🫣 AI Content Arms Race Begins!

🔥 Our top 29 Social Media Marketing stories this week

Joshua Parkinson
August 11, 2025

In partnership with

Top Story

xAI opens Grok 4 (Expert) for Free X Users. Now, everyone on X can try advanced Grok AI features without a paid plan.

This move could spark an AI content arms race right on your timeline. Buckle up! 😮‍💨 ~TWISM

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Instagram

Instagram launches Reposts, Friend Map, and Friends Feed. Now you can officially repost Reels or feed posts, track friends’ locations (opt-in), and see what content your friends engage with in a new Reels Friends tab.

Bring on the re-shares and FOMO! 😱 ~TWISM

Instagram updates Analytics to track audience growth. Get clearer insights into what's driving your follower gains.

Instagram adds new 'Repost' Metric for Posts and Reels. Now you can track how often your content gets reshared.

Instagram boss says engaging with similar content doesn't boost reach. Adam Mosseri confirms you should interact with what you genuinely like.

Facebook & Meta

Meta Business Suite finally supports mixed media posting. Schedule single posts with both images and videos.

This small update could be a big win for social managers juggling multiple formats in one campaign. 📅 ~TWISM

Meta pitches AI Labs for advanced ad targeting. Meta plans tools to index all its videos for ultra-precise ad placements.

Meta’s TBD Lab is building frontier AI. Meta’s elite new team is creating next-gen Llama models.

Meta lets you create multiple Avatars. Set up different avatars across Facebook, Messenger, and Instagram.

Meta pushes the benefits of ad personalization. Meta and Deloitte report that 80% of U.S. consumers are more likely to buy after seeing personalized content.

Threads

Threads clarifies Friend Map privacy options. Users now have clearer controls for choosing who sees their location.

Giving more privacy options is always a smart move. 📍 ~TWISM

Threads adds a 150% volume boost in the editor. You can make your videos louder and clearer before publishing.

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YouTube

YouTube will stream the NFL Chiefs vs. Chargers live. Watch the game online from São Paulo, Brazil.

YouTube continues its march into live sports dominance 🏈 ~TWISM

YouTube tests collaborator tagging for videos. Users soon will be able to tag fellow creators to boost reach.

YouTube expands teen protections for US users. Stronger safety measures are coming soon.

TikTok

TikTok Go launches for creators. Invite-only program pays eligible creators commissions for promoting hotels, restaurants, and experiences.

Paid partnerships could be the next big content trend. 🌴💸 ~TWISM

TikTok launches Jonas Brothers Interactive Hub. Explore exclusive music, fan content, merch drops, and behind-the-scenes tour updates inside TikTok’s new in-app hub marking 20 years of Jonas Brothers fandom.

TikTok partners with MrBeast and creators for #TeamWater Fundraiser. Raising $40M for clean water projects.

TikTok adds a service bio feature to livestreams. Hosts can now highlight services directly in their stream bio, making it easier for viewers to see what's offered during live sessions.

TikTok adds account recovery for friends. Now users can help friends regain access if they're locked out of their accounts.

LinkedIn pulls back the test of alternate Feeds. Ending "For You", "Following", and "News" tabs after limited uptake.

X/Twitter

XChat adds an emoji shortcut on desktop. New quick access emoji button for faster and more expressive conversations.

X adds 'Make Video With Grok' button. Turn posts into videos instantly with AI-powered templates and auto-captioning.

This could make content creation on X much faster, but also a lot noisier. 📹 ~TWISM

XChat adds an unencrypted chat option on desktop. Choose between encrypted and unencrypted messages for convenience versus privacy.

Musk plans to add ads to Grok AI Chatbot. Advertisers can show up as answers in Grok, blending promotion with information.

X tests selfie age checks powered by Grok AI. In-app selfies for verification with instant feedback.

Et cetera

Pinterest hits 578 million users, boosts revenue 17%. Growth driven outside the US/EU, with emerging markets leading the surge.

Pinterest is quietly building a global audience; ignore it at your own risk. 📌 ~TWISM

Snapchat reveals what grabs user attention in ads. You have 2 seconds to hook viewers with motion, color, and bold visuals.

Substack adds Headline A/B Testing, Profile Themes, and Live Video upgrades. New features for publishers to test, brand, and engage their audiences more effectively.

That’s all for this week. Thanks for reading. Now…

Go BIG or go home!

~ Josh from “This Week in Social Media”

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