your February trends and news recap

Time for your monthly social media recap! I know it can feel like keeping up with the world of social media trends is a full-time gig, but that’s why I’m here: to make it easier for you.

trend alert: carousel posts

Carousel posts are making a strong comeback on Instagram, and brands are using them in some creative ways. It’s not just about showcasing products anymore; it’s all about storytelling. The beauty of carousels is that they encourage engagement through the swipe feature, so followers stay hooked as they move through each slide. This makes them a great tool for keeping your audience interested and invested in your content.

how to use it:

To make the most of carousel posts, start by planning your story, ensuring each slide flows seamlessly into the next. Begin with an attention-grabbing first slide, then mix up visuals and text to keep your audience interested. Use each slide to prompt interaction.

trend alert: unfiltered clips

If you’ve been scrolling through your feed lately, you’ve probably noticed a shift in content style. Brands are leaning into quick, raw, unfiltered clips that feel real and in the moment. It’s less about the perfect edit and more about genuine, authentic moments that build stronger connections with your audience.

how to use it:

Gather your most common FAQS from your audience and answer them on camera. Take your phone out while on your daily walk and film a selfie video, or set it up in your office and film yourself responding to the questions. Be yourself, and don't stress about perfection!

Instagram news: safety processes

Meta is testing a dislike button on Instagram comments again, aiming to gather signals for down-ranking harmful content. Some users are now seeing a downvote arrow next to comment options, allowing them to indicate when they dislike a remark. Although it sounds contradictory, Instagram is hoping this will create a more friendly environment within the app! (Let's see how this works out.)

how to use it:

If you’re active on Instagram, keep an eye on your comment sections and see if any negative or harmful comments are getting flagged more frequently. If this feature rolls out more widely, it might affect how engagement works on your posts. Stay flexible and adapt as needed.

Instagram news: Meta's legal scrutiny

Meta’s controversial data collection practices for its generative AI projects could lead to major penalties and potentially establish a new legal precedent. This follows a federal judge’s decision allowing a lawsuit filed by a group of authors to move forward. In 2023, the authors accused Meta and OpenAI of using their copyrighted works without permission to train their AI systems. Let's see where this goes!

how to use it:

Stay Informed: This lawsuit could have big implications for content creators and tech companies alike. Keep an eye on developments as they may affect how you use platforms and create content.

Using creative formats like carousel posts and being authentic with your content, you’ll keep your followers engaged and your brand on top of mind. And as always, staying informed about platform updates and legal matters will help you stay ahead of the game. That’s it for your March update! Until next time, happy posting!