Welcome back to this week’s TEAM LEWIS Social Round-Up. We’ve got 2026 crystal-ball gazing, Instagram’s Friend Map expansion (with more precise location controls), and TikTok giving advertisers smarter automation knobs. Also: IG flirts with a TV app, Buffer settles the “how often to post on TikTok” debate, Meta dubs Reels in more languages, and Google’s Frightgeist returns for spooky planning.
Let’s get into it 👇
Latest News
🔮 36 Predictions for Social Media Marketing in 2026
Social Media Today has looked into the crystal ball and shared what’s next for every major platform. Expect more AI, smarter targeting, and a stronger focus on video and messaging. If you’re planning 2026 campaigns, this is your early cheat sheet. 👉 Read more
🗺️ Instagram launches Friend Map in India (with clearer controls)
Instagram’s Friend Map, basically Snapchat’s Snap Map, is now live in India, with new labels and reminders so you know exactly when you’re sharing your location. It’s still optional, but the update means you can follow your friends responsibly. 👉 Read more
🤖 TikTok introduces Smart+ ads and better measurement tools
TikTok’s giving advertisers a new way to automate campaigns while keeping creative control. Smart+ helps you set goals, choose how much AI help you want, and test what works, plus new integrations show how TikTok ads actually drive sales. Simple idea: let AI do the heavy lifting while you focus on the fun stuff. 👉 Read more
📺 Instagram could be coming to your TV
Adam Mosseri has hinted at a dedicated Instagram TV app, meaning Reels could soon take over the living room. The plan is to make vertical video bingeable on the big screen, which feels like a natural next step (and another reason you’ll never escape Reels). 👉 Read more
📈 How often should you post on TikTok?
Buffer analysed 11 million TikTok posts and found that 2–5 times per week is the sweet spot. More posting gives you more chances to go viral, but the most significant gains happen when you go from posting once to a few times a week. Consistency really is key. 👉 Read more
🌍 Meta adds Hindi and Portuguese AI translations for Reels
Reels can now automatically translate and dub videos in Hindi and Portuguese, with AI that mimics your voice and lip-syncs your mouth. It’s slightly uncanny, but it opens your content up to two huge new audiences. 👉 Read more
🎃 Google’s Halloween trends: K-Pop Demon Hunters, anyone?
Google’s Frightgeist is back, showing the most searched costumes across the U.S. this year. “K-Pop Demon Hunters” top the list, but you can also browse trending couple costumes, décor ideas, and even dog outfits. A goldmine if you’re creating Halloween content or just need party inspo. 👉 Explore Frightgeist
🔧 Quick Tip of the Week
Planning a Halloween campaign? Check what’s trending on Frightgeist first, then tailor your content around those searches. Even a simple caption tweak (“Everyone’s searching for this costume”) can help your Reels or TikToks ride the spooky wave. 🎃
✨ Campaigns We Love ✨
💬 Dove – “Kind, Clever, Strong” compliments
Dove’s reminding us that girls should be complimented for more than just looks, turning a simple truth into a heartfelt social campaign. A small shift that hits big emotionally. 👉 Check it out
🩺 Visit Sweden – “The Swedish Prescription”
Sweden’s tourism board teamed up with doctors to literally prescribe holidays as wellness treatments. A frozen-lake dip never looked so good. Stay for the “consultation” video, and the hilarious disclaimer. 👉 Watch now
🗓️ Mark Your Calendars
Opportunities to celebrate this week
- Wednesday October 15 – Global Ethics Day ⚖️
- Thursday October 16 – Global Cat Day 🐱
- Friday October 17 – Child Poverty Day 🧒
- Saturday October 18 – World Menopause Day 🌸
- Sunday October 19 – International Gin & Tonic Day 🍸
- Monday October 20 – World Osteoporosis Day 🦴
- Tuesday October 21 – International Day of the Nacho 🧀
And next…
- Wednesday October 22 – Wombat Day 🐾
- Thursday October 23 – National Croc Day 🐊
- Friday October 24 – World Kangaroo Day 🦘
- Saturday October 25 – World Opera Day 🎭
- Sunday October 26 – World Run Day 🏃♂️
- Monday October 27 – Cranky Co-Workers Day 😤
- Tuesday October 28 – Plush Animal Lovers Day 🧸
That’s a wrap for this week!
Go update your 2026 strategy, post that extra TikTok, and maybe give your cat some love on Thursday, it’s Global Cat Day, after all.
Got a question about any of this week’s updates? Get in touch, we love talking social almost as much as we love a themed day. See you next week, bye 👋.
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