First Scroll Down of 2026

This Week's Social Media Updates You Should Know

We’re back after the holiday break. Happy New Year and all that. Platforms did not slow down. This edition covers updates and tests from mid-December through today so you can reset, recalibrate, and plan with context.

Let’s jump in.

👥 Facebook

Link Posts May Be Limited Without Meta Verified
Facebook is testing limits on organic link posts for some Pages and Professional Mode profiles. Some accounts report a cap of two link posts per month unless they subscribe to Meta Verified.
Meta Verified for Businesses Keeps Expanding
Meta Verified for businesses continues rolling out, including paid support and advisory features at higher tiers.

💡 What to Do About It

Audit how often your Facebook strategy depends on outbound links.
Watch for in-app warnings or distribution changes.

📸 Instagram

You Can Reshare Public Stories Without Being Tagged
Instagram now allows users to reshare public Stories even if they are not tagged.
“Your Algorithm” Controls for Reels
Instagram is rolling out controls that let users adjust the topics they see more or less of in Reels.
Early Access Reels Test
Instagram is testing Early Access Reels. Followers get access before the Reel goes fully public.
Carousel Insights Show Likes Per Slide
Instagram is testing carousel insights that show which slide was visible when a like occurred.

💡 What to Do About It

Review Story privacy and resharing settings.
Tighten topic consistency in Reels.
Revisit carousel structure and slide order.

🧵 Threads

“Dear Algo” Feed Preference Test
Threads is testing a feature where users post “Dear Algo” prompts to influence feed recommendations.
Threads Leadership Signals Product Direction
Meta leaders shared more about Threads’ focus on timeliness, conversation, and discovery.

💡 What to Do About It

Monitor how audiences talk about feed control.
Track engagement shifts tied to prompt-style posts.

🎶 TikTok

Shared Collections Roll Out
TikTok launched Shared Collections, allowing users to organize videos collaboratively.
Shared Feeds Teased
TikTok teased Shared Feeds, focused on co-viewing content around shared interests.
Fundraiser Links Added to Videos
TikTok is rolling out fundraiser links directly inside videos.
Accessibility Features Continue Expanding
TikTok shared updates focused on accessibility for cognitive, visual, and sensory needs.

💡 What to Do About It

Check eligibility for fundraising features.
Stay aligned with accessibility best practices.

🎥 YouTube

Image Carousel Posts Tested in Shorts
YouTube is testing still image carousel posts inside the Shorts feed.
Voice Replies Expanded
YouTube expanded voice replies to comments for more creators.
Shorts Feedback Signals Changing
YouTube is testing a merged feedback option for “Not interested” and “Dislike” in Shorts.

💡 What to Do About It

Prepare static visuals sized for Shorts.
Decide whether voice replies fit your brand tone.

This is your reset edition. Thanks for sticking with us in 2026. There are going to be a lot of updates and changes coming this year so stay locked in and avoid having to scroll for hours.

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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.