What’s new on Instagram?

New updates for Reels editing‍

Instagram rolled out several features inside Edits:

• Over 250 new sound effects, including seasonal sounds (hi Halloween 👻)
• Search bar to easily find sounds
• Shareable PDF export of performance metrics
• New text styles with animated fonts and effects
• Signature font by JENNIE, exclusive to Edits

💡 What it means for you:
This gives Reels creators more flexibility and polish. The PDF export is especially valuable for brand partnerships—no need to screenshot metrics anymore.

Instagram Maps is expanding‍

Instagram Maps will now display tagged content across posts, Reels, and Stories.

💡 What it means for you:
More visibility for location-based content. Great for local businesses and creators trying to grow through tagged geolocations.

Fresh UI for Story composer‍

Instagram is rolling out a redesigned interface for Stories on mobile.

💡 What it means for you:
Expect a more intuitive layout that mirrors how people edit video on other short-form platforms. Less tapping around = faster workflow.

Add specific moments from Reels to Stories

Instagram is working on a feature that lets you share a Reel or video to Stories starting from a specific moment, instead of always from the beginning.

💡 What it means for you:
This will give you more control when repurposing content  especially useful if the hook comes later in the video or if you're teasing just one part of a longer Reel.

Music Sticker: 45-Second Support

Instagram is testing extended audio options for Stories, allowing you to add up to 45 seconds of music instead of just 15.

💡 What it means for you:
Longer music options = more flexibility in setting tone and creating mood. Great for storytelling and emotional resonance in campaigns.

New Tab Navigation Layout (Mosseri update)

Instagram is testing a reorganized app layout:

• Tab 1: Stories and Feed
• Tab 2: Reels
• Tab 3: DMs

You’ll be able to swipe between tabs. This is being offered to users on an opt-in basis for now.

💡 What it means for you:
Instagram is doubling down on Reels and DMs, both critical touchpoints for creator visibility and fan engagement. If you haven’t prioritized Reels-first content yet, now’s the time.

Watch History for Reels‍

Reels now has a native Watch History feature on iOS.

💡 What it means for you:
You can finally revisit that Reel you liked but didn’t save. Also useful for reposting or analyzing what content you’re engaging with most.

Hide replies

A new “Hide replies” option is being added to each reply’s share sheet.

💡 What it means for you:
More control over what you want visible, especially handy when reposting audience reactions without clutter.

Reels from Edits are now shown on Facebook‍

Reels made with Instagram’s Edits app are getting more exposure on Facebook.

💡 What it means for you:
Cross-platform visibility = more reach without extra work. Double win.

Instagram’s “Rings” Awards go global‍

The app’s newest creator recognition feature is now available worldwide. Gold rings on your profile = serious clout.

💡 What it means for you:
This feature doesn’t require application. If you’re creating standout content, it’s a passive opportunity to earn Instagram’s badge of honor.

New Homepage and Profile layout tests‍

Major UI changes are in the works:

• DMs move to the footer
• New content creation icon
• Notifications shift to the top
• Account switching moves center-top on profile

💡 What it means for you:
More intuitive navigation and a layout that reflects how users are engaging with the app—Reels, DMs, and creation.

What’s new on YouTube?

Timeline Editor for Shorts‍

YouTube is rolling out a new editor for Shorts:

• Trim, reorder, drag-and-drop
• Unified view for clips, overlays, and audio
• Zoom for precision
• “Edit with AI” will be expanded with Gemini integration

💡 What it means for you:
This makes Shorts editing much closer to TikTok and IG Reels. Easier onboarding for creators used to more sophisticated tools.

Trending Songs in Shorts feed‍

YouTube is now showcasing what’s trending in music directly in the Shorts feed.

💡 What it means for you:
Stay ahead by jumping on the sounds gaining traction on YouTube, especially helpful for Reels cross-posting.

What’s new on Facebook?

Facebook Jobs is back‍

Facebook is reintroducing job listings for U.S. users:

• Available via Marketplace tab
• Users can filter by category and location
• Employers can post via Page, Group, or Business Suite
• Communication happens through Messenger

💡 What it means for you:
Brands hiring frontline roles or entry-level creatives now have another free hiring funnel, especially helpful for localized outreach.

Meta expands Reels AI translations‍

Meta added Hindi and Portuguese to its Reels translation support. Soon:

• Auto-translate text and captions
• Multi-speaker Reels translation

💡 What it means for you:
More global reach with less manual work. Especially helpful for brands expanding to multilingual markets.

What’s new on Threads?

Threads is pushing cross-posting again‍

The app is encouraging users to share Threads to Instagram Stories with a “more eyes” prompt.

💡 What it means for you:
Threads still depends on Instagram’s user base to grow reach. If you’re active on Threads, reposting is an easy way to boost visibility.

New editing tool: “Markup”‍

Threads is testing a tool for editing longer text attachments called Markup.

💡 What it means for you:
Longer-form content is becoming more important on Threads. This is an early sign that they're betting on in-depth discussion.

Group chats officially announced‍

Users can now create group chats in Threads.

💡 What it means for you:
Yet another reason to consider Threads for community management or internal discussions with collaborators.

What’s new with Meta AI?

Meta AI apps now available in the EU and UK‍

After delays, Meta is rolling out its standalone AI apps to Europe.

💡 What it means for you:
Get ready for new productivity features and chat-based workflows if you operate in EU markets.

What’s new on TikTok?

TikTok shows query search volumes‍

TikTok now shows the number of searches per suggested query (iOS only).

💡 What it means for you:
More data for content planning. Knowing search volumes helps align your TikTok strategy with what people are actually searching for.

Shared Collections are coming‍

TikTok is testing a feature similar to Instagram’s shared collections for saved posts.

💡 What it means for you:
Brands can build internal swipe folders, UGC inspiration banks, or collaboration boards more easily.

Creator Marketplace adds “Portfolio”‍

A new section in the Creator Marketplace allows creators to showcase their best work.

💡 What it means for you:
Brands scouting for influencers will have a much easier time vetting talent.

What’s new from xAI?

‍Templates in Grok AI’s “Imagine” section‍

xAI added a Templates feature on Grok AI’s iOS app for generating creative visuals and concepts.

💡 What it means for you:
Faster ideation and more structure for visual thinkers experimenting with Grok.