Your april Social Scoop Unplugged

Written By Natty Bernasconi

Instagram Tests Lockable Posts to Enhance Engagement

Instagram is quietly testing something new—and if you like the idea of exclusive content for your most loyal followers, you’ll want to keep reading.

Spotted on the @InstagramDesign account, the platform is trialling lockable posts—posts that can only be viewed by entering a secret code.

Yes, really. You’ll need a code to unlock and view the full content. It’s a small change with big potential for creators and brands looking to build stronger, more intentional engagement.

How do lockable posts work?

In the test, Instagram shows users a locked post with a prompt to “Enter secret code” in order to view it. The key detail here is that the code isn’t shared within the post itself, so it needs to be accessed through another channel—think email list, membership group, or private message.

This opens up some interesting use cases for business owners, such as:

  • Sharing discounts or early access offers with your email subscribers

  • Offering exclusive content or tips just for your paid community

  • Creating a “members-only” feel for behind-the-scenes updates

  • Delivering region-specific content to certain audiences

Why this could matter for engagement

This feature follows a similar logic to Instagram’s “Reveal” sticker in Stories, which hides content behind a blurred screen that only becomes visible after a user sends a DM. Both tools are designed to spark more meaningful, direct engagement.

The lockable post format, however, adds a new layer—it encourages users to step outside the platform to retrieve a code, which could be a great way to grow your off-platform channels like email lists or paid groups.

Still in testing—for now

At the time of writing, this feature appears to be in a limited test on one of Instagram’s own accounts. There’s no official word yet on when (or if) it will roll out more broadly. Instagram hasn’t responded to requests for more info, so for now we’ll have to wait and see.

That said, if it does launch, it could offer:

  • A more creative way to nurture warm leads

  • An opportunity to reward your most engaged followers

  • A stronger link between Instagram and your other marketing platforms

It’s definitely one to watch.

Meta updates Teen Safety tools on IG, and expands Teen Accounts to Facebook

Meta’s been under the spotlight again—this time for rolling out a fresh batch of safety tools aimed at teen users on Instagram, Facebook, and Messenger. On paper, it’s all about creating safer digital spaces for younger users. But is this a genuine step forward, or just damage control?

Here’s a breakdown of what’s changed, and what it might really mean.

New Restrictions for Instagram Teens

Instagram is introducing a couple of key updates to how younger users interact with the platform—especially when it comes to going live and messaging.

The key changes:

  • Live-streaming locked down: Teens under 16 will now need parental permission to go Live on Instagram.

  • Blurred DMs: Instagram already blurs images it suspects may contain nudity in direct messages, but now under-16s will need a parent’s go-ahead to switch off that setting.

It’s clear these changes are designed to limit potentially risky real-time content sharing and protect teens from inappropriate images slipping through the cracks. Considering the pressure and vulnerability that can come with live content—especially for younger users—this is a step in the right direction.

Teen Accounts Now on Facebook and Messenger

Until now, Instagram has led the way in Meta’s efforts to create a more age-appropriate experience for teens. Now, similar protections are being rolled out across Facebook and Messenger too.

These Teen Accounts come with:

  • Automatic content filters

  • Tools to manage contact and interaction

  • Features designed to promote healthier time spent online

They’re currently launching in the US, UK, Australia, and Canada, with more regions to follow soon.

Are These Changes Actually Working?

Meta seems confident they are. According to their internal data, 97% of teens aged 13–15 have kept the default restrictions in place. That’s a strong signal that either the tools are working—or that teens aren’t too fussed about changing them.

Either way, it allows parents a bit more peace of mind and gives teens a gentler entry into the world of social media.

So, Why Now?

Let’s be honest. While this all sounds positive, it’s hard to ignore the timing.

Here’s what’s been going on behind the scenes:

  • The US Surgeon General recently recommended warning labels on social media, not unlike cigarette packaging.

  • The Kids Online Safety Act passed through the US Senate, demanding stricter child safety regulations for tech platforms.

  • There are multiple lawsuits against Meta—from a teenager’s £5 million case to legal action by 45 US states—alleging harmful practices aimed at young users.

  • Global regulation is on the rise, with several regions discussing higher age limits for social media access.

So, yes, these safety updates look great—but they’re likely more of a response to mounting pressure than an altruistic move.

The Bigger Picture

This isn’t just about teens and Instagram. The conversation needs to shift towards how rapidly evolving tech (AI, VR, social algorithms) impacts mental health and wellbeing—especially for younger and more vulnerable users.

Innovation is often prioritised over responsibility. We saw it with social media, and now we’re seeing it again in the AI and virtual reality space. The question is no longer if these tools have an impact, but how much—and whether tech companies are truly willing to slow down long enough to consider the human cost.

It’s good to see more restrictions being introduced for teen users, and anything that gives parents more oversight is a welcome move. But we shouldn’t ignore the context: these updates are happening under pressure, not necessarily from a place of proactive care.

The hope? That future changes will centre around genuine safety and wellbeing, rather than waiting until the lawsuits and headlines pile up.

Instagram launches monthly performance recap and recommendations

Instagram is testing a new feature that could make content reviews a whole lot easier for creators and small businesses alike: a monthly performance recap delivered straight to your app.

Here’s what it involves—and why it might be a useful addition to your Instagram toolkit.

A Snapshot of Your Month in Stories-Style Slides

Some users are now seeing a prompt encouraging them to view a “recap” of their activity from the previous month. When tapped, it opens a full-screen, Story-style set of slides that summarises key performance insights.

What’s included in the recap?

  • Total views of Reels and posts, with comparisons to the previous month

  • Views from non-followers (great for gauging reach)

  • Notes on your posting activity, with personalised recommendations

  • A rundown of your top-performing content

  • Insights into when your audience was most active

  • Simple tips and content examples to help you improve

It’s basically a mini version of your full analytics, repackaged into a more visual and digestible format.

Why This Might Be Helpful

We all mean to check our Instagram Insights regularly—but life happens, right? This new feature acts as a gentle nudge to reflect on what worked, what didn’t, and where you could make small tweaks to improve.

It’s also great for busy creators who:

  • Don’t have time to deep dive into data every week

  • Prefer a quick, visual summary

  • Benefit from regular reminders to stay on track with strategy

And for those managing multiple accounts? Having performance nudges sent directly through the app could streamline monthly check-ins without needing to open your spreadsheets (again).

Custom Audience Insights Are the Real Win

One of the most useful elements is the reminder of when your specific audience is most active. Generic “best posting times” guides only go so far—what really matters is your audience’s behaviour.

This monthly round-up gives you a chance to spot patterns and make informed posting decisions, based on your actual results—not what the internet says should work.

Not New, But Nicely Packaged

To be clear: all this data is already available inside your Insights tab. But this feature is less about offering something brand new and more about presenting it in a friendlier, more accessible format.

For creators, service providers and social media managers, this could be a subtle but powerful shift—one that keeps you focused on growth without needing to dig too far.

Instagram’s new monthly performance recaps aren’t revolutionary—but they are useful. By putting insights right where we’re already spending time (in the app, in Stories), Instagram’s giving creators another reason to stay data-aware.

It’s a simple feature, but one that might just keep you showing up more strategically.

Community Notes are now appearing in Meta apps

Meta has started rolling out Community Notes across Facebook, Instagram, and Threads—marking a major shift in how the platform is choosing to handle misinformation.

It’s part of their move away from third-party fact-checking in the U.S., and while it’s still early days, there are already some big implications to consider.

What Are Community Notes?

If you’re familiar with the feature from X (formerly Twitter), you’ll recognise the format. Community Notes allow users to collaboratively add context to posts that may be misleading or missing information.

Here’s how they’re starting to appear:

  • A note sits directly beneath the post, with a line that reads “People added a community note.”

  • Tapping through lets you view additional information, written and rated by contributors.

It’s being gradually introduced across Meta’s platforms and, for now, is only visible in the United States.

Why the Shift Away from Fact-Checkers?

Meta has officially ended its third-party fact-checking programme in the U.S.—a move flagged last week by their Global Affairs Chief, Joel Kaplan.

This means:

  • No more new fact-check labels on posts in the U.S.

  • No third-party fact-checkers reviewing claims

  • Community Notes will take over as the primary method of content review and context

The feature isn’t yet available outside the U.S., which is already raising questions about global misinformation and inconsistent platform standards.

A Political Play?

There’s speculation that this shift aligns closely with political strategy—particularly around appeasing former President Donald Trump. Some have suggested Meta’s decision could be part of a wider plan to secure influence and reduce pressure from regulatory bodies in the U.S. and abroad.

From a business perspective, it’s a calculated move. From a safety and transparency standpoint? It’s less reassuring.

Will Community Notes Actually Work?

If Meta follows the same model as X, the system will rely on cross-political consensus—meaning that people with opposing political views must agree before a note is shown.

This sounds balanced in theory, but in practice, it’s flawed. On X:

  • 85% of Community Notes never appear

  • Many posts containing false or harmful claims remain unchallenged

  • The need for political agreement often stalls action

With Meta’s much larger audience reach (five times X’s user base), the potential impact of these flaws could be even more significant.

The Bigger Picture

This move reflects a broader shift in how tech giants are choosing to manage responsibility: leaning more into community-led moderation and less into formal accountability structures.

While some will welcome the transparency of peer-contributed notes, others will worry about the rise in unchecked misinformation—especially during politically sensitive times.

For now, Meta’s rolling ahead. But whether this will genuinely improve platform safety or just reduce corporate liability remains to be seen.

Meta adds new parameters for those looking to verify their profiles

Meta is updating the rules for its paid verification service, Meta Verified, with a new requirement that aims to curb misuse and discourage scammers.

If you’ve been thinking about subscribing to Meta Verified for Facebook or Instagram, you’ll want to read this first.

What’s Changed?

Meta has added a new clause to the eligibility criteria for creators. Specifically, if you’ve made too many changes to your account details—like your name, profile photo, username, location, or account type—you may be ineligible for verification.

This update, now listed on the Meta Verified Help page, is designed to catch people who are trying to impersonate others or flip accounts for profit. It means you can now be rejected from the programme purely based on how often you’ve edited your profile.

It’s a small change, but an important one in the ongoing effort to crack down on fake or misleading accounts.

Why Now?

Meta Verified was created to offer more visibility, credibility, and account protection for creators and businesses—but since anyone can buy a blue tick these days, the meaning of that checkmark has become murky.

The concern? Some people are using this system to scam others. By creating fake profiles, gaining a bit of traction, and then applying for verification, they can appear legitimate and trustworthy—even when they’re not.

Meta’s new rule is an attempt to close that loophole.

Does the Blue Tick Still Mean Anything?

Not really, not on its own. Much like X (formerly Twitter), where blue ticks are more about Elon Musk fandom than credibility, the verified badge on Meta is no longer a symbol of earned authority.

That said, paying for Meta Verified does still come with extra benefits:

  • Priority customer support

  • Increased reach and exposure

  • Impersonation protection

So, while the tick itself may not hold the same weight, the added perks are what most people are actually paying for.

Is Meta Verified Popular?

Meta hasn’t released official figures, but we can make a pretty solid estimate based on their revenue reports.

Since launching Meta Verified in mid-2023:

  • “Other” revenue (which includes subscriptions) has jumped by $300 million per quarter

  • At an average cost of $13 per user, that points to roughly 7–8 million subscribers

  • That’s still less than 1% of Meta’s total user base across Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Messenger

So, while uptake is relatively low, it’s still bringing in about $100 million per month—which is clearly enough for Meta to keep pushing forward with the programme.

Meta Verified is here to stay—but it’s changing. This new rule is part of a broader effort to maintain some level of trust and integrity in the system.

If you’re using your profile professionally or as a creator, just be mindful of how often you’re tweaking your details before applying. And as always, don’t rely on the tick alone to build trust with your audience. Your content and consistency are still what matter most.

Trump extends US TikTok sell-off deadline once again

The future of TikTok in the United States continues to hang in the balance—but for now, the app has earned a little more time.

On what was supposed to be the final day of its 75-day extension, President Trump has granted TikTok yet another 75-day reprieve, pushing the deadline back once again.

What’s Going On?

The U.S. government has been pushing for TikTok’s American operations to be sold off to U.S. investors, in order to comply with the “Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act.”

A deal was reportedly in the works:

  • TikTok’s U.S. arm would become a separate entity, majority-owned by American stakeholders

  • ByteDance (TikTok’s parent company) would keep a 19.9% stake

  • The U.S. would lease access to TikTok’s algorithm rather than owning it outright

The aim was to keep the app alive for U.S. users, while addressing concerns over foreign control and data security.

Why the Delay?

According to Trump’s latest post on Truth Social, the extension is needed because the deal isn’t fully signed off yet. He said:

“We have made tremendous progress… but the Deal requires more work to ensure all necessary approvals are signed.”

China isn’t thrilled either. The Chinese government has so far refused to approve any deal involving the transfer of TikTok’s core systems or algorithm, which complicates matters.

So, in the meantime, Trump has signed an executive order to allow TikTok to stay online, despite the fact that the ban has technically already been signed into U.S. law.

Wait—Isn’t TikTok Already Banned?

Technically, yes.

The bill was passed and signed into law before Trump returned to office, and it included a hard limit of a 90-day extension before enforcement.

But here’s the twist: Trump’s executive order prevents enforcement of the law, effectively bypassing the deadline. It’s a legal grey area, but it’s currently holding up.

Are U.S. Companies at Risk?

Under the law, U.S. companies that support TikTok’s operations (like Apple, Google, and Oracle) could face fines of $500 per user, per day.

That’s a hefty risk—but U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi has issued assurances that the penalties won’t be enforced during this extended period. She reaffirmed that promise with this latest extension.

Still, it’s a big gamble for companies trusting that the legal limbo won’t cost them in the long run.

What Happens Next?

TikTok is now safe in the U.S. until 18th June, at least. After that? It depends entirely on whether a deal can be finalised and approved by both the U.S. and Chinese governments.

ByteDance released a short statement:

“An agreement has not been executed. There are key matters to be resolved. Any agreement will be subject to approval under Chinese law.”

For now, TikTok lives to scroll another day—but the future remains uncertain.

TikTok adds alt text for still image posts

TikTok has just taken a helpful step toward better accessibility on the platform: you can now add alt text to still image posts.

While TikTok is best known for short-form videos, this update shows the platform is still finding ways to support image content too.

What’s New?

Spotted by app researcher Radu Oncescu, TikTok has rolled out an “Add alternative text” option when uploading still images.

That means when you post a photo carousel or single image, you can now include a brief written description of what’s in the image—helping more users understand and engage with your content, especially those using screen readers.

To add alt text, just look for the option while uploading your images. You’ll be able to describe each photo individually.

Why It Matters

While image posts are still a smaller feature of TikTok compared to videos, alt text makes content more accessible for visually impaired users and adds context to your posts.

TikTok already supports:

  • Auto-captions for videos

  • Text-to-speech options

  • Manual caption editing

  • And now, alt text for images

It’s all part of a broader move towards making TikTok a more inclusive platform.

What About TikTok Notes?

If you’ve been following TikTok’s experiments, you might remember TikTok Notes, their short-lived image-focused spin-off. That app was recently shelved, but this new update could hint at TikTok looking for new ways to make image posts work within the main app.

Snapchat launches sponsored AI lenses to help brands enhance engagement

Snapchat is making it easier than ever for brands to get creative—with the launch of Sponsored AI Lenses designed to boost engagement without needing complex development work.

These new Lenses let brands offer AI-generated, personalised image experiences to users, helping Snapchatters engage with brand moments in a fresh, interactive way.

What Are Sponsored AI Lenses?

Unlike traditional AR Lenses that overlay effects in real time, Sponsored AI Lenses use selfies to create themed, AI-powered images. Users can place themselves in different settings or scenarios linked to a brand’s campaign—creating shareable content and deepening the brand experience.

And the best part? No heavy coding required.

Brands simply provide the creative direction, and Snap’s AI tools take care of the rest.

Why It’s a Big Deal for Marketers

According to Snap:

“This format generates personalised, AI-driven images that put Snapchatters at the centre of unique brand moments, allowing them to express themselves while sharing their favourite brands with friends.”

These experiences can also drive high virality and visibility. In fact, Snap says Sponsored AI Lenses can increase impressions by 25–45% in just one day, thanks to prime Camera placement in the app.

Lens Promotion = Strong Results

Here’s why brands should take notice:

  • Lenses are used over 80 billion times per month

  • 85% of Snapchatters engage with AR features

  • AR posts are shared more often than regular content—especially among close friends

Snapchat has also made it easier for brands to experiment with this format. In addition to AI tools, there are templates in Lens Studio and options to collaborate with Snap’s verified creators.

Whether you’re running a promo, launching a product, or just want to create buzz—this could be a clever way to get your brand in the frame (literally).

Now you can share video files via your LinkedIn DMs

LinkedIn has just rolled out a small but useful update to its messaging feature: you can now send MP4 video files directly in DMs.

This builds on LinkedIn’s existing file-sharing capabilities, which already included documents like PDFs, spreadsheets, Word files, and more. Now, short video clips can be added to the mix, giving users even more flexibility in how they communicate.

The Details

  • MP4 file support is now live in LinkedIn messaging

  • There’s a 20MB limit, so it’s only suitable for short videos (think under 2 minutes)

  • Works just like attaching other file types—easy and quick

It’s a small change, but one that could make a difference for anyone using LinkedIn DMs for outreach, collaboration, or follow-ups.

Why It Matters

Video is one of the fastest-growing formats on LinkedIn. In fact, watch time on video content has increased by 36% year-on-year. Adding the ability to share video clips in private messages opens up new possibilities, like:

  • Personalised video intros to prospective clients

  • Quick how-to demos or product walkthroughs

  • Warm follow-ups with a friendly face

  • Or simply sharing content in a more engaging way

Of course, there’s always the risk of spammy videos landing in your inbox—but with the right approach, video DMs could actually stand out in a good way.

So, if you’re looking to freshen up your outreach or share something a bit more visual—this new feature could be worth trying.

Instagram is adding ‘re-posts’ to amplify content

​​There’s a small but potentially powerful tweak rolling out on Instagram—reposts might now show up in your followers’ feeds.

Previously, if you wanted to share someone else’s content, Stories were your only option. But now, when you tap the repost icon under a post or Reel, you can add your own text, and it’ll appear in your followers’ feeds like a regular post. Think of it like Instagram’s version of a retweet.

This isn’t the first time Instagram has flirted with the idea. They tested a similar ‘Repost’ option back in 2022, but it never made it past the experimental phase. So, what’s changed?

Why This Matters

• Potential for more engagement – If reposted content shows up in feeds, you might get more eyes on your best posts (or someone else’s).

• More algorithm meddling – Instagram already floods your feed with AI-recommended content and posts your friends have liked. Adding reposts to the mix could mean even less visibility for the content you actually follow.

• A shift in how Instagram works – Originally, IG’s algorithm was designed to help prioritise posts because there was too much content for users to see everything. But now, with AI pushing extra content into your feed, that logic doesn’t really hold up anymore.

What This Means for You

Reposts could be a sneaky way to boost reach, but don’t expect any guarantees—Instagram is vague about how much visibility they’ll actually get. The platform simply says your followers “may” see your reposted content.

For now, it’s worth testing out, especially if you have high-performing content that deserves a second chance. But let’s be real—this is just another reminder that we’re playing by Instagram’s rules, and they’re constantly shifting the goalposts.

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Instagram adds double speed playback option for Reels

Instagram just rolled out a highly requested update for Reels: you can now watch them at double speed.

If you’ve ever wanted to speed through content without missing the key moments, this feature is for you. Just long-press on the right or left edge of the screen, and the Reel will play at 2x speed until you release.

Why This Update Makes Sense

• Reels are getting longer – Since Instagram extended the max Reel length to 3 minutes in January, quicker playback might actually be useful.

• Attention spans are shrinking – We already speed up podcasts, YouTube videos, and audiobooks. This just brings Instagram in line with how people consume content everywhere else.

• TikTok already does this – Instagram’s just catching up to a feature that’s been available on its biggest competitor for a while.

Right now, 2x is the only playback speed option—no 1.5x or 3x (yet). But considering how many users have asked for this, it’s likely to be a popular addition.

As of today, this feature is rolling out to all users globally—so if you love a good fast-forward, your time has come.

Instagram chief says ‘Edits’ app coming soon, will be available for free

Instagram’s standalone editing app, ‘Edits’, is officially on the way, according to IG chief Adam Mosseri.

Originally expected in March, the app—Instagram’s answer to CapCut—is now in beta testing with select creators and should be rolling out within the next few weeks.

What We Know So Far:

• It’ll be free – Mosseri confirmed that the core features will be free, though paid features may come later (especially for AI-powered tools).

• It’s built for creators – The more editing power users have, the more content they’ll create—and that’s exactly what Instagram wants.

• AI features are coming – Expect tools like AI-generated backgrounds and image animation, with more advanced effects likely reserved for premium options.

Why This Matters

If Meta gets this right, Edits could become a go-to app for IG content creation, keeping more users within the Instagram ecosystem instead of relying on third-party tools.

No official release date yet, but Mosseri says it’s coming very soon. Keep an eye out—this one’s going to be big.

Meta outlines how its AI systems are powering better campaign performance

Meta has shared a fresh breakdown of the AI systems behind its ad targeting process, offering more insight into how the platform’s evolving tech is driving better results for advertisers.

Here’s how it works:

Meta’s ad system now leverages three AI-powered functions that work together to ensure ads are shown to the most relevant audience across Meta’s apps. These systems have been trained on Meta’s vast ad database, including user responses, making them hyper-aware of what each user is most likely to engage with.

Here are the three key systems powering Meta’s ad targeting:

1. Meta GEM – GEM analyzes overall user responses across Meta’s platforms. By recognising subtle patterns, GEM can serve up the most relevant ads to users at the right time, with minimal lag.

2. Meta Lattice – Lattice manages the different ad types and promotions, ensuring users get exposed to a variety of options across Meta’s full ad inventory.

3. Meta Andromeda – Andromeda focuses on understanding personal preferences, which helps show users ads that are more aligned with their interests and needs.

These AI systems are also now working with improved ad sequencing, which means you’ll see ads that are more closely aligned with your interests and recent actions. For example, if you book a ski resort stay, you might start seeing ads for ski gear or lift tickets, not just more resort promotions. This helps create a personalised ad journey, making the whole experience feel more relevant.

Thanks to these AI innovations, ad engagement has significantly improved, meaning Meta’s automated options like Advantage+ are delivering stronger results.

If you’re running ad campaigns, these improvements may be worth considering. Experts have been raving about Meta’s AI-powered ads for a while now, and with these systems fine-tuned to track real user responses, they may just be a game-changer for your ad targeting strategy.

It might feel a bit counterintuitive to trust AI over your own audience insights, but these AI systems are trained on real ad interactions, making them incredibly effective at finding commonalities that lead to better engagement. Definitely something to keep an eye on.

Instagram removes Notes from feed posts and Reels

Instagram has announced it’s removing the option to add text notes to feed posts and Reels, as part of a broader strategy to simplify the app and avoid feature overload.

Notes were first introduced in DMs and saw some success, particularly with younger users. Last July, Instagram expanded the feature to feed posts and Reels in an effort to make the app more interactive. However, the feature didn’t gain widespread adoption, and Instagram has decided to cut it entirely.

As Instagram chief Adam Mosseri explained, while Notes were intended to enhance social interaction and fun, they just weren’t widely used. In his words:

“We launched it a few months ago to make Instagram more social and fun, but in practice, it just wasn’t adopted by that many people. Instagram has become too complicated over the years, and we want to address that by turning off features that don’t resonate with enough people.”

The Notes feature will remain in DMs, but will no longer be available for feed posts or Reels. This decision is part of Instagram’s goal to simplify the platform and reduce unnecessary clutter.

This move makes sense, especially given the app’s increasing complexity and the need to keep Instagram user-friendly for both new and existing users. While Notes were popular among younger users, this wider rollout didn’t seem to gain traction across the board.

So, while the feature’s removal may not make a huge difference for most users, it does reflect Instagram’s commitment to refining the app and keeping it fun and engaging for everyone. Expect to see the Notes option disappear from your feed and Reels soon.

Trump says TikTok US sell-off deal will be finalised this week

In a significant update on the TikTok U.S. sell-off saga, President Donald Trump has confirmed that TikTok will be sold to a U.S.-owned company by this week’s deadline, which is set for April 4th.

TikTok is currently operating in violation of the “Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act,” which was passed in January 2025. This law mandates that TikTok must be sold to a U.S. company to continue operating in the U.S., due to national security concerns linked to the app’s ties to the Chinese government.

After his inauguration, President Trump signed an executive order extending the deadline for TikTok’s sale, even though the bill had already passed into law. Despite the legal complexities, Trump and his Attorney General have assured that parties involved in the operation of TikTok will not face prosecution.

With just days to go before the deadline, Trump has assured the press that a deal is on track:

“We have a lot of potential buyers, there’s tremendous interest in TikTok. The decision is going to be my decision, as you know, through Congress, they’ve given me the power to make the decision… We’re dealing with China, who also want it, because they may have something to do with it, and we’ll see how that goes, but it’s something I think you’re going to have. I’d like to see TikTok remain alive.”

The Chinese government has resisted pressure to hand over control of TikTok to a U.S. company, and strict conditions have been set both by China and the sell-off bill itself, which have complicated negotiations. Nonetheless, Trump remains confident that a deal will be reached in time to keep TikTok running in the U.S.

Trump has also indicated that he is open to extending the deadline if necessary and could offer tariff reductions to facilitate a deal with China.

As the deadline rapidly approaches, it remains to be seen whether a deal will be finalised by Friday, and how the complicated terms will be met. Stay tuned for further updates on this evolving story.

TikTok is expanding its in-stream shopping push in Europe

As TikTok’s future in the U.S. remains uncertain, the app is focusing on expanding its eCommerce options in other regions to sustain growth and offset potential losses if the U.S. imposes a ban.

According to Reuters, TikTok is set to launch its TikTok Shop tools in France, Germany, and Italy on Monday, continuing its push to integrate shopping features across Europe. This marks another step in TikTok’s ongoing effort to tap into the European market, following a series of early setbacks.

TikTok has seen significant success in the U.K., particularly in the fashion sector, with the platform recently becoming the second-largest online beauty and wellness retailer in the country. This growth underscores TikTok’s potential as a key player in online retail.

After launching its shopping features in Spain in December 2024, TikTok is also exploring opportunities in other markets, including Latin America, to further its eCommerce ambitions.

Despite some earlier challenges, such as unrealistic growth expectations and problematic working conditions reported in the U.K., TikTok’s sales efforts continue aggressively. In 2022, the company revamped its eCommerce strategy after internal issues led to the removal of its U.K. commerce chief, highlighting the challenges of adapting strategies to local market dynamics.

However, TikTok’s high expectations remain intact. Reports from Business Insider indicate that the company’s U.S. eCommerce team recently faced internal criticism for failing to meet 2024 sales targets, despite significant growth, including a 3x increase in sales during Black Friday.

The U.S. remains a major shopping hub for TikTok, second only to China. A potential U.S. ban could significantly disrupt its broader expansion efforts, prompting TikTok to double down on growth in other regions to maintain momentum.

In China, TikTok’s local version, Douyin, generates the majority of its revenue from in-app sales, having reached a staggering $490 billion in Gross Merchandise Value (GMV) in 2024. In contrast, TikTok’s 2024 GMV stood at around $30 billion, demonstrating the vast opportunity TikTok sees in expanding its shopping capabilities.

While it remains to be seen whether in-stream shopping will become a dominant feature on TikTok in other markets, the steady growth of in-app sales makes it clear that the platform is committed to pushing its eCommerce efforts to secure its place in the global retail landscape.

Snapchat adds new styling options for Bitmoji avatars

Snapchat is expanding its Bitmoji avatar options with new Spring fashion styles, offering users a fresh look for their digital doppelgangers.

The platform has introduced a range of relaxed, baggy styles, including barrel jeans, boat shoes, and trench coats, allowing users to update their avatars with more seasonal attire. Additionally, Snapchat has partnered with Prada to add new accessories, continuing its effort to expand its digital fashion collection.

In November 2024, Snapchat launched its first branded handbag partnership with Prada and Miu Miu, and now more options from the collection are available for users to customise their avatars.

While these updates may seem like a novelty to those outside the Snapchat ecosystem, they reflect a growing trend in digital interactions. As avatars become increasingly central to online communication, Snapchat is positioning itself as a key player in this evolving space. With the rise of Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) experiences, users are already accustomed to using digital depictions of themselves in gaming worlds like Roblox and Fortnite. Platforms like Meta are hoping to expand this engagement into their metaverse visions.

Although Snapchat faces rising competition in AR, it remains committed to its own AR glasses project and has a strong user base with over 2.7 billion Bitmoji avatars in circulation. With more customisation options for Bitmoji, Snapchat may be able to solidify its place in the digital avatar landscape as virtual interactions continue to evolve.

X adds react with video options to boost video engagement

X is stepping up its video push with the addition of a new feature: “React with Video.” This option allows users to post video responses directly to an X update, offering a more dynamic way to engage with content.

With this new update, users can now overlay a post over a video as a reply, making it easier to create reaction clips in-stream. X began rolling out this feature to testers earlier in March and is expanding access to more users.

In addition to this, X is working on another feature that will use entity segmentation to overlay an isolated video of yourself on-screen. This feature, similar to TikTok’s green screen effect, will allow users to use a regular post or image as a background for their video clips, making it easier to create engaging reaction videos with additional context compared to text replies.

X has emphasised its transformation into a “video-first” platform, which includes the addition of a dedicated video tab and efforts to expand its original video content. Despite these changes, video has yet to become the core focus of the app, as the feed still doesn’t open to video content by default.

Nevertheless, video views in the app have increased by 40% year-over-year, and X is planning to introduce text-to-video creation through its Grok chatbot. By simplifying video responses, X aims to boost video-based interactions and engage users in a new way, although it remains to be seen whether users will fully shift to a video-first approach.

The “React with Video” feature is now available to more X users, and as testing continues, it’s likely that this new capability will further shape how users interact with the platform.

If you’ve found this helpful, share it with your network or drop me a message with your thoughts and feedback. Until next time, keep shining and be creative online!​

Natty Bernasconi | Instagram Expert & Educator

Social Media Strategy for Lifestyle Businesses & Creators

Empowering brands with tailored Instagram strategies and aesthetic-driven insights. Follow for weekly tips, industry updates, and coaching designed to elevate your brand’s online presence—making it as captivating as it is strategic.


Natty Bernasconi
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