Social Buzz: From Reels to Feels - Key Social Media Updates & Trends from Q1’25
In the past three months, social media has been buzzing with exciting changes — from Instagram Reels going longer to TikTok’s new post-scheduling feature — and viral moments that’s shaping the social media zeitgeist. Here’s a rundown of trends and updates and what they mean for you as a social media consumer, content creator or a brand that’s trying to make its space in a crowded digital space.
Platform Updates
Instagram Reels Now Stretch to 3 Minutes
Reels now have a 3-minute time limit, expanding from the previous 90-second cap. This change gives creators greater flexibility for in-depth storytelling, tutorials, and longer-form content without compromising their vision.
Revamped Instagram Profile Layout
Instagram profiles have undergone a makeover, shifting from a 1:1 aspect ratio to a 4:5 format. For brands and creators should update their visuals to keep their profiles fresh and in line with the new design.
Instagram DMs Get Major Upgrades
Instant translations – Hold a message, tap “Translate,” and boom — seamless translation on the spot!
Music sharing – Send a 30-second song preview straight into DMs and let your friends vibe!
Never Miss a Beat with Message Scheduling & Pinning – Schedule your messages ahead of time or pin chats to keep them top of mind!
Reels Insights You’ll Want to Check Out
Instagram is rolling out new analytics for Reels, including:
View Rate: Percentage of viewers who continue watching beyond the first 3 seconds.
Views Over Time: Compare views across different time periods to identify performance trends.
These new metrics offer a deeper look into audience engagement and content effectiveness.
TikTok
TikTok Studio Gets a Built-in Post Scheduler
TikTok creators can now schedule posts directly within the platform, eliminating the need for a separate tool. This update makes content planning and scheduling more seamless and integrated.
Expanded Video Features
“Videos For You” is Finally on Desktop: This feature, previously available only on mobile, is now accessible on desktop, making it easier to watch personalised video content on a larger screen.
Instant Video Recommendations: LinkedIn now offers instant video suggestions based on your search terms, helping you discover relevant content faster.
Threads
Finally! Threads Analytics Are Here
Threads has introduced post analytics, allowing you to track which of your posts are getting the most views, likes, and replies. This new feature helps you identify what resonates with your audience.
Threads is Testing Ads — Will This Change Your Feed?
Threads is dipping its toes into ads, testing them out select regions (US and Japan), gathering feedback before deciding whether to expand ad placements globally.
New Media Tab
A new media tab makes it easier than ever to browse through all the photos and videos shared by a user. The feature streamlines the experience for anyone looking to dive deeper into someone’s content.
X
Grok 3: X’s AI Model Gets an Upgrade
X’s latest Grok upgrade enhances AI capabilities for image generation and content creation. This in-platform assistant makes it easier to generate text and visuals, driving engagement without leaving the app.
Trending Content & Viral Moments
Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl Walk Continues to Spark Creativity
Her on-screen jewellery from the music video has also taken off as a major fashion trend.
Final Thought
Not every trend is worth chasing—but understanding the shifts helps you stay one step ahead. Watch what’s working, lean into what fits your brand, and be ready to pivot when it counts. For the latest updates and trends, keep your eyes peeled for the next Social Buzz.