Does social media ever take a break? Guess not.

We’re back with another quick recap of what went down this week. So sit back, catch up, and get into it – before you drift off into weekend mode.

What’s new on Instagram?

Double Speed Playback for Reels Has Arrived

Scrolling in a rush? Instagram has you covered. The platform just added a 2x playback option for Reels, letting users speed through content at double speed.

Whether you’re watching meme edits or cramming info from how-to videos, it’s a small but mighty update.

“Edits” App Teased by Instagram Chief

Instagram chief Adam Mosseri confirmed in a post that a standalone “Edits” app is coming, and it should be landing in the next couple of weeks. The goal? To give creators even better tools for crafting engaging content.

The best part? It’ll be free. Mosseri did mention that some premium features might be added later on, but the plan is to keep most of the tools available at no cost.

What’s new on Facebook?

Facebook Is Testing a “Voice Mode” for Stories (aka TikTok 2.0?)‍

Facebook is cooking up something new for Stories: a “Voice Mode” feature that lets you narrate over images and videos with a more prominent voice-first design. Think TikTok’s voiceover tool... but make it Meta.

If rolled out widely, this could bring a new wave of audio-driven content creation to the platform, and possibly even more Story engagement (finally?).

What’s new on Threads?

Filters and Effects Are Coming to Threads Photos‍

Threads is finally catching up in the visual game. The platform is working on the ability to add filters and effects to photos, making it easier to post aesthetic or stylized content without leaving the app.

It’s a step toward more creative expression, and potentially more engaging feeds.

What’s new on YouTube?

New “Inspiration” Tools‍

YouTube is rolling out three new inspiration features to help creators spark ideas and keep the content flowing:

1. Brainstorm from Anywhere
   You’ll now get integrated comments and data from your past videos, making the brainstorming process inside Studio more intuitive and seamless.
2. Hooks
   AI-powered suggestions designed to help you craft stronger intros that grab attention and boost viewer retention. Because let’s be honest, those first few seconds really matter.
3. Quick Saves
   Found a great idea while you’re mid-scroll? You can now save it instantly from your idea list, right when inspiration strikes.

What’s up with TikTok?

Trump Says TikTok Deal Is (Finally) Coming‍

Trump says a deal to sell TikTok’s U.S. operations will be finalized by Saturday, just before the latest deadline hits. The app is still owned by China’s ByteDance, which violates a U.S. law passed earlier this year.

There’s strong interest from buyers, and Trump, who originally called for a ban in 2020, claims he’s the one making the final call. Whether it actually happens? We’ll know soon.