There is a lot of social news to report on this week, so let’s dive in! Meta is improving its Reel recommendations, Instagram is finally getting links on Reels (well, kinda), X has launched a guide for advertisers in a potential bid to keep them on the platform, and lots more.
Meanwhile, Harry Styles is back, and his return has sent the internet into meltdown – us included. Read on for more social media news.
Meta improves Reel recommendations
Image credit: Meta
Meta is (finally) listening to us!. Rather than just relying on how many likes a Reel has, Meta has used data from response surveys to see how people really felt about the Reel they were recommended. And, it’s working! According to Meta, before the surveys were sent out, the recommended Reels were only achieving “a 48.3% alignment with true user interests”. But, this has now gone up to over 70%.
TikTok has launched some new AI features for TikTok Shop creators. The “AI Fashion Video Maker” will create videos that showcase products within minutes. Sellers just need to upload images of their products and TikTok will turn them into videos with voiceovers, music and more. TikTok is also adding AI dubbing, which will create scripts for videos based on the product description. And finally, a “List with AI” feature will turn basic product info into a detailed product listing.
With many advertisers avoiding X like a bad cold, X are trying to keep the advertisers they do have for as long as they can. With 600 million users still using the platform, X have revealed a series of tips to tap into these users and make the most of your ads. This includes a guide to setting up X ads, tips to help make sure the ad utilises X’s AI targeting system, and an overview to help understand sales campaign data.
We have our first Edits updates of 2026! If last year was anything to go by, this will certainly not be the last either. First up, you will now have the option to add a link to a clip when editing, making it easier to provide a reference to another clip or account. These links will appear in your exported clip on Instagram. Another update is that Edits is now able to prompt you with ideas for your next clip based on Reels that you have shared. You can view 10 ideas each week. Edits is also getting 25 new video effects, and you’ll now also be able to add multiple takes of audio and video clips to your storyboard
Pinterest is giving you a helping hand in planning your 2026. In its new marketing guide, Pinterest splits the year’s key moments and celebrations into three event types: calendar moments, life moments, and big moments. The platform also gives category info, keywords, and notes to help make the most of each event. And, Pinterest has also predicted the colours of 2026.
TikTok has added a “Channel Sales Partner” feature to its Marketing Partners Program. The new feature will connect potential advertisers to TikTok experts with experience relevant to their specific goals and needs. To kick it off, there will be six Channel Sales partners, including C-4 Analytics, Diginius, LocaliQ, Logical Position, Opteo and Scorpion. These partners will use their specialised marketing knowledge to help SMBs build their brand on TikTok.
📚 Reading has never been more social – and Wuthering Heights is proving that by inspiring community-first book clubs from Vogue, Bricks and Belletrist.
