Social media is evolving fast, and September 2025 was proof. Read our social media round-up for more on what these updates mean for creators and brands; let’s dive in!
Instagram just released its first native iPad app, built for tablets. The new app puts Reels front and center, marking a shift in how Meta expects people to use Instagram on larger screens.
📱 Opens directly into the Reels feed, not the home feed
👥 Includes a “Following” tab to catch up with accounts you already follow
🖥️ Optimized layout for iPad with:
✉️ Side-by-side messaging and notifications
💬 Expanded comments displayed alongside full-size Reels
🌍 Works on iPadOS 15.1 or newer, rolling out globally
🎥 Reels make up about half of all time spent on Instagram
📈 Video viewing is up ~20% year over year
🖼️ A larger screen means more immersive video experiences and easier multitasking
🔬 Serves as a test bed — Instagram may extend these design changes to phones or Android tablets
This is Instagram’s signal that video is the future. The sooner you adapt your content for Reels and tablets, the easier it’ll be to stay relevant when everyone else jumps on.
TikTok Adds Voice Notes and Media Attachments to Direct Messages
TikTok will now let users send up to 60-second voice messages and share up to nine photos or videos per message in direct messages. These features apply in one-on-one chats and group conversations.
Users can press and hold the microphone icon in the composer to record voice notes up to 60 seconds.
After recording, you can release it to send, swipe it to delete, or swipe up to lock the recording and send it manually. You can now attach up to nine images or videos per DM, and you can pick from your camera roll or capture new media via the TikTok camera. Don’t like what you sent? Deleting voice messages within 3 minutes is allowed.
Users under age 16 cannot use DMs, and users aged 16-18 have automated systems to block explicit images; adults have optional controls. New message requests cannot begin with pictures or video; only text or existing TikTok content can start a conversation.
These updates move TikTok closer to messaging platforms like WhatsApp and Instagram. They let users express more personality through voice and richer media, making private conversations more engaging. This opens up new ways for creators and brands to connect, build relationships, and respond more personally.
Discover TikTok’s new trending content tips and upgraded analytics tools. Learn how creators can leverage these features to grow reach, boost engagement, and create content that trends.
📊 TikTok now highlights trend tips inside Creator Analytics, highlighting emerging hashtags, sounds, and formats.
📈 The analytics dashboard includes new comparisons, showing how your content stacks up against trending styles.
🕒 Suggested optimizations appear for video length, posting times, and cover images based on what’s performing best.
📉 New visualizations show trend lifecycles—how fast they rise, peak, and fade.
🚀 Early access to trends means you can act before they saturate the feed.
👀 Creators gain visibility by aligning content with what TikTok is actively surfacing.
🏢 Brands get real-time insight into shifting audience behavior.
⏳ Less time wasted chasing outdated formats or sounds.
🔎 Check trend tips weekly and use them to spark content ideas.
⚖️ Compare your videos to trending ones and adjust style, hashtags, or pacing.
🕰️ Adapt your posting schedule based on when trending content peaks.
🎬 Test shorter or longer formats depending on analytics signals.
That’s a wrap on September 2025 social media updates! See you next month. 👋
Looking for help to implement the latest social media updates and trends? Reach out to us today!
