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It’s only the first month of 2025! ?? X and Bluesky are vying for TikTok’s crown with new video features as TikTok’s U.S. ban drama continues. Meta is going full free-speech mode, while Instagram gets a TikTok makeover. The race for social media dominance is on. It’s a lot to keep up with - but don’t worry, we’ve got your back! This is why this newsletter exists - to round up the most important news, and keep it simple, actionable, and actually helpful. Let’s get into it!
Hot Off the Feed - The latest news and trends in the UGC world
TikTok might be on shaky ground in the U.S., but X and Bluesky aren’t just watching from the sidelines—they’re suiting up for battle. X has rolled out a new "Video Tab" with an endless stream of algorithmically recommended videos to keep you swiping for hours. Meanwhile, Bluesky’s letting users customize their own video feeds, turning hashtags into swipe-worthy timelines. As TikTok teeters, these platforms are sliding into the DMs of creators and users, hoping to steal the crown in the short-form video kingdom. Who will rule the scroll? Stay tuned.
The rollercoaster ride of TikTok's fate in the U.S. continues with President Trump's recent executive order granting a 75-day reprieve on the enforcement of the sell-off mandate. This move adds another chapter to the ongoing saga that began in July 2020, when the U.S. first considered banning the app over data security concerns. Despite previous legal challenges and blocked attempts, the debate over TikTok's ownership and operation in the U.S. remains unresolved. As the clock ticks down, all eyes are on the next developments in this high-stakes tech drama.
In a bold shift, Meta is revamping its content policies by discontinuing its third-party fact-checking program and reintroducing political content to user feeds. CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced the move towards a more free-speech-centric approach, allowing discussions on topics like immigration and gender identity, even if they include previously prohibited language. To manage misinformation, Meta plans to implement a "Community Notes" system, similar to the model used by X (formerly Twitter), relying on user-generated context rather than traditional fact-checking. This transition has raised concerns among advertisers about brand safety, prompting Meta executives to reassure them of the company's commitment to maintaining a secure advertising environment.
Instagram is rolling out features that make it look and feel more like TikTok. The platform is moving its Highlights feature, which allows users to pin stories to the top of their profile. Additionally, Instagram is introducing a new video-editing app called "Edits," similar to TikTok's CapCut, offering tools for AI animation, generative captions, and more. These changes aim to attract users amid TikTok's potential ban in the U.S.
More on Meta’s ‘Edits’ App: The CapCut Rival You Didn’t See ComingMeta is entering the video-editing ring with its upcoming app, “Edits,” which bears a striking resemblance to ByteDance’s popular CapCut. This move aims to empower creators with pro-level editing tools for social media content, signaling Meta’s commitment to supporting short-form video creators across platforms. The app is designed to simplify advanced video editing, with features like effects, transitions, and quick sharing options. As competition with TikTok heats up, “Edits” could become a game-changer for creators looking to polish their content while staying within the Meta ecosystem. ByteDance might have set the bar, but Meta seems ready to raise it.
Brand Brief: UGC Your Way to the Top
Influencer marketing is a billion-dollar powerhouse that brands can’t ignore. With 43% of marketers planning to pump up their budgets, the focus is shifting to micro-influencers, who are proving to be small but mighty. Why? Because 64% of marketers say they’ve worked with micro-influencers, and nearly half report the best results from these partnerships. Turns out, audiences trust smaller creators more - plus, they’re easier on the wallet. And the market’s only getting bigger, with projections hitting $22.2 billion by 2025. For brands, it’s time to go micro or go home. The key to success? Think niche, think authentic, and think like your audience’s favorite follow.
B2B brands are diving headfirst into the influencer game, proving that even buttoned-up industries can benefit from a little social sparkle. With trust levels in the U.S. hovering below 40%, companies are teaming up with industry pros and LinkedIn mavens to bring authenticity back into the chat. Forget AI spam - real humans with real expertise are the new must-have. Whether it’s geeking out at webinars, sliding into DMs on LinkedIn, or hosting panels at trade shows, the goal is simple: build trust and make your audience go, "Hey, they actually get it!"
Nivea India has redefined influencer marketing by setting a Guinness World Record for the largest online video chain - 444 clips of people passing and applying moisturizer. Part of the Nivea Soft Fresh Batch 2024 campaign, this record-breaking feat featured Bollywood star Taapsee Pannu and 80 top influencers on Moj, resulting in a 30% boost in engagement. It’s a masterclass in how influencer marketing can deliver both creativity and results.
Creator Corner: Rule Your Feed
Instagram CEO Adam Mosseri shares top algorithm tips: watch time, likes, and shares are key to boosting your content’s reach. Likes drive visibility among followers, while shares help expand to new audiences. Surprisingly, comments don’t rank as highly. Armed with these insights, creators can fine-tune their strategies to enhance visibility and engagement on the platform.
Struggling with low TikTok views? You're not alone. Common culprits include not adhering to TikTok's community guidelines, posting unoriginal content, or having your videos under review for policy violations. New users may also experience limited visibility until they establish authenticity. To boost your views, ensure your content is original, comply with guidelines, and engage actively on the platform. Understanding and navigating these factors can help you enhance your TikTok presence.
领英推荐
In this episode of The Break Podcast, Patricia Bright chats with Mitchell Halliday, the mastermind behind the beauty empire Made By Mitchell. Mitchell shares his inspiring journey from self-taught makeup artist to building a beauty brand that rakes in $2 million a week through TikTok Shop. Discover how he stays creative in a fast-paced industry, connects with his audience, and turns viral trends into lasting success.
What’s Trending on TikTok Shop?
TikTok Shop just made selling smarter and easier with GMV Max, a new automated ad solution designed to amplify your ROI while saving you time. By blending organic and paid traffic, GMV Max optimizes campaigns using all your creative assets - from organic videos to affiliate content. With a simple setup, smart budgeting, and reach across TikTok’s shoppable spaces, sellers in early tests saw a 30% GMV boost.
Move over, Google - Gen Z is redefining search with TikTok as their go-to platform! TikTok is becoming a powerhouse search engine, especially for Gen Z. TikTok’s AI-powered Creative Center and Keyword Insights Tool are transforming content discovery. To stay relevant, brands and creators need to embrace TikTok SEO by crafting engaging, AI-friendly content, optimizing captions and keywords, and leveraging trending sounds and hashtags. Don’t miss the chance to make your products and content the star of the FYP!
?? Welcome to JoinBrands Social Hour! ??
We’re thrilled to bring you an exciting new series of sessions designed to spark your creativity, connect you with industry leaders, and level up your influencer marketing game. This is your VIP pass to insights, inspiration, and strategies that make a difference - all from the comfort of your virtual office.
?? ?????? Second ???????????? ???????? - Utilizing UGC Platforms for Ecommerce Stores
In this session we’ll dive deep into how UGC can drive trust, engagement, and revenue for your online store and how stay ahead with the latest innovations in user-generated content marketing.
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Ask Questions about the industry and beyond.
Explore Trends shaping the future of influencer marketing.
Discover Powerful Features to maximize your JoinBrands experience.
Get Expert Advice to unlock your full potential.
Connect with a Thriving Community of like-minded professionals.
Plus, grab exclusive free resources to take your strategy to the next level!
??? ????????: 5 February, 2025
? ????????: 02:00 PM EST
?? The Office where we will meet: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_lBa8oblBSRGxspJbMR0Wsw#/registration
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Thank you for your wonderful support and until next edition, we'll see you on socials.
Stay Influential,
JoinBrands Team