What is 6-7? How to Spot a Dying Trend
By Emily SmithDec 4
Last update: November 14, 2025
1. YouTube introduces likeness detection tool
YouTube has shared new details on its upcoming likeness detection tool, which was first announced last month. The feature will allow creators to upload a photo, government ID, and a short face scan, which YouTube will use to detect videos featuring their likeness. The tool aims to help creators flag and manage content that uses their image without consent.
2. Instagram rolls out Competitive Insights
Instagram is expanding its professional analytics with a new “Competitive Insights” feature. Found in the Professional Dashboard, the update lets users track and compare performance against up to 10 other accounts. While it won’t offer deep analytics, creators can view metrics like posting frequency, engagement levels, and follower response to benchmark their growth.
3. Threads debuts Ghost Posts
Threads has introduced “Ghost Posts,” temporary updates that vanish after 24 hours. Once expired, they’re automatically archived for the creator but disappear for everyone else. Ghost Posts come with a few limits. They can’t include photos, and replies can’t be edited, making them a more fleeting and minimal way to share, akin to posting a story on Instagram or Snapchat.
4. Pinterest adds AI content filters
Pinterest is giving users more control over their feeds with a new option to filter out AI-generated images. Through settings, users can choose to see fewer GenAI visuals in selected categories. The platform notes that toggling off GenAI doesn’t remove all AI content entirely, but users are welcoming the added transparency and control.
5. X to display more user details to curb bots
To counter the growing challenge of AI-driven bot accounts, X is testing a new feature that displays more background information on user profiles. The update will show details like account creation date, location, username change history, and how the account interacts with X’s tools. The rollout will begin with X employee profiles before expanding platform-wide.
Last update: October 17, 2025
1. OpenAI’s video app Sora debuts in app stores
OpenAI’s new video creation app Sora is already dominating the charts. Despite being invite-only and available only in the US and Canada, the AI-powered video app climbed to third place on Apple’s US App Store within a day of launch, racking up 56,000 downloads. By October 3, it had claimed the top spot overall, an impressive debut for an app still in limited release.
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2. Meta rolls out ‘Vibes’, its new AI feed
Meta is diving deeper into generative content with the launch of Vibes, a new AI-driven video feed inside the Meta AI app. The experience mirrors Reels or TikTok, except every clip is entirely AI-generated. To show off what’s possible, Mark Zuckerberg shared a string of surreal examples: a cat kneading dough, and even an ancient Egyptian woman taking a selfie with pyramids in the background.
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3. Snapchat introduces permanent DM feature
Snapchat is changing how chats live (or don’t) on the platform. The app is introducing “infinite retention” for group chats, essentially allowing conversations to stick around forever instead of disappearing after viewing. The feature was first spotted last year under the name “never delete.” In addition, Group Streaks are making their debut, letting users keep up collective streaks with friends just like the classic one-on-one Snap streaks.
4. Meta announces new ad options
Meta is broadening access to its Reels Trending Ads, which use AI to identify the most culturally relevant Reels and place ads where attention is already peaking; “where culture happens,” as the company puts it. Early testing suggests that these ads can increase unaided awareness by 20%. In other words, more people were able to name the brand unprompted, which is one of the stronger signals that an ad isn’t just seen; it’s remembered.
5. LinkedIn collaborates with Duolingo
LinkedIn has partnered with Duolingo, enabling users to display their Duolingo language scores directly on their LinkedIn profiles. Now, when adding a second (or third) language to your profile, you can back it up with your Duolingo fluency score.
The platform stated the following: “For a long time, language skills on LinkedIn have been self-declared, which is helpful but not always enough to give recruiters confidence in someone’s fluency. Now, with the option to add your Duolingo Score on your Profile, we’re making those skills more credible.”
Last update: September 12, 2025
1. TikTok introduces voice notes, images and videos to DMs
TikTok is giving private chats a refresh with new ways to communicate. Users will soon be able to drop 60-second voice notes, send up to nine photos or videos at a time, and even edit media before hitting send. Whether it’s captured in the moment or pulled from your camera roll, the update makes TikTok’s messaging feel more dynamic. The features will be arriving to users over the next few weeks.
2. Instagram debuts comment pinning feature
Instagram is expanding its pinning feature, giving creators the ability to spotlight their own comments on posts. Until now, only comments from others could be pinned (up to three at a time) after the option launched back in 2020. CEO Adam Mosseri revealed that the update came directly from user feedback during one of his weekly ‘Ask Me Anything’ sessions. Proof that sometimes, asking really does get results.
3. Threads is experimenting with long-form text posts
Threads is testing a new way to post longer content in a single update. Instead of splitting thoughts across multiple posts, users will be able to attach a full block of text to a single post. The feature, spotted on iOS by researcher Radu Oncescu, promises tools to style text creatively, making it easier to share in-depth ideas, news bites, book excerpts, and more.
4. Meta teams up with Midjourney
Meta is expanding its AI capabilities through a new collaboration with Midjourney, the AI platform known for image and video generation. This partnership will allow Meta to integrate Midjourney’s technology into its upcoming products and models, boosting the creativity and performance of its AI tools.
5. Instagram rolls out retention metrics for Reels
Instagram is giving creators more insight into how their Reels perform with a new retention chart. The metric shows exactly when viewers drop off, helping creators understand what keeps audiences engaged, or what doesn’t. Instagram notes that a declining curve is completely normal, so don’t panic if your Reel loses viewers along the way.
Last update: August 19, 2025
1. Instagram introduces Reposts
After years of saying no, Instagram has finally introduced a repost feature. The update lets you reshare reels and feed posts to your followers, with everything neatly stored in a new tab on your profile. Each repost carries a purple icon and your profile picture, making it clear where the share came from, while still highlighting and crediting the original creator.
2. YouTube rolls out new AI features
YouTube is rolling out a wave of generative AI tools designed to make Shorts more creative. The standout is an image-to-video feature that transforms a single picture into a six-second clip. After uploading an image, users can choose from a range of styles, and YouTube generates the video for them.
The platform’s new AI effects also let you turn simple sketches into polished artwork or transform selfies into playful scenarios, like swimming underwater.
3. Instagram debuts Instagram Map
Instagram is introducing Instagram Map, a feature that lets you discover posts and stories based on location. Similar to Snapchat’s SnapMap, it opens up a new way to see what people are sharing nearby.
User locations aren’t shared automatically, turned off by default and only updated when you open the app. Location-tagged content appears directly on the map, giving users a local lens on what’s trending.
This rollout kicked off in the US recently, with global expansion in mind. Early reactions are divided so far, with some users seeing it as a fun tool for discovery, while others find the idea a little too invasive.
4. TikTok experiments with ‘TikTok Pro’
TikTok is testing a new spin-off app called TikTok Pro, designed entirely around giving back. At the heart of it is the Sunshine Program, where users earn “virtual sunshine” by inviting friends or engaging with charity-focused content. This virtual sunshine can then be converted into real donations to support causes.
TikTok Pro strips away the usual features, from livestreams and in-built shopping tools to ads, offering a simpler, charity-first experience. For now, the app is only available in Germany, Portugal, and Spain.
5. Instagram trials “like count” for carousel frames
Instagram is testing a new analytics feature that breaks down likes by individual carousel frames. Instead of showing a single like count for the entire post, each image in a carousel will display the number of likes it received while visible on screen. It’s not a perfect measure, but it aims to give creators a clearer sense of which frames are resonating most with their audience, a small tweak with potentially big insights.
Last update: July 15, 2025
1. Instagram introduces creator ‘Recaps’ and ‘Celebrations’
Instagram is enhancing the creator experience with two new features: Celebrations and Recaps. Celebrations appear when creators hit major milestones, like gaining 10,000 followers, offering a moment of recognition within the app. Recaps, on the other hand, deliver a monthly performance summary, complete with personalized feedback, tips, and content inspiration based on how the creator has been using the platform. Together, these features aim to motivate creators while offering practical support for continued growth.
2. YouTube replaces Trending pages with YouTube Charts
YouTube is overhauling how it highlights popular content by replacing its long-standing Trending page with a new format: YouTube Charts. Instead of showing all viral videos in a single feed, the platform will now surface trending content through dedicated categories. These include Trending Music Videos, Weekly Top Podcast Shows, and Trending Movie Trailers, with more sections planned in the future. The shift aims to give users a more organized and tailored way to explore what’s gaining traction across different content types.
3. Facebook is rebranding all videos as Reels
In a major content shift, Facebook is phasing out its traditional video uploads and moving everything under the Reels banner. Over the coming months, the video tab will be rebranded as "Reels," with all videos—regardless of length or orientation—housed in one unified space. While viewers may not notice much difference in recommendations, creators could face some headaches: long-form videos will now sit alongside bite-sized clips, and horizontal formats will be forced into a vertical feed. The change signals Facebook’s deeper commitment to short-form, mobile-first content across the platform.
4. Threads launches DMs
Messaging on Threads no longer means bouncing over to Instagram. The app has recently introduced its own native inbox, giving users a more self-contained experience alongside standard features like emoji reactions and spam reporting. It’s the latest move in Threads’ slow but steady uncoupling from its parent platform.
5. YouTube tests AI-powered search tool
In a bid to make video discovery more intuitive, YouTube is trialing an AI-powered search feature that delivers a carousel of curated videos matching your search intent. For example, a query like “best beaches in Hawaii” could bring up videos highlighting top snorkel spots and volcanic coastlines, all neatly organized for easier browsing. This new format is currently available to select YouTube Premium users in the U.S. Simultaneously, YouTube is broadening its conversational AI assistant, now accessible to non-Premium subscribers as well.
Last update: June 13, 2025
1. TikTok introduces smarter feed filtering tools
TikTok is giving users more control over their For You feed with two new content filtering tools. The first, Smart Keyword Filters, uses AI to block not just specific words, but related terms as well, so filtering out “remodeling” might also exclude videos mentioning “renovation.” The second feature, Manage Topics, lets users signal which types of content they want to see more or less of. Together, these tools aim to create a more personalized and intentional viewing experience.
2. Instagram experiments with in-app teleprompter feature for Edits
To help creators speak more confidently on camera, Instagram is developing a teleprompter feature within its upcoming Edits app. The tool will display rolling text directly on-screen while filming, allowing users to read their script without looking away. It also comes with customization options, letting users control scroll speed and text size for a smoother, more personalized recording experience.
Image credit: Alessandro Paluzzi
3. TikTok debuts image-to-video AI feature
TikTok has launched “AI Alive”, its first image-to-video AI tool, giving users the ability to transform static photos into dynamic videos. Available exclusively through TikTok Stories, the feature adds movement and creative effects like drifting clouds, crashing waves, or flying birds, to bring images to life – turning everyday photos into scroll-stopping visuals.
4. X rolls out Xchat beta to subscribers
X is expanding its messaging capabilities with the beta launch of XChat, a more advanced alternative to the platform’s current DMs. Available to a limited number of subscribed users, XChat is expected to include features like group messaging, end-to-end encryption, disappearing messages, file sharing, and the option to mark messages as unread. The update marks a significant step in X’s push toward building a more full-featured communication platform.
5. X Adds Visual Recognition to Its Grok AI Chatbot
X has introduced Grok Vision, a new feature in its Grok AI chatbot that brings real-world object recognition into the mix. Users can now point their phone at items like products, signs, or documents and ask questions. For example, “What am I looking at?” The tool is designed to help users quickly interpret and interact with their surroundings using AI-powered visual understanding.
Last update: May 14, 2025
1. TikTok is trialing a ‘Footnotes’ feature
TikTok is testing out a new feature in the US called “Footnotes,” which lets users attach extra information or context directly to videos. Working alongside the platform’s existing fact-checking systems, Footnotes will also include a voting system where contributors can rate the usefulness of each note.
2. Instagram introduces collaborative stories
Instagram is testing a new feature called “Storylines,” designed to make stories more collaborative. With Storylines, mutual followers can link their own stories to yours, adding their perspective to shared moments like concerts, parties, or events. As each person adds to the thread, the Storyline expands and becomes visible to their followers too, turning a single story into a multi-user, chain reaction of shared experiences.
Image credits: Alessandro Paluzzi
3. TikTok rolls out reviews feature
TikTok is introducting a new way to explore tagged locations through user reviews. When a video includes a tagged place, for example, Central Park, viewers will be able to browse star ratings, written feedback, and user-submitted photos related to the location, all within the post’s comments section. Reviewers’ usernames are also clickable, offering direct access to their profiles for more context and content.
4. Meta debuts AI assistant app
Meta has unveiled a new standalone app for its AI assistant, stepping further into the generative AI arena. Announced at its LlamaCon event, the app gives users direct access to Meta AI, positioning it as a competitor to tools like ChatGPT. What sets Meta’s assistant apart? It’s deeply integrated with the user data the company has gathered over years from Facebook and Instagram, offering a more personalized experience. The app also includes a discovery feed where users can share and explore AI-generated content with friends.
5. Instagram experiments with password-protected Reels
Instagram is playing with a new feature that lets creators lock their reels behind a password. To access the content, viewers must enter the correct code — often with a hint provided, like “my birthday” or the “first hashtag in the caption.” The feature first appeared on Instagram’s Design account, where users were prompted to crack the code to view a Reel. While it’s only been spotted on a few public profiles so far, Instagram hasn’t yet confirmed whether a wider rollout is on the way.
Last update: April 15, 2025
1. Facebook introduces monetization for Stories
Creators on Facebook are getting a new revenue stream. The platform has started rolling out monetization for Stories, allowing select users to earn from short-form content in addition to their existing earnings from Reels and other formats. For example, sharing a clip of a Reel to Stories can now generate additional income, stacking monetization across formats for more earning potential.
2. X launches AI-powered image editing tool
X’s AI assistant Grok just got more powerful. Users can now transform images by typing in simple prompts like “add a black hat”, which leads to Grok generating multiple variations to choose from. This marks a notable step forward in X’s creative tools, with video editing features also reportedly in development.
3. Meta rolls out community notes across platforms
Meta is taking a page from X with the launch of its own version of Community Notes. Rolling out in the US last month across Facebook, Instagram, and Threads, the new feature relies on a crowdsourced fact-checking system to add context to posts. The US will serve as the testing ground before Meta takes the program global.
Check out the initial statement
4. LinkedIn expands post and newsletter analytics
Users on LinkedIn now have more control over how they track content performance. Instead of being limited to preset timeframes, they can select custom date ranges to analyze impressions and engagement. Newsletter insights have also improved, with the addition of two new metrics—Email Sends (the number of times a newsletter was sent via email) and Open Rate—making it easier to understand how far content is reaching and how readers are responding.
Image credit: @lindseygamble_ (Threads)
5. Facebook sets up new Friends feature
In a move that echoes its early days, Facebook is launching a dedicated “Friends” tab. This new section will exclusively feature posts from friends—no recommendations, no algorithm-driven extras. Aimed at putting personal connections back in the spotlight, the feature is now rolling out to users in the US and Canada.
Last update: March 12, 2025
1. Bluesky debuts Flashes, a new photo-sharing app
Flashes, Bluesky’s latest photo-sharing app, has officially launched and is already gaining traction, with nearly 30,000 downloads in the first 24 hours. As a Bluesky product, posts from Flashes can be shared directly on the platform. The app comes with a portfolio mode, built-in filters, and curated feeds designed for artists.
2. Digg is returning with an AI-powered makeover
Once known as “the homepage of the internet,” Digg is making a comeback in 2025. The platform is being revived by original founder Kevin Rose, along with Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian, design expert Justin Mezzell, and Twitter co-founder Ev Williams. With a fresh focus on AI, the reimagined Digg isn’t live yet, but eager users can already sign up.
3. Instagram experiments with new ‘Blends’ feature
Instagram is testing a new feature called “Blend,” which lets two users share a customized feed of recommended Reels. Some users can now access Blend via their DM feed and invite a friend to join. Instead of individually sharing Reels, Blend creates a combined stream based on what both users would typically see.
Image credits: @uw.3 on Threads
4. TikTok introduces TikTok One, replacing Creator Marketplace
TikTok is replacing its Creator Marketplace with a new platform called TikTok One. While the service will still connect brands and creators, it will now also offer trend research, AI-powered tools, and expert insights to help creators improve their content. The Creator Marketplace is being phased out as TikTok One rolls out.
5. Threads is trialing ‘interests’ for profile customization
Threads is testing a feature that lets users add their interests to their profiles. In addition to displaying personal preferences, the feature will also direct users to active discussions on related topics. Meta has confirmed that the test is currently limited to mobile users.
Image credit: @faslu_35 on Threads
Last update: February 18, 2025
1. Meta is releasing a new video app
Meta is expanding its video arsenal with Edits, a new short-form video creation app designed for more dynamic and collaborative storytelling. Confirmed by Instagram chief Adam Mosseri, Edits will feature a dedicated inspiration tab, an upgraded camera for higher-quality content, and a unique draft-sharing function that lets users collaborate before hitting publish. The app is available for pre-order in App Store, with a launch expected on March 13.
With Edits, users can record up to 10 minutes of footage, fine-tune clips with a playback timeline, explore trending sounds, and access video analytics. But the standout features are its collaboration tools, allowing multiple users to edit a project together, and AI-powered effects, including the ability to animate still images.
2. Instagram refreshes profile grids
Instagram is shaking up profile layouts by replacing classic square thumbnails with vertical ones. According to Adam Mosseri, the change reflects how most users now engage with the platform. While the update disrupts carefully curated grid aesthetics, Mosseri assures users that enhanced thumbnail customization options are on the way.
3. BuzzFeed teases the launch of its own social media platform
“Why are we doing this? The internet is broken.”
BuzzFeed is exploring the launch of its own social media platform, aiming to create a more positive and engaging digital space. CEO Jonah Peretti has hinted at a platform designed to foster creativity and community, steering away from the algorithm-driven negativity seen on mainstream social networks. While details are still incoming, BuzzFeed is inviting early users to sign up for access, signaling an experimental approach that will evolve based on feedback. The app has been tentatively named Island (because of its website URL).
In their manifesto, Jonah states: “We know we are swimming against the tide, the platforms don't care or understand content, and they have all surrendered to a depressing form of AI-powered recommendation that gives SNARF a structural advantage. But I know we can still have success, and look forward to counter-programming with our human creativity fighting against the machine. The tide is starting to shift and we will benefit from the growing dissatisfaction with the big platforms.”
4. LinkedIn rolls out new video features
LinkedIn is leaning into vertical video, making scrolling feel more familiar—think TikTok and Reels. Videos will now appear in larger frames in the feed, with a tap opening a full-screen player. The platform is also extending its vertical video format to desktop and rolling out new video analytics for deeper insights.
5. Threads introduces a post scheduler feature
Threads now lets users schedule posts and track performance more easily. Announced by Adam Mosseri, the update adds scheduling to the user’s three-dot menu, where they can set a date and time before confirming. Scheduled posts are stored in drafts for editing or deletion before publishing.
Alongside this, Threads has expanded its Insights dashboard, allowing users to analyze trends like views, follower growth, geographic demographics, and interaction types over time.
Last update: 9 January, 2025
1. Instagram introduces ‘trial Reels’
Instagram has rolled out its new “Trial Reels” feature, giving creators the freedom to experiment with video content without the pressure of audience feedback. First tested in May of last year, this tool lets creators publish videos that aren’t visible to followers, rather targeting non-followers, making it easier to try fresh ideas and analyze what resonates best.
2. Bluesky launches trending topics feature
Bluesky, a rising competitor to X (previously Twitter), has introduced a trending topics section across its desktop and mobile platforms. This feature, available globally, focuses on English-language topics for now and automatically excludes muted words or phrases, ensuring a more tailored experience for users.
3. Threads previews custom display names update
Threads is working on a long-awaited feature: custom display names. Users will soon have the flexibility to pick a unique name for their Threads profile, separate from their Instagram handle. Display names can be updated weekly, and the changes will only appear on Threads.
4. Snapchat enhances chat-saving option
Snapchat has extended its chat-saving options, allowing messages to be saved for up to seven days after receipt. This improvement marks a significant upgrade from the previous 24-hour limit, giving users more time to revisit important conversations.
5. Threads rolls out profile collections
Threads has launched a new feature called Profile Collections, designed to help users explore accounts that align with their interests. These curated collections appear during sign-up and are also accessible on the For You feed, making it easier to discover engaging content.
Last update: 12 December, 2024
1. Instagram is moving Story highlights to profile grid
Instagram is shifting Story highlights from the bubbles above profiles to a new tab and the main profile grid. App researcher Alessandro Paluzzi shared a preview of the updated grid back in August, but details on how highlights will appear within it remain unclear.
Image credit: Alessandro Paluzzi
2. Threads rolls out new insights tools
Threads has introduced updates to its insights feature, giving users a clearer view of post performance. Instead of only showing overall engagement, the new tools break down metrics for individual posts, offering a more detailed analysis.
3. Instagram launches live location feature
Instagram now lets users share their live location via DMs for up to an hour. Unlike Snapchat’s Snap Map, this feature works as a temporary check-in feature rather than an on-demand tracker. Initially seen in testing earlier this year, the feature is built to help users meet up with friends and move through busy spots with ease.
4. X introduces label for parody accounts
X (formerly Twitter) is rolling out a new feature to label parody accounts, helping users easily distinguish between genuine profiles and satirical or spoof accounts. Aiming to reduce confusion and prevent misinformation, the platform will require such accounts to explicitly state their parody status or face suspension. This move comes as part of X's broader efforts to improve transparency and clarify the authenticity of its content.
Image credit: @swak_12
5. TikTok faces potential ban in the U.S.
TikTok has been given until January 19 to be sold by its parent company, ByteDance, to a non-Chinese entity or risk being banned across the US The platform warns that small businesses and content creators could lose $1.3 billion in revenue and earnings within just one month if the ban goes into effect.
