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If you’re a marketer, you already know that social media never sits still. Just when you’ve nailed your strategy, a new algorithm tweak, ad format, or platform feature drops, and suddenly, it’s time to pivot again.
That’s precisely why we put this blog together.
We’ve tracked all the biggest social media updates month by month in 2025, across platforms like Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, Facebook, X (Twitter), YouTube, Threads, and more—so you don’t have to dig through endless changelogs or newsfeeds.
Whether you’re managing organic content, running paid campaigns, or building a community, these updates will help you stay ahead of the curve and tweak your social media marketing plan with confidence.
Let’s dive into the social media shake-ups of 2025!
January 2026 Social Media Update
1. Threads Tests Animated Stickers for Posts
Threads is testing animated stickers that users can add directly to their posts, making conversations more visually expressive and engaging. The stickers work similarly to those on Instagram Stories and can be used to highlight reactions, emotions, or key points within a post. This feature is currently available to a limited group of users as part of an early experiment.
Why this matters:
Animated stickers help Threads move beyond plain text while keeping its conversation-first approach. For creators and brands, this offers an easy way to grab attention, add personality, and increase engagement without relying on full images or videos.
2. YouTube Makes Promotion Easier with New Targeting and AI Video Tools
YouTube has updated its Promote feature to let creators target viewers based on specific interests like gaming, beauty, or travel—making it easier to reach the right audience when boosting clips. YouTube is also testing a new AI tool (called “Ingredients to Video”) that lets you turn up to three still images and text prompts into short, dynamic 8-second video clips using Google’s Veo generative AI models.
Why this matters:
This gives creators more control over who sees their content and new creative ways to produce engaging video from simple images, helping grow reach and creativity on the platform.
3. Instagram Expands Algorithm Control to All English-Speaking Users
Instagram has expanded its “Your Algorithm” feature so that all English-speaking users around the world can now access manual controls to shape their Reels feed. Users can tap the slider icon in Reels to add or remove topics they want to see more or less of and even choose up to three top interests for 2026, helping tailor recommendations closer to their preferences.
Why this matters:
This update gives users more transparency and control over what appears in their Reels feed instead of leaving everything to Instagram’s AI. By selecting specific interests, people can refine content to match better what they care about, which may improve engagement and satisfaction with the app.
4. YouTube Adds More Protections for Teen Users
YouTube has introduced enhanced safety features aimed at teen viewers and their families, including new parental control options that let guardians set time limits or even block Shorts viewing on supervised teen accounts. The updates also improve how parents manage overall screen time and viewing habits, and YouTube continues evolving its supervised account experience to support healthier usage for under-18s.
Why this matters:
With concerns about addictive short-form video use and young users’ well-being, these tools give families more control over how teens engage with content. The changes align with broader industry shifts toward digital safety and responsible use for younger audiences.
5. WhatsApp Tests Usernames as Primary Connection Display
WhatsApp is rolling out a new update that hides users’ phone numbers in profiles and shows only their chosen username as the main identifier in the app. This change is part of WhatsApp’s shift toward social-style handles, giving users and brands a unique name rather than exposing contact numbers. The feature is currently being tested and aims to improve privacy by separating real phone numbers from visible IDs.
Why this matters:
Usernames make it easier to protect privacy, especially when connecting with people you don’t know personally. Replacing phone numbers with handles also lets brands build a more recognizable identity on WhatsApp and reduces the risk of exposing personal information.
December 2025 Social Media Updates
1. Instagram Launches Dedicated TV App for Reels
Instagram has rolled out a new TV App for Reels that brings short-form video content, especially Reels, to television screens. The app is currently in pilot testing on Amazon Fire TV devices in the United States and lets users watch Reels on a larger display with a personalized, lean-back experience.
Why this matters:
This expansion brings Instagram beyond mobile phones and into the living room, letting users enjoy Reels together on TV. Reels are organized into interest-based channels, and users can log into multiple Instagram accounts on the same TV. The move reflects Instagram’s push to adapt to changing content consumption habits and boost engagement by meeting audiences where they spend more time, on big screens.
2. Instagram Lets Users Control Their Reels Algorithm
Instagram has rolled out Reels algorithm control, a feature that lets users influence how often they see specific Reels. Instead of relying solely on likes or watch time, Instagram now allows users signal their interests, helping the platform personalize Reels recommendations more accurately.
How to Control Your Reels Algorithm on Instagram?
Open the Instagram app and go to the Reels tab.
While watching a Reel, tap the three-dot menu or the interest control option shown on the screen.
Select options like “Interested” or “Not interested” for that type of content.
Why this matters:
This update gives users more transparency and control over what appears in their Reels feed. For creators and brands, it means relevance is key; content that clearly matches audience interests is more likely to be shown, increasing engagement and discoverability.
3. TikTok Introduces a New Well-Being Hub to Help Users Unwind
TikTok has launched a new in-app well-being space designed to help users relax, take breaks, and build healthier scrolling habits. This hub includes calming tools like breathing exercises, soothing sounds, short journaling prompts, and guided activities that encourage mindful use of the app.
Why this matters:
TikTok is clearly focusing on user well-being instead of endless scrolling. For marketers and influencers, this means audience behavior may slowly shift toward more intentional, quality engagement rather than long, passive sessions. Creators and brands that share positive, helpful, or mindful content may see stronger trust and connection, while ads and videos that respect users’ time are more likely to perform well in the long run.
4. YouTube Expands Voice Replies, Super Chat Goals & AI Creation Tools
YouTube has rolled out several new features to help creators engage more deeply with their audiences and make content faster and more creatively. This includes expanding voice replies so many more creators can leave short audio responses to comments, rolling out Super Chat Goals for vertical livestreams to drive supporter donations, launching its video Create app on iOS, and adding new AI tools (like Nano Banana for editing visuals and AI-suggested Shorts clips). It’s also improving comment experiences with simplified comment summaries and updated channel guidelines that help shape community interaction.
Why this matters:
These updates give creators better ways to connect with viewers and grow their channels. Voice replies make engagement more personal, Super Chat Goals can increase live-stream revenue, and built-in AI tools reduce editing time and help creators produce high-quality content faster. That matters whether you’re a creator, marketer, or brand looking to build stronger audience relationships and improve performance on YouTube.
5. Instagram Launches Dedicated iPad App
Instagram has finally released a native app for iPad, designed specifically for larger screens rather than simply scaling up the iPhone version. The app opens directly to a Reels-focused feed, with Stories at the top, and includes a new Following tab that lets users choose among recommended posts, content from mutual connections, and a chronological feed.
The interface also supports multitasking layouts with side-by-side messaging and notifications, as well as expanded comments while watching Reels. The app is now available for iPads running iPadOS 15.1 or later and can be downloaded from the App Store for free.
Why this matters:
This launch transforms Instagram’s experience on tablets by fully optimizing it for iPad screens and making core features like Reels, Stories, and messaging easier to use. Businesses and creators can now engage with content and manage their presence more comfortably on larger devices, enhancing workflow and content discovery.
6. YouTube Introduces AI “Creator Portraits”
YouTube is expanding its experimental Creator Portraits feature, which will let top creators channel viewers directly chat with an AI version of the creators using content they’ve approved. Where viewers can ask questions and explore topics related to a creator’s videos through a conversational experience.
Why this matters:
Creator Portraits enable creators to engage audiences at scale, surface audience interests, and keep fans connected even when they’re not actively posting content.
November 2025 Social Media Updates
1. LinkedIn Limits Competitor Analytics for Free Company Pages
LinkedIn is changing access to its Competitor Analytics feature. Going forward, non-paying company pages will only be able to compare performance with one competitor. Full insights, such as follower growth, engagement rates, and competitor content trends, will now be reserved for paying LinkedIn members.
Why this matters:
This change pushes brands toward paid LinkedIn plans for deeper competitive insights. Businesses relying on competitor benchmarking will need to reassess their analytics strategy or invest in premium access to stay informed.
2. Instagram Introduces Competitor Insights for Professional Accounts
Instagram has rolled out a new competitor insights feature within the professional dashboard. Business and creator accounts can now compare their performance against up to 10 competitor accounts, tracking follower growth, posting frequency, and content types like Reels and feed posts.
Why this matters:
This helps brands benchmark performance directly inside Instagram. Marketers can better understand content gaps, posting patterns, and growth opportunities without relying on external tools.
3. Instagram Adds Watch History for Reels
Instagram is introducing a Watch History feature for Reels, allowing users to revisit every Reel they’ve watched. Users can filter by date, creator, or time range through Profile → Settings → Activity, making it easier to rediscover content.
Why this matters:
This improves content discoverability and gives creators a second chance to gain engagement. Brands may see extended content lifespan as users return to Reels they previously found useful or entertaining.
4. TikTok Launches ‘Bulletin Board’ Feature for Creators
TikTok has launched Bulletin Board, a new broadcast-style feature that lets creators share text, images, and videos directly with followers. It works as a one-to-many communication channel, similar to broadcast features on other social platforms.
Why this matters:
Bulletin Board allows creators and brands to communicate without relying on TikTok’s algorithm. It’s ideal for announcements, updates, and exclusive content, helping build stronger, direct audience relationships.
5. Instagram Adds AI Restyle for Stories Using Meta AI
Instagram has introduced an AI-powered “Restyle” feature for Stories, powered by Meta AI. Users can transform images using creative prompts and visual styles, making it easy to redesign Story content with minimal effort.
Why this matters:
This lowers the creative barrier for brands and creators. AI Restyle enables faster content creation while keeping Stories visually fresh, helping businesses stand out without heavy design resources.
October 2025 Social Media Platfroms Updates
1. Threads Opens up Topic-Based Communities to All Users
In the recent update, Threads has expanded its access to its new Communities feature. This makes it public, casual spaces available to all users for exchanging unique perspectives and joining conversations on specific topics.
Why this matters:
It is a great opportunity for focused community building and niche marketing. Your brand can now create or participate in relevant groups to drive targeted engagement, gather audience insights, and establish authority.
2. Threads Makes It Easier To Hide Unwanted Post Replies
Threads has added an option to hide individual post replies. You can hide them from the Activity tab notification by tapping the eye icon. While the users could still hide replies from the post itself, this update makes it more readily available. When you will hide any response, they will be moved to a covered section at the bottom of the thread. This will limit the exposure to the general public.
Why this matters:
This new, update helps maintain a positive brand environment. Marketers can now quickly and easily restrict the reach of inflammatory, spam, or rage-bait responses as soon as they appear in the notification feed, reducing the risk of negative public blowback and “pile-ons” on brand content.
3. TikTok Increases Subscription Revenue Share for U.S. Creators
TikTok is now offering North American creators up to 90% of subscription earnings. The base share is bumped to 70%, with an extra 20% performance bonus available if creators meet certain thresholds.
Why this matters:
This move gives creators in the U.S. and Canada much greater incentive to build deeper communities on TikTok via subscriptions. The higher payout can improve creator loyalty, reduce dependency on brand deals, and make premium content a more viable monetization path. However, meeting the thresholds to unlock the full 90 % will likely remain a challenge for many.
4. Meta Launches “Business AI” — Custom AI Agents for Businesses
Meta is soon to roll out an expanded Business AI offering, which will enable the companies to deploy a dedicated AI agent on their website. With this the businesses can customize how the AI responds, integrate product catalogs, and train it with existing data.
Why this matters:
It gives brands a way to automate customer interactions, lead qualification, product recommendations, and conversions, without needing to build their own AI from scratch.
5. Pinterest Emphasizes Curation to Reduce Cart Abandonment
As per Pinterest latest report decision fatigue and not checkout friction is the main reason for cart abandonment. As per the report, the curations that present fewer but more relevant choices, help users feel confident and less overwhelmed. Their AI-powered “Taste Graph” enables this contextual personalization.
Why this matters:
In our opinion, this should shift focus from tweaking checkout flows to refining product discovery and presentation. With this approach the brands that depend on curated catalogs, visual storytelling, and contextual matching, may see lesser cart drop-offs.
6. Instagram Tests Opening Directly to Reels in India
Instagram has announced that it is testing Reels-first UI in India. This means that whenever users will open the app, they will land directly on the Reels feed instead of the traditional post feed. Users still see Stories at the top, and the change is opt-in for now.
Why this matters:
By prioritizing Reels at launch, Instagram is reinforcing its shift toward video engagement. This could amplify visibility for short-form content, push creators to focus more on Reels over static posts, and nudge user behavior further toward browsing and engaging via video-first flows.
September 2025 Social Media Platforms Updates
1. Instagram Debuts Native iPad App
Instagram has released a dedicated app for iPads (iPadOS 15.1+), replacing the scaled-up iPhone version. The app opens directly to a Reels feed with Stories at the top, offering one-tap access to messaging.
It supports a Following tab with multiple viewing modes, enables multitasking with messages/notifications side by side, and allows comments to expand without pausing videos.
Why this matters:
This optimized experience leverages the larger tablet screen, making Reels and content discovery more immersive. It signals Meta’s intensified focus on short-form video and improves usability on iPads for creators and audiences, enhancing engagement and comfort in viewing and interacting beyond phones.
2. Threads Adds 10,000-Character Text Attachments
Meta is rolling out a new feature that lets users attach up to 10,000 characters of text to Threads posts, going far beyond the platform’s standard 500-character limit. This makes Threads feel more like a hybrid between micro-posts and long-form content, similar to X’s “Articles” feature.
Why this matters:
This update broadens how people can share ideas on Threads. Creators, writers, and brands can post in-depth thoughts or announcements without resorting to screenshots of text. It also strengthens Threads as a publishing tool, making it more competitive for long-form conversations alongside quick updates.
3. Threads Adds Auto Thread Count Labels
Threads is introducing an auto-inserted thread counter that shows how many posts are in a sequence and where the reader is within it.
Why this matters:
Instead of manually typing “1/3” or using thread emojis, the platform will now add this automatically, making it easier to create and follow long Threads. This small but handy update improves readability and navigation for users while also encouraging creators to publish longer multi-post Threads without worrying about formatting.
4. LinkedIn Enables All Users to Create Newsletters
LinkedIn is now allowing every user to create a newsletter, regardless of follower count or creator status. Previously restricted, this feature is now open for individual profiles; company pages still need 150+ followers. Users can write articles, have people subscribe, and notify followers when new editions drop.
Why this matters:
This opens up long-form content chances for more people. If you’ve got expertise and want to build deeper engagement, this gives you a direct channel. Also, with LinkedIn expanding access, newsletters may become a more common way to build authority and foster audience loyalty.
5. Instagram Lets You Pin Your Own Comments
Instagram has introduced a feature that allows users to pin their own comments on posts, something that was previously limited to the remarks made by others. You can pin up to three comments per post, mixing your own and others’ remarks.
Why this matters:
This gives creators more control over the conversation around their posts. You can add clarifications, follow-ups, or context after posting, and ensure those appear at the top of the comment thread. It helps surface important info or updates without needing to edit captions, which can be especially useful for announcements or addressing FAQs.
6. TikTok Adds Voice Notes & Expanded Media Sharing in DMs
TikTok now lets users send voice notes up to 60 seconds in one-on-one and group chats. It has also increased the number of images/videos you can attach (up to nine per message), from either the camera roll or via the TikTok camera. Safety tweaks include restrictions on sending media in first-message requests and blocking DMs entirely for under-16s.
Why this matters:
These changes make DMs more expressive and richer—voice adds personality, and more media sharing enables better storytelling or interaction. For creators and users alike, this can deepen engagement. Also, the safety & age-based restrictions help protect users while expanding functionality.
7. TikTok Expands Educational Tools for TikTok Shop Sellers
TikTok has launched new resources to help sellers and creators grow their presence on TikTok Shop. These include a Creator Pilot Program, content policy quizzes, compliance scores, and step-by-step guides to improve shop performance. With the holiday season nearing, TikTok is encouraging businesses to optimize their listings now.
Why this matters:
By offering more structured learning and performance tracking, TikTok makes it easier for sellers to stay compliant and competitive. These tools help creators refine their strategies, boost sales opportunities, and get holiday-ready, when eCommerce activity on the app tends to spike.
8. LinkedIn Adds “Saves” and “Sends” Metrics
LinkedIn has introduced new metrics for posts, “Saves” and “Sends.” Saves indicate how many users bookmarked the post for later, while Sends track how many times it was shared in a message on the platform.
Why this matters:
These metrics provide a new way to measure a post’s effectiveness beyond likes and comments. They offer a clearer picture of how “shareable” and “valuable” your content is, helping you understand what truly resonates with your audience.
9. Instagram Confirms Scheduling Does Not Reduce Reach
Instagram has stated that scheduling posts using third-party tools such as SocialPilot does not reduce their reach, dispelling a long-held myth among marketers.
Why this matters:
This clarification for social media managers gives them the freedom to use scheduling tools for efficiency without worrying about negatively impacting their content’s performance.
10. YouTube Launches AI Stickers for Shorts and Polls for Live
YouTube has rolled out new creative tools, including AI-generated stickers for Shorts and the ability to add polls to live streams.
Why this matters:
These features give creators more ways to make their content interactive and engaging. AI stickers provides a quick way to add visual flair to your Shorts. At the same time, polls on live streams can boost audience participation and provide valuable feedback.
11. LinkedIn Expands Company Page Verification
LinkedIn is expanding access to its company page verification, allowing more businesses to get a checkmark next to their name.
Why this matters:
Verification adds a layer of trust and authenticity, which is crucial for brand reputation. This update makes it easier for companies to prove they are legitimate and helps users identify official pages from fakes.
August 2025 Social Media Changes and Update
1. Instagram Adds “Repost” Function for Posts & Reels
Instagram has rolled out a new repost feature, allowing users to share public feed posts and Reels directly to their own feed. The reposted content will credit the original creator, appear in a dedicated “Reposts” tab on the user’s profile, and can include an optional note added by the user.
Why this matters:
This gives users a simpler, native way to reshare content they love—no more workarounds or third-party tools. For creators, it’s a visibility boost: one repost can expose content to new followers who didn’t originally follow the creator. It also encourages engagement through sharing, which strengthens community interaction on the platform.
2. Instagram Adds Opt-in “Map” Feature in DMs
Instagram has introduced a new Instagram Map feature, appearing at the top of users’ Direct Message (DM) inboxes. The Map allows users to optionally share their last-active location with selected friends, close friends, or mutually followed accounts. Users can also explore recent content, such as Reels, Stories, posts, and Notes tagged with locations on the map.
Why this matters:
This update allows users to view friends’ activity and discover local content. While it enhances engagement and discovery, it also raises privacy concerns. Meta addresses this with an opt-in model, giving users control over visibility, frequency, and sharing settings to balance safety with utility.
3. Instagram Introduces “Friends” Tab in Reels
Instagram now has a Friends tab in the Reels section. It shows public Reels your friends have liked, commented on, created, or reposted, plus recommendations from “Blends” you’ve joined. You can switch back and forth between the standard Reels feed and this new view.
Why this matters:
This makes Reels more social and personal, letting you see what your friends are engaging with and sparking conversations around shared content. But with visibility into your interactions, privacy controls (hiding likes/comments, muting people) become important so you can control
what others see.
4. TikTok Launches “TikTok Go” Creator Program in U.S.
TikTok has introduced TikTok Go, a new program for creators (18+ with at least 1,000 followers) in the U.S. to earn commissions or vouchers by promoting local businesses like hotels and restaurants. This allows the creators to tag the business, choose tasks (e.g. video promo), and earn rewards when those tasks drive bookings or sales.
Why this matters:
This lowers the barrier for monetization, especially for smaller creators, by allowing them to earn via recommendations rather than only relying on big brand deals. It also deepens TikTok’s integration with e-commerce and local discovery, making it more of a platform for planning experiences, not just entertainment.
5. TikTok Introduces In-App Hotel Booking with Booking.com
TikTok, in partnership with Booking.com, now lets users book hotel stays directly within the app. Each hotel has a dedicated page showing room availability, pricing, amenities, and nearby attractions. Creators can also tag hotels in their videos to promote them and drive bookings.
Why this matters:
This turns TikTok into more than an entertainment platform. It becomes a travel discovery and booking tool. For creators, it opens new promotional opportunities tied to commissions. For users, it simplifies trip planning by merging travel inspiration, reviews, and booking into one seamless in-app experience.
6. YouTube Replaces “Trending” with Category-Specific Charts
The global “Trending” and “Trending Now” pages have now been removed from YouTube. They have been replaced with new YouTube Charts focused on content categories such as Music, Podcasts, and Movie Trailers, with more to come. The shift aims to align with how users now discover trends—via recommendations, search, and community interactions.
Why this matters:
By breaking out trends into specific categories, YouTube allows creators across genres to gain more relevant visibility. It adapts to evolving viewing habits where micro-communities and niche content are more influential than a one-size-fits-all trending list. For viewers, this yields more useful discoveries, while also reducing the dominance of high-view-count content in trending rankings.
7. LinkedIn Limits Fake Engagement via Automated Comments
LinkedIn has updated its policy to reduce the visibility of comments made using automation tools or through excessive comment creation. It may also limit how many comments a member or Page can make in a given time period when such behavior is detected.
Why this matters:
This helps improve authenticity on the platform by discouraging “engagement pods”, spammy replies, and bot-generated interactions. Genuine discussions will have more visibility, content metrics become more reliable, and users can trust that comments reflect real engagement.
8. Instagram Adds Reels Linking for Multi-Part Series
Instagram has introduced a “Link a Reel” option so creators can connect multiple Reels into a series. You can link new Reels when posting, or retrofit older public Reels via the overflow menu. Viewers will see a “Watch Part 2” (or next part) button at the bottom left of a Reel.
Why this matters:
It makes storytelling easier and more engaging: creators can organize content by theme, narrative, or tutorial, helping viewers follow along without having to search for follow-ups. This tends to increase watch time and retention. It also strengthens content discovery, as related clips are more discoverable. But it means creators need to plan series thoughtfully; linking unrelated Reels could annoy audiences.
9. Instagram Adds Retention and Skip Rate Metrics for Reels
Instagram has added a new Retention chart in Reels Insights, showing exactly when viewers drop off during playback. It’s also replacing the “View Rate” metric with Skip Rate, which tracks how many people skip a Reel in the first 3 seconds.
Why this matters:
These changes give creators clearer insights into which parts of their Reels are working — especially the opening seconds. You can now see where people lose interest and adjust your hooks and pacing accordingly to boost engagement and keep viewers watching longer.
10. Instagram for Business Shares Growth Tips (Infographic)
Instagram for Business published an infographic that offers tips to help you grow your following and engagement, how often to post Reels, using carousels, maximizing audience interaction based on content format, and tailoring posting frequency to capacity.
Why this matters:
These are practical steps creators can apply immediately to improve reach, whether you have lots of time or limited resources.
11. YouTube has Published Seven Tips for Creators
YouTube published seven fresh tips to help creators generate new video ideas. It involves problem/solution formats, reinventing top-performing content, riding trends, polling your audience, flipping standard advice, using search data, and mind-mapping around your niche.
Why this matters:
When content creators run dry on ideas, these methods provide a structured approach to ideation, whether by revisiting what works, tapping into audience input, or exploring underutilized angles. This helps maintain consistency and relevance, which can boost engagement and channel growth.
12. Threads Lets Users Share Their Threads Status Updates to WhatsApp
Threads now allows users to share their status updates directly to WhatsApp as status posts. You can post something on Threads, then use the ‘Share to WhatsApp Status’ option, expanding your update’s reach across apps.
Why this matters:
It bridges cross-platform expression: content you post on Threads doesn’t stay isolated there. Sharing to WhatsApp Status increases visibility among users who may not be active on Threads, while helping creators or personal users amplify their voice with minimal extra effort.
Conclusion
Social media moves fast, but you don’t have to get left behind. Every month brings new features, algorithm changes, and opportunities across Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, Facebook, X, YouTube, Threads, and beyond.
This is your living guide to platform changes. We’ll update it monthly so you can adapt quickly, capitalize on new features, and optimize your strategy before competitors catch on.
Bookmark this page and check back regularly. The social landscape keeps shifting, and staying informed isn’t just helpful, it’s essential for success.
Ready for what’s next? We are, too.
The post Top Social Media Updates 2025 : Every Marketer Should Know appeared first on SocialPilot.
