Social Media Buzz Weekly: Roundup of Social Media Updates
Welcome to Social Media Buzz Weekly, your weekly bulletin of the latest social media updates. With the social media landscape evolving with each passing day, it can be challenging to keep a tab on the rapid developments. Well, not anymore, as we have taken it upon ourselves to keep you abreast of every happening in the social media space.
So, without any further ado, let’s look at some of the most significant developments from the last week in the world of social media.
1. Facebook Introduces Plain-Language Algorithm Controls
Facebook has introduced AI-powered algorithm controls that let users personalise their Feed and Reels recommendations using everyday language.
The new “Your Algorithm” feature allows users to add or remove topics based on their interests. Users can also provide detailed feedback through the “Interested” and “Not interested” options, helping the platform refine recommendations in real time. Powered by large language models (LLMs), the update aims to make content discovery more responsive and give users greater control over their social media experience.
2. Meta Joins International Crackdown on West African Scam Networks
Meta has joined an international law enforcement operation targeting online scam networks operating across West Africa.
The coordinated effort involved 14 technology companies and authorities from 10 countries. Meta removed more than 3.7 million accounts, pages and groups from Facebook and Instagram linked to suspected scams. The operation also led to 28 arrests, the identification of over 30 suspected scam centres and the rescue of 117 trafficking victims in Ghana. Targeted schemes included romance scams, cryptocurrency investment fraud and impersonation scams.
3. Meta Adds New Creation Tools to Edits and Instagram Reels
Meta has introduced new features to its Edits video editing app to help creators produce and refine Reels. The updates include clickable audio links, audience trend insights, reusable style Kits and additional visual effects.
The trending insights feature is currently available to creators with more than 10,000 followers. Instagram has also introduced a “Use as reference” option, allowing iOS users to view another Reel while recording their own response. Meanwhile, Instagram will discontinue Reels series linking from October 28, 2026, to simplify the viewing experience.
4. TikTok Partners With Made By Us Studios to Expand Microdrama Content
TikTok has partnered with Made By Us Studios to co-produce creator-led vertical micro-series for TikTok and its PineDrama app. The multi-year partnership aims to expand the platform’s library of scripted entertainment.
The first two projects include Player, a romantic revenge thriller starring Hannah Stocking, and The Knock, a genre series featuring Adam Rose and Zaria Simone. The deal builds on TikTok’s earlier collaboration with Issa Rae’s HOORAE, whose series Screen Time has attracted nearly 580 million global views.
5. TikTok Shop Expands Selling and Engagement Tools for UK Merchants
TikTok Shop has introduced new tools to help UK merchants boost sales and engage shoppers. Sellers can now create shoppable carousel posts using product photos, eliminating the need to produce videos for every promotion.
New livestream features include group deals, shared price cuts and a second-chance option for auction bidders. Merchants can also combine fixed-price sales with auctions, reserve inventory for livestreams and offer subscriptions for recurring purchases. Additionally, GMV Max Net Sales Boost automates advertising for eligible products not already being promoted.
6. Pinterest Partners With Mattel to Bring Barbie-Inspired Home Designs to Restyle
Pinterest has partnered with Mattel to introduce a Barbie-themed experience in Restyle, its AI-powered home design tool. The feature lets users upload room photos and transform their spaces using five Barbie DreamHouse-inspired styles, including superstar glam, modern coastal and Victorian romance.
Users can also explore Barbie-approved décor products to personalise their designs. The activation supports Mattel’s latest Barbie DreamHouse promotion, tapping into growing interest in Barbie-inspired interiors. Pinterest reported a 72% increase in searches for “Barbie DreamHouse aesthetic” on its platform.
7. X Combines Grok, Cursor and Premium Features Into One Subscription
X has introduced a unified subscription that bundles its social media features with Grok’s AI services and Cursor’s AI-powered coding tools. Called The X Subscription, the offering includes five tiers: Free, Plus, Premium, Super and Ultra.
Paid plans start at $8 per month, while the top-tier Ultra plan costs $200 monthly. Subscribers gain different levels of AI usage, coding capabilities and X Premium benefits, depending on their chosen plan. Existing subscribers can retain their current plans or switch to the unified offering.
8. X Partners With Genius Sports to Enhance NFL Coverage
X has partnered with Genius Sports to bring official, real-time NFL scores, statistics and insights to its dedicated NFL Gametime feed.
The integration combines live game data with highlights, news and creator commentary, helping fans follow matches and discuss key moments in one place. Genius Sports is the exclusive distributor of the NFL’s official play-by-play statistics and Next Gen Stats data. The partnership also creates opportunities for brands to connect with audiences during live games, strengthening X’s focus on sports engagement.
9. LinkedIn Introduces Digital Business Cards to Strengthen Professional Networking
LinkedIn is rolling out customizable digital business cards as part of a broader set of tools designed to strengthen professional relationships.
Users will be able to personalize their cards, add them to digital wallets and share their professional details with people they meet in person. The update accompanies a new Network feed that highlights posts from existing connections and followed accounts. LinkedIn is also introducing private profile notes for Premium subscribers, helping professionals remember conversations and maintain relationships beyond initial introductions.
10. Hong Kong Reports 130 Credit Card Fraud Complaints Linked to iPhone Duo Pre-Orders
Hong Kong police have received 130 complaints involving suspected credit card fraud linked to iPhone Duo pre-orders, with reported losses totalling approximately HK$5 million.
Apple is reviewing affected orders and identifying fraudulent transactions for cancellation. The incident has raised concerns about payment security during high-demand product launches and the effectiveness of verification measures. Authorities are investigating the reports, while the case highlights the importance of stronger safeguards against unauthorised transactions in online purchases.
Wrapping Up
And that was a wrap of this week’s Social Media Buzz. We’ll be back next week with more news and updates for you from the social media world. Till then, stay tuned!
If you want to read more on the latest developments taking place in the social media space, take a look at ClickInsights’ Social Media Buzz, wherein we bring to you monthly reports on everything going on in social media, ranging from platform updates to policy changes that influence the way we market.
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