Welcome back to another edition of ICYMI – your monthly roundup of the most important updates, new features, and industry news across social media, SEO, and WordPress.
From platform updates and algorithm changes to new features and useful tools, we’ve pulled together everything worth catching up on so you can stay informed and one step ahead.
Switching content topics on Instagram
Thinking of changing your content focus on Instagram? According to Adam Mosseri, it’s better to transition your existing account rather than start from scratch – unless you’re making a drastic content pivot.
To maintain engagement and reach, Mosseri suggests:
- Letting your audience know about the change with a post or Reel
- Archiving old posts to avoid confusion
- Testing new content with Reels before fully committing
Starting over is hard, Instagram’s algorithm needs time to learn about your new profile. Keeping your current account helps preserve your follower base and the data Instagram uses to show your content to the right people.
So the advice is to only start a new account if your new direction is completely unrelated to your current content. Otherwise, evolve your existing account gradually for the best chance at sustained growth.
Unlockable Reels coming to Instagram
Instagram is testing a new feature called Unlockable Reels, spotted on their Design account.
This gives us another way to share exclusive content. Creators can lock a Reel with a “secret code” that needs to be entered in order to access and watch the Reel.
There’s no payment or subscription required. Simply share the code in your Stories, DMs, email list or website.
The goal is to make content feel more interactive and encourage your audience to engage across multiple channels.
Instagram Updates
- Instagram now supports 3:4 aspect ratio photos.
- Instagram adds new features to its Edits app including Beat Markers.
- Instagram testing Reels search filters, allowing you to sort your recommended Reels by Latest or Most Viewed.
- Instagram announce multiple messaging updates including transcription of voice messages in DMs.
- Instagram will now automatically translate text and captions on Reels.
- Instagram continue testing shared access, which allows you to add people to help manage your account without sharing your password.
- Instagram is considering moving the Story tray to the Reels tab.
- Mosseri says taking a month off Instagram will hurt your reach because they have less data about your content, it’s not intentional and they are trying to fix it.
- Expedia’s new AI tool, Trip Matching, turns Instagram Reels into bookable holidays.
TikTok Updates
- TikTok’s new AI tool turns static photos into dynamic videos.
- TikTok adds more accessibility features, including Alt Text for photos.
- TikTok now lets users hide videos from their profile, while still visible on the “For You” page.
- TikTok lets you add links to Stories.
LinkedIn Updates
- LinkedIn launches AI-powered career discovery tools, helping talent find their dream jobs.
- LinkedIn takes steps towards creator monetisation, allowing brands to place their video ads alongside “premium publisher content” in the app.
- LinkedIn add more data to post analytics including profile views and follows.
- LinkedIn adds searchable database of all promoted jobs.
- LinkedIn removes option to add URL to profile through Creator Mode but is keeping custom CTA button for Premium Business subscribers.
Threads Updates
- You can now add up to 5 links to Threads profiles.
- Threads tests new elements to enhance engagement including blacked out text for spoilers, new interest indicators and account status info.
- Meta encourages cross-posting between Instagram and Threads.
Other Updates
- Google rollout AI Mode with plans to bring reporting to Google Search Console.
- Google is testing “Discussions” which would allow users to add comments directly within search results to create a more interactive and engaging search experience.
- WordPress forms an AI Team to oversee the development of AI products among its developer community.
- WhatsApp launches dedicated iPad app.
- Spotify adding a following feed for podcasts.
That’s a wrap…
See you next month for another ICYMI, covering the latest features, trends and updates across social media, SEO, and WordPress.
Prefer more frequent updates? Follow us on Instagram or LinkedIn, or sign up for The Roundup – our weekly newsletter delivering the latest digital marketing news straight to your inbox.