Social Media Industry News- August 2025

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Social Media Platform News and Updates for AUGUST 2025

In the ever-changing realm of social media, several platforms have rolled out significant updates aimed at enhancing user engagement and advertising effectiveness. Meta has introduced features like looping video ads and stricter age verification processes, while LinkedIn continues to report record engagement levels amidst concerns about automated interactions. Reddit is expanding its automated ad bidding options and implementing age verification in response to regulatory changes. Meanwhile, YouTube is enhancing its Shorts creation tools and introducing data-sharing features for creators. These and more updates reflect a broader trend of adapting to user needs and regulatory landscapes across the industry. Get the full scoop in today's blog!

Social media updates for Meta

• Facebook Video Ad Looping: Meta has revealed that shorter video ads (30 seconds or less) on Facebook will loop multiple times, potentially increasing viewer engagement. Ads that are 30 seconds long can loop for up to 90 seconds, while even shorter ads can loop more frequently, creating more opportunities for brand exposure. This feature emphasizes the importance of ad length and can impact ad strategy, as shorter ads may offer greater visibility in users' feeds.

• Meta Introduces Video Selfie Age Verification: In response to regulatory pressures, Meta is enhancing its age verification process by introducing video selfie verification for users trying to access age-restricted content. Users under 18 will need to provide a government-issued ID or a video selfie, which third-party vendors will analyze to estimate their age. This move aligns with new laws aimed at preventing minors from accessing inappropriate content across social media platforms.

• Threads Offers Facebook Profile Sign-Up Option: Meta is testing a new feature that allows users to sign up for Threads using their Facebook profiles instead of linking their Instagram accounts. This option aims to make it easier for new users to create their Threads profile and populate their feed based on Facebook activity. By tapping into Facebook's larger user base, Meta hopes to grow Threads' audience and engagement further.

  
  

Social media updates for LinkedIn

• LinkedIn Engagement Report: LinkedIn continues to report "record levels of engagement" in its latest quarterly performance update, noting a 9% revenue increase and 7% growth in sessions. Despite skepticism regarding these claims, the platform highlighted a 30% rise in comments and a 20% increase in video uploads, indicating a shift towards more direct interactions. Concerns about automated engagement and engagement pods persist, prompting LinkedIn to work on detection and enforcement measures.

• Legal Action Against Proxycurl: LinkedIn has successfully resolved a legal case against Proxycurl, which was accused of unauthorized data scraping. The court ruling mandates that Proxycurl permanently delete all LinkedIn data obtained unlawfully and cease its activities on the platform. This case emphasizes LinkedIn's commitment to protecting user data and maintaining the integrity of its platform.

• LinkedIn Algorithm Change: LinkedIn has rolled back a recent algorithm update that caused users to see more older posts, which diminished the relevance of their feeds. The platform aims to ensure users do not miss important updates while seeking to maintain a fresh content experience. Additionally, LinkedIn has provided guidance on hashtag usage, indicating that while hashtags can help with searches, their necessity has diminished due to improved content detection algorithms.

Social media updates for Instagram

• Instagram Strategy Overview: Instagram has released a guide detailing how to effectively use its various features—like Stories, Reels, and feed posts—within the buyer's journey. Reels have become particularly significant, accounting for over half of the time users spend on the app, and 61% of users report that Reels ads influence their consideration of brands. Understanding the optimal use of each feature can help brands create a more structured content strategy.

• Increased IG Live Follower Requirements: Instagram has raised the follower threshold for users to access live-streaming features, which may negatively impact smaller creators who rely on IG Live for engagement. Users with fewer followers will now need to resort to video calls instead, limiting their ability to reach broader audiences via live-streaming. This change aligns Instagram more closely with other platforms that also impose follower requirements for live broadcasts.

• Mosseri Addresses "Link in Bio" Rumor: Instagram's head, Adam Mosseri, has clarified that using the term "link in bio" in captions does not affect post reach, dispelling concerns from creators. Despite anecdotal evidence suggesting decreased engagement when using the phrase, Mosseri encourages users to include it, as it can help direct traffic. The perceived decline in reach may stem from user engagement levels rather than algorithmic restrictions.

Social media updates for Pinterest

• Pinterest Holiday Marketing Tips: Pinterest has released a guide to help marketers navigate holiday campaigns amidst economic uncertainty. The guide emphasizes the importance of keeping awareness campaigns active, targeting high-intent shoppers, and highlighting value and deals to resonate with consumers. By leveraging Pinterest's tools and insights, brands can effectively engage with audiences during crucial shopping periods.

• Pinterest Holiday Marketing Guide Launch: With consumers starting their holiday shopping as early as August, Pinterest has published a comprehensive Holiday Marketing Guide. The guide offers insights into platform usage, holiday-specific trends, and strategic planning elements like catalog uploads and ad testing. Brands are encouraged to prepare early to maximize their reach during the holiday season, tapping into Pinterest's vast user base.

• Pinterest Men's Trend Report: Pinterest has unveiled its first trend report focused on male users, highlighting how men, particularly Gen Z, engage with the platform. The report shows that male users are increasingly using Pinterest for fashion, fitness, and home decor, while also expressing a desire for authentic connections. This growing audience presents brands with new opportunities to market products tailored to men's interests.

Social media updates for (Twitter)

• X Ads Update on Hashtags and Emojis: X has announced new ad rules that restrict the use of hashtags and emojis in promotional content, aiming for a cleaner, more visually appealing ad experience. While the change is designed to improve ad aesthetics, it raises questions about whether these restrictions will genuinely enhance engagement or are merely driven by personal preferences of the platform's leadership. Advertisers will need to adapt to these new standards or face higher costs for their ads.

• X Introduces New DM Functionality: X has enhanced its messaging system, XChat, for Premium subscribers, adding features such as DM search, improved blocking options, and expanded push notifications. These updates aim to create a more user-friendly chat experience and align with Elon Musk's vision for the platform as an "everything app." The improvements could facilitate future financial transactions and other integrations within the messaging interface.

• X Develops AI-Generated Text-to-Video Tool: X is integrating its recently acquired AI text-to-video tool, Hotshot, into its platform, allowing users to generate videos from text prompts. This feature, named "Imagine," aims to enhance creative capabilities for users, similar to existing tools on other platforms. Additionally, X is introducing a male AI companion named "Valentine," designed to offer users a unique interactive experience.

Social media updates for TikTok

• TikTok's Engaged Session Tool for Advertisers: TikTok is testing a new ad tool called Engaged Session, which tracks user activity outside the app without relying on pixel technology. This feature allows advertisers to target users who stay on a website for at least 10 seconds after clicking an ad, aiming to improve post-click engagement metrics. While currently in testing, this tool could enhance advertisers' understanding of user behavior and improve campaign effectiveness.

• TikTok Welcomes YouTube Music Integration: TikTok has partnered with YouTube Music to allow users to save tracks discovered on TikTok directly to their YouTube Music playlists. This integration enhances the music discovery experience, enabling users to build connections with artists while streamlining the process of adding music to their playlists. The feature is part of TikTok's ongoing efforts to establish itself as a key player in the music industry.

• TikTok Expands Out of Phone Advertising Program: TikTok is expanding its "Out of Phone" advertising program to include new partnerships with Curb, Westfield Malls, Rockbot, and Hope Hydration, bringing TikTok content to various real-world environments like taxis and shopping malls. This initiative aims to enhance brand visibility and engagement by integrating TikTok's content into everyday settings. Advertisers will have more opportunities to reach audiences through these expanded channels, aligning with TikTok's strategy to bridge online and offline experiences.

Social media updates for Reddit

• Reddit Expands Automated Ad Bidding Options: Reddit has introduced automated bidding for Brand Awareness and Reach campaigns, allowing advertisers to optimize their ad spend more effectively. Advertisers can choose between two strategies: "Lowest Cost," which maximizes impressions without manual bid adjustments, and "Cost Cap," which allows for a maximum CPM limit. Early testing has shown positive results, with a 16% decrease in CPM and a 17% increase in impressions for participating brands.

• Reddit's Role in Evolving Search Behaviors: As online discovery shifts towards human-sourced insights, Reddit is becoming a valuable resource for consumers seeking authentic information. The platform's community-driven content provides trustworthy insights, which are increasingly sought after amid skepticism towards AI and influencer-generated content. This makes Reddit a powerful tool for advertisers to reach engaged audiences during the research phase of the buyer's journey.

• Reddit Implements Age Verification in the U.K.: In response to the new Online Safety Act, Reddit will begin verifying user ages in the U.K. to restrict access to age-inappropriate content. Users will verify their age through a trusted third-party service, Persona, ensuring their privacy is protected. This initiative reflects a broader trend in which platforms must comply with regulatory measures to safeguard younger audiences.

Social media updates for Snapchat

• Snapchat's QSR Report: Snapchat has published a report highlighting the promotional opportunities for quick service restaurants (QSRs) by analyzing consumer behavior and food trends. The research shows that 76% of consumers are influenced by food-related content on social media, with Snapchatters significantly more likely to make QSR purchases through links on social platforms. The findings underscore the importance of social media marketing for QSR brands to connect with potential customers.

• Snapchat's Home Safe Alerts: Snapchat has introduced a new safety feature called Home Safe Alerts, allowing users to notify friends when they arrive home safely. Users can set their home location and send an automatic alert to friends they share their location with, enhancing user safety and peace of mind. This feature aims to provide reassurance for friends and family while maintaining user privacy.

• American Eagle's Back-to-School Campaign on Snapchat: American Eagle has partnered with Snapchat to promote its retail locations on Snap Map, targeting back-to-school shoppers. Over 800 American Eagle stores will be highlighted as Promoted Places, allowing users to explore store information and even link to the AE website for online shopping. This initiative leverages Snapchat's popularity among students, aiming to drive foot traffic and brand engagement during the shopping season.

Social media updates for YouTube

• YouTube Monetization Data Sharing: YouTube is enhancing its monetization opportunities for creators by allowing them to share channel performance data with brands. This feature will enable creators to provide insights such as subscriber counts and audience demographics, helping advertisers make informed decisions about potential partnerships. The data sharing option aims to improve transparency and attract more sponsored content deals while remaining off by default to protect creators' privacy.

• YouTube Shorts New Creation Tools: YouTube Shorts has introduced new creation tools, including a feature that transforms photos into animated videos and various generative effects. These tools aim to enhance user engagement by making it easier to create dynamic content. The updates are powered by advanced AI technology and will roll out progressively over the coming months.

• YouTube Testing Thumbnails and Titles: YouTube is expanding its "Test and Compare" feature to allow creators to test video titles alongside thumbnails. This addition will help creators identify the most engaging titles and thumbnails, optimizing their content for better performance. The initiative reflects YouTube's commitment to helping creators enhance their visibility and engagement on the platform.