Another week, another batch of social media updates! From Instagram’s latest experiments to TikTok’s big rebrand, let’s break it all down.

What’s new on Instagram?

Community Chats Are Coming

Instagram is testing community chats, a feature that would allow users to create group discussions around shared interests. Think of it like Discord, but built into Instagram’s ecosystem. This could be a game-changer for brands looking to foster engaged communities directly within the app. Brands should start thinking about how they can use this feature for exclusive discussions, product launches, or real-time engagement.

Edits App Enhancing Reels Quality

Instagram is highlighting that Reels created with its new Edits app will be optimized for high-quality playback. If you’re using third-party editing tools, this might be your sign to give Instagram’s in-house solution a shot! Native tools often get favored by platform algorithms, so experimenting with the Edits app could lead to higher engagement.

A Separate Reels App?

A new rumour is spreading that Instagram may be considering launching a standalone Reels app, potentially in an effort to better compete with TikTok.

How the Algorithm Weighs Watch Time

Adam Mosseri has clarified how Instagram ranks videos: It’s not just about the percentage watched, but also the total seconds viewed. This means a 10-second view on a 1-minute video holds as much weight as watching an entire 10-second video. So, if you're posting long-form content on your brand's profile, take note!

Text-Only Testimonials for Partnership Ads

Instagram is rolling out text-only testimonials for partnership ads, making it easier for brands and creators to share endorsements without the need for visuals. Could this be the next big shift in influencer marketing? Brands should experiment with this format to see if it improves credibility and authenticity compared to traditional video or image testimonials.

What’s new on TikTok?

TikTok Marketplace is Becoming TikTok One

TikTok is rebranding its creator marketplace as TikTok One, set to launch on April 1, 2025. Expect a more streamlined experience for brands and influencers collaborating on sponsored content. This shift could indicate TikTok’s push to make partnerships more accessible, so marketers should stay updated on the new interface and potential new features.

Ecommerce Growth Insights

TikTok has shared a new report detailing the rise of ecommerce on its platform. Spoiler: It’s booming. With more brands seeing success in social commerce, now might be the time to rethink your TikTok strategy. Marketers in the B2C space should look closely at these insights to identify trends and adjust their product promotions accordingly.

What’s new on YouTube?

AI Audio Replacement Options

YouTube is adding AI-powered audio replacement, allowing creators to swap out background audio without re-uploading videos. This could be a game-changer for those dealing with copyright issues or simply looking to refresh old content. If leveraged correctly, brands can now repurpose videos more easily, keeping their content fresh and adaptable to different audiences.

Testing ‘Hype’ Purchasing

YouTube is experimenting with ‘Hype’ purchases, a new feature that could allow users to buy virtual goods to support their favorite creators. Monetization on the platform is evolving! Marketers should monitor how this impacts creator revenue and engagement—could this be a future model for brand collaborations and promotions?

What’s new on LinkedIn?

Comment Impression Counts Now Available

LinkedIn is rolling out comment impression counts, giving users more insights into how their engagement contributes to post visibility. If you’re active in the comments section, this is something to keep an eye on! Thought leadership is becoming more measurable, so brands and marketers should focus on crafting insightful comments that increase visibility and reach.

What’s new on X?

Grok Adds Voice Mode

X’s AI chatbot, Grok, now supports voice mode, allowing users to interact using voice commands. As downloads of the standalone app continue to rise, this could be another step toward AI-powered social engagement. Voice search and AI-driven interactions are growing, and brands should start thinking about how they can integrate voice-driven content into their social strategies.