We are already three weeks into 2025 and the social media world is already seeing a lot of change. Here are some big changes coming up this year, some changes we’ve already seen, and a few predictions of where we will end up.
Changes We Have Already Seen on Social Media in 2025
TikTok ban upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court (CapCup too).
If you are a TikTok or CapCap user and decided to try and use either app on Sunday, Jan. 19, you found a disturbing notification telling you the apps were not functioning due to a new U.S. law. However, within hours of the apps losing functionality, both were back up. While there is a lot of politics going on with TikTok, and likely will be for at least the short-term, there are some workarounds for those who love CapCut for their video-editing. Alternatives include InShot, Final Cut Pro, and Canva to name a few.
Instagram changes from square to 4:5 ratio grid
This has been rumored for a bit, but more and more users are seeing their square grid changed to a vertical 4:5 ratio grid. I’ve seen some people worried they need to go in and change thumbnails to keep the aesthetic. I wouldn’t suggest wasting your time. Just be sure to make the changes going forward.
Meta ditches fact-checkers
Early in the new year, Meta announced they will end their fact-checking program. Facebook said “This approach has gone too far. As well-intentioned as many of these efforts have been, they have expanded over time to the point where we are making too many mistakes, frustrating our users and too often getting in the way of the free expression we set out to enable. Too much harmless content gets censored, too many people find themselves wrongly locked up in “Facebook jail,” and we are often too slow to respond when they do.” There have been mixed feelings about this, but one thing I have always advocated for, do your own research and please don’t believe everything you see on the internet.
Upcoming Social Media Changes
Meta announces a new video editing app.
In true Meta fashion, competing with the other social networks, and on the day a major video editor goes down, Meta announces a new video editing app called “Edits” on Sunday, Jan. 19. The app is said to go live on Apple devices in February 2025. According to Instagram CEO Adam Mosseri, “the app will have a suite of creative tools, including a dedicated tab for inspiration, a tab for keeping track of ideas, and a high-quality camera. Plus, it will have the ability to share draft versions of creations with friends or collaborators. He added that creators would be able to see insights on how videos made through Edits are performing on Instagram after publishing.”
Instagram moving highlights to the grid with their own tab
Personally, this is one of the worst updates Instagram could have come up with. I love highlights where they are, front and center, and this is a feature I wish they would have carried over in some sort of similar fashion to Facebook. This change has already started rolling out, but we can expect more people to find the change in 2025.
Facebook to add “Local” tab
The new “Local” tab has been said to be similar to the NextDoor app, and is currently being tested in a few U.S. markets. Expected to roll out for everyone later in the year, the “Local” tab is a place to find groups, events, and items for sale in your local area. You may recall Facebook tried something similar to this several years ago. That feature was not successful, so it will be interesting to see what happens with this new version.
Predictions for Social Media in 2025
TikTok will live on
One way or the other, TikTok, and CapCut, will live on. Not much else to say there. But the loss of the app, even though momentary, is a reminder to keep your business diverse. Don’t rely on one platform only.
Meta will let reels post from Instagram to Facebook
Prediction, or big dream? Maybe a little of both? In the not so distant past, one could easily share a reel to Instagram and have it cross posted to Facebook. Some accounts lost this function months ago, and others only more recently. But, with the TikTok drama, I am hoping Facebook revives this feature. Especially if they want to stay relevant with the younger audiences.
You Get What You Put In
It’s not news that posting and ghosting is no longer a viable social media strategy (although, was it ever really an effective strategy?). 2025 is going to be a big year for you to show up on social media. Posting is not going to be enough. You need to be an active participant. This means doing more than “liking” content posted by others or giving hearts to comments on your own posts. You should be engaging with content in a meaningful manner, and building rapport with the social media community. Not sure how to do that? Well, that’s what I am here for! Check out my Upcoming Events page and join my workshop: Stand Out from the Crowd: Mastering Engagement on Facebook & Instagram for Your Business. A live, virtual workshop is available on Wednesday, Jan. 29, and an in-person workshop is taking place on Monday, Feb. 3, in Colorado Springs.
And there you have it. Social media trends and changes that have already arrived in 2025, are coming soon, and a few predictions from yours truly. No matter what, I wish you a happy and prosperous 2025, both online and off.
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