Instagram Experimenting with ‘Lockable’ Reels
Instagram is experimenting with a new feature that allows creators to lock Reels behind a secret code. Users must enter the correct code, often hinted at in the post, to access the content. This feature is currently being tested on Instagram’s Design account, where a blurred image prompts users to “Unlock this reel from Design” with a hint like “1st # in the caption.”
This feature aims to reward loyal followers with exclusive content. Influencers and celebrities might use it to restrict access to insider fans through personal hints, like birthdays or pet names. While it is unclear when or if this feature will be widely rolled out, it presents a novel way for creators to offer exclusive content to dedicated followers.
From marketers, this feature opens up new avenues for audience engagement and exclusivity. By requiring a code to access content, brands can create a sense of mystery and reward for their followers. It also allows for targeted content delivery, ensuring that only the most engaged users access certain materials, which can be valuable for promotions, product launches, or insider information. This strategy can enhance brand loyalty and create a more personalised experience for consumers.
Facebook Cracking Down on Keyword Stuffing
It is hard to imagine just how good these algorithms are, especially when the latest update from Facebook aims to stop captions that are unrelated to the content. Facebook is actively targeting posts and comments that use irrelevant keywords, excessive hashtags, or overly long captions just to boost visibility—tactics known as keyword stuffing. Posts flagged as spammy will now have reduced reach, and accounts consistently using these methods may face restrictions or lose monetisation opportunities.
Why does this matter for marketing? It emphasises the importance of always creating genuine and relevant content. The focus for marketers should always be on authentic communication rather than trying to outsmart the algorithm. Ultimately, brands prioritising honesty and quality over shortcuts will not only gain better visibility but also enjoy lasting success and deeper connections with their followers.
Converting Long-Form Content to Shorts for YouTube
YouTube has shared practical tips to help creators effectively transform longer videos into engaging Shorts. Here are the key recommendations directly from YouTube:
- Highlight Key Moments:
Choose visually striking or exciting segments from your long videos that instantly grab viewers’ attention. - Keep It Simple and Clear:
Ensure the short clip stands alone and is understandable without additional context. - Focus on Action:
Opt for clips showcasing clear actions, demonstrations, or interesting visuals to quickly captivate audiences. - Optimise for Vertical Viewing:
Make sure content looks good in vertical orientation, as Shorts are primarily watched on mobile devices. - Edit Directly Within YouTube:
Utilise YouTube’s built-in editing tools for quick and easy trimming and customisation of your Shorts.
Maintain Consistency:
Create Shorts regularly from your long-form content to consistently engage and grow your audience.
Instagram Launches New Video Creation App ‘Edits’
Instagram has launched Edits, a free mobile video editing app designed to rival TikTok’s CapCut. Available on iOS and Android, Edits offers creators a suite of tools to produce high-quality, engaging content directly from their phones.
Key Features:
- Advanced Editing Tools: Includes green screen effects, AI-generated animations from still images, and subject cutouts
- Project Management: Organise clips, track ideas, and manage drafts within the app.
- Performance Insights: Access real-time analytics to monitor video engagement and performance.
- Extended Recording: Capture videos up to 10 minutes in length, surpassing the standard Instagram Reel duration
- Integrated Sharing: Seamlessly export and share content to Instagram and other platforms without watermarks.
Edits is tailored for creators seeking a streamlined, mobile-first editing experience, emphasising ease of use and integration with Instagram’s ecosystem.
Best times to post in 2025
While the optimal posting times on social media can vary depending on your specific audience, Sprout Social’s 2025 data offers valuable general insights. Their analysis indicates that, overall, the best times to post are typically between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. from Monday to Thursday. However, engagement patterns differ across platforms. Quick summary:
- Facebook: High engagement in the mornings.
- Instagram: Peak activity during mid-mornings to early afternoons.
- LinkedIn: Midday posts perform best.
- TikTok: User activity increases from noon to early evening.
- Pinterest and YouTube: Optimal posting time is around 1 p.m.
Posting at the right time ensures your content doesn’t get lost in crowded feeds, maximising the impact and effectiveness of your social media efforts. By aligning your schedule with these trends, you are more likely to boost interactions, reach a wider audience, and strengthen your connection with followers.
Read more here: https://sproutsocial.com/insights/best-times-to-post-on-social-media/
New Notification: Ads Appear in Facebook Notifications
Facebook is testing a new ad placement by inserting sponsored content into users’ notification feeds. These ads appear when users tap the notification bell and are labelled “Sponsored” to distinguish them from regular alerts. Users have options to hide or report these ads, but cannot opt out entirely. This move aims to re-engage users who previously interacted with ads but didn’t convert.
For marketers, this presents a novel opportunity to reach audiences in one of the app’s most frequently accessed areas. By targeting users who have shown prior interest, brands can deliver timely reminders and potentially increase conversion rates. However, it’s crucial to monitor user feedback, as the intrusion into personal notification spaces may affect user experience.
Bluesky is finding new ways to verify users
Bluesky has announced new ways for users to verify their social media accounts, making it easier to spot authentic profiles. The platform is now rolling out official blue checkmarks for notable individuals like government officials, journalists, and public figures. Alongside this, Bluesky is partnering with trusted organizations such as The New York Times and WIRED, allowing them to verify users connected to their brands with a special scalloped blue checkmark. This new approach aims to build trust across the platform and help users easily identify real accounts.
Public applications for verification will be available soon once the system is fully in place.
Organic website traffic is falling with Google’s new update
Google’s new AI Overviews (AIOs) are showing up on about 80% of searches that ask a question, like “who,” “what,” “when,” “where,” and “how.” A study found that if you’re logged into Google and you search for information, chances are you’ll see an AI-generated answer right at the top.
As a result, websites are receiving less traffic from Google for informational content, as users are often obtaining their answers directly from AI systems instead of clicking through.
Right now, there’s no need to change your SEO strategy just to chase AIOs, because the feature is still new and evolving. Tweaks are still being made, but you should talk to your SEO specialist about actions to take in the meantime.
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