Social media is evolving rapidly, with platforms constantly making moves to stay relevant and ahead of the curve. In recent weeks, several changes have rocked the digital world, and you may be wondering what this all means for businesses, creators, and users alike. Here’s a quick rundown of the top 10 social media changes that are making waves right now.
1. TikTok’s Status in the USA: Safe for Now
Thanks to the recent legal changes in the USA, TikTok remains a significant player in the social media landscape for now. Despite previous threats of bans, the platform continues to thrive, and it’s clear that it’s not going anywhere—at least not for the time being.
2. Instagram’s TikTok-Inspired Moves
Instagram has been paying close attention to the growing instability surrounding TikTok, and they’ve made strategic changes to align more closely with TikTok’s features. Many TikTok users, unsettled by recent events, are now eyeing other platforms as a backup. Instagram’s moves are aimed at attracting those looking to diversify their social media presence.
3. Instagram’s New Creator Fund in the USA
Instagram has launched its own version of a creator fund in the US, offering bonus payments of up to $5,000 for posting Reels. Interestingly, Instagram is pushing for more activity on Facebook, requiring creators to post 20 Reels on Facebook compared to just 10 on Instagram to qualify for the bonus. This shows Meta’s renewed focus on boosting Facebook’s engagement, particularly in the Reels space.
4. Meta’s New Editing App: ‘Edits’
Meta has officially launched its new editing app, Edits, designed to compete with other popular video editing tools like CapCut. The app aims to simplify video creation and provide new features for creators, making it a worthy alternative for those looking to edit content seamlessly within the Meta ecosystem.
5. Instagram Reels Now Extended to 3 Minutes
Instagram has increased the maximum length of Reels from 90 seconds to a full 3 minutes. This change gives creators more time to produce longer-form content, which could open up new possibilities for storytelling and engagement.
6. Trial Reels Feature: Non-Follower Testing
A recent trial feature allowed users to post Reels visible only to non-followers before deciding whether to share them with the wider audience. However, the initial response has been mixed. In our test, only 15 non-followers saw the Reel, which resulted in a limited dataset that was less useful than expected. It’s unclear if this feature will gain traction in the future.
7. Instagram Feed Changes: No More Square Format
One of the most talked-about updates is Instagram’s move away from the square format in the feed, now transitioning to a rectangular layout, much like TikTok. While this change aligns with the growing trend of vertical video, it has caused some frustration. Users who post in grids or use text overlays may find their images misaligned. Thankfully, Instagram has released a feature that lets users adjust the positioning of the cover photo/image to fix these issues.
8. Profile Name and Highlights Tab Overhaul
Instagram has made further adjustments to profiles, shifting profile names to the top of the page. Highlights are expected to move from their position directly under the bio to a separate tab. This change has sparked some negative reactions, as it reduces the visibility of Highlights, a key feature for many users and brands.
9. Instagram Grid Reordering
In another usability update, Instagram plans to allow users to completely reorder their grid, making it easier to optimise how their profile appears. This change is particularly useful for creators and brands who want to make their profiles look more cohesive or seasonal without having to manually delete posts.
10. Instagram’s New ‘Friends’ Tab
Finally, Instagram is rolling out a new ‘Friends’ tab, where you can see which Reels your friends have liked or commented on. While this could add a new layer of social interaction, it also raises concerns about privacy. Users may feel uncomfortable with their actions becoming more public, so it remains to be seen how this will be received.
