?? Meta (VR)
- Meta is working on a “Horizon Media Player” for Meta Quest headsets. (source)
?? Facebook
- Facebook added a new AI-based feature for events, “AI-generated descriptions”. (source)
- Facebook has changed the color of the verified checkmark from blue to white. (source)
- Facebook Messenger now allows users to add lyrics to music notes. (source)
?? Instagram
- Instagram reminds users to schedule their messages if they’re sending them at a late hour. (source)
?? WhatsApp
- WhatsApp is working on a new AI-based feature for users, “Create an AI character”. (source)
- WhatsApp is working on a widget for Meta AI. (source)
- WhatsApp will replace the “Community” tab with a new one, “AIs”. (source)
- WhatsApp will soon allow users to create events in individual chats. (source)
- WhatsApp is testing two new default icons, one for contacts and one for group chats. (source)
- WhatsApp has rolled out four new updates for chats and stickers (source):
— 30 backgrounds, filters and effects for images or videos sent in conversations.
— A “double tap” actions for message reactions.
?? Threads
- Threads is working on “Community Notes”. (source)
- Threads will allow users to attach a song to a post. (source)
- Threads added a “Two-way links” feature on iOS. (source)
???? TikTok + CapCut
- CapCut added on iOS a new widget for its background removal feature. (source)
- TikTok added a new content feature for users, “Curate Memories For You”. (source)
- TikTok added a new security feature for content posted on the platform, “Content check”. (source)
- TikTok updated its desktop video editor with new features. (source)
- TikTok Studio now has a “Scheduled post” feature. (source)
?? X (Twitter)
- X added a new “Parody account” label on mobile. (source)
- X added a new AI-based feature on desktop (web), “Post enhancer”. (source)
?? YouTube
- YouTube now allows all users create 3-minute long Shorts. (source)
- YouTube added on YouTube Studio (desktop) a new “Releases” tab (Channel Content). (source)
?? Google
- Google Ads added two additional promo code options under the promotion details section (Promotional Assets), “Promo code (Bar code)” and “Promo code (QR code)”. (source)
- Google Ads added a consent checkbox for images. (source)
?? LinkedIn
- LinkedIn added two new AI-based features: a “Job Match” tool for job seekers and a “Recruitment AI Agent” for small businesses. (source)
?? Substack
- Substack rolled out its livestreaming feature to all publishers. (source)
?? Quick Insights
- Instagram: Content Distribution Limitations. (source)
- Instagram: Key Areas of Focus in 2025. (source)
- Snapchat: Interactive Brand Experiences via AR. (source)
- SocialBee: Facebook Algorithm Explained (2025 Insights). (source)
- TikTok: Valentine's Day on TikTok. (source)
- TikTok: What’s Next in 2025. (source)
??? Upcoming social media holidays
- 18 January – Get to Know Your Customers Day.
- 19 January – National Popcorn Day.
- 20 January – Blue Monday.
- 20 January – Cheese Lovers Day.
- 20 January – Martin Luther King Day.
- 21 January – National Hugging Day.
- 22 January – Community Manager Appreciation Day.
- 23 January – National Pie Day.
?? 7 content ideas
- Share a “Remember when…” post and ask followers to share their favorite nostalgic memory from 2024.
- Share your company goals for this year via a live Q&A session on social media.
- Post an unboxing video for one of your products and ask followers what feature they’d be most excited to try out.
- Celebrate “Blue Monday” by sharing uplifting content and ask your followers what’s “that small thing” that brightens their day.
- Share industry statistics to spark curiosity and engagement.
- Create a post about the “Get to Know Your Customers Day” (January 18) and ask your customers a question about themselves.
- Share a story about a personal failure your team overcame (e.g., a tough product launch) and ask followers to share how they’ve bounced back from challenges.
Showing special appreciation to all the sources listed in this newsletter. They all have great newsletters and social media feeds worth subscribing to.
