This Week's Marketing Updates

TL;DR

• Instagram is testing ‘Blend’, a feature that creates a shared Reels feed for you and a friend based on what you both watch.
• TikTok is pushing still image posts, sharing tips on how brands and creators can make the most of them.
• Canva surveyed 2,400 marketers to see how AI is shaping the industry, from boosting efficiency to building brand trust.

Instagram’s ‘Blend’ Feature: A Shared Reels Experience

Instagram is testing a new feature called “Blend” that lets you and a friend share a personalized Reels feed. Instead of DMing each other videos, Blend pulls in Reels both of you might like and puts them into one stream, updating over time based on what you share in chat. Instagram has been working on this for over a year, and with new onboarding screens and graphics, it looks like it could launch soon.

TikTok Wants You to Post More Photos

TikTok is promoting its still image posts, reminding brands and creators that they can upload photo carousels instead of videos. Unlike traditional TikToks, these let viewers swipe through images at their own pace, making them great for storytelling and product showcases. TikTok just released a step-by-step guide with tips on how to make the most of this format.

Canva’s AI Report: What Marketers Are Saying

Canva asked 2,400 marketing leaders how AI is changing their industry, and shared some key takeaways:

• AI literacy is becoming essential for marketing teams.
• Companies are figuring out how to turn AI investments into real results.
• There’s a growing focus on using AI while maintaining brand trust.

The full report dives into how businesses are using AI now and where it’s headed next.