From Meta’s CapCut rival and YouTube’s Shorts tips to TikTok’s new music tools and LinkedIn’s lead-gen boost — here’s your one-stop roundup of the hottest social media updates shaping the creator economy this week.

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