Welcome to this week’s Social Round-Up, and yes, we’re back with more spicy platform updates, creative ad options, and a couple of British icons who just won’t stay off your screen (looking at you, Elton and Monkey). Instagram is testing exclusive content with unlockable Reels, LinkedIn has fully leaned into video, Meta’s pulling out all the stops with IAB NewFronts updates, and creators are getting more powerful tools across the board. Let’s jump in 👇
Latest News
🔐 Instagram Unlocks Secret Reels
After weeks of testing, Instagram just launched its first official use of lockable Reels; Reels that can only be viewed by entering a code. The Weeknd kicked things off with a hidden clip from his new film, and now the feature is being trialled with selected creators. It’s a big move for gated content: think exclusive launches, superfans-only clips, or discount drops for loyal customers. Once rolled out more widely, this could be a game-changer for driving hype and creating private experiences within the public app. 👉 Learn more
🎟️ Meta Drops Trend Tools, Creator Updates & Threads Video Ads
At IAB NewFronts 2025, Meta unveiled a wave of new updates across Reels, Threads, Facebook, and Instagram. Highlights include Reels Trending Ads (to target top-performing content), video ads on Threads, and AI-powered creator matchmaking to help brands find the perfect partner. They’re also enhancing Facebook Live Partnership Ads and rolling out new creative tools like video expansion and AI hook-rate scoring. Essentially Meta wants your ads to feel as native and timely as the content around them. 👉 Learn more
🎥 LinkedIn Gets Smarter with Video Ad Options
LinkedIn’s first NewFronts presentation came with a big focus: video is up 36% YoY, and they want marketers to take advantage. Enter new tools like “First Impression Ads” (to ensure your video is the first thing your audience sees), improved Connected TV integrations, and boosted Event Ads. LinkedIn also talked up BrandLink, its premium placement offering that lets you align video ads with high-trust publishers and creator content. Expect more reach, more eyeballs, and a stronger B2B video ROI. 👉 Learn more
🎮 LinkedIn Reinvents Job Search with AI
Job hunting just got a lot more human (and less keyword-driven). LinkedIn’s rolling out a new AI-powered search experience that lets users describe their dream job in natural language (“I want to use marketing to fight climate change”) and get tailored results. It’s powered by LLMs and GPU acceleration for speed and nuance, plus it’s constantly learning to match intent to the right roles. Big win for talent, recruiters, and anyone who’s tired of typing “communications coordinator hybrid remote Sydney” over and over. 👉 Learn more
🔺 Instagram’s Edits App Gets New Updates
Meta just dropped five fresh updates for its Edits app, including 50 new text animations, more filters, safe zone guides (to help your content land well on Reels and Shorts), frame rate selection, and auto captions. Edits is quickly becoming a worthy CapCut rival, and these features show Meta’s serious about building the ultimate mobile editing suite for creators. If you’re not using it yet, it’s definitely time to download and play. 👉 Learn more
🔥 Quick Tip of the Week
Planning a creator campaign? Use Instagram’s Creator Marketplace trends tab to find real-time, AI-generated insights (e.g. “festival vibes” or “spring nails”) to align your brief with the content audiences are loving right now.
✨ Campaigns We Love ✨
👓 Specsavers x Elton John
Elton brings his signature flair to a sparkling new eyewear range for Specsavers. It’s glam, it’s gold, it’s eyewear that sings. 👉 Learn more
☕️ PG Tips: Monkey Gets Married
Britain’s favourite primate returns in a reality TV spoof that introduces us to his new wife. Chaos, cuddles, and classic tea chat ensue. 👉 Watch now
🗓️ Mark Your Calendars
Opportunities to celebrate this week
- Wednesday 14 May – World Stationery Day ✍️
- Thursday 15 May – Global Accessibility Awareness Day 🌍
- Friday 16 May – International Day of Living Together in Peace ✌️
- Saturday 17 May – World Whisky Day 🥃
- Sunday 18 May – World Baking Day 🍰
- Monday 19 May – Learning at Work Week 💼
- Tuesday 20 May – World Bee Day 🐝
And next…
- Wednesday 21 May – World Meditation Day 🧘♂️
- Thursday 22 May – World Goth Day ⚫
- Friday 23 May – World Turtle Day 🐢
- Saturday 24 May – World Schizophrenia Awareness Day 🔎
- Sunday 25 May – International Plastic Bag Free Day 🌊
- Monday 26 May – World Redhead Day 💇
- Tuesday 27 May – World Marketing Day 🌐
- Wednesday 28 May – World Hunger Day 🥦
That’s it for this week! If you want to chat more about anything we’ve covered or fancy a cup of tea to discuss turning these insights into content or campaigns, get in touch.
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See you next week! Bye! 👋
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