The Biggest Social Media Updates of 2025 (So Far!)
2025 has barely begun, and already, social media is shifting fast.
From TikTok’s ongoing U.S. ban drama to Instagram ditching its square grid, platforms are evolving - and if you’re running a business, these changes could impact your marketing strategy more than you think.
To save you time, we’ve rounded up the most important social media updates you actually need to know and what they mean for your business.
1 - Meta Loosens Content Rules
Meta (the company behind Facebook & Instagram) has made big changes to how content is moderated:
No more fact-checking program—meaning misinformation could spread more easily.
More political content in feeds, whether you want to see it or not.
Looser restrictions on speech, creating a more unpredictable online space.
What This Means for Small Businesses
✅ More competition in feeds from controversial viral content.
✅ People may trust content & ads less, meaning authenticity is more important than ever.
✅ Expect inconsistent moderation, where some posts are flagged while others aren't.
What to do:
✔ Keep your content clear, accurate, and engaging.
✔ Focus on quality interactions & community-building.
✔ Keep an eye on your analytics to track performance changes.
2 - Instagram’s 2025 Algorithm Changes
If your Instagram reach has dropped, these could be the reasons:
Reposting watermarked content (especially from TikTok) is being penalised.
Reposting content already on Instagram.
Videos over 90 seconds? Instagram prefers short-form (even though it is now allowing longer reels…)
Engagement bait (posts that ask for likes, comments, or shares in an unnatural way) are getting deprioritised.
What Instagram Does Want
✅ Original content - new ideas, not recycled ones.
✅ More private interactions - Instagram wants people to engage via DMs.
✅ Longer watch time - The more people watch your videos, the better your reach.
What to do:
✔ Post original content tailored for Instagram.
✔ Encourage shares & conversations, rather than just likes.
✔ Use polls, stickers & Q&A boxes in Stories to boost engagement.
3 - TikTok in the U.S: Banned, Unbanned… and Still Uncertain
If you’re confused, you’re not alone.
The U.S. government passed a law forcing TikTok’s parent company to sell or face a ban.
The ban was meant to start on 19 January 2025, but Trump delayed it for 75 days to find a solution.
Right now, TikTok is still available for those who already have it, but it’s not in U.S. app stores.
What This Means for Small Businesses
✅ If TikTok is part of your marketing strategy, don’t panic but have a backup plan.
✅ Start exploring Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, and LinkedIn video.
✅ Own your audience - don’t rely on social media alone. Build email lists & website traffic.
4. Instagram’s New Vertical Grid – Say Goodbye to Squares
Noticed your Instagram grid looks different? That’s because:
Square thumbnails are gone, replaced by a vertical-aligned format that mirrors TikTok.
Story Highlights may move into the grid (but Instagram is testing customisation tools).
A new tool will (soon) let you reorder posts.
What This Means for Small Businesses
✅ Your old carefully planned grid aesthetic? Gone. Time to rethink it (but don’t spend too long on it as it may well change again…!)
✅ Vertical content is king - portrait images & videos now work best.
✅ Reels matter more than ever - Instagram is doubling down on video.
5. Instagram Reveals How Stories Are Ranked
Instagram finally explained how Stories get ranked in the algorithm, and the biggest takeaway?
Stories are NOT for discovery—they’re meant for your existing followers.
Instagram ranks Stories based on how likely people are to:
Tap on it
React with an emoji
Reply with a message
What This Means for Small Businesses
✅ Use Stories to nurture relationships, don’t rely on them to attract new followers.
✅ Get interactive! Use polls, Q&As, and stickers to keep engagement up.
✅ Feed posts still matter - they’re better for reaching new people.
What Now? Stay Ahead in 2025
Social media is changing faster than ever, but one thing stays the same - you need a strategy that works, no matter what updates roll out.
Need Help? Here’s How We Can Support You:
Book a Marketing Audit – Get an expert review of what’s working and what’s not.
Subscribe to Our Newsletter – Stay up to date with social media changes & trends.
Let’s Chat! – If you need tailored support, we’d love to help.
Final Thoughts
Staying ahead of social media changes doesn’t have to be stressful - but you do need to stay informed and adapt your strategy when needed.
What update has impacted your business the most? Let us know over on our socials!
