Happy New Year from everyone at SMMS! We’re excited to kick off 2025 with a look at some of the latest social media updates that can help give your marketing strategy a boost!
Instagram’s AI Video Previews: A Creative Revolution or a Step Too Far?
Meta is making a clear push to embed AI into the social media experience, and Instagram is at the forefront of this transformation. In a recent reveal, Instagram chief Adam Mosseri shared exciting news about the upcoming integration of Meta’s Movie Gen engine into the platform. Soon, Instagram users will be able to create AI-powered video edits directly in the app, allowing for dramatic changes to their content, such as switching backgrounds, outfits, or even turning themselves into Muppet versions!
While this may sound like a fun new way to unleash creativity, it raises an important question about the social aspect of Instagram. At its core, social media has always been about human connection—sharing moments, experiences, and stories. But as AI-generated elements become more prevalent, it could shift the focus away from authentic human experiences towards fantastical creations that, while entertaining, may feel less “real” and relatable.
The AI video tools might offer new ways to enhance visual storytelling, allowing users to craft more compelling posts. However, when it comes to AI-generated images and video that don’t represent lived experiences, it could complicate the balance between creativity and authenticity. Users may find these new features interesting, but the key to social media’s enduring appeal remains the ability to connect with others through shared, genuine experiences—not just surreal, AI-generated visuals.
Bluesky Adds Trending Topics, Hits 25M Users
While Instagram and Meta dominate much of the social media conversation, Bluesky has been steadily growing in the background. The decentralized platform, which many see as a worthy competitor to Twitter, has recently introduced its version of Trending Topics. This new feature allows users to keep up with the latest discussions within the app, making it easier to engage with content that is generating buzz.
Bluesky’s Trending Topics will be based on key term detection, highlighting the most mentioned subjects at any given time. Users will also be able to disable the feature or customise it through mute words, offering a personalized experience. The feature is currently available in English, with plans for a wider release in the future.
Despite a slowdown in its growth, Bluesky has now surpassed 25 million users, up from 13 million in October, signaling that it’s finding its place in the social media landscape. The platform is also more publisher- and journalist-friendly than other apps, as it supports external links—a key element that could help it attract more content creators.
Although Bluesky’s user base is still significantly smaller than Meta’s platforms (like Threads), its steady growth and new features suggest it could be a valuable platform to watch in the coming months. However, given its niche nature, brands should still proceed with caution before investing heavily in Bluesky just yet.
Threads to Experiment with Custom Display Names and Profile Customisation
Meta’s Threads is rolling into 2025 with some highly anticipated updates that are sure to delight users. One of the most exciting new features is the ability to create a custom display name for your profile, separate from your Instagram handle. This update will give users more flexibility, allowing them to personalize their Threads experience and avoid the need to mirror their Instagram identity across platforms.
With the new option, you’ll be able to change your display name twice within a 14-day period, allowing for a more fluid identity on Threads without worrying about your Instagram handle. This is especially useful for users who want to maintain a consistent brand or identity on one platform without being tethered to their IG name.
This update comes at a crucial time for Threads, as it continues to find its footing when Instagram and Twitter alternatives dominate. The ability to separate your Threads identity from Instagram could be a game-changer for those seeking more independence on the app, and the growing trend of customizing profiles shows Meta’s commitment to making Threads a distinct space for expression.
Additionally, Threads is experimenting with cover images for profiles, giving users even more ways to personalise their presence on the app. This move could further solidify Threads as a platform focused on individuality, catering to those looking for a space separate from Instagram’s influence.
Meta’s AI Bots: A New Wave of Interaction?
Alongside its video editing features, Meta has been quietly working on AI bots that could bring new interactive elements to social media profiles. Although not much has been revealed yet, the idea of AI bots acting as part of a user’s profile seems like a natural next step in Meta’s AI integration strategy.
This could open up exciting new opportunities for user interaction, allowing for more dynamic and personalized conversations with brands, creators, and even AI-driven personas. If done right, this could add a whole new layer to social media engagement, merging automation with personal expression in a way that could work alongside more traditional forms of interaction.
However, as always, the key will be balancing automation with authentic connection. If users feel like they’re interacting with bots instead of real people, it could undermine the social aspect of the platforms. But if done thoughtfully, AI bots could provide valuable experiences for both users and creators alike.
We share the latest social media updates every Friday, so make sure you check back with us next week for the next round of updates!
