Keeping up with social media updates can feel like running on a treadmill that won’t slow down. Just when you’ve mastered one trend, another pops up, leaving everyone scrambling to catch up. It’s exhausting, right?

But don’t stress—we’ve got you covered!

This is your go-to resource for the latest social media updates, minus the fluff. Each week, we’ll break down the most important changes, so you can stay ahead without spending hours sifting through endless posts. No overwhelm, just the key insights you actually need. Bookmark this page and stay in the loop!

February 03 - February 07

1. Meta Rolls Out Updates to Advantage+ AI Ad Targeting Tools

Meta is rolling out new updates for its AI-powered Advantage+ ad campaigns, making automated targeting even smarter. These changes let advertisers optimize all campaign elements with AI, simplifying the setup process. Plus, Meta is introducing an "Advantage+ on" label to highlight AI-optimized areas.

Additionally, Advantage+ is expanding to lead campaigns, helping businesses find high-quality prospects at a lower cost. Meta is also testing an "Opportunity Score" to guide advertisers toward better performance. These updates could improve efficiency and ROI for digital marketers.

2. Instagram Tests Option to Rearrange Profile Grid Displays

Instagram is set to introduce a long-awaited feature allowing users to rearrange their profile grid. Announced by Instagram chief Adam Mosseri, this update will give creators more control over how their posts appear, enabling customized visual layouts.

The feature, originally tested in 2022, was delayed as Instagram prioritized larger thumbnail displays. Now, with testing underway, it is expected to roll out soon. This option will be valuable for creators and brands looking to curate their content strategically for better engagement.

3. Research Suggests Threads Is Driving More Engagement Than X

Recent research suggests that Meta’s Threads is outperforming X (formerly Twitter) in user engagement. With 320 million active users, Threads is gaining momentum, and 53% of marketers are already posting on the platform, according to a Sprout Social survey. An additional 23% plan to establish a Threads presence in 2025, reflecting its growing appeal.

A Buffer study analyzing 10.2 million posts found that Threads posts generate 73.6% higher engagement rates than X. Meanwhile, X is shifting toward a subscription-based model, making organic reach more challenging. As a result, brands are increasingly considering Threads as an alternative for audience engagement.

4. Snapchat Offers Ad-Free Subscription Package

Snapchat has introduced "Snapchat+ Platinum," a premium subscription that allows users to remove ads for a higher monthly fee. This includes the removal of Sponsored Snaps, Story ads, and Lens ads, though some promotional content may still appear in AI-generated responses and location-based features.

This move follows Meta’s controversial ad-free subscription model in Europe, which faces legal scrutiny under GDPR regulations. While the high price may limit adoption, it offers Snapchat an alternative revenue stream, reducing reliance on ad-generated income.

5. X Makes Communities Posts More Visible to Nonmembers in the App

X is expanding the visibility of its Communities feature by allowing posts to appear in main feeds and recommendations. This update aims to boost engagement, enabling non-members to reply while prioritizing in-community discussions. Additionally, even if a community is deleted, its posts will remain visible unless individual users remove them.

Despite previous efforts to highlight Communities, X recently replaced its Communities tab with a Video tab, hinting at shifting priorities. However, with 650,000 daily community posts, this update could drive more platform-wide discussions.

February 10 - February 14

6. Meta Warns Users Its AI Systems Will Scan DMs When Prompted

Meta has introduced AI-powered chat assistance across its messaging platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, Messenger, and WhatsApp. However, using @MetaAI in chats means the system may process and store conversations for AI training. Users are warned to avoid sharing sensitive information, as Meta reserves the right to use chat data within its AI framework.

To maintain privacy, users should avoid invoking Meta AI in chats or delete messages they don’t want analyzed. Meta clarifies that users already agreed to its data policies upon signing up.

7. TikTok Expands In-Stream Shopping Push to Latin America

TikTok is launching its in-stream shopping feature, TikTok Shop, in Mexico this week, marking its first expansion into Latin America. This move aligns with TikTok’s broader goal of replicating its Chinese counterpart, Douyin, which generated around $500 billion in sales last year. Merchants in Mexico who registered in January can now start transactions with a 90-day commission-free period.

With uncertainties in the U.S., TikTok is focusing on new markets to grow its e-commerce business. Latin America presents an opportunity, given the platform’s success in Southeast Asia. However, certain product categories, including jewelry and healthcare, will face restrictions in the Mexico launch.

8. Instagram Will Use New Edits App for Testing Features

Instagram is set to launch its new "Edits" app next month, designed as a CapCut-style video editing tool. It will introduce AI-powered features like background editing and animated still images, enhancing content creation for users. Head of Instagram, Adam Mosseri, confirmed that new creative tools will debut in Edits before integration into the main app.

The app will support 10-minute video capture, advanced editing controls, trending content insights, high-quality recording, and video analytics.

9. Meta Expands Support for Third-Party Ad Placement Blocklists

Meta has expanded its support for third-party ad placement blocklists, giving advertisers more control over where their ads appear. Initially, Meta partnered with IAS, and now it includes DoubleVerify and Zefr, allowing brands to block specific categories and profiles.

This move enhances brand safety by preventing ads from appearing next to unsuitable content. Advertisers can work directly with Meta Business Partners to refine their preferences, ensuring better alignment with their brand image while maintaining transparency and compliance with Meta’s policies.

10. TikTok Adds ‘Most-Loved’ Tag for Popular Shop Items

TikTok is enhancing its shopping experience with a new "Most Loved" tag for top-rated products. This label highlights items with high user satisfaction, factoring in ratings, return rates, and shipping efficiency. The goal is to help users make informed purchasing decisions while boosting sales.

With in-stream shopping gaining traction, TikTok aims to replicate its success in China, where e-commerce is dominant. By showcasing trusted products, the platform strengthens its position in the Western market, driving engagement and revenue growth.

February 17 - February 21

11. Instagram Tests Comment Downvotes To Combat Negative Interactions

Instagram is testing a new comment downvote button to reduce negative interactions on the platform. The feature, currently in trial, allows users to privately downvote comments they find harmful, with no public dislike count. Instagram may use this data to adjust comment rankings, pushing negative remarks lower in visibility.

Meta has previously experimented with similar features on Facebook, but they didn’t last long. While the idea aims to foster a friendlier environment, concerns remain about potential misuse, such as coordinated downvoting to suppress opposing viewpoints.

12. xAI Lanches Grok 3 AI Model To Compete With Industry Leaders

Elon Musk’s xAI has launched Grok 3, an advanced AI model trained on 200,000 GPUs, significantly boosting its computational power. This upgrade surpasses competitors like GPT-4o and Gemini-2 Pro in math, science, and coding. The model also introduces “DeepSearch,” which scours the web for in-depth answers.

With xAI now valued at $75 billion, Musk aims to commercialize Grok 3 through a $50 monthly subscription. Future enhancements include a voice mode, while Musk eyes government AI contracts, positioning xAI as a major AI player.

13. LinkedIn Rolls Out New Newsletter Metrics

LinkedIn has introduced two new analytics metrics for newsletter creators: "email sends" and "email open rates." These additions provide deeper insights into audience engagement, allowing creators to better track how their content is received via email.

With newsletter engagement on the rise—up 47% last year—these metrics help users refine their content strategy. LinkedIn also offers options to promote newsletters, further enhancing professional outreach and branding opportunities. The update strengthens LinkedIn’s newsletter ecosystem with improved analytics.

14. Facebook Livestreams Will Now Be Removed After 30 Days

Meta is changing its Facebook Live video storage policy, removing livestreams older than 30 days to cut storage costs. Users can download their videos before deletion or convert them into Reels clips to keep them on the platform.

Meta cites low engagement for older livestreams as the reason for this shift. Affected users will receive notifications and have 90 days to save their content. This aligns with Meta’s broader strategy to optimize resources for AI development.

15. TikTok Looks To Promote Livestream Shopping in More Regions

TikTok is ramping up its livestream shopping efforts, aiming to drive in-app sales across new markets. Already a major revenue driver in China, TikTok Live shopping is now expanding to Italy, Germany, France, Japan, and Brazil. This follows its recent push into Mexico, signaling a broader global expansion despite regulatory concerns in the U.S.

Live shopping on TikTok has seen significant growth, with Black Friday sales tripling last year. The platform is also seeing increased livestream engagement, with over 100 million creators going live in 2024. TikTok is now actively promoting best practices for brands to capitalize on this trend, making it a growing opportunity for businesses worldwide.

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