August 2025 social media news

August 2025 social media updates

August 2025 Meta Ads social media updates

• Meta is rolling out the “Instagram follows” metric to more ad accounts. (source)
• Meta added a new feature for all campaigns objectives, “Value Rules”. (source)
• Meta now allows all businesses enrolled in the Brand Rights Protection Program to report at scale suspected scam ads. (source)
• Meta expanded the “Value Rule” feature to more ad accounts. (source)

August 2025 Meta AI social media updates

• Meta announced a new partnership with Midjourney. (source)
• Meta added a new AI-powered feature for its Facebook users based in the European Union, “Help me write”. (source)
• Meta added a new AI-powered feature for its Instagram users based in the European Union, “Rewrite”. (source)
• Meta added a new AI-powered feature for Facebook and Instagram Reels, “Audio Translations”. (source)
• Meta now allows its Instagram EU users to generate images with Meta AI. (source)
• Meta now allows its Instagram EU users to edit an image with Meta AI. (source)
• Meta added a new feature on Meta AI’s mobile apps, “Imagine yourself”. (source)
• Meta launched the “Custom AIs” and Meta AI Studio for its EU Facebook and Facebook Messenger users as well. (source)

August 2025 Meta Business Suite updates

• Meta now allows Meta Business Suite users to create mixed media posts (photos + videos). (source)

August 2025 Meta (Misc) updates

• Meta added a new feature for Meta Verified subscribers, “Search optimization”. (source)
• Meta no longer requires Meta Verified subscribers to upload their ID in order to verify their identity when updating their profile picture. (source)

August 2025 Meta VR social media updates

• Meta now allows Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp users to create multiple avatars. (source)
• Meta added a new conversational AI chatbot to its Horizon Worlds Desktop Editor. (source)

August 2025 Facebook social media updates

• Facebook added a new sticker for Facebook Stories on iOS, “WhatsApp.” (source)
• Facebook updated the beta app icon with the new “Liquid Glass” design. (source)
• Facebook is testing on iOS a new, centered UI for the story composer. (source)
• Facebook has brought back the ability to quickly access messages in the main app. (source)

August 2025 Facebook Messenger social media updates

• Facebook Messenger allows users to create custom stickers. (source)
• Facebook Messenger added support for AI characters in group chats. (source)

August 2025 Instagram social media updates

• Instagram is testing a new feed for Instagram Reels, “Discover,” on iOS. (source)
• Instagram is testing a new feature for Instagram Reels, “AI-powered search shortcuts”, on IOS. (source)
• Instagram added a new feature for Instagram Reels on iOS, “Picture-in-Picture.” (source)
• Instagram added a new key performance indicator (KPI) for Instagram Reels, “Retention.” (source)
• Instagram is also replacing “View Rate” with “Skip Rate.”
• Instagram could add a new metric for posts and Reels, “Screenshots”. (source)
• Instagram is now promoting Instagram Edits features in the app’s main feed. (source)
• Instagram is testing on Android a new “Quick reply” button for Reels. (source)
• Instagram is testing a new tab in the “Reels” tab, “Following”. (source)
• Instagram could soon allow you to add “live photos” in a post. (source)
• Instagram is now labeling shared access accounts with “AI” instead of “Shared”. (source)
• Instagram is working on a new, interests-based feature for Instagram DMs, “Picks”. (source)
• Instagram will soon add support for more languages to its “Caption” sticker. (source)
• Instagram added a new “Repost” metric for regular posts and reels. (source)
• Instagram added more metrics for regular posts and reels within the “Insights” section. (source)
• Instagram added three new features to help you connect with friends and discover relevant content (source):
  •  A “Friends” feed in the “Reels” tab.
  • A “Friends” map for Instagram DMs.
  • A new content sharing feature, “Repost”.

August 2025 Instagram Edits social media updates

• Instagram added three new features for Instagram Edits users (source):
  • “Easing curves” for keyframes.
  • A “Snapping guides” feature to fit content to the frame of your video and align to the edges.
  • The ability to swipe between reels in Insights to easily compare engagement rates.

August 2025 WhatsApp social media updates

• WhatsApp is working on a feature that will allow you to choose short timers for disappearing messages on Android. (source)
• WhatsApp is testing a feature that will enable you to record a voice message on Android if the recipient misses your call. (source)
• WhatsApp is testing a feature that will enable you to encrypt your backups with a passkey on Android. (source)
• WhatsApp is testing square checkboxes on Android for the forward picker UI. (source)
• WhatsApp is testing a new Meta AI button on Android in the chat context menu. (source)
• WhatsApp is testing a button that will allow you to quickly share images and videos from other apps as status updates on iOS. (source)
• WhatsApp is testing an advanced feature on iOS that will allow you to easily report bugs. (source)
• WhatsApp is testing three new filters on macOS for both individual and group chats: “Favorite,” “Groups,” and “Unread.” (source)
• WhatsApp announced a new AI-powered feature for its users, “Writing Help Assistant.” (source)
• WhatsApp is testing on Android a feature that will allow you to verify your Instagram link with Meta Accounts Center. (source)
• WhatsApp is testing on Android a feature that will allow you to react to status updates with recently used emojis. (source)
• WhatsApp is testing on Android a feature that will allow you to record a voice message if the recipient misses your call. (source)
• WhatsApp is testing on iOS a new UI for the emoji reaction panel. (source)
• WhatsApp is testing on iOS a new feature that separates single-message forwarding from multiple-message selection. (source)
• WhatsApp added three new features for group calls (source):
  • Emoji reactions.
  • Improved call link notifications: As a call link creator, you’ll receive notifications when someone joins.
  • Schedule a group call.
• WhatsApp is working on Android a feature that will allow you to add verified Instagram profile links. (source)
• WhatsApp is working on iOS on a feature that will allow you to configure a username key for your username. (source)
• WhatsApp is testing on Android a feature that will allow you to share motion photos in chats and groups. (source)
• WhatsApp is testing on Android a new AI-powered feature for chats, “Writing Help assistant”. (source)
• WhatsApp is testing on iOS a feature that will allow each group admin to choose who can access the group invite link. (source)
• WhatsApp is working on Android on a feature that will allow you to configure a username key for your username. (source)
• WhatsApp is working on Android on a feature that will allow you to communicate with people who don’t have an account. (source)
• WhatsApp is testing on Android a feature that will notify you when selected contacts share new status updates. (source)
• WhatsApp is testing on Android a feature that will allow you to access your profile settings from the “Chats” tab. (source)
• WhatsApp is testing on Android a feature that will allow you to personalize your status with disappearing settings. (source)
• WhatsApp is testing on Android a feature that will allow you to create and share status updates in group chats. (source)
• WhatsApp is testing on iOS a feature that will allow you to initiate real-time voice chats with Meta AI. (source)
• WhatsApp added a new “Security overview” feature that will be displayed when someone who’s not in your “Contacts” list adds you to a new WhatsApp group. (source)

August 2025 Threads social media updates

• Threads now allows users to attach longer text to a post. (source)
• Threads now allows all users to share their posts on WhatsApp as status updates. (source)
• Threads added a new “Post counter” feature for linked updates. (source)
• Threads now allows users to tag people in photos on desktop (web) as well. (source)
• Threads added two new buttons to the iOS app’s side menu: “Liked” and “Saved.” (source)

August 2025 TikTok social media updates

• TikTok now allows users to generate AI videos inside the video editor timeline. (source)
• TikTok added a new engagement feature for TikTok Live, “Viewer Wishes”. (source)
• TikTok added a new “Campus verification” feature for college students based in the United States. (source)
• TikTok added on iOS a new “Drafts” folder in the “Creation” tab. (source)
• TikTok added on iOS a new “Mix your own sticker” feature for avatars. (source)
• TikTok increased the limit for a profile description from 80 to 160 characters. (source)
• TikTok announced new features for content creators, parents, and teens (source):
  • Content Creators
    • A general setting for comments, “Creator Care Mode”.
    • A new, private community feature, “Creator Chat Rooms”.
    • A feature for TikTok DMs, ”Creator Inbox”.
    • A new safety feature for content, “Content Check Lite”.
  • Parents
    • Parents can now block specific accounts.
    • Parents also have more control over their teens’ privacy settings.
    • Parents will be notified when their teens upload a public video, story, or photo.
  • Teens
    • TikTok is rolling out “Well-Being Missions” under the “Screen time” section.

• TikTok launched an alternative version of the app in Europe (European Union), TikTok Pro. (source)
• TikTok launched its own version of “Community Notes” in the United States, “Footnotes”. (source)
• TikTok launched a new monetization feature for TikTok Live, “Scaled Rewards”. (source)

August 2025 TikTok Ads social media updates

• TikTok will soon add a new user tracking option called “Engaged Session” to TikTok Ads Manager. (source)

August 2025 X (Twitter) social media updates

• X is working on a new feature for X Chat / X DMs, “Nicknames.” (source)
• X added on iOS a new filter for post engagements, “View quotes.” (source)
• X added on iOS a new button for image posts, “Turn image into video with Grok.” (source)
• X moved the “Video” tab in the main sidebar. (source)
• X added a new button in the post actions menu, “Make video with Grok”. (source)
• X added on desktop (web) a new feature for XChat, “Upload files from Google Drive“. (source)
• X added on desktop (web) a new “Unencrypted” chat filter for XChat. (source)
• X added on desktop (web) a new feature for XChat, “Emoji picker”. (source)
• X is now placing a “x[dot]com” watermark on screenshots taken on iOS. (source)
• X now allows users to send DMs to xAI Companions. (source)

August 2025 xAI social media updates

• xAI added a new feature for Grok AI (Voice Mode), “Objects highlighting.” (source)
• xAI now allows Grok AI users to chat with companions via text messages. (source)
• xAI added a new feature for companions, “Outfits,” to Grok AI’s iOS app. (source)
• xAI made Grok 4 (Expert) available for free X / xAI users as well. (source)
• xAI added a new “Create video” button to Grok AI’s iOS app. (source)
• xAI added on Grok AI’s iOS app a new voice for Grok AI — Voice Mode, “Leo”. (source)
• xAI added on Grok AI’s mobile apps a new companion, “Valentine.” (source)
• xAI added a new feature for xAI Companions, “Customise companion.” (source)
• xAI now allows all users to generate images and videos via Grok AI’s mobile apps. (source)

August 2025 LinkedIn social media updates

• LinkedIn now allows users to filter connection invitations by “Mutual Connections” and “Your School.” (source)
• LinkedIn is expanding the LinkedIn BrandLink Program with the launch of four new, original shows (source):
  • “Small Business Builders” presented by AT&T.
  • “Founder’s Blueprint” presented by IBM.
  • “AI in Action” presented by SAP.
  • “The CEO Playbook” presented by ServiceNow.
• LinkedIn is now showing users how their posts are driving views and follower growth. (source)
• LinkedIn is testing a new, tailored Premium subscription for SMBs, Premium Business Suite. (source)
• LinkedIn added a new in-app game, “Mini Sudoku”. (source)
• LinkedIn added new animations for professional announcements. (source)
• LinkedIn added a new feature for recruiters in Australia, Canada, India, the UK and the US, “AI-generated job summaries”. (source)
• LinkedIn now allows all users to create newsletters. (source)
• LinkedIn now allows businesses to sponsor any member’s post with a link to a LinkedIn event. (source)

August 2025 Google updates

• Google is showing deals and loyalty benefits details in each retailer/merchant knowledge panel. (source)
• Google is testing a feature that shows in Google Search how many visits a specific ad, website, or landing page has received over the past month. (source)
• Google now allows advertisers to analyze and compare multiple Performance Max campaigns on an account level. (source)
• Google added a new “Audience exclusions” feature for Shopping Ads campaigns. (source)
• Google will launch a single, more cohesive Google Verified badge for all advertisers. (source)
• Google is testing on desktop (web) vertical images within the “Top Stories” section of the Google search results. (source)
• Google is again testing a “Share” button for the search results page. (source)
• Google is rolling out a new feature to advertisers in Google Ads, Asset Studio. (source)
• Google is rolling out a “Full placement” report for the Google Search Partner Network (SPN). (source)
• Google is showing in Google Ads a “Preview Ad” button right next to “View asset details”. (source)
• Google will remove the “Language targeting” settings from Google Ads Search campaigns by the end of this year. (source)
• Google is testing a new “Deep Dive” button for knowledge panels. (source)
• Google is testing a new section in the Google Search (Shopping), “From online stores”. (source)
• Google added a new setting for Ads Performance Max campaigns, “Turn on gender exclusion”. (source)
• Google added a number of new Ads Performance Max controls and reporting features as follows (source):
  • Campaign-level‬‭ negative‬‭ keyword‬‭ lists‬.
  • Increased‬‭ search‬‭ theme‬‭ limits‬.
  • More‬‭ demographic‬‭ targeting‬.
• New reporting features
  • Diagnostics‬‭ for‬‭ goal-related‬‭ issues‬.
  • Final‬‭ URL‬‭ expansion‬‭ assets‬‭ reporting‬.
  • Creative‬‭ recommendations‬‭ for‬‭ channel‬‭ performance‬.
• Google is now showing the energy-saving label with a green leaf icon in the product listings side panel within Google Search. (source)
• Google added two new features in Google Merchant Center, “Ads Promotions Preview” and “Chat Checkbox”. (source)
• Google launched a new setting for news shown in the “Top stories” section, “Preferred Sources”. (source)
• Google is testing a “Sort by” button filter at the top right of the Google Shopping interface. (source)
• Google is testing a new report for RSAs (Responsive Search Ads), “Search term insights.” (source)
• Google is testing a new feature for product search results, “Ask Anything In AI Mode.” (source)
• Google added a new beta feature within Google Ads, “Al Max ad group settings,” with an additional “Search term matching” setting. (source)
• Google replaced the “Promotions” section in the merchant local knowledge panel with a “Deals” section. (source)
• Google added an “AI Mode” button to the Google Search apps. (source)
• Google is now pitching advertisers to buy ads in Google AI Mode. (source)

August 2025 Google AI updates

• Google is testing a new “Ask Anything” box within the AI Overviews results. (source)
• Google will soon launch Google AI Mode in the European Union as well. (source)
• Google is testing a new section within the Google AI Mode results, “People also search for”. (source)
• Google added a Google AI Mode button in the Google Search app. (source)

August 2025 YouTube social media updates

• YouTube added a new “Templates” feature on YouTube Create’s Android app. (source)
• YouTube launched the “Hype at no cost” feature in 17 additional countries. (source)
• YouTube will also add two new features for hyped videos:
  • Category Leaderboards.
  • The ability for users to create posts based on their hyped videos.
• YouTube will soon allow Shorts creators to earn money from app promotions with a custom CTA panel displayed along the bottom of their clip. (source)
• YouTube is testing with users based in Thailand a new type of audience for comments, “(Channel) Subscribers only”. (source)
• YouTube now allows content creators to remove or report all comments received by a clip on YouTube Studio (desktop). (source)
• YouTube launched its web-based effects creation tool, YouTube Effect Maker, to more creators worldwide. (source)
• YouTube added a new feature for users without a YouTube Premium subscription: “Offline downloads”. (source)
• YouTube is again recommending content to non-logged-in users on the main page. (source)
• YouTube will soon allow you to edit auto-dubbed clips via YouTube Studio Editor. (source)
• YouTube has increased the number of photos that can be added to a community post from 5 to 10. (source)
• YouTube added new CTA (Call-to-Action) messages for in-stream promotions via its “Promote” button. (source)
• YouTube is testing with a small number of content creators a new “Collaboration” feature for YouTube Shorts. (source)
• YouTube now allows content creators to include profanity early in their videos while maintaining monetization. (source)

August 2025 YouTube Music updates

• YouTube Music could add a “Comment” feature for playlists. (source)
• YouTube Music added a new “Trim silence” setting for podcasts on Android. (source)
• YouTube Music added a new “Share with friends” button for the “Speed dial” playlist on Android. (source)

August 2025 Bluesky social media updates

• Bluesky users can now move their follow graphs (followers) to Mastodon or Pixelfeld with the help of a new account transfer platform, Bounce. (source)
• Bluesky now has 38 million monthly active users globally. (source)
• Bluesky users with active Ghost accounts can now syndicate newsletters and blog posts directly into the platform. (source)

August 2025 Snapchat social media updates

• Snapchat added “advanced editing tools” for videos on iOS. (source)
• Snapchat added a new “Buddy Passes” feature to its Snapchat Plus tier. (source)
• Snapchat added a new setting for spotlight posts on iOS: “Show favourite counts.” (source)

August 2025 Spotify updates

• Spotify added two new features for Instagram users (source):
  • “Audio Previews” for Instagram Stories.
  • “Real-time Listening” for Instagram Notes.
• Spotify added a “Direct Message” feature for both free and Spotify Premium users. (source)
• Spotify added a new feature for playlists created by Spotify Premium users, “Mix”. (source)
• Spotify now allows users to hide the “Creation / +” button. (source)

August 2025 Pinterest updates

• Pinterest added new certifications and badges to its Pinterest Academy education platform (source):
  • A new Pinterest Media Planner certification.
  • A new badge for its Pinterest Performance Essentials course.

August 2025 Reddit updates

• Reddit launched its Reddit Pro Trends platform on mobile as well. (source)

Keep Up with the Latest Social Media News

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Social media never stands still, and neither should your strategy. These updates offer new ways to connect with your audience and improve your content.

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