Social Media Trends and New Features Monthly Report | January 2025

?Welcome To The January Social Media Trends Report

Want to stay on top of the latest trends? Welcome to the Monthly Empowered Social Media Trends Report! We’ll help you choose the trends that matter most to your business. We analyze social media data all month and deliver a report at the end of the month so you can get ahead. But first...

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Now on to the monthly trends…

? Meta

Meta to Abandon Fact-Checking in Favor of Community Notes

Meta is transitioning from its third-party fact-checking program to a new "Community Notes" model, aiming to reduce mistakes and censorship. This move will enable users to clarify claims made by others in the app. The company is also planning to shift its content moderation teams from California to Texas and other US locations. Meta is returning to a focus on free expression, reducing restrictions on certain topics such as immigration and gender identity. Additionally, the company is moving towards a more personalized approach to political content to cater to users who want to see more of such content in their feeds. Source: Meta / Social Media Today

Tips to Maximize Your Instagram Post Reach

To ensure maximum reach for your Instagram posts, avoid using watermarks, engagement bait, and posting Reels over 90 seconds. Additionally, steer clear of non-recommendable content and refrain from posting content you didn't create yourself. These practices can limit your distribution on the platform. Source: @instagramforbusiness via Instagram

Instagram Expands Reels Length to 3 Minutes

Instagram has officially extended the maximum length for Reels from 90 seconds to 3 minutes, responding to creator feedback for more storytelling time. This change aligns Instagram with competitors like TikTok and YouTube, which also allow longer video content. Despite this extension, Instagram has previously advised against posting Reels longer than 90 seconds due to potential impacts on content performance. Ultimately, the decision to create longer Reels should depend on the content and audience engagement. Source: Social Media Today

Instagram Will Now Show Your Friends Which Reels You’ve Liked

Instagram is testing a new feature on Reels that shows users which posts their friends have liked or commented on, marked by profile bubbles with heart or comment icons. This feature aims to boost engagement by highlighting content that both users may find interesting, encouraging interaction. However, it may also pose privacy concerns by revealing users' interactions with content that could be sensitive. The feature selectively displays interactions, and Instagram's algorithms are likely designed to mitigate potential issues. Users should note that they need to tap through these indicators to see specific posts. Source: Social Media Today

Vertically-Aligned Profile Grid on IG

Instagram has updated its profile grid to display vertically-aligned thumbnails, shifting away from the traditional square format. This change aligns more closely with Reels and TikTok, reflecting the growing trend of vertical content. Instagram chief Adam Mosseri noted that the update better showcases vertical photos and videos, which are now more commonly uploaded. To address users' concerns about grid customizations, Instagram plans to introduce tools for rearranging and customizing grids. Additionally, Highlights will be integrated into the grid, with options to manage their display. Source: Social Media Today

Instagram Unveils 'Edits' Mobile Video Editing App

Instagram is introducing "Edits," a new mobile video editing app designed to rival CapCut and cater to TikTok users. The app offers a comprehensive suite of creative tools, including video capture up to 10 minutes, clip-level editing, green screen effects, and an inspiration tab with trending audio insights. Users can export clips without a watermark and access analytics to assess performance. With expanded AI-powered tools, "Edits" aims to enhance video creation for Instagram Reels and serve as a valuable addition to social media management toolkits. The app is set for release in March. Source: Social Media Today

Instagram Introduces In-Stream DM Translations

Instagram has launched a new feature allowing users to translate Direct Messages (DMs) within the app. This in-stream translation option enables users to easily convert messages into their native language, facilitating better communication across different languages. While the process involves sending text to Meta’s servers for translation, Meta assures users that privacy measures are in place to remove identifying information. This addition could enhance cross-border interactions and commerce, replicating a similar feature available on Messenger. Source: Social Media Today

Threads Launches Mobile Analytics for All Users

Threads has expanded access to post analytics in its mobile app, providing users with comprehensive performance data such as top-performing posts, follower growth, and interaction rates. Users can view insights by tapping the insights icon on their profile and selecting a date range. This feature, now available to all users, aims to assist creators in maximizing their reach and engagement on the platform. While follower counts are less emphasized in the modern social media landscape, Threads encourages focusing on content views to grow audience presence. Source: Social Media Today

Threads Introduces Native Post Scheduling for All Users

Threads has expanded its post scheduling feature to all users, allowing them to select a date and time for posts directly within the app. Previously available via third-party apps through the API, this native functionality simplifies planning and editing scheduled content. As Threads continues to grow and iterate, this scheduling capability could drive more engagement from publishers and brands, potentially positioning Threads as a leading real-time social app. Source: Social Media Today

Threads Introduces Image Tagging Feature

Threads has launched a new feature allowing users to tag profiles in photos shared on the app, enhancing engagement and interaction. This straightforward tagging option can be used for influencer collaborations, brand mentions, or simply tagging friends. Available only for still images and not videos or GIFs, this feature helps Threads align more closely with other social apps. Users can control tagging preferences through the app's privacy settings. Source: Social Media Today

Threads Achieves 320 Million Monthly Active Users Milestone

Threads, Meta's Twitter-like app, has reached 320 million monthly active users, gaining 20 million new users in the past six weeks. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg attributes this growth to the platform's increasing momentum and expects Threads to eventually reach 1 billion users. The app's growth has been bolstered by features like analytics and crossposting with Facebook and Instagram, alongside a shift of users from X. Despite competition from Bluesky, Threads is solidifying itself as a key discussion platform and continues its upward trajectory. Source: Social Media Today

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? LinkedIn

AI Tools for Job Seekers and Recruiters

LinkedIn has unveiled new AI-powered tools to aid job seekers and recruiters. The "Job Match" tool provides insights into how well a user's skills align with job listings, offering advice on cover letters and courses to enhance employability. Premium users receive additional comparative insights. For recruiters, especially small businesses, LinkedIn introduces a recruitment AI agent to streamline the hiring process with user-friendly job listing and candidate review features. These tools aim to enhance the job search and recruitment experience on LinkedIn in 2025. Source: Social Media Today

Record Engagement in Latest Performance Update

LinkedIn continues to experience record engagement, with over a billion members and significant growth in its ad offerings and premium subscriptions. The platform's focus on video content has driven a 36% increase in usage for its TikTok-like video feed. Despite removing its "Top Voice" badges due to misuse, LinkedIn is seeing success with new features like an immersive video feed and in-app games. LinkedIn's revenue grew 9% in the latest period, reflecting strong performance across its business elements. Source: Social Media Today

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? TikTok

Trump Grants TikTok a Temporary Extension Amid US Ban

TikTok has been granted a 75-day extension by President Trump to delay the enforcement of the U.S. sell-off bill, allowing the app to remain operational for existing users. While the app is still unavailable in app stores due to legal concerns, Oracle continues to support TikTok's back-end operations based on Trump's assurances. The extension aims to explore alternative arrangements for TikTok's U.S. presence, though its legality is questioned as the law is already in effect. The situation remains fluid, with TikTok's long-term status in the U.S. still uncertain. Source: Social Media Today / Social Media Today

TikTok Integrates Post Scheduling into Studio App

TikTok has enhanced its Studio management tool by adding post scheduling capabilities, allowing users to manage their TikTok posting and analytics in one place. While post scheduling was previously available through TikTok's video scheduler and third-party tools, this integration streamlines management by consolidating all functions within the Studio app. The app already provides editing, analytics, and monetization monitoring, making it a comprehensive resource for optimizing TikTok presence. Source: Social Media Today

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? X

Dedicated Video Tab for U.S. Users

X has launched a dedicated video tab in the app's bottom function bar for U.S. users, replacing the "Communities" tab to provide easier access to its full-screen video feed. This move aligns with X's shift to a "video first" platform, as video views have increased by 40% year-over-year. The new video tab aims to enhance user engagement and support X's focus on original content and video ads, despite concerns about adding complexity to the app's interface. Source: Social Media Today

Labels for Parody and Fan Accounts

X has officially launched "Parody" account labels to help users distinguish parody profiles from official accounts, reducing impersonation and misinformation on the platform. These labels will be mandatory for accounts that could be confused with real entities, ensuring transparency and user awareness of content origins. The initiative aims to combat impersonation issues exacerbated by X's decision to sell verification checkmarks and is now live across iOS, Android, and web platforms. Source: Social Media Today

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? Bluesky

Trending Topics Feature

Bluesky has launched its version of Trending Topics, allowing users to engage with popular discussions on the platform. This feature highlights key terms generating the most mentions, with the option to disable it or mute specific topics. Currently available in English, Bluesky plans a wider release soon. As a Twitter-esque alternative, Bluesky appeals to publishers and journalists, with a user base of 25.9 million and increasing engagement rates. While its growth is steady, it remains a fraction of Threads' user base, making it a potential but cautious consideration for brands. Source: Social Media Today

Dedicated Video Feed

Bluesky has launched a dedicated video feed, offering a TikTok-like vertical-swiping experience tailored to user preferences. This feature aligns with the platform's focus on user control, allowing for personalized video feeds based on individual interests. The move is part of Bluesky's broader strategy to provide decentralized alternatives, with integrations like the upcoming Tik app enabling seamless video sharing. As discussions around TikTok's potential government influence continue, Bluesky's video update may offer a non-corporate governed option for users seeking more autonomy in their social media experience. Source: Social Media Today

Bluesky Introduces Video Tab on User Profiles

Bluesky has added a new "Video" tab on user profiles to emphasize video content, following the launch of its dedicated video feed. This addition aims to boost user engagement by making video content more accessible, though the interface appears cluttered on mobile devices. As Bluesky seeks to regain growth momentum post-U.S. election, its focus on video content aligns it with current social media trends, despite challenges in competing with larger platforms. The platform's decentralized approach continues to offer users independence from corporate influences. Source: Social Media Today

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? YouTube

YouTube Expands 3-Minute Shorts to All Users

YouTube has officially extended the length of Shorts to 3 minutes for all users, enabling longer content to be included in the popular Shorts feed. This expansion aims to increase engagement by allowing creators more storytelling flexibility and by boosting viewership through broader distribution. All videos under 3 minutes will qualify as Shorts and appear in relevant sections, enhancing their visibility and reach. The change reflects YouTube's strategy to capitalize on the rising popularity of short-form content. Source: Social Media Today

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? Reddit

Reddit Highlights the Power of Conversation in Influencing Purchases

Reddit's recent research unveiled at CES 2025 highlights the growing influence of conversation over traditional influencers in shaping purchase decisions. The platform is a leading source for immediate answers, with 42% of social media users finding Reddit recommendations more valuable than other forms. Conversations on Reddit drive discovery and consideration, with organic brand mentions and redirected recommendations significantly impacting user decisions. The study suggests integrating Reddit's organic content with traditional advertising to enhance brand and performance campaigns. Source: Reddit Business

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? Pinterest

Pinterest Unveils Key Color Trends for 2025

Pinterest has released its second annual "Pinterest Palette" report, highlighting key color trends for 2025 based on user engagement and Pinterest Predicts trends. The report features five key hues with detailed overviews, including Pin examples and hex codes. Marketers can leverage these insights for mood boards, product launches, and creative campaigns, aligning with audience preferences. This report offers inspiration for refreshing branding efforts with trending colors that resonate with users. Source: Social Media Today

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Thanks for reading our January trends report!

-The Empowered Team