Social media shake-ups & the return of social games!
Social media shake-ups & the return of social games!
Another month, another wave of social media changes to keep up with. While most people were busy planning their summer holidays, the tech giants decided to throw us some curveballs. But don't worry - we've sorted through the chaos, so you don't have to waste precious scrolling time.
And yes, the rumours are true... The Social Games are BACK!😎
But more on that in a bit. First, let’s look at what’s going on in the world of social media…
💎 SOCIAL MEDIA UPDATES
Instagram gets secretive with lockable posts.
Instagram's testing a nifty new feature that lets you create posts only unlockable with a secret code. Think of it as your very own digital speakeasy - "what's the password?"
This could be great for:
💎 Giving exclusive content to your most loyal followers
💎 Creating region-specific offers without spamming everyone
💎 Running treasure hunt-style promotions
💎 Sharing special discounts with previous customers
It's similar to the "Reveal" sticker they added for Stories last year, but this seems designed more for feed posts. Instagram hasn't confirmed when (or if) this will roll out widely, but we're keeping our eyes peeled.
💎 LinkedIn Finally Lets You Send Videos in DMs (properly)
LinkedIn has just rolled out a feature that's been on many users' wishlists for ages - you can now add MP4 videos as actual attachments in your LinkedIn messages.
Let's be clear - people have been sharing videos in LinkedIn DMs for years, but only through sharable links. This new update means you can attach the video file directly, which is a game-changer, especially for recruiters and sales professionals.
While LinkedIn has allowed file attachments in DMs since 2018 (PDFs, spreadsheets, Word docs and PowerPoints), they've now expanded this to include MP4 videos. This joins their already decent lineup of shareable content types, including various image formats and spreadsheet files.
But before you start planning your feature-length LinkedIn production, there's a catch - the 20MB size limit means you're looking at clips of just a couple of minutes max. So no, you can't send your entire company conference keynote (your connections will probably thank you for that).
This update opens up some genuinely useful possibilities:
💎 Send personalised video introductions that stand out
💎 Share quick product demos without scheduling a full call
💎 Provide visual how-to guides when text just isn't cutting it
💎 Create bite-sized testimonials from happy clients
Why this matters
Before you dismiss this as just another feature update, consider this: video content has seen a whopping 36% increase in watch time on LinkedIn year-over-year. The platform's users are clearly hungry for more visual content.
For businesses looking to connect with younger talent (hello, TikTok generation), this feature offers a more dynamic way to engage. Why send a text-heavy job description when you could share a quick video tour of the office or team intro?
Is this feature groundbreaking?
Not exactly. But it does give you another tool in your professional communication arsenal - one that might help you stand out in increasingly crowded inboxes.
Just remember the golden rule of LinkedIn messaging: if you wouldn't do it at an in-person networking event, don't do it in someone's DMs. That means no unsolicited 3-minute videos of you explaining your business opportunity to complete strangers.
💎 LinkedIn Goes a Bit TikTok with New Video Trends Feature
LinkedIn is dipping its toes into TikTok-style waters with its latest feature: video trends. Yes, you read that right – the platform known for job hunting and humble-bragging about promotions now wants you to jump on trending video bandwagons.
How Does It Work?
The new feature adds header tags to video clips and in your main feed that highlight trending topics. When you spot one that tickles your fancy (or matches your professional expertise), you can tap to see what others are sharing on that subject.
But here's where it gets interesting – there's an "Add to this trend" button that opens your camera, practically begging you to record your hot take. It's essentially LinkedIn saying, "Go on, we know you have an opinion on quarterly financial forecasting techniques..."
Will LinkedIn Users Actually Jump On Trends?
There's definitely potential here. People love sharing their opinions (especially on LinkedIn), and if the topics hit the right professional nerve, users might feel compelled to add their wisdom.
LinkedIn video trends could be a smart way to boost engagement and get more people comfortable with video on the platform. Or it could be another feature that gets initial curiosity before fading into obscurity (remember LinkedIn Stories?).
For now, it's being tested with US users only. So, if you're in the States, keep an eye out for trending topics that might align with your expertise – getting in early could help you stand out as a thought leader. For everyone else, you can enjoy watching from the sidelines.
Would you participate in LinkedIn video trends?
💎 TikTok Drama Continues
The TikTok saga in the US continues with another 75-day extension to avoid a ban. Despite the bill already technically passing, President Trump's executive order has stopped enforcement while negotiations continue.
The Chinese side doesn't seem keen on the proposed arrangement where ByteDance would keep a 19.9% stake and America would "lease" the algorithm rather than taking full ownership.
Bottom line: TikTok's still available in the US for now, but the clock's ticking. Again.
💎 THE SOCIAL GAMES ARE BACK!
It’s back and better than ever!
Why? Because:
💎 The chilled-out vibe is unmatched
💎 The games are actually fun (not awkward corporate team-building nonsense)
💎 Most importantly, it's full of people who get it
Let's be straight - running a business can feel like "riding a rollercoaster that's derailed, on fire" (Jem's words, not ours). Not everyone understands the passion, drive, and occasional panic attacks that come with it.
The Details:
- When: Thursday, 15th May, 6-9pm
- Where: Mad Frans in Leeds (right by the station)
- How much: £25+VAT (includes welcome drink, nibbles, games, magician, and photographer)
- Last time: Over 50 fantastic professionals joined in!
💎Team Updates Starting with Jem
Our superstar Jem has been managing a popped disc lately, but in typical Jem fashion, she's tackling it head-on! After working with John at the clinic, she's already seeing amazing improvements.
What did she discover? Only that she has one leg shorter than the other, which has caused that popped disc and been twisting her left side enough to affect her hip and knees. Oh, and a touch of scoliosis thrown in for good measure.
The good news? Regular physio is making it all manageable and she's not in as much pain as she was. Jem's still crushing it business-wise, though she does need to take regular back breaks. She's promised to behave and stick to the recommended stretches that help with realignment.
True to form, she's set up two office options - her desk for good days and working from bed when needed. Even from her recovery headquarters, she's still taking calls and landing new clients! The dogs, especially Jack, are thrilled with this bed-office arrangement, assuming she's going to bed early just for their cuddle time. Bless them.
We're incredibly proud of Jem for managing her health alongside work. She's doing brilliantly, so if you need any marketing support, don't hesitate to reach out - she's definitely still open for business!
But Jack is not impressed with Jem when she decides to work at the computer, so he likes to steal her seat.
💎 Sarah's Adventures (The Morgenmuffel Edition)
Our Morgenmuffel has been busy adulting! Now that Sarah's a proud homeowner, she's discovering the joys (and costs) of decorating. Who knew paint and garden furniture could be so eye-wateringly expensive?
She's also preparing for her driving test in May (fingers crossed she passes!), which means another big expense with the car coming up. As a result, she's temporarily paused her dog hunt - just until she figures out her new monthly budget. Adult life, eh?
When she's not crunching numbers or picking paint colours, Sarah's been having more calls with clients, helping them with business ideas and content creation. Sometimes you know you want to write something brilliant, you just don't know where to start – and that's where a chat with Sarah works wonders.
Remember, if you'd like an hour with Sarah or Jem to untangle your content knots, our Social Sizzle services are just the ticket. Just drop us a message to book!
💎 Twinnie's Puppy Paradise
Sarah (aka Twinnie) – yes, we have too many Sarahs at SocialJems – has been living her best life lately, enjoying home renovations and soaking up the sun with her partner.
Remember Luna, the dog they rescued from the streets? Well, Luna was pregnant! She's delivered a healthy litter of puppies who are now ready to find their forever homes. It hasn't been easy for Sarah to see them go (she'd keep them all if she could!), but she's thrilled they're heading off to start their new lives with loving families.
On top of everything else, she has also started going for 30-minute walks each day! Think our team are finally learning the importance of selfcare. 🥳
💎 Cath's New Chapter
It's been 7 weeks of nappy changes, midnight feedings, and the sweetest baby snuggles for our amazing Cath! Life has never been messier—or more magical.
The SocialJems team has officially gained its tiniest member, and this little boss is keeping Cath on her toes while filling her heart to the brim. We're beyond excited for Cath and her family of three as they navigate this beautiful new chapter.
We couldn't be happier for her!
💎 THAT'S A WRAP!
If you're already thinking about your marketing plans for the second half of 2025 (and you should be!), drop us a message. Whether you need engaging blogs, scroll-stopping social content, or website design that actually converts, we're here to help.
And don't forget to grab your tickets for The Social Games - they're going faster than ice cream on a rare sunny British day!
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