This Week's Social Updates You'll Want to Bookmark

This Week's Social Media Updates You Should Know

Big week across TikTok, Meta, and YouTube. Platforms pushed new tools, fresh AI controls, and updated creative guidance that matters for anyone planning 2026 content or Q1 campaigns. This edition highlights the updates that shape engagement, ad performance, and community building as we close out the year.

Let’s jump in.

👥 Meta (Facebook, Instagram, & Threads)

Reels Tips for Marketers
Meta shared new brand-building and direct-response best practices backed by a broad study.
More AI-Powered Ad Tools
Meta added new AI features in its ad setup flow for creative, targeting, and placements.
Content Strategy Advice in Verified Max
Verified Max now includes access to a content strategy feedback session with Meta’s team.
Reels Camera Update
Instagram improved the Reels camera layout and multi-clip controls for easier editing.
Threads Tests AI Interaction Summaries
Profiles may show AI-generated summaries of your past interactions.

💡 What to Do About It

Update your Reels workflow using the new best practices.
Test AI-assisted ad setup if your team needs faster turnarounds.

🌟 Trend to Try

Short Reels with clear hooks and minimal editing, built around one quick message or reaction.

🎶 TikTok

Limit AI Content in Feed
TikTok added a “Less AI” toggle so users can reduce AI-generated videos in their For You feed.
New Mental Health and Well-Being Resources
TikTok introduced an affirmation journal, soothing sound generator, and breathing exercises.
Post-Holiday Campaign Tips (Infographic)
TikTok shared a Q5 playbook covering formats, creative angles, and user behavior after the holidays.
US Sell-Off Deadline Looms Again
The latest deadline for TikTok’s required US divestment is approaching without a clear resolution.
New Partnerships to Tackle Extremist Content TikTok added new partnerships with organizations that monitor extremist content and online radicalization. These partners will help identify harmful materials faster and support TikTok’s internal review teams.
TikTok Highlights the Value of Creator Partnerships for Marketing TikTok released new guidance showing how creator partnerships drive stronger results than brand-only content. The update includes examples, performance data, and notes on why creator videos outperform in watch time, engagement, and conversions.

💡 What to Do About It

Review your moderation workflow, especially if your brand attracts public comments at scale.
Tag or disclose AI-assisted content clearly to protect trust.
Plan January and Q1 creative using TikTok’s post-holiday guidance.
Explore content tied to mental health and well-being if it fits your brand voice.

🌟 Trend to Try

Quick BTS clips or “how we made this” videos to balance out feeds where users limit AI content.

🎥 YouTube

2025 Trends + Personal Recaps
YouTube released its yearly trend report and launched personalized “Recaps” summarizing user activity.
YouTube Music AI-Powered Recap
YouTube Music added an AI version of Wrapped with listening stats and themed playlists similar to Spotify's Wrapped.
New Feed Control Tests
YouTube is testing AI chatbot-style tools that help users tune what they see in their feed.
Expanded Pre-Publish Checks
More policy categories now trigger warnings before creators publish videos.

💡 What to Do About It

Use YouTube trend reports to plan early 2026 content themes.
Tap into “year in review” nostalgia across platforms with your own recap posts.
Review compliance steps if you work in regulated industries or create educational content.
Watch how feed controls shift viewer behavior and retention.

🌟 Trend to Try

Turn your channel’s top moments or fan comments into a “brand recap” video for December or January.

💼 LinkedIn

Branding Pointers for B2B
LinkedIn released a 55-page guide covering Presence, Prominence, and Portfolio as key B2B brand pillars.

💡 What to Do About It

Rebalance your mix of brand vs performance content.
Strengthen visual consistency on both company and employee profiles.
Use the guide to educate leadership about long-term brand building.

🌟 Trend to Try

Short founder or team member posts focused on one clear insight.

📊 Research, Trends & Strategy

Social + Shopping Behavior Report
A new report maps how people move between social platforms and ecommerce when making purchase decisions.
Responding to Comments Increases Performance
Fresh data shows that meaningful replies increase overall engagement, not only comment volume.
Facebook and YouTube Still Lead US Usage
New Pew data shows both platforms remain the most-used in the US.

💡 What to Do About It

Align organic social with paid and onsite content to support buyers across the journey.
Budget time for comment replies to increase reach and performance.
Maintain your presence on Facebook and YouTube even if your team is excited about emerging apps.

🎄 Holiday Prep Checklist

The holidays are coming fast. Use this checklist to wrap up loose ends so you can step away without stress.

What to do before your holiday break:

Finish December content
Schedule posts, ads, Stories, and emails through the end of the year
Lock in any gift guides, year-end roundups, and recap posts
Test UTM links
Review all ad budgets and adjust pacing
Update landing pages for accuracy
Prep out-of-office replies for your team
Confirm holiday support hours and publish them
Flag campaigns that need real-time monitoring
Collect final analytics for year-end reporting
Draft January content so you start the year strong not scrambling

If you handle multiple clients, run this list for each account to avoid scrambling before the break.

Happy Holidays!

💾 Missed a week of updates?

No worries - you can scroll through our newsletter archive to catch up on past updates or double-check anything you want to revisit. Everything’s saved in one place for easy browsing.

NEWSLETTER ARCHIVE

You’re not the only one. Platforms change faster than most teams can keep up with, and it’s easy to feel like you’re always two steps behind. The truth is: you don’t need to chase every new feature or stress over every algorithm tweak. You need a strategy that helps you focus on what matters most for your brand and your community.

That’s where we come in. At 989 Creative Group, we help mission-led businesses, nonprofits, and entrepreneurs cut through the noise with:

📌 Clear strategies tailored to your goals

📌 Content that actually connects with people (not just feeds the algorithm)

📌 Ongoing support so you can stop guessing and start growing

👉 Whether you need a one-time reset or a long-term partner, we’ll help you stay confident, consistent, and ahead of the curve. Schedule a call with us today to learn more.