Don't miss tomorrow's social media industry news

BRIEF

Violife slices through dairy-free cheese misconceptions with social series

The brand’s “Undairy the Craving” campaign attempts to combat preconceived ideas surrounding the taste and quality of vegan cheeses.

SPONSORED

The TikTok effect: How viral trends are changing visual merchandising

The average viral trend lasts just five to 10 days before attention shifts. And with 42% of Gen Z consumers in the U.S. discovering new products on TikTok, the need for speed has never been more critical.

NEWS

TikTok adds new ad placement options offering higher exposure

The updated promotional opportunities include Logo Takeover, TopReach and an expanded Pulse suite.

SPONSORED

What restaurants are doing differently on TikTok and why it’s driving visits

How TikTok turns trends into restaurant visits, orders and loyal repeat customers fast.

Q AND A

How TikTok Shop is changing innovation for food and beverage brands

Big companies, including PepsiCo and Mars, are using the app’s e-commerce feature to drive sales and inform new products, according to the platform’s head of food.

NEWS

TikTok Adds New Ad Types for Entertainment Marketers

Some new opportunities for streaming providers and entertainment brands.

NEWS

TikTok adds new AI creation tools for marketers

The company’s artificial intelligence-powered Symphony Agent will generate new promotions based on trending campaigns, text and visual prompts.

NEWS

Instagram Looks To Tap Into the Mini Drama Trend

Mini dramas are having a moment on TikTok and Instagram is taking notice.

NEWS

TikTok announces 2026 Community Fest plans

The annual event, now in its third year, will focus on livestream creators and offers educational programming, competitions and fan base celebrations.

NEWS

TikTok drops second season of ‘In The Mix’ podcast

Four new episodes feature interviews with musicians Bebe Rexha, Lykke Li, Malcolm Todd and Josh Groban, along with returning host Jack Coyne of Trackstar.

SPONSORED

The new rules of social discovery and distribution

Actionable insights, benchmarks and brand examples to help marketers adapt to changes on social.

SPONSORED

The new flavor pipeline: How social media is rewriting the rules of food and beverage innovation

As trends go viral, flavor development timelines are being put to the test.

NEWS

TikTok expands #BookTok bestseller lists across Europe and the UK

TikTok is also launching a new #BookTok label that can be added to books in stores.

NEWS

7 Digital Marketing Trends to Watch for in 2026

In the final post of our 2026 planning series, we look at some evolving industry shifts, including sharing behavior and emerging platforms.

NEWS

TikTok Publishes New Guide to Its AI-Powered Campaigns

Some handy guidance for automated TikTok campaigns.

NEWS

TikTok Announces Creator Showcase for Black History Month

The effort includes a number of high-profile creators who have led trends and driven in-app engagement.

NEWS

TikTok showcases 8 women creators for Women’s History Month

The company said women including Brittany Wilson Isenhour, Gym Tan and Madison Humphrey were driving discussions in the app.

NEWS

For retail brands, TikTok Shop’s rise brings viral success — and disruption

At NRF, executives described major sales wins while acknowledging the social commerce feature is shaking up several retail fundamentals.

NEWS

TikTok highlights value of app for SMBs

TikTok Shop has become a powerful brand discovery platform for small and medium-sized businesses in the U.S.

NEWS

TikTok partners with fitness tracking app

The platform is creating a pan-European Local Movement Fund with Strava to help empower regional exercise clubs and communities.

NEWS

TikTok looks beyond brand discovery with travel booking and more

At an ads showcase this week, driving intent and consumer action, including via the new TikTok Go travel offering, were in focus, as were AI capabilities.

NEWS

Brands see biggest growth on TikTok but organic reach is slowing on Instagram

The 2026 Social Media Benchmarks report from Emplifi also showed flat to negative follower growth on X, as well as the latest metrics for LinkedIn and Facebook.

NEWS

TikTok publishes latest EU usage, enforcement data

The update provided insight into how the app dealt with information requests and moderation rules in the second half of 2025.

NEWS

Major ad tool announcements from TikTok World 2026

The app’s sixth annual event was a showcase for its updated marketing offerings, including new artificial intelligence-powered elements.

COLUMN

Sociable: TikTok users balk under new US owners, boosting alternatives

Upscrolled, Skylight and Yope are growing as TikTok users in the U.S. become disgruntled with privacy concerns, censorship and platform instability.

NEWS

Sociable: TikTok expands Out of Phone campaigns

A new partnership with Vistar Media will allow advertisers to bring their campaigns to more than a million placements beyond the app.

NEWS

TikTok users are motivated by affiliate links

Donte Murry, the platform's director of beauty, wellness and personal care, told Glossy that it was important to meet shoppers where they are.

NEWS

TikTok US users impacted by another problem at Oracle

Issues at a local data center in Ashburn, Virginia, led to more timeouts, errors and latency issues — and user speculation about government interference.

BRIEF

Knorr taps into viral social trends with latest dating-focused campaign

The Unilever brand is amplifying user-generated content via a TikTok Branded Mission as part of an effort that includes media tie-ups and events.

NEWS

How apartment operators can drive leasing through social media and streaming TV

Creating authentic short-form videos and streaming TV ads can help multifamily marketers draw tenants, said speakers at Apartmentalize.

BRIEF

Instacart unveils clean room solution in latest bid to CPG advertisers

Data Hub provides deeper insights into first-party grocery shopping data and customer behaviors, including lifetime value and repurchase frequency.

NEWS

TikTok Shop Rolls Out New Tools Including Expanded Chatbot Access

Additional merchant features include an easier way to send out product samples and new Creator Picks tags.

BRIEF

TikTok, MLB tap into growing baseball fandom with expanded content tie-up

The duo is deepening an existing global partnership to offer exclusive content, greater creator access and a player engagement initiative.

NEWS

Almost half of US consumers use TikTok as a search engine

The app’s use as a discovery tool is rising as users turn to its short-form videos and personalized content to find information, according to research from Adobe.

NEWS

TikTok launches international ad platform campaign

The company wants to showcase its value as a shopping destination with the new tagline, “Watch it. Love it. Want it.”

BRIEF

TikTok ups bid to entertainment marketers with latest ad solutions

Streaming Ads and New Title Launch are meant to deliver personalized, entertainment-specific content and drive subscriptions and ticket sales.

NEWS

TikTok introduces full-song Apple Music streams to app

Users can save played tracks to Your Music and add them directly to playlists.

NEWS

TikTok Announces ‘TikTok Live Fest’ Event

The event will showcase some of TikTok's best live talent.

NEWS

TikTok launches counterfeit goods detection initiative

The TikTok Real program incorporates insights from more than 300 experts and is designed to remove fake products from the app.

COLUMN

Sociable: TikTok signs off on US joint venture, securing app’s future

After years of back and forth, TikTok will remain available to U.S. users, with parent ByteDance holding onto a nearly 20% stake in the app.

NEWS

TikTok partners with Paul McCartney for album launch

The former member of The Beatles will release “The Boys of Dungeon Lane” alongside a premiere event on TikTok Live that will feature a Q&A; session.

NEWS

TikTok lets users add relevant keywords to metadata

Creators can now block or suggest post keywords that align with clips, although the app will still retain oversight to avoid unrelated suggestions.

NEWS

TikTok pitches advertisers on bold new chapter under US joint venture

The U.S. ownership transition has had its hiccups, but the app used the NewFronts to argue it is more secure, creative and independent than ever.

NEWS

TikTok Adds More Control Options to Smart+ Campaigns

Some new options for your AI-powered TikTok campaigns.

NEWS

TikTok highlights emerging creators for Asian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

The platform has made this event a cornerstone of its diversity engagement each year, with themed promotions and other activations.

NEWS

TikTok Adds Teen Safety Measures in EU, Outlines Economic Contribution

New data from TikTok as it looks to reduce regulatory pressure.

NEWS

TikTok for Business introduces campaign to drive in-app shopping

The platform is looking to connect creators and brands with its expanding community of users who turn to the app for discovery and purchasing.

NEWS

TikTok wants to provide financial services in Brazil

The company hopes to offer its users the ability to “hold balances, receive funds and make payments within ​its app,” according to Reuters.

NEWS

Threads music stickers available to all users

The feature allows for 30-second song clips in posts or replies, along with optional track art or lyrics.

NEWS

Sociable: Instagram eyes long-form content on CTV

Instagram’s vice president of product told audiences at Scalable Summit that short-form videos may not “be enough to succeed on TV,” per ICYMI.

BRIEF

Folgers mixes iconic jingle with ‘wake up’ songs from across years, genres

The J.M. Smucker coffee brand is trying to reach new generations of consumers as it looks to change perceptions.

NEWS

TikTok Doubles Down on Finland With Second €1B Data Center

Q AND A

How American Eagle is kicking off its deal with the new face of soccer

The campaign will run across social channels, including Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Pinterest and Snapchat, owned by the brand and the ambassador.

NEWS

Threads Expands Manual Algorithm Control Option

The option gives users the capacity to change what they see in-feed.

SPONSORED

The social-to-shelf pipeline: Measuring what actually drives retail sales

How top CPG brands turn TikTok discovery into real sales, online and in store.

NEWS

TikTok Shop grows to new EU merchant countries

The expansion of the company’s European shopping capabilities comes as it looks to increase its in-app revenue stream.

NEWS

US TikTok Users Seek Alternatives After Change in Ownership

Users are concerned that the new U.S. ownership could look to manipulate TikTok’s algorithms.

NEWS

TikTok announces expanded partnership with Universal Music Group

The deal will help facilitate discovery for artists in the app.

NEWS

ByteDance Launches Impressive New AI Video Generation Tool

The new AI video generator is producing better results than other rmodels.

NEWS

TikTok Announces New Partnership With FIFA World Cup

Sports are clearly a big focus for TikTok in 2026.

NEWS

TikTok Adds More AI-Powered Tools To Assist TikTok Shop Merchants

Some new AI tools to streamline your TikTok Shop listing process.

NEWS

TikTok adds Campus Hub feature for US college students

The new display allows verified attendees at more than 6,000 universities to connect to dedicated group chats and content feeds.

NEWS

TikTok adds new AI video generation to Symphony ad tool kit

The Dreamina Seedance 2.0 artificial intelligence model from parent company ByteDance is able to create realistic content from text prompts.

NEWS

Meta Outlines How It’s Improved Reels Recommendations

Meta is using direct user feedback to improve recommendations.

NEWS

TikTok Launches New Ad Options for Streaming Providers

New ways for entertainment brands to connect with TikTok’s audience.

NEWS

TikTok launches education program with International Chamber of Commerce

The digital training initiative is designed to help small businesses in Latin America, Africa and Southeast Asia with promotions and sales.

BRIEF

TikTok boosts measurement partnerships in play for advertiser confidence

Media quality and brand safety tools from IAS and Zefr are coming to additional ad formats while DoubleVerify is now accredited for reporting video viewability.

NEWS

TikTok launches branded microdramas

The platform wants to tap into the popularity of episodic shorts by offering companies the opportunity to promote their own microseries content.

NEWS

TikTok partners with Madonna for ‘Confessions II’

The app will launch activations and events including an in-app live preview with iHeartRadio during the pop star’s July 2 album release party in London.

BRIEF

Disney unveils TikTok-like vertical video, AI video generation tool

The new tools demonstrate how streaming platforms are working to improve measurement as marketers push for more performative media.

NEWS

Researchers: Meta, TikTok Steal Personal & Financial Info When Users Click Ads

BRIEF

TikTok, Tubi start creator program to bring social stars to streaming

TikTok will identify the right talent for Creatorverse Incubator while Tubi will support the development of scripted and unscripted original series.

NEWS

TikTok announces Pride Month 2026 programming

The app is highlighting eight rising LGBTQIA+ creators and small business owners throughout June in an effort to foster a more inclusive community.

NEWS

TikTok Takes Action to Protect Shoppers from Fraud

TikTok is looking to enhance trust in its in-stream shopping options.

COLUMN

Leftovers: Johnsonville cracks open Dr Pepper sausage | Founders taps TikTok for first RTD cocktail

The meat producer is linking with the soda giant for an unusual collaboration, while Glen Powell’s Smash Kitchen enters the snack aisle.

NEWS

TikTok Confirms Joint Venture To Comply With US Law

After years of back and forth, TikTok will remain available to U.S. users, with parent ByteDance holding onto a nearly 20% stake in the app.

NEWS

TikTok introduces 2026 FIFA World Cup creator correspondents

The app has been expanding its sports engagement, and 59% of users say watching events on TikTok is more fun than viewing actual games.

NEWS

TikTok’s US joint venture gains security infrastructure certification

The latest milestone from the International Organization for Standardization verifies that the app’s data management structures meet global benchmarks.

NEWS

TikTok Publishes New Guide to Effective Promotions

Some handy tips and pointers for getting the most out of new and existing tools.

NEWS

EU regulators propose banning AI nudification apps

The legislation would prohibit any artificial image and video generation platform, including X’s Grok, from generating unauthorized, sexually explicit images.

NEWS

TikTok expands its MLB partnership agreement

The multiyear deal builds on an existing agreement with the league and will offer exclusive in-app content, including highlights and insights.

BRIEF

Starbucks pilots TikTok program for boosting employee-generated content

With Gen Z frequently learning about new products from employee-generated content, Starbucks is leaning in with help from the social media platform.

BRIEF

Philadelphia’s new brand platform positions cream cheese as kitchen staple

Developed by Johannes Leonardo, the Kraft Heinz brand’s “Really Philly Good” includes 19 spots featuring new brand character Phillyboy.

NEWS

TikTok launches microdrama development program

The app is partnering with Sundance Institute to help train the next generation of filmmakers on how to create a short-form narrative series.

NEWS

Inside Walmart’s creator-driven social commerce playbook

The company’s head of content, influencer and commerce shared the retail giant’s social principles and detailed its Walmart Creator program.

BRIEF

Ulta to launch on TikTok Shop with curated assortment

The beauty retailer's Q4 net sales grew nearly 12%, though industry analysts questioned the retailer's "softer" fiscal 2026 comp guidance.

NEWS

Social media has positive benefits for teens: report

Pew Research findings indicate that Snapchat, TikTok and Instagram play a critical role in keeping teens connected with friends, family and the world.

NEWS

TikTok Launches Local Feed in the US

TikTok U.S. brings its local content display to American users.

NEWS

Target’s digital chief breaks down the retailer’s creator overhaul

Sarah Travis details two new offerings designed for the social commerce boom and addresses frustration with the winddown of a prior affiliate program.

Q AND A

Ulta’s CMO on blending brand building and omnichannel marketing

Kelly Mahoney digs into how the beauty retailer is driving growth with a playbook that spans cultural partnerships, TikTok Shop, retail media and more.

NEWS

TikTok is building a second $1.2B data center in Finland

The development is part of Project Clover, an initiative designed to store EU user data outside of the company’s home base in China in compliance with EU directives.

NEWS

X Launches Antitrust Lawsuit Against Music Industry

Musk is not keen to pay for music licensing.

NEWS

TikTok Shares Insight Into Effective Ad Measurement Approaches

TikTok's latest research report digs into ROI and effective ad approaches.

COLUMN

Leftovers: Bush’s bakes apple pie-flavored beans | Slice splashes into dirty soda

The bean brand is reimagining summer classics, including rocket pop and dill pickle, while Fresca launches an alcoholic soda water for post-workouts.

NEWS

TikTok Joins European Advertising Standards Alliance

The move comes as the platform looks to reassure regulators that its business practices are aligned with wider regulatory expectations.

NEWS

TikTok expands Out of Phone campaigns

A new partnership with Vistar Media will allow advertisers to bring their campaigns to more than a million placements beyond the app.

NEWS

2026 Social Media Benchmarks [Infographic]

The report looks at the latest engagement trends across the major social apps.

NEWS

TikTok rules out using end-to-end message encryption

The app told the BBC that using that level of security would impede police investigations and said its stance sets it apart from rivals.

NEWS

Will TikTok Change Under US Ownership?

Some users have questions about TikTok’s new U.S. privacy policy update.

NEWS

TikTok releases its 2026 Discover List

The sixth iteration of the app’s annual roundup highlighted 50 top creators across five categories.

NEWS

Instagram’s connected TV app comes to US Google TV devices

The expansion will allow users to watch Reels on their televisions and provide big screen viewing capabilities for Instagram content.

NEWS

TikTok Still Faces Expulsion From the US

With two days to go before its next deadline, details are yet to be confirmed about TikTok’s U.S. sell off.

NEWS

Chinese Officials Weigh US TikTok Proposal

TikTok is not definitely safe in the U.S. just yet.

NEWS

TikTok shares performance data on FMCG campaigns

A study on the effectiveness of on-platform fast-moving consumer goods ads explored the impact of promotions on offline sales.

NEWS

TikTok launches digital trading cards for 2026 FIFA World Cup

Users can earn TikTok’s own form of digital collectibles for the event by undertaking various engagement actions.

BRIEF

Adult women are driving toy industry growth

Meanwhile, social media is influencing the segment, fueled by ASMR content and unboxing videos.

NEWS

TikTok publishes first transparency report on EU hate speech removal

The publication is part of the platform’s compliance work with the EU Digital Services Act under the EU Code of Conduct on Countering Illegal Hate Speech Online.

SPONSORED

Why social media marketers are switching to cloud phones in 2026

Physical devices can't scale. Here's how cloud phones are changing multi-account management.

SPONSORED

When produce brands keep their promises: How one grape lifted the whole category

Retailers are seeing shoppers return for specific produce items. Here’s what’s driving it.

NEWS

Social media is the leading source of news, per Reuters

The 2026 Digital News Report found that people rely on social media for news more than TV or news websites.

NEWS

TikTok bans AI-generated voices in shopping livestreams

The platform said that livestreams can no longer feature non-real-time verbal interactions, as reported by Pyments.

NEWS

Meta tests connected Series Reels option for video creators

The Instagram and Facebook feature offers link shortcuts and collections available on creator profiles, according to TechCrunch.

NEWS

TikTok and ACRCloud partner on Derivative Works Detection system

The enhanced protections will help musicians who use the app’s SoundOn service identify misused audio tracks and combat copyright violations.

NEWS

Instagram eyes long-form content on CTV

Tessa Lyons, Instagram’s vice president of product, told audiences at Scalable Summit that short-form videos may not “be enough to succeed on TV,” per ICYMI.

SPONSORED

From misunderstood to mainstream: How MSG is powering the 2026 umami trend

The umami boom is here! See why chefs, food brands and even TikTok creators are embracing MSG.

NEWS

TikTok Launches New Resources for Sports Organizations

TikTok is looking to make sports a bigger focus in 2026.

NEWS

TikTok Adds Channel Sales Experts To Marketing Partners Program

Some new options for TikTok campaign assistance.

NEWS

TikTok US Explains Privacy Policy Update

TikTok's new U.S. ownership recently sparked concerns with a privacy policy update.

NEWS

TikTok Launches Calendar To Help Parents Manage Screen Time

The template is intended to help families coordinate on and offline activities.

NEWS

TikTok Offers Enhanced Shops Promotion Program

TikTok's updated its co-funded promotion option to help drive more sales.

NEWS

TikTok launches updated integration for Wix users

Available in the Wix App Market, the new option connects Wix websites to TikTok for Business to facilitate advanced ad campaign management.

NEWS

How Nestlé turns creator content into brand-suitable ads at scale

The CPG giant is deploying a new tool from CreatorIQ and CreativeX that identifies and scores creator posts that can work as paid media.

NEWS

Ford strengthens MLB ties through exclusive, multiyear partnership

The brand will serve as the official automaker of the league, a move that arrives on the heels of MLB achieving record sponsorship revenue.

NEWS

TikTok announces activations for International Museum Day

The May 18 event will feature creator partnerships and kick off the app’s new “Museums Come Alive” series.

BRIEF

Fossil sees 57% brand recall lift with InMobi’s full-funnel ad solution

Using the Ad Experiences solution, the watchmaker achieved 20.5 million total impressions and a unique reach of 7.1 million for its spring campaign.

NEWS

TikTok Says US Services Have Been Restored After Recent Issues

TikTok US is back in action after winter storms disabled a major data center.

NEWS

American Eagle rebalances marketing toward performance as sales slide

The retailer indicated it will invest more in areas like digital and influencers as it tries to drive conversions entering the critical back-to-school window.

DEEP DIVE

What marketers need to know as branded films return to screens

E.l.f., Garage Beer and Texas Pete executives dig into the concerns and opportunities around a resurgent trend in long-form content.

NEWS

TikTok ad campaigns drive movie ticket purchases

Promotional performance in the app was significantly more effective than for traditional linear television advertising, according to new data from the company.

NEWS

TikTok launches separate event-based app

The new TikTok Pro Events platform will let fans engage with daily challenges and win stars they can redeem for merchandise and other rewards.

NEWS

TikTok expands HubSpot integration

The extended partnership gives users of both platforms more tools to manage ad campaigns and measure ROI.

NEWS

TikTok Launches Regional Event Calendars for 2026

Some handy pointers for your content planning.

NEWS

Nubank hires TikTok alum as marketing chief

The move comes as the Brazilian neobank seeks the OCC’s green light for a national banking charter in the U.S.

NEWS

TikTok expands TikTok Go in the US

The travel affiliate program allows creators to earn commissions by tagging relevant businesses in their posts.

BRIEF

TikTok Shop spurs Crocs, Heydude DTC sales

Overall, Crocs finished 2025 with a Q4 that beat expectations, and executives even expect struggling Heydude to return to growth later this year.