2025 Social Media Updates & News

Stay ahead with our 2025 social media updates and news roundup, organized by platform to provide marketers with the latest insights and trends.

New on Meta 

• Meta has announced updates to its content policies, emphasizing greater freedom of expression by removing third-party fact-checking, moving to Community Notes, and simplifying guidelines. Read more
  
• Instagram updated its profile grid to feature vertically aligned thumbnails, aligning with Reels and vertical content trends. Highlights may soon be integrated into the grid with new tools to reorder and customize profiles. Read more
• Instagram now allows users to create 3-minute Reels, up from the previous 90-second limit. Despite this update, Instagram has advised that shorter Reels may still perform better for content engagement. See more
  
• Instagram's chief Adam Mosseri has revealed that watch time, likes, and sends are the key factors driving content reach in 2025. See more

   

   

• Instagram now lets users see which Reels their friends have liked or commented on, aiming to boost engagement by highlighting mutual interests. See more
  

New on TikTok

• President Trump has granted TikTok a 75-day extension in the U.S. Read more
• TikTok has launched an updated Video Editor as part of its Symphony creative tool, offering advanced editing features like AI avatars, auto-captions, voiceovers, and AI-generated soundtracks.

  Read more

New on Youtube

• YouTube now allows all users to create Shorts up to 3 minutes long, completing a phased rollout announced last October. Read more
• YouTube has introduced new experimental features for Premium users, including high-quality audio up to 256kbps, faster mobile playback speeds, and the ability to jump ahead in videos on both mobile and web. Read more
  

New on other platforms

• X has officially launched a dedicated video tab in the U.S., giving users quick access to its immersive video feed. This move aligns with X's push to become a "video first" platform. Read more
• Pinterest has released its second annual “Pinterest Palette” report, highlighting key color trends for 2025. Read more
  

New on Meta 

• Instagram is testing a comment downvote button to help reduce negative interactions by allowing users to privately signal harmful remarks. While the feature won’t display dislike counts, Instagram may use the data to adjust comment rankings. Read more
• Meta has shared an overview of its upcoming Community Notes feature, which will let users flag misinformation on Facebook, Instagram, and Threads. Similar to X, notes will require agreement from users with different perspectives before being displayed. See more
• Instagram has added text-only testimonials to Partnership Ads, enabling brands to feature creator endorsements as sponsored comments on the partnership post. Read more
• Instagram chief Adam Mosseri has clarified that its algorithm considers both total watch time and completion rate for videos, ensuring longer clips aren’t penalized. Watch video

New on TikTok

• TikTok has launched a refreshed desktop app with a new modular layout, improved navigation, and an updated “For You” feed. Read more
• TikTok has introduced a "Most Loved" tag for top-rated products in TikTok Shop, based on factors like user reviews, return rates, and shipping times. Read more
• TikTok is replacing Creator Marketplace and Creative Center with TikTok One by April 1st, streamlining creator tools and campaign management. Learn more
  

New on LinkedIn

• LinkedIn is rolling out comment impression counts, letting users see how many views their comments receive. Read more

• LinkedIn has improved its Conversions API for easier CRM integration, boosting conversions by 31%, and extended its Revenue Attribution Report to track data for up to 365 days. Read more

• LinkedIn has introduced new video features, including full-screen vertical videos on desktop, enhanced mobile displays, and better video discovery in search results. Learn more

New on other platforms

• X has introduced two new AI tools for brands powered by Grok 3. The first, "Prefill with Grok," generates ad copy, imagery, and CTAs based on a website URL. The second, "Analyze Campaign with Grok," provides AI-powered insights to help optimize ad performance. Learn more
• YouTube has surpassed 1 billion monthly active podcast viewers and announced plans to improve ad placements starting May 12, 2025, to enhance the viewer experience. Read more

New on Meta 

• Meta has started testing Community Notes across Facebook, Instagram and Threads in the U.S. from March 18th. Read more
• Meta updated its Creator Marketplace with AI tools and keyword search to help brands find top influencers and boost ad performance. Read more
• Meta launched new AI-powered ad tools for Facebook and Instagram, including smarter targeting via its Andromeda model, expanded Advantage+ features, and streamlined checkout. Read more
• Instagram is testing AI-generated comments to suggest responses for users. Read more
• Instagram is removing Notes from feed posts and Reels due to low usage, aiming to simplify the app and reduce feature clutter. Read more
• Instagram now lets users watch Reels at 2x speed. Read more

New on TikTok

• TikTok has shared tips to create engaging photo posts, highlighting strong titles, storytelling, and clear calls to action. Read more
• TikTok Shop has introduced new features to give sellers more control over their operations, including customizable automated aftersales processes, flexible return policies, or PO box exclusions. Read more
  

• TikTok expanded its commerce tools with Smart+ Catalog Ads for both web and app conversions and updated GMV Max to include affiliate content and live shopping formats. Read more

New on YouTube

• YouTube is testing a feature that lets viewers hide end screens on videos, giving users more control over their viewing experience. Read more
• YouTube is testing a new Shorts editing display that highlights UI elements to help creators avoid placing text or stickers in obstructed areas, improving video composition. See more
  

New on X

• X has introduced new Communities timeline tabs, allowing users to organize posts by trending topics, popularity, and chronology. Read more
• X now lets users edit specific parts of images using simple text prompts via Grok, enhancing in-app creative tools with generative AI. Read more

New on other platforms

• Pinterest now labels AI-generated or modified content to improve transparency. Read more

• Pinterest shared tips to boost Performance+ ad results, advising brands to use conversion tracking, optimize product feeds, diversify formats, and give AI time to learn. Read more

• LinkedIn has expanded its AI-powered Predictive Audiences, allowing advertisers to target company lists and integrate retargeting sources, improving ad performance and reducing lead costs. Read more
  

• LinkedIn updated Campaign Manager with AI-powered forecasting, easier ad duplication, dynamic UTMs, and improved dashboards. Read more

New on Meta 

• Instagram has launched Edits, a free standalone video editing app designed to simplify Reels creation with tools like AI-generated animations, green screen effects, and project management features. Read more
• Instagram chief Adam Mosseri addressed creator questions, discussing algorithm updates and emphasizing the platform's commitment to supporting creators. Watch video
• Meta has released its Llama 4 AI models, including Llama 4 Scout and Maverick. Read more
• Meta has explained how businesses and creators use Meta Verified to build credibility and foster customer trust. Read more
  
• Instagram is testing “Storylines,” collaborative Stories created with your app connections. Read more
• Meta has shared strategies to optimize click-to-message ads. ​Read more
  

New on TikTok 

• TikTok is live testing “Footnotes,” a U.S.-only feature letting users add contextual notes to videos, combining crowd-sourced and professional fact-checking. Read more
• Business reviews are being tested in-stream, allowing users to see feedback on location-tagged videos directly in the app. Read more
• TikTok’s U.S. sell-off deadline has been extended by 75 days, until June, to allow more time to reach a deal. Read more 
  

New on X

• X's AI chatbot Grok now includes memory capabilities, allowing it to recall past interactions for more personalized responses. Read more 
• X has revamped its post analytics interface, offering Premium users a clearer view of engagement metrics over time. Read more 
  

New on other platforms

• LinkedIn's new "Qualified Leads Optimization" lets marketers sync CRM data to target audiences similar to top leads, boosting campaign results. Read more 
• ​Pinterest has updated its Academy learning platform with new course paths, refreshed video tutorials, and a “Performance Essentials” badge. Read more 
• YouTube now offers auto-dubbing to all Partner Program creators and introduces “Combo Gifting” to boost live stream engagement and monetization. Read more 
• YouTube marks its 20th anniversary by unveiling new features like multiview for YouTube TV, voice replies for comments, and a personalized "Ask Music" radio tool. Read more 
  

New on Meta 

• At IAB NewFronts 2025, Meta unveiled new AI-powered ad tools, expanded Reels monetization options, and highlighted creator-led campaigns to help advertisers drive deeper engagement across its platforms. Read more
• Instagram now supports 3:4 ratio images — the native format for most phone cameras —  allowing users to post photos more easily without cropping. Read more

New on TikTok 

• TikTok has introduced a new AI-powered “Alive” feature that transforms still images in Stories into animated video clips. Read more

• TikTok has expanded its Pulse ad placement options, giving brands more flexibility to appear alongside top-performing content in a wider range of categories. Read more

New on X 

• X has officially introduced X Originals, featuring exclusive shows and partnerships with creators to expand its premium video content offerings. Read more
• X now supports 4K video uploads. Read more
• X now has over one million Community Notes contributors. Read more

New on other platforms

• Pinterest has shared new marketing and ad tips, focusing on creative performance, audience targeting, and leveraging AI tools to help brands boost campaign results. Read more

• LinkedIn has updated its post embed feature to support video-only embeds, making it easier to share and showcase native video content outside the platform. Read more

• LinkedIn is expanding its BrandLink video ad placements beyond premium publisher content to now include influencer posts. Read more

New on Meta 

• Meta has introduced a new "Opportunity Score" feature for all advertisers, offering personalized suggestions to help improve ad performance and maximize campaign results. Read more

• Instagram has launched new performance recap milestones to highlight key achievements for creators and businesses. Read more

• Meta has shared new tips on top-performing ad strategies, emphasizing the use of creative diversity, clear branding, and AI tools to enhance campaign effectiveness. Read more

New on TikTok 

• Trump supports a potential third 75-day extension for TikTok’s U.S. sell-off, pushing the next review to September 1. Read more
• TikTok has reached 30 million users in the UK, making it its largest user community in Europe. Read more
• At TikTok World 2025, TikTok unveiled new ad and audience research tools to help brands better understand performance, optimize targeting, and drive more effective campaign results. Read more

New on YouTube 

• YouTube is loosening its content moderation policies to allow certain videos that break rules to stay up if deemed in the public interest, aiming to balance free expression with safety. Read more
• YouTube has started displaying Posts in the Shorts feed, expanding content discovery and giving creators more ways to reach audiences beyond just video. Read more
  
  

New on other platforms

• X has launched  XChat, featuring end-to-end encryption, vanishing messages, file sharing, and audio/video calling, built on Rust with a new architecture inspired by Bitcoin-style encryption. Read more
• LinkedIn has integrated Adobe Express for in-platform video ad creation, making it easier for marketers to design and launch engaging video campaigns without leaving the LinkedIn Ads Manager. Read more

• LinkedIn has introduced First Impressions video ads and Connected TV (CTV) ad options, designed to help brands stand out and deliver results across both desktop and streaming platforms. Read more

• Pinterest has introduced AI-powered collages and enhanced trend insights, aiming to boost creativity and help users and brands discover and act on emerging trends more easily. Read more

• Pinterest’s 2025 Summer Trends Report spotlights Gen Z-driven themes like cool-toned beauty, thrifted home, and nature bathing. Read more

New on Meta 

• Meta has updated the Reels Ads Guide to offer best practices, creative tips, and performance insights to help brands boost engagement. Download guide

• Facebook has announced an algorithm update to demote unoriginal content — reposts without meaningful edits or credit — and prioritize original creators. Read more

• Instagram has raised the follower threshold for Live streaming, requiring users to have at least 1,000 followers to go Live. Read more

• Instagram CEO Adam Mosseri has clarified that posts mentioning “link in bio” are not penalized, dispelling a common myth about reduced reach. Learn more
• Instagram is testing like counts for individual photos or videos in carousel posts. Read more

New on TikTok 

• TikTok has launched TikTok Pro, an alternative version of the app in Europe aimed at promoting positive content, digital well-being, and supporting verified charitable causes. Read more

• TikTok has refuted claims that it’s creating a U.S.-only version of the app, stating it has no intention to split its operations from its global platform. Read more

New on X 

• X has previewed Imagine, a new AI-powered text-to-video tool that generates short video clips from text prompts. Read more

• Elon Musk has announced that X plans to revive Vine in a new AI-powered format, aiming to bring short-form video creation back to the platform with enhanced creative tools. Read more

New on other platforms

• YouTube is preparing a crackdown on mass-produced and repetitive content, especially low-quality AI-generated videos, as part of its effort to maintain content quality amid rising concerns over “AI slop.” Read more

• YouTube has loosened its profanity rules for monetized videos, allowing more content with moderate or contextually used swearing to qualify for ads. Read more
• Pinterest has released its 2025 Holiday Marketing Guide, offering brands tips on seasonal trends, content strategies, and key shopping moments. Read more

New on Meta 

• Meta has rolled out new AI-driven holiday ad tools, including improved creator search, shoppable Reels, and enhanced partnership ads with product carousels and testimonials. Read more

• Instagram has introduced Reposts, allowing users to reshare public content from others, which then appears in a dedicated tab on their profile and in their friends’ recommendations. Read more
• Instagram chief Adam Mosseri confirmed that long captions don’t impact reach. Read more
• Instagram has launched Reels linking, allowing creators to connect multiple videos into a series with in-stream links like “Watch Part 2,” enabling better storytelling and content organization. Read more
  
• Threads has surpassed 400 million monthly active users. Read more

New on TikTok 

• TikTok has introduced a five-hashtag limit per post to reduce spam, improve content relevance, and streamline the user experience. Read more

  
  

New on LinkedIn

• LinkedIn is expanding its BrandLink ad program with new original shows and more premium publisher partners, allowing brands to place video ads alongside trusted influencer and editorial content. Read more

New on Meta 

• Instagram has hit 3 billion monthly active users and is introducing new "algorithm tuning" tools that let users customize their feeds by adding or removing topics. See more

• Meta has introduced several new ad tools, including expanded Reels ad formats, new placements on Threads, and enhanced AI-powered targeting features. Read more