31/07/2026
Every Friday, we break down the latest social media updates and what they actually mean for brands, creators and marketing teams.
Hereβs the latest updates:
π¬ LinkedIn now has an βAI slopβ report option, WhatsApp Business is testing multi-account support, and Instagram Edits has added bilingual captions.
Small updates, but they say a lot about where social media marketing is heading.
π± HBO Max is testing a TikTok-style vertical Shorts feed, while Facebook is also testing an app experience that opens straight into full-screen video.
β Why it matters:
Vertical video is no longer just a social media format. It is becoming the default way people consume content across apps, so brands need to think more visually and quickly.
π΅ Instagram now lets users replace audio on static posts and carousels after they have gone live.
β Why it matters:
This is a small but very useful update for marketers. If audio gets removed, feels wrong, or needs changing later, you do not have to delete the whole post and lose engagement.
π€ LinkedIn Collaborative Posts are now available globally, allowing members and company pages to publish together with up to five collaborators.
β Why it matters:
This is great for client wins, partnerships, founder content, employee advocacy and co-branded campaigns. It makes shared content feel more credible and visible.
π Google Search Console now shows how Instagram, TikTok, X and YouTube content performs in Google Search.
β Why it matters:
Social media and SEO are becoming more connected. Brands can now see which search terms are helping people find their social content, not just their website.
πΊ YouTube is letting Partner Programme creators turn playlists into shows with episodes and seasons.
β Why it matters:
This makes long-form content feel more organised and bingeable. Brands can use this for tutorials, campaigns, case studies, podcasts or educational series.