New Features and Creative Strategies for Instagram and TikTok Ads

In digital marketing, staying ahead means adopting fresh approaches and tools. Instagram and TikTok, two leading social media platforms, continue to roll out features that help brands connect with their audiences and achieve meaningful results. From user-focused marketing to improved targeting options, these updates are reshaping how brands plan their social media strategies.

Leverage the latest updates for your social media campaigns

People-led marketing: The power of authenticity

Authenticity has become central to modern marketing. People-led marketing (PLM) focuses on working with individuals, such as micro-influencers and content creators, who share genuine experiences with products on their platforms. Unlike traditional advertising, this approach builds trust and fosters relatability. Micro-influencers, known for their smaller but highly engaged audiences, are particularly effective in reaching niche communities with content that feels authentic and personal.

This strategy reflects a broader shift toward meaningful storytelling, emphasizing that successful marketing is grounded in human connection rather than overt promotion.

Subtitled ads: Reaching audiences in silence

As silent scrolling becomes the norm, subtitled ads are now essential. Most platforms now default to muted video playback, making subtitles crucial for ensuring that your message comes across even without sound. Subtitled ads cater to users who prefer silent viewing, increase accessibility, and improve comprehension across diverse audiences. Brands that prioritize this detail not only enhance user experience but also maximize their ad’s potential impact.

Advanced targeting on TikTok: Precision like never before

TikTok’s advanced targeting options provide brands with precise audience segmentation. Advertisers can tailor their campaigns based on criteria such as age, gender, interests, location, purchasing behavior, hashtags, and purchase intent. This level of detail allows marketers to create messages that connect with specific audiences.

By incorporating TikTok’s distinctive features—such as trending sounds and hashtag challenges—brands can further increase content visibility and engagement. When integrated into a well-rounded social media strategy, these tools position TikTok as an attractive alternative to established platforms like Meta and Google.

Generative AI: Revolutionizing ad creation

Generative AI is reshaping creative strategies in ad design. Pinterest now provides tools that let advertisers modify product backgrounds and create entirely new visuals. These innovations simplify the creative process, allowing brands to produce customized, visually compelling ads efficiently and at scale. As generative AI technology continues to advance, it is set to expand the possibilities for creativity and efficiency in digital advertising.

Social commerce features: Seamless shopping experiences

Social commerce features like TikTok Shop and YouTube Shopping are changing the way consumers engage with brands. These tools allow users to make purchases directly within the app, streamlining the buying process. By incorporating shopping experiences into social media platforms, brands can increase both engagement and conversions while reaching audiences in the spaces they already frequent.

Increased investment in social media content

As users spend more time on social platforms, businesses are investing more in content creation. The emphasis is on producing high-quality visuals and engaging storytelling to capture attention and encourage interaction. Against an increasingly competitive backdrop, staying ahead means keeping pace with emerging marketing trends and consistently delivering content that offers genuine value.

Shaping the future of social media ads

Instagram and TikTok advertising continue to evolve, offering new tools and features that help brands engage their audiences more effectively. Strategies such as people-led marketing, TikTok’s advanced targeting, and the use of generative AI enable businesses to navigate this dynamic landscape and stay ahead of the curve.

Integrating these innovations into a thoughtful social media strategy helps ensure campaigns remain relevant, engaging, and effective. The future of social media advertising depends on adaptability, authenticity, and leveraging advanced tools to build stronger connections with audiences.