Have you ever opened your social media app and thought, “Wait, when did this change?” — Maybe the post layout appeared different or a new button was added. We have all experienced it at different levels. These social media platforms are constantly rolling out updates and new features to improve user experience and engagement.
But If we are honest, catching up with the pace of these social media platforms can be overwhelming–just when you are adjusting to a previous update, a newer one rolls in. Some examples are WhatsApp adding music features to its status, Instagram dimension and video editing app, Meta ads updates, among others.
So, as a brand, how do you stay ahead of the curve and turn these constant updates and features into opportunities to maximize your presence, boost engagement, and build trust?
Let’s break down the latest Meta features and how you can make them work for your brand in 2025.
New Meta App Features And How Brands Can Leverage Them
Since the beginning of this year, we have experienced several significant changes from Meta–the parent company of Instagram, Facebook, Threads, and WhatsApp. They include the launch of ads on Threads, new ad restrictions, and updates to Meta’s content moderation policies.
Content Moderations and Ads
Responding to content moderations and ads restrictions, Meta decided to reduce its strict rules on content moderation, eradicate fact-checking and replace it with community notes. This means businesses can run ads without the fear of their posts or accounts being taken down. Some experts worry this could make the platforms less safe for brands, similar to what happened with X (formerly Twitter), where ad revenue dropped after moderation rules were cut. However, Meta might not experience the same significant decline in ads because it’s a bigger, more stable platform and not as closely tied to one public figure like X is to Elon Musk.
Threads Ads
Meta has now opened ads on Threads to all businesses and advertisers globally, after testing them earlier in January in the U.S. and Japan. Advertisers can use its inventory filter to where their ads are placed with three levels of control—Expanded, Moderate, and Limited inventory.
Meta will slowly increase the number of ads shown on Threads, so even if you don’t see them now, they will start appearing in more users’ feeds soon. Take advantage of Threads Ads at its early phase to get across to your audience on the platform, before it becomes saturated and highly competitive.
Instagram Edits
Asides from the recent Instagram dimension update for carousel posts, Stories, Reels and grid outlook, the social media app has rolled out its own new free video editing app called “Edits” which works like CapCut and lets users easily make high-quality videos.
Edits app provides more advanced features than Instagram’s built-in editing features, including multi-layer timelines, green screen effects, 10-minute video recording, AI animations, and no watermarks when downloading.
You can log into Edits with your Instagram account, manage projects, save ideas, and even upload videos straight to Instagram or use them on other platforms. However, Instagram Chief, Adam Mosseri, explained that while Edits app is free for now, some of the more advanced AI features might incur costs because of its expense in computing. Still, Instagram plans to keep most tools and features free to help creators and businesses enjoy its value at little to no cost.
WhatsApp New Features
WhatsApp is still testing a new music feature that allows you to add songs to your Status updates, like you add music to Stories on Instagram and TikTok.
In addition, you can share a Spotify song in your Status, it will now show the album cover, song name, and artist, along with a “Play on Spotify” button. You can also change the background color to match the music’s album art, making it look more personal and fun.
Another feature being tested is the “Add Note” tool, which could allow you to add music or text notes over your photos and videos in Status; like music captions or mood updates. This feature is the same with Instagram Add Note.
These updates are part of Meta’s plan to make WhatsApp more engaging and fun, especially if the ban on TikTok is revisited. Even if it doesn’t eventually happen, this gives musicians, users, and brands (using WhatsApp for business) more ways to share and connect with their audience in a more engaging approach.
Meta Verified Update
Meta is testing new features for Meta Verified to help businesses and creators protect their accounts and build trust with new followers.
One major update called Advanced Original Content Protection allows verified users to ask for a human review of their Reels on Instagram. If someone else reposts that Reel, an “Original by” label will appear with a link back to the real creator’s profile. This helps make sure the original account gets credit and more visibility, which is great for growing their audience.
Another update will make it easier for people to tell if a business is verified via DMs. Meta is testing in-app messages that clearly show when a business is not verified, so users can better decide who to trust. This helps verified businesses stand out as more trustworthy, especially to new customers.
Overall, these features give verified brands stronger protection from copycats and more tools to grow and connect with new audiences.
Leveraging the New Meta App Features
Keeping up with continuous social media platform updates and features can feel like a full-time job for brands. However, they are important to enhance user/customer experience, boost engagement, acquire more audience, and increase brand trust. Therefore, take advantage of these new Meta features to stay visible, connect with your audience in more engaging ways and stay ahead of the competition.
And if you need support getting across to your audience in this face-paced digital era, we are here to offer our expertise by leveraging several marketing strategies and touchpoints to help you achieve your brand objectives.
Reach out to DottsMediaHouse today! If you found this Blog post helpful, share it with your contacts.
