you stay ahead of the curve and maybe even impress your boss (or clients) with your trend-spotting superpowers.

So, bookmark this page, set a reminder, or tie a string around your finger – whatever works for you. Just make sure you drop by each week for your dose of social media marketing news.

December 09 - December 14

1. Instagram to Launch DM Scheduling Feature

Instagram is testing a new feature that allows users to schedule direct messages, expanding on its existing scheduling capabilities for posts and Stories. The feature, currently being tested among select Android users, enables message scheduling by long-pressing the send button and choosing a preferred date and time.

This tool could particularly benefit brands managing cross-time zone communications and content planning. While Meta also explores AI chatbot options for DM management, scheduled messaging offers a more personal approach for small businesses engaging with their audience.

2. Meta Tests New Options to Hide Engagement Metrics on Instagram Reels and Threads

Meta is introducing new features allowing users to customize their engagement metrics visibility across its platforms. On Instagram Reels, creators may soon have the option to hide view counts on their profile's Reels tab. Similarly, Threads users could gain the ability to completely remove their reply history from their profiles, leaving only Threads and Reposts visible.

These changes align with Meta's 2021 initiative of optional like count displays and reflect a broader industry shift away from vanity metrics.

The move comes as social media platforms recognize that traditional engagement metrics like followers and likes may be less relevant in an era dominated by algorithmic "For You" feeds, where direct messages and views have become more significant indicators of engagement.

3. Instagram Tests New "Trial Reels" Feature for Performance Testing

Instagram has introduced a new "Trial" option for Reels creators, allowing them to test content with non-followers before sharing with their main audience.

The feature enables creators to share new Reels with a selected audience of non-followers first, helping them gauge potential performance without risking their established following.

Creators can view engagement metrics after 24 hours, including views, likes, comments, and shares, along with comparative insights against previous trials. If content performs well, creators can choose to share it with everyone or set up automatic sharing based on 72-hour performance metrics.

The feature, which keeps trial Reels visible only in drafts and hidden from profile grids, is currently rolling out to selected creators globally and will be widely available in the coming weeks.

4. TikTok Shop Makes Fresh European Push Starting with Spain

TikTok has launched a renewed e-commerce initiative in Europe, beginning with TikTok Shop in Spain. The platform will enable Spanish retailers to conduct shopping live-streams and access features like product showcases, affiliate programs, and shop ads.

This revival follows a failed 2022 attempt in the UK, which was hampered by internal conflicts and workplace culture issues.

While TikTok's Chinese counterpart Douyin generated $300 billion in sales in 2023 compared to TikTok's $3.8 billion, recent growth signals like a threefold increase in Black Friday sales suggest growing Western consumer interest.

The expansion is particularly crucial as TikTok seeks to establish strong revenue streams in Europe amid uncertainty about its future in the U.S. market.

5. TikTok's Last-Minute Push: Shop Credits Program Launches Amid U.S. Uncertainty

TikTok has unveiled a strategic move offering TikTok Shop credits to users who invite friends to join the platform and engage in in-app shopping, potentially allowing users to earn hundreds of dollars daily.

This "Limited Time Offer" emerges as the platform faces a critical deadline of January 19th, 2025, when it must either be sold or cease U.S. operations due to government concerns. The initiative mirrors a similar program previously halted in Europe over regulatory issues.

With 170 million U.S. users at stake, TikTok appears to be making a final push to strengthen its position against the forced sell-off bill, though the platform's future remains uncertain as Chinese authorities oppose the mandated sale.

6. YouTube Launches Auto Dubbing Feature to Break Language Barriers

YouTube has introduced an innovative auto dubbing feature, enabling content creators in the YouTube Partner Program to automatically translate their videos into multiple languages.

Initially available for knowledge and informational content, the feature supports dubbing between English and eight languages including French, German, Hindi, and Spanish.

Creators can manage dubbed versions through YouTube Studio, with the ability to review, unpublish, or delete auto-dubbed content. Videos will display an "auto-dubbed" label, and viewers can switch between dubbed and original audio tracks.

Developed in collaboration with Google DeepMind and Google Translate, YouTube plans to enhance the technology with "Expressive Speech" capabilities to better capture creators' emotions and environmental sounds.

7. X Usage Trends Spark Debate Amid Conflicting Reports

X (formerly Twitter) claims record-high engagement in 2024, reporting 364 billion daily active user seconds and increased video views, representing a 10% year-over-year growth. However, analysis reveals inconsistencies in X's reporting.

While the platform reports 24 minutes average daily user engagement based on 250 million daily active users, this contradicts their March 2024 claim of 30 minutes per user. Historical data shows Twitter users previously spent 38 minutes daily on the platform.

Third-party analytics suggest X is losing millions of users, while competitors like Threads and Bluesky gain momentum. Despite potential overstatement of success, X maintains significant user activity, though likely below its peak levels.

8. X Updates Creator Program Requirements: Verified Follower Threshold Increased

X has raised the minimum requirements for its creator revenue share program, now requiring participants to have at least 2,000 verified followers, up from the previous 500.

The program allows creators to earn money based on engagement from verified users, shifting from its original model of ads in post replies.

The new eligibility criteria also include achieving 5 million organic impressions within three months. This change aims to ensure participants have a larger monetizable audience and better earning potential. X has also introduced verified follower count analytics and given creators the ability to adjust subscription prices.

While the program provides a monetization pathway, its effectiveness is limited by its restriction to verified users, with only 1.3 million X Premium subscribers currently on the platform.