Instagram tests option to swap out text in someone else’s Reels

An explainer article appeared and then disappeared in the app’s Help Center, suggesting this feature is still a work in progress.

By Andrew Hutchinson • May 3, 2026

Meta launches AI ad connectors that work with outside chatbots

External providers will be able to plug data into another system, such as Claude or ChatGPT, without using API setups or developer credentials.

By Andrew Hutchinson • April 30, 2026

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Top 5 stories from Social Media Today

A look at the recent top stories in social media and what they mean for marketers.

By Social Media Today staff

Instagram updates algorithm to benefit original creators

The app said it will no longer recommend photos and carousel posts from aggregator accounts and profiles that focus on reposting.

By Andrew Hutchinson • April 30, 2026

Meta’s daily active user count declined in Q1 2026

The Instagram and Facebook owner saw its first decline in daily active usage ever, which it claims is due to new restrictions in some regions.

By Andrew Hutchinson • April 29, 2026

Meta assists FBI in major scam center crackdown

The U.S. Department of Justice reported that the social media giant was among several groups that contributed to the international operation.

By Andrew Hutchinson • April 29, 2026

EU Commission says Meta’s age restriction systems are inadequate

Preliminary findings indicate the company was unable to prevent children under the age of 13 from accessing Facebook and Instagram.

By Andrew Hutchinson • April 29, 2026

Life stage matters more than age for in-app brand promotions

A new study from Meta found that behaviors such as “digital pebbling” are prevalent across every generation, and expert knowledge matters more than fame.

By Andrew Hutchinson • April 28, 2026

Meta announces plans to collect solar energy in orbit

A new partnership with Overview Energy will reduce downtime for solar facilities, while a deal with Noon Energy is designed to expand storage capacity.

By Andrew Hutchinson • April 27, 2026

China blocks Meta’s Manus acquisition

The National Development and Reform Commission ruled that the $2 billion deal was invalid, and ordered the companies to unwind.

By Andrew Hutchinson • April 27, 2026

Instagram brings simplified AI video to Edits

A new in-stream option will allow users to generate artificial intelligence clips from text prompts, pictures or user videos and add them to posts.

By Andrew Hutchinson • April 26, 2026

Instagram improves Insights UI, adds new metrics

The updated elements provide a simpler way to access key performance data for posts and Reels.

By Andrew Hutchinson • April 26, 2026

Meta expands Instagram management APIs

The updates include additional support for the partnership ad label, enhanced third-party capabilities and new metrics for developers and brands.

By Andrew Hutchinson • April 23, 2026

Meta will let parents see their teens’ AI queries

The company updated its teen supervision tools to provide broad category overviews of the types of questions being asked, though not specific content.

By Andrew Hutchinson • April 23, 2026

Meta Accounts Center now includes more apps and devices

An updated login location allows users to access Threads, Meta AI, glasses and Quest headsets, as well as managed teen accounts.

By Andrew Hutchinson • April 23, 2026

Meta expands access to AI business assistant

The chatbot will now be available across major global markets and feature enhanced local language support, making it more accessible for creators and advertisers.

By Andrew Hutchinson • April 22, 2026

Meta sued by Consumer Federation of America

A new lawsuit alleges that the company profited from scam advertising and intentionally allowed fake promotions to continue despite promises to crack down.

By Andrew Hutchinson • April 21, 2026

Instagram expands Your Algorithm tool to Explore

The feature will now be available to all English-language users and will allow them greater capacity to control what the algorithm shows them.

By Andrew Hutchinson • April 16, 2026

Instagram adds comment editing

The long-awaited feature will allow users to revise comments within 15 minutes of posting, but image elements will not be editable.

By Andrew Hutchinson • April 9, 2026

Instagram looks to grow Notes engagement

The brief comment function is being expanded beyond mutual followers and could potentially become a new way for creators to broadcast information.

By Andrew Hutchinson • April 7, 2026

Instagram chief debunks popular engagement hack

Adam Mosseri said that reposting feed posts to Stories won’t increase reach.

By Andrew Hutchinson • April 6, 2026

Meta will soon release new AI models developed by Alexandr Wang

The company plans to eventually offer open source versions as its Superintelligence group works to catch up with industry benchmarks, per Axios.

By Andrew Hutchinson • April 6, 2026

Major social platforms issue joint warning about child safety in EU

Google, Meta, Microsoft and Snapchat said they would continue to take steps to protect their platforms following the expiration of the EU ePrivacy Directive. 

By Andrew Hutchinson • April 5, 2026

Instagram allows creators to schedule Trial Reels

The update will allow creators to decide when non-followers see their content, which could help align posts with regional engagement times.

By Andrew Hutchinson • April 2, 2026

70% of teens in Australia still access social media despite bans

Although a new report found that about 4.7 million teen social media accounts were removed, deactivated or restricted, children still had access to the apps.

By Andrew Hutchinson • April 1, 2026

Meta avoids Motion Picture Association lawsuit over PG-13 ratings

Instagram had been using the proprietary ratings scales without permission and will now include a disclaimer saying it “didn’t work with the MPA.”

By Andrew Hutchinson • March 31, 2026