Welcome back to this week’s TEAM LEWIS Social Round-Up. WhatsApp is finally ditching phone numbers for @usernames, Instagram’s Edits app just got some new updates, and Facebook Groups can now go public without exposing old posts. Threads is helping users manage screen time, Meta’s serving up AI Slop aka “Vibes” across Europe (and skating into LA with a new flagship store), and LinkedIn’s relaxing its rules for newsworthy posts. Plus, Christmas ads are dropping faster than mince pies at a work party.
Let’s get into it 👇
Latest News
🟢 WhatsApp Plans To Allow Usernames
After years of using phone numbers as IDs, WhatsApp will soon let users and brands create usernames instead. I’ll be @SocialRoundUp for sure. The move offers better privacy for users and easier discoverability for businesses. Companies will need to update systems before the 2026 rollout so it actually works. Still, it’s a big step toward making WhatsApp feel more like a true social platform than just a messaging app. 👉 Learn more
🎥 New Edits Updates
Instagram’s Edits app is getting a load of updates, there’s new colour correction, animated captions, and smoother effects for content creators. It’s a small but handy update that helps social teams produce polished edits faster, perfect for on-the-fly posts or tightening up UGC before publishing. 👉 Watch here
👥 Facebook Groups Can Now Go Public Without Exposing Members’ Private Posts
Facebook is giving admins new flexibility; private groups can now go public without revealing old posts or member lists, which is lucky for those who love to complain. Jill from the Erskineville locals group, be warned. A three-day review window gives admins time to confirm the switch, and members are notified when it happens. The move makes it easier for communities to grow their reach organically while keeping past conversations safe. 👉 Read more
⏱️ Threads Adds Time Management Options
Threads is adding familiar “take a break” reminders and sleep mode settings to help users manage daily screen time. The app, now boasting over 400 million monthly users, continues to evolve as a real-time discussion hub, and Meta’s giving users tools to scroll smarter, not longer. 👉 Read more
🎛️ Meta Brings Vibes To Europe
Meta’s rolling out its Vibes feature across Europe, yay, a new way to consume bad AI content. According to them, it’s an AI-powered playground inside the Meta AI app where users can create and remix short, AI-generated videos. Think Reels meets dreams or nightmares. It’s designed to boost creative collaboration, offering options to tweak visuals, music, and styles. It serves as a sign of how quickly AI is evolving from novelty to mainstream creativity. 👉 Learn more
🕶️ Meta Opens Flagship “Meta Lab” Store in West Hollywood
The metaverse has arrived, IRL. Meta has opened its new flagship store, a 20,000 sq ft creative playground celebrating AI glasses, VR headsets, and, of course, skate culture. Nothing says skate like a pair of AI glasses. Visitors can test wearables, record Reels-ready clips, and explore Meta’s evolving world of physical-meets-digital experiences. 👉 Read more
📰 LinkedIn Will Allow More Types of Newsworthy Content
LinkedIn is updating its policies to allow more “newsworthy” or educational content, even if it’s graphic or sensitive. Expect warning screens on some posts, but it’s a sign LinkedIn is leaning further into being a platform for discussion, not just corporate updates. As the app continues to grow its video ecosystem, this could open the door for bolder, more journalistic storytelling. 👉 Read more
🔧 Quick Tip of the Week
Before launching your next campaign, think: what’s the takeaway for the audience? Posts that lead with clear value or curiosity (“3 ways to…”, “You’ll never guess…”) drive higher engagement than those that just announce. Minor tweak, significant results.
✨ Campaigns We Love ✨
🎄 John Lewis Cranks Up the 90s Nostalgia
We’re not crying, honestly. Set to Alison Limerick’s “Where Love Lives,” John Lewis delivers a soulful, music-fueled Christmas ad all about connection, pure 90s joy, with a dose of emotional gift-giving magic. 👉 Watch here
📼 Netflix Drops “Recap Cassette” Ahead of Stranger Things’ Finale
Netflix is bringing the nostalgia with a radio-drama-style Recap Cassette, retelling all four seasons of Stranger Things through vintage ’80s audio. It’s weird, warm, and perfectly on brand ahead of the final season. I just need to find my Walkman; I hope the mega bass is still working. 👉 Listen here
🗓️ Mark Your Calendars
Opportunities to celebrate this week
- Wednesday November 12 – World Pneumonia Day 💙
- Thursday November 13 – World Kindness Day 🤝
- Friday November 14 – National Pickle Day 🥒
- Saturday November 15 – Steve Irwin Day 🐊
- Sunday November 16 – International Day for Tolerance 🫱🏽🫲🏼
- Monday November 17 – International Students Day 🎓
- Tuesday November 18 – Apple Cider Day 🍎
And next…
- Wednesday November 19 – World Toilet Day 🚽
- Thursday November 20 – World Pancreatic Cancer Day 💜
- Friday November 21 – World Hello Day 👋
- Saturday November 22 – Go For a Ride Day 🚴
- Sunday November 23 – National Espresso Day ☕
- Monday November 24 – National Fairy Bread Day 🍞
- Tuesday November 25 – National Play Day with Dad 🧒
- Wednesday November 26 – Drinksgiving 🍻
That’s a wrap for this week!
I’m off to dust off my son’s skateboard and get some practice in before heading to the Meta store. The last time I gave it a try, I ended up with a broken wrist. That was pretty embarrassing in real life; I imagine it’d be even worse in the metaverse.
If you’d like to chat about any of this week’s stories, get in touch. We’re always happy to talk about all things social!
See you next week, bye 👋🎄
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