Welcome to the July edition of our Social Media Roundup! The world of social media and marketing moves quickly—blink and you might miss new trends, updates, and launches. As busy social media marketers, entrepreneurs, and freelancers, it’s challenging to keep up, right? We understand how tough it is to juggle your to-do list while staying on top of the all that’s new in the world of social media so our monthly roundup summarizes key updates across the main platforms, highlights the latest trending audios, and covers what’s been popular this month. Say goodbye to spending hours trawling the internet and your social feeds—our guide is all you need! Ready? Let’s dive in!
Social Media News
Super like – Instagram is working on a "Super Like" feature for Stories that would allow users to hold down the like button to activate. You will only be able to send one super like every 24 hours so it will be a way to show someone you really like their story.
20 images – Instagram carousels are getting even bigger with IG confirming that users can now include up to 20 images to a single carousel (previous limit was 10) giving users more of an opportunity to share a story showcase their content in a single post, tell more comprehensive stories, and provide richer experiences for their audience.
Music to a profile – In an update reminiscent of MySpace days, users can now add a 30-second song to their bios. The update was announced in collaboration with Sabrina Carpenter's latest album 'Short n' Sweet'. Note, the song will not autoplay when you open a profile, you will have to click on the song to hear it.
TikTok
Amazon partnership - Amazon has recently partnered with TikTok and Pinterest to allow users to buy products directly from the apps without leaving. This trial is currently limited to users in the USA.
Video thumbnails - You now have the option to add a cover image to your TikTok videos, just like on Instagram, helping you keep your feed looking aesthetic if that's your vibe!
Threads
User milestone – Threads users reach 200 million. Their growth rate tripled over the last month meaning it has taken just over a year to reach this key milestone.
Analytics – Threads analytics has arrived, with desktop users now able to access a display of key performance metrics for their account meaning you’ll be able to track your stats, helping you build more of a strategy with your Threads content.
Post planning - Threads is rolling out post scheduling inside the app, as well as post drafts, so we can better manage & plan your Threads content.
YouTube
Feed test - YouTube is testing merging shorts and long-form video into a single feed presumably to capitalize on the popularity of Shorts.
Trending Audios
Let’s talk trending audios! A trending audio teamed with a great video and concept can elevate a reel from ok to amazing! Let’s look at what audios have been trending this month:
Emergency, paging Dr Beat – we can’t get this tune out our heads! Sampling an old 80’s track by Miami Sound Machine ft Gloria Estefan, this catchy instrumental is everywhere on Insta & TikTok at the moment. Creators are jumping on the trend by changing outfits every time “Emergency, paging Dr Beat” is looped and honestly, it’s kinda hypnotic! Check out this fun example from @allthatisshe here. We also love how @blogilates put her spin on it by creating a timeline of her business journey.
Just trust me, you’ll be fine – this audio (End of Beginning by @djotime) is trending and is a great way to show how far you’ve come in your business. With the lyrics “just trust me, you’ll be fine”, users are flashing back to a time where their future felt uncertain and then cutting to present day to remind people it will all work out (here’s a fab example from @drbeccasalmon). We also love @pinksparrowsocial’s version which flashes back to her younger self – so cute!
Here are some of our other top trending audios this month (tap on the image to take you to the audio):
Psst! Did you know you can browse all the latest trending audios on Instagram on rapidely? Each week our team hunt for the best and most relevant trending audios and provide helpful tips and ideas on how you could use each one for your brand!
What’s Trending right now on Social Media?
Very demure, very mindful
Possibly the most unlikely reel & TikTok trend of the summer, it feels like everyone (including celebs like JLo & Lindsay Lohan) is using the “very demure, very mindful” phrase. The trend originated from TikTok personality Jools Lebron's video which now has over 43million views. Whether it’s using the audio to create a reel or simply incorporating the words “demure” and “mindful” into your caption, graphics or images, it seems “brat” is over and demure is in (and we are here for it!). Even big brands like Hello Kitty & Dunkin Donuts are jumping on the fun! Try this trend to showcase the sophistication and intentionality behind your brand, product, or service—and don’t forget to have fun with it!
Text over photos
Finally a trend that isn’t a video! Since Instagram introduced the ability to add text to your photos inside the app, it seems people are using it more and more as a quick and easy way to create content. We are seeing it a lot on our feeds and love the simplicity and authenticity of the posts. Here’s a tutorial of how you can do it so you can try it out for yourself.
Roundup
There you have it! A round-up of everything that’s coming, testing and trending in the world of social media right now. Come & join our Instagram gang for all the latest social media updates as well as weekly tips & advice on how to grow your brand using social media.
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