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🎥 Google Gemini goes vertical for social
Creating vertical video content just got a major AI upgrade. Google has announced that its Gemini model can now generate vertical videos specifically designed for social media platforms.
Instead of just cropping a horizontal video (which often looks awkward), Gemini now generates a full vertical image from scratch, optimizing composition for mobile screens. While this promises faster workflows for creators, it also raises the question: are we about to see a flood of “AI slop” in our Reels and TikTok feeds?
👉 Read the full report at Mashable NL.
✂️ Instagram Edits gets a major creative boost
Instagram is rolling out a suite of new features to its “Edits” tool, designed to help creators take their video content to the next level.
The update introduces 25 new video effects to play with and the ability to add interactive links directly to your videos—a huge win for driving traffic. It also adds a “Weekly Ideas” feature (currently English only) to spark inspiration when you’re stuck, and “multiple takes” in storyboards to let you experiment until you get the perfect shot.
👉 Check the full announcement and see the new tools in action on Instagram.
🛡️ TikTok tightens teen safety in the EU
Facing increasing regulatory pressure, TikTok is rolling out enhanced “age assurance” technology across Europe to better detect and remove accounts belonging to users under 13.
The system uses behavioral signals—like the content posted and how the account interacts—to flag underage users for human review. At the same time, TikTok is trying to prove its worth to regulators by releasing a report claiming it contributed €31 billion to the EU economy in 2025, supporting over 52,000 creative jobs.
👉 Get the details on the new measures at Social Media Today.
🧵 Threads officially overtakes X on mobile
It finally happened. New data reveals that Threads has surpassed X (formerly Twitter) in daily active users on mobile devices globally.
As of early January 2026, Threads recorded 141.5 million daily users across iOS and Android, compared to X’s 125 million. While X still holds a lead in web/desktop traffic, this shift marks a significant turning point in the battle for text-based social media dominance.
👉 See the breakdown of the numbers at The Verge.
🧠 Meta: “Science does not support bans”
With countries like Australia implementing strict social media bans for teens, Meta is fighting back with data. The company has published a detailed response arguing that “the science does not support teen social media bans”.
Meta states that mental health is complex and cannot be pinned on a single factor like social media, citing research that shows the issue is not clear-cut. They argue that bans oversimplify the problem and ignore the benefits of online connection for marginalized youth.
👉 Read Meta’s full argument at Social Media Today.
🗓️ Newsjacking opportunities
Opportunities to celebrate this week:
- Wed 21 Jan – International Playdate Day🧸
- Thu 22 Jan – Polka Dot Day🔴
- Fri 23 Jan – National Pie Day🥧
- Sat 24 Jan – International Day of Education📚
- Sun 25 Jan – Fluoride Day🦷
- Mon 26 Jan – Bubble Wrap Appreciation Day🫧
- Tue 27 Jan – National Geographic Day🗺️
And next…
- Wed 28 Jan – International LEGO Day🧱
- Thu 29 Jan – Puzzle Day🧩
- Fri 30 Jan – Croissant Day🥐
- Sat 31 Jan – International Zebra Day🦓
- Sun 1 Feb – Change Your Password Day🔒
- Mon 2 Feb – Crepe Day🥞
- Tue 3 Feb – Carrot Cake Day🥕
Anything else you would like to discuss and see for next week’s social newsflash? Just share it with me via e-mail or slide in my LinkedIn comments or DM.
And don’t forget to subscribe to our Weekly Social Round Up newsletter so you get this delivered directly into your inbox each week!
Until the next one. XoXo, Erik 👋
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