TikTok limits hashtags on posts.
TikTok appears to be rolling out a five-hashtag limit on posts, prompting creators to choose tags more strategically. The shift aligns with broader industry trends, as platforms like Instagram, Threads, LinkedIn, and X are also reducing the role of hashtags in content discovery to combat spam and improve relevance.
While hashtags are no longer the primary driver of reach — since algorithms now surface content based on user engagement rather than manual search — creators should focus on selecting the most relevant and high-performing tags. The change is reportedly aimed at improving user experience and content discovery. Popular or rising hashtags can still be tracked via TikTok’s Trends dashboard.
Instagram adds a repost button.
Instagram has introduced new ways to share and discover content with friends. You can now repost your favorite public Reels and feed posts, which will appear in your friends’ feeds and in a dedicated repost tab on your profile. These reposts credit the original creator, giving them a chance to reach new audiences through your network.
Additionally, a new “friends” tab in Reels shows the content your friends have liked, commented on, created, or reposted. Instagram is also allowing users to share their location with selected friends via the Instagram map. Within Instagram, users can tag locations, restaurants, and other organizations, which provides greater discoverability for brick-and-mortar businesses.
Instagram adds new analytics features.
Instagram is rolling out new metrics to help creators and businesses better analyze performance. A new “retention chart” for Reels shows where viewers drop off, while “Skip Rate” replaces “View Rate” to reveal how many people scroll past within the first three seconds — crucial for improving your video hooks.
Additional insights now show when users like your Reels and carousels, which carousel images drive engagement, demographic data for specific posts, and which content attracts the most new followers. It’s also important to note that accounts reached will now be replaced by viewers, measuring how many accounts have actually viewed your content.
Meta is rolling out new AI-powered ad tools to help brands drive holiday sales.
To summarize these updates: brands can now find and work with creators more easily, including adding creator testimonials to ads. “Show Products” automatically turns single ads into shoppable catalogs, increasing clicks and conversions. Video options for Reels and carousel ads make content more engaging, while swipe-up details provide viewers with more information. Meta’s system can test flexible ad placements and suggest effective creative options to improve performance. Expanded commerce tools, including omnichannel ads, Shops Ads in new markets, and email sign-up offers, help brands reach more customers and grow their audience.
LinkedIn adds Mini Sudoku to its in-app games.
Let’s end on a fun note! LinkedIn has added Mini Sudoku to its in-app puzzle games, giving members another way to compete and challenge their colleagues. Developed with 3x World Sudoku Champion Thomas Snyder, the game offers daily puzzles and highlights your achievements.
LinkedIn reports that 86% of players return the next day, and 82% are still playing a week later, with Gen Z being the most active. While exact daily numbers aren’t shared, millions engage with LinkedIn’s games, making it a fun way for professionals to take a quick mental break while boosting platform activity.