New Zealand introduces teen social media restrictions

A new ban would require platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat and Facebook to confirm that users are over 16 years old, per Bloomberg.

By Andrew Hutchinson • Aug. 24, 2026

Instagram stresses the importance of captions

The platform offered guidance on what makes text compelling and said creators should aim to tell a story or offer useful information.

By Andrew Hutchinson • Aug. 23, 2026

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Top 5 stories from Social Media Today

A look at the recent top stories in social media and what they mean for marketers.

By Social Media Today staff

Will Meta be found guilty of driving social media addiction?

A high-profile case in the U.S. got underway last week and the company may be on the hook for as much as $1 trillion in damages, but questions linger.

By Andrew Hutchinson • Aug. 23, 2026

Edits gets improved project management and AI features

The Meta-owned app updated its project folders and added a new way to convert still images to video clips.

By Andrew Hutchinson • Aug. 20, 2026

Meta removes option to exclude ad placements

The company will use an automated system to target display options, and brands will no longer be able to decide which apps receive promotions.

By Andrew Hutchinson • Aug. 20, 2026

How social platforms measure video views

Brands and marketers may need to reconsider what counts as engagement right now in order to ensure accurate campaign reach and audience interest.

By Andrew Hutchinson • Aug. 19, 2026

Meta highlights rising brand opportunities in women’s sports

Meta’s latest report looks at the rising opportunities of engagement with women’s sports across its platforms. 

By Andrew Hutchinson • Aug. 19, 2026

Meta AI launches for Mac

The app is designed to integrate all the features from the mobile version and allow for more workflow functionality.

By Andrew Hutchinson • Aug. 19, 2026

Meta adds AI-powered assistant for SMB owners

A new tool allows small businesses to integrate analytics from multiple sources in order to optimize platform strategies.

By Andrew Hutchinson • Aug. 19, 2026

Meta’s true AI costs exceed previous accounts

The company’s future obligations could amount to nearly $700 billion in unreported expenditures, according to the Wall Street Journal.

By Andrew Hutchinson • Aug. 17, 2026

Instagram reveals its new logo

It’s the first updated branding for the app in more than a decade, and users have received the refresh with mixed reactions.

By Andrew Hutchinson • Aug. 13, 2026

Meta removed more than 750,000 teen accounts in Australia

The company credited artificial intelligence analysis for improving its enforcement rates with regards to the country’s eSafety Commission under-16 social media ban.

By Andrew Hutchinson • Aug. 13, 2026

Meta publishes holiday marketing guides

The company advised brands to start planning early in order to take advantage of audience insights before the December gifting phase heats up.

By Andrew Hutchinson • Aug. 13, 2026

Meta adds dedicated ad exclusion audiences

The option will help brands avoid reaching people who don’t want to see their promotions or people who legally cannot be targeted.

By Andrew Hutchinson • Aug. 10, 2026

Meta faces a raft of social media addiction lawsuits

The company is fighting to protect itself from liability in multiple cases of social media addiction and a potentially crushing wave of payouts.

By Andrew Hutchinson • Aug. 10, 2026

Zuckerberg releases AI manifesto

The Meta owner published a 6,500-word essay outlining his hopes for the future of artificial intelligence and taking aim at critics and policymakers.

By Andrew Hutchinson • Aug. 10, 2026

Meta adds more experimental Edits features to its beta tab

The company is allowing users to test new editing updates such as a speed curve function, color correction and folders.

By Andrew Hutchinson • Aug. 9, 2026

Meta adds more incentives for paying users

The company is offering new ways to build audiences and grow follower counts, according to social media researcher Jonah Manzano.

By Andrew Hutchinson • Aug. 9, 2026

Meta fined $567M for failing to protect teens

A New Mexico judge said the state is facing a youth mental health crisis and cited Meta as a key contributor.

By Andrew Hutchinson • Aug. 6, 2026

Meta executive offers data center insights

Rachel Peterson, vice president of data centers, discussed the company’s approach to building and community engagement in an interview posted on the site.

By Andrew Hutchinson • Aug. 6, 2026

Instagram shares tips on video creation

How to make engaging content using Meta’s Edits app, according to the platform. 

By Andrew Hutchinson • Aug. 5, 2026

Can the apps stop AI slop?

Social platforms have been overwhelmed by artificial intelligence-generated content, but companies encourage AI use even as they try to stem the tide.

By Andrew Hutchinson • Aug. 5, 2026

Meta ads introduces stablecoin payment options

Following the demise of its ill-fated Libra experiment, the company is offering third-party cryptocurrency options for creators and advertisers.

By Andrew Hutchinson • Aug. 4, 2026

Meta makes AI Developer Assistant its primary support option

The company is actively pushing forward with its plan to incorporate artificial intelligence agents into as many systems as possible.

By Andrew Hutchinson • Aug. 4, 2026

Meta shares holiday 2026 tips for small businesses

The company offered guidance on how to plan for ad spending and promotional budgeting ahead of the upcoming shopping season.

By Andrew Hutchinson • Aug. 2, 2026