Court Ruling

Judges found that Meta’s current practice—defaulting users back into an algorithm-driven, personalized feed whenever the app or website is reopened—constitutes a “dark pattern” under the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA).

• Users must be able to select a chronological or non-profiled timeline without being nudged back into recommendations.
• Once chosen, that preference must remain in effect until the user actively changes it.
• The court said Meta’s design infringes on citizens’ freedom of information and undermines autonomous choice, particularly sensitive ahead of the Dutch general election on October 29.

Reaction from Meta

Meta said it will appeal the ruling, insisting it has already made “substantial changes” to comply with the DSA and informed Dutch users about options to view content without personalization.

A spokesperson warned that “proceedings like this threaten the digital single market and the harmonized regulatory regime” by letting national courts dictate rules already overseen by the European Commission.

Civil Society Response

The case was brought by Bits of Freedom, a Dutch digital rights group, which hailed the decision as a landmark.
“It is unacceptable that a few American tech billionaires can determine how we view the world,” said spokesperson Maartje Knaap.

The ruling forces Meta to rework Facebook and Instagram feeds in the Netherlands within two weeks. While limited geographically, the decision underscores the growing legal and political pressure on US tech giants in Europe—and raises questions about whether other EU courts will follow suit.

The post Dutch Court Orders Meta to Give Facebook and Instagram Users Clearer Timeline Options first appeared on Finblog.

• Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced Wednesday that Instagram has grown to 3 billion monthly active users, a sharp jump from the last disclosed figure of 2 billion in October 2022.
• “What an incredible community we’ve built here,” Zuckerberg wrote on his Instagram channel, celebrating the milestone.
• The achievement puts Instagram in the same league as Facebook and WhatsApp, both of which crossed the 3-billion-user mark earlier this year.

Growth Story: Meta acquired Instagram in 2012 for just $1 billion—a deal that raised eyebrows at the time. Since then, the app has exploded, becoming a major pillar of Meta’s business and a powerhouse in digital advertising. Some estimates suggest Instagram will generate more than half of Meta’s US ad revenue this year.

Why Instagram Grew: One of the biggest drivers has been Reels, launched in 2020 to counter TikTok. Short-form video has become the battleground of attention, and Instagram’s ability to capture both creators and advertisers has helped it hold off rivals like TikTok and YouTube Shorts.

Competitive Context

• TikTok: ~1 billion monthly active users.
• YouTube Shorts: integrated within YouTube’s 2.7 billion users.
• Instagram: now the clear global leader in the short-form space by raw reach.

Meta shares edged higher on the news, with investors taking the milestone as another sign that Zuckerberg’s bet on video and AI-driven engagement is paying off. Analysts note that sustained growth on Instagram strengthens Meta’s pricing power in digital advertising and reinforces its dominance in the social media economy.

Disclosure: This article does not represent investment advice. The content and materials featured on this page are for educational purposes only.

Takeaways from Jerome Powell: No Risk-Free Path, Weak Jobs, and AI Winners

Trump’s UN Speech: Key Messages, Battles, and What Comes Next

Nvidia Stakes $5 Billion in Intel: A Strategic Revival for the Chipmaker

Powell Frames Cut as “Risk Management” Amid Weakening Jobs, Tariff Risks

The Fed’s Rate Cuts: What Drives Decisions — And Why Now

The post Instagram now has 3 billion monthly active users first appeared on Finblog.

Facebook

Meta launches Edits video app to rival CapCut. Record up to 10 minutes in HD, use AI cutouts, green screen, timeline editing, add captions, and use trending Reels audio. Available on iOS and Android.

Instagram

• Instagram tests collaborative ‘Storylines’ for Stories. Friends may soon link their Stories into an event-based chain for shared storytelling.
• Instagram rolls out an overlay feature for Reels. Creators can now layer text, images, or graphics on Reels for richer engagement.
• Instagram adds animated cutout collages for Stories. Turn your collages into eye-catching, dynamic content.
• Instagram introduces Blend feature for Reels. Create personalized Reels feeds with friends or group chats, refreshed daily.
• Instagram now displays views per post. A new way to track how many people view each of your posts.

Facebook

• Facebook referral traffic is up 74% YoY. Meta’s move away from political content is benefiting publishers in a big way.
• Facebook launches ‘Focus’ for creators. New options to reach more people, earn more, and grow faster on the platform.
• Zuck admits time spent on Facebook and Instagram is declining. More users are shifting to messaging apps and TikTok.
• Meta’s AI ads deliver 22% more revenue. Advertisers see a $4.52 return for every $1 spent, with 11% higher click-through rates.

Threads

• Threads expands ads rollout to more users. In-feed ads are now becoming mainstream on Threads.
• Threads hits 320M monthly users. Gained 200M in a year—far ahead of X (50M) and Bluesky.
• Threads adds interest categories to profiles. Customise your profile and connect with others based on your interests.

YouTube

• YouTube celebrates 20 years with major features. YouTube TV adds custom Multiview, Premium users get 4x speed playback on mobile.
• YouTube shares tips for transitioning to Shorts. Learn how to convert long-form content into viral Shorts.
• YouTube rolls out global auto-dubs & combo gifting. Creators can now reach international audiences more easily.
• YouTube creator economy surpasses TV. With $70B paid out (2021–2023) and projects like Beast Games, YouTube dominates.
• YouTube releases trends report on VTubers. Virtual creators now drive 50B annual views, with 1.5x growth since 2021.

TikTok

• TikTok brings SoundOn into the app. Artists can now distribute music directly from the TikTok platform.
• TikTok renews content deal with MLS. Exclusive Major League Soccer content will continue to stream on TikTok.
• TikTok tests footnotes for added context. Users can apply to add context to videos, boosting reliability.
• TikTok launches Live Interact tools. Creators now get text polls, playbooks, and more for better livestreams.

LinkedIn

• LinkedIn finds posts with links get 13% more engagement. Posts with links also receive 5% more views.
• LinkedIn adds qualified lead optimisation. You can now import your CRM-defined leads into Campaign Manager for better targeting.
• LinkedIn upgrades premium company pages. Add awards, invite followers of similar pages, and use dynamic cover carousels.
• LinkedIn grows in B2B influencer marketing. Newsletters and LinkedIn are becoming core to B2B campaigns.

X / Twitter

• X rebrands DMs as ‘XChat’. Leaks reveal features like encrypted messaging, voice notes, and PIN locks.
• X faces backlash for replacing @support with bots. Users now have to deal with @Premium or the Help Centre.

Bluesky

Bluesky adds proactive verification. Notable accounts get blue checks, and organizations can vouch for their members.

Et Cetera

• WhatsApp tests “Media and Links” tab for channels. Makes finding shared content in public channels easier.
• WhatsApp lets users create sticker packs. Users can now design and manage their own stickers in-app.
• WhatsApp tests music cards for statuses. Status updates may soon support visually featured music.
• Pinterest launches ‘Performance Essentials’ badge. Complete 10 courses to earn a verified badge for ad strategy.
• Patreon launches built-in livestreaming. Creators can go live directly on Patreon with moderation and OBS integration.

Related: Top 10 Social Media Marketing stories this week

The post This Week in Social Media: Meta’s New Editing App, YouTube’s Global Features, and TikTok’s Bold Moves first appeared on Finblog.

Facebook

• Meta faces a potential breakup in FTC trial.
  The April 14 trial challenges Instagram and WhatsApp acquisitions, with internal Zuckerberg messages as key evidence.
• Facebook adds AI creation tool to the Home Screen.
  The new posting option helps users quickly generate content directly from the post creation sheet.
• Meta whistleblower alleges targeting vulnerable teens.
  Whistleblower testified Meta showed beauty and weight loss ads to teens feeling “worthless” or deleting selfies.
• Meta Business Suite introduces improved filterin.
  The enhanced system makes sorting through messages, comments, and notifications much faster.

Instagram

• Instagram tests lockable Reels.
  The new feature lets creators lock content that’s only accessible with a secret code.
• Instagram remains teens’ favorite social app.
  Piper Sandler’s survey shows 87% of U.S. teens use Instagram, with TikTok at 79% and Snapchat improving to 72%.
• Instagram reveals Reel share sources.
  See which profile shared a Reel with you even if you don’t follow them and it was shared outside the app.
• Instagram developing “Draw Yours” sticker.
  The upcoming interactive sticker will encourage followers to create their drawings in response.
• Instagram enables auto-sharing Reels to Stories.
  Post Reels and automatically add them to your Stories with one tap.

Threads

• Threads tests multiple profile links.
  Users may soon be able to add several links to their profile instead of just one.
• Threads tests comment sorting options.
  New “Top” and “Recent” filters let users organize comments by engagement or chronology.

YouTube

• YouTube launches AI-generated royalty-free music tool.
  Select creators can specify mood, instruments, and video style to create custom backing tracks for free.
• YouTube shares tips for engaging Shorts.
  Keep vertical vids under 3 minutes, use trending audio, craft punchy titles, and link to longer content.
• YouTube tests Shorts timer to curb doomscrolling.
  New beta feature lets users set custom time limits, pausing endless scrolling once the cap is reached.

TikTok

• TikTok expands creator incentives program.
  The new invite-only “Specialized Rewards Program” offers additional monetization for selected creators.
• TikTok adds a Watch History shortcut to profile.
  Users can now quickly access their viewing history directly from their profile page.
• TikTok’s CapCut launches AI Clipper feature.
  The new tool automatically arranges video clips for more efficient editing.

LinkedIn

• LinkedIn launches ‘Create on LinkedIn’ hub.
  The new resource center offers content creation tips, tools, and training courses for professionals.
• LinkedIn shares video creation tips.
  LinkedIn advises keeping content professional, ads 15–30 seconds, and adding captions.
• LinkedIn enables MP4 videos in DMs.
  Users can now share video files up to 20MB directly in LinkedIn messages.

X / Twitter

• X launches NBA Portal for sports engagement.
  Dedicated section to offer NBA posts, live updates, game schedules, standings, stats, and highlights.
• X adds video reaction control buttons.
  “Pause,” “Mute,” and “Replay” options are now available for the “React with video” feature.
• X tests expanded DM functionality.
  The upcoming DM revamp includes full encryption and enhanced file-sharing options.
• Elon Musk skips deposition in Twitter buyout lawsuit.
  Lawyers were notified 20 minutes after the scheduled start time, with Musk’s team resisting questioning.

Bluesky

• Bluesky revamps the Explore page with personalization: Discovery features include labeled trends (“Hot,” “New”), suggested accounts, and customizable interest-based content.

Et cetera

• Snapchat opens creator workshops to brand sponsorships.
  Brands can now sponsor “Snap Schools” education events.
• Snapchat launches sponsored AI Lenses.
  New AI-generated Sponsored Lenses help brands create interactive experiences without developer investment.
• WhatsApp releases major feature update.
  The update includes group chat online indicators, improved video calls with pinch-to-zoom, document scanning, 60-second Channel videos, and voice message transcripts.
• Clubhouse working on profile view tracking.
  The upcoming feature will let users see who’s viewed their profile and is likely to be premium-only.
• Canva offers secret access to new features.
  Tap the “Uncharted” banner five times on the main page to unlock new tools before they’re widely released.
• Reddit adds partner collaboration in Ads Manager.
  Advertisers can now approve third-party access to collaborate on or manage Reddit ad campaigns.
• MrBeast sues ex-employee for stealing company secrets.
  The lawsuit claims Leroy Nabors took 1,000+ confidential files and installed hidden cameras in Beast Industries offices.

Source: TWISM

The post Top 10 Social Media Marketing stories this week first appeared on Finblog.

A Decade Later, Meta’s Deals Are Back on Trial

Though the FTC originally approved both acquisitions over a decade ago, the agency now argues that they were part of a calculated strategy to eliminate future rivals. Key evidence may come from Zuckerberg’s own emails, where he allegedly wrote,

“It’s better to buy than to compete.”

Meta is expected to counter with the consumer benefit argument — that Instagram and WhatsApp improved under its ownership, gained security, and scaled globally thanks to Meta’s resources.

But the FTC believes intent matters, especially when internal communications reveal acquisition strategy as an anti-competitive weapon.

Zuckerberg’s Trump Pivot

In the backdrop of the trial is a deepening relationship between Mark Zuckerberg and Donald Trump. Since Trump’s re-election, Zuckerberg has:

• Donated $1 million to Trump’s inaugural fund
• Appointed UFC’s Dana White, a close Trump ally, to Meta’s board
• Ended independent fact-checking on Facebook and Instagram
• Settled Trump’s lawsuit for $25 million after banning him from Meta’s platforms

Zuckerberg has reportedly visited Mar-a-Lago to lobby Trump directly, urging him to intervene and drop the case. Meta has not denied those reports.

Still, no deal has been made. And despite speculation, the case is moving forward — for now.

Politics in the Courtroom

The trial is also unfolding amid broader political pressure on the FTC itself. Earlier this year, Trump fired two Democratic FTC commissioners, reducing the commission to a Republican majority until last week. Fired commissioners say the move was designed to intimidate the agency and send a message to current members.

Rebecca Slaughter, one of the ousted Democrats, warned:

“If they don’t want to do a favor for Trump’s political allies, they’re on the chopping block too.”

This raises questions about how independent the FTC remains under the Trump administration — especially as Chair Ferguson has publicly stated that independent agencies are “not good for democracy.”

Tougher Than Google?

Unlike the DOJ’s recent win against Google’s search monopoly, legal experts say the FTC’s case against Meta is an uphill battle. Why?

• The social media market is crowded, with TikTok, YouTube, X (Twitter), and iMessage all competing for user attention.
• Meta argues these platforms already compete, and that the FTC is punishing success rather than misconduct.

Laura Phillips-Sawyer, a law professor at the University of Georgia, notes:

“They have a long road before any consideration of divestiture of Instagram or WhatsApp is even on the table.”

Finblog Takeaway:

Meta’s courtroom showdown could reshape Big Tech — or backfire spectacularly for regulators.

• If the FTC wins, Instagram and WhatsApp could be spun off, triggering massive market and operational upheaval for Meta.
• If Meta wins, it sends a chilling message: Big Tech can buy out rising threats and regulators will be too late to stop them.

But don’t count on a clean verdict.

A mid-trial settlement remains possible, especially if Trump sees political benefit in cutting a deal. For now, though, the battle is on — and Zuckerberg is finally on the defense.

Disclosure: This article does not represent investment advice. The content and materials featured on this page are for educational purposes only.

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The post A Decade Later, Meta Is Back on Trial first appeared on Finblog.

Lemon8 is a rising social media platform developed by ByteDance, the same company behind TikTok. Often referred to as TikTok’s “sister app,” Lemon8 combines elements of Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok to create a unique space for lifestyle and interest-driven content. Its focus on community building and highly visual posts has rapidly gained traction, particularly as discussions about banning TikTok in certain countries continue.

Launched globally in 2023, Lemon8 focuses on curated content in niches like fashion, beauty, travel, and fitness. It features a mix of photo-heavy posts with engaging captions, encouraging users to share creative, informative, or aesthetically pleasing content.

Related article: What is RedNote (Xiaohongshu) and How Is It Different from TikTok?

How Lemon8 Works

Lemon8 operates as a hybrid of several platforms, making it both familiar and unique to users.

Why is Lemon8 So Popular Now?

1. TikTok Ban Talks

The growing scrutiny and potential bans on TikTok in countries like the U.S. and India have left users searching for alternative platforms. Lemon8, being part of ByteDance’s ecosystem, has become a natural choice for TikTok enthusiasts.

2. Niche Content Appeal

Unlike TikTok’s viral-driven nature, Lemon8 focuses on niche content in lifestyle categories. This shift has attracted users who prefer more tailored and engaging content.

3. Influencer Migration

Many TikTok influencers have started building their presence on Lemon8 as a safeguard against potential TikTok bans. This migration has increased Lemon8’s visibility and popularity among digital creators.

4. Aesthetic Design

With a sleek interface resembling Instagram and Pinterest, Lemon8 appeals to users who value visually pleasing and organized content.

Lemon8 vs. TikTok

Features That Set Lemon8 Apart

1. Advanced Editing Tools

Lemon8’s editing suite includes customizable templates for photos and videos, making content creation simple and professional-looking.

2. E-commerce Opportunities

The platform allows influencers and brands to seamlessly integrate product promotions into posts, creating a shopping-friendly experience.

3. Organized Categories

Content is divided into specific categories like health, food, fashion, and travel, offering users a more focused browsing experience.

How to Use Lemon8

Using Lemon8 is straightforward, even for newcomers to social media platforms.

1. Download and Create an Account
   Lemon8 is available on iOS and Android. Create an account using your email, phone number, or social media profiles.
2. Explore Content Categories
   Browse through curated categories like “Fitness,” “Food,” or “Travel” to discover posts tailored to your interests.
3. Create and Share Content
   Use the app’s editing tools and templates to create high-quality posts. Add relevant hashtags to increase visibility.
4. Engage with the Community
   Like, comment, and save posts to interact with other users and grow your following.
5. Shop Products
   Engage with posts that feature e-commerce links, allowing you to shop directly from the app.

Popular Tweets About Lemon8

• “Lemon8 is the perfect blend of Pinterest and Instagram. The editing tools are game-changing! #Lemon8App”
• “With all this talk about TikTok bans, Lemon8 might just take over. Niche content for the win! #SocialMediaTrends”
• “I love how organized Lemon8 is—great for discovering new recipes and travel inspo. #Lemon8Lifestyle”

Benefits and Challenges of Lemon8

Related articles:

1. AI travel planner – the best way to save your time and money
2. What is generative AI and how does it work?
3. What is meta AI and the challenges behind it?
4. Jobs That AI Can’t Replace: The Essential Human Skills for the Future
5. What Jobs Will AI Replace by 2030?
6. Future of Electric Vehicles: What to Expect by 2030
7. The Benefits of Virtual Reality Beyond Gaming
8. The Best Online Platforms for Upskilling in 2025
9. Digital Detox: How to Balance Your Online and Offline Lives

Sources:

1. Dexerto: Lemon8 Gains Popularity
2. Lemon8 Official Website
3. Captions AI Blog: Everything About Lemon8
4. USA Today: Lemon8 Amid TikTok Ban
5. Independent: TikTok Alternatives
6. NBC Chicago: What is Lemon8?
7. Hootsuite Blog: Lemon8 Explained

The post What is Lemon8? TikTok’s Sister App Gains Popularity Amid Ban Talks first appeared on Finblog.

• X (formerly Twitter) usage among teens dropped to 17%, a six-point decline from 2022.
• YouTube remains the most-used platform but fell from 95% to 90% usage among teens over two years.
• TikTok, while still second most popular, saw a slight decline to 63% from 67% in 2022.
• Meta’s Instagram held steady at 61%, while Facebook remained at 32% and Threads had just 6% of teen users.
• WhatsApp rose significantly, with usage increasing from 17% in 2022 to 23% in 2024, overtaking X in teenage users.
• Meta attributed a 48% YoY increase in non-advertising revenue largely to WhatsApp’s business communication features, highlighting its commercial success alongside growing group chat popularity among teens.

WhatsApp’s growth signals shifting preferences among teens for group-oriented, multifunctional platforms, while X and other major apps face challenges retaining younger users.

The post Teens aren’t that into X — but another social media platform is increasingly getting their attention first appeared on Finblog.

Facebook and Instagram Removal: Meta disabled Mangione’s accounts under its “dangerous organizations and individuals” policy, which targets users involved in violence or violent missions, making them inaccessible shortly after his arrest.

X Account Controversy: Mangione’s X account was initially suspended on Monday but was reinstated within hours after Elon Musk intervened, citing a lack of knowledge about the suspension. The account gained over 400,000 followers and was later given a blue check mark, signifying X Premium access.

LinkedIn Remains Active: Despite the arrest, Mangione’s LinkedIn account remains live. The company stated his account does not violate their policies, which focus on user behavior and platform-specific violations.

Reddit Suspension: Reddit took swift action by suspending Mangione’s account, aligning with its policy to restrict accounts associated with suspects in high-profile criminal cases.

Goodreads Inconsistencies: Mangione’s Goodreads account experienced several status changes, alternating between private and public. Unusual activity on the account, including new reviews while Mangione was in custody, raised questions about unauthorized access.

TikTok’s Undefined Position: It is unclear if Mangione had a TikTok account. While TikTok has a policy for banning accounts, its guidelines regarding offline behavior and criminal charges remain ambiguous.

Related article: Luigi Mangione’s hard turn from wealth and success to murder suspect

The post Why was Luigi Mangione’s Reddit and Instagram taken down but not his Goodreads? first appeared on Finblog.

Key Points:

• Automatic Privacy for Teens: All teen accounts will now be private by default, restricting who can send messages, tag them in posts, or mention them in comments. Users aged 13-15 will need parental approval to change these settings.
• Stricter Content Controls: Instagram will limit the sensitive content teens can see on Explore and Reels, restricting posts related to cosmetic procedures and other adult topics.
• Time Management Tools: Teens will receive nudges to take breaks after 1 hour of usage and have their notifications muted during “sleep mode” between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m.
• Enhanced Parental Supervision: New tools will allow parents to see who their teens are messaging, set daily time limits, block app usage at specific times, and monitor topics their teens engage with.

With these sweeping changes, Instagram aims to address long-standing concerns over teen safety on the platform. While the new settings offer stronger protections, their success may depend on how effectively the platform can ensure that genuine parents—not older friends—are managing these accounts.

The post Instagram Adds Strict New Safety Controls for Teen Users first appeared on Finblog.