News and Insights
BOOM SCROLL: FEBRUARY 2025
February 7, 2025
Need to speed-read your social feed? Here’s the social intel from last month you definitely need to know.
tl;dr
TikTok’s saga continues, creators crack the Trial Reels code, ads get woven into Threads, Snapchat goes minimalist, and Meta comes for CapCut.
#1 TikTok: The Never-Ending Story
TikTok keeps us guessing – the social platform faces an uncertain future, with ad dollars and consumer engagement up for grabs.
💥 The Boom
– US users clock 88 million hours daily, for approx. $1.7B in revenue
– While TikTok has a lot to lose, its competitors have a lot to gain
Our take
Even if TikTok meets its US demise, users will still flock to short-form video content. If the India ban is any hint, we can expect to see users heading to YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram.
Stay ahead by leaning into Reels or YouTube shorts. If TikTok stays, you’ve just diversified your platform strategy—good job!
#2 Instagram: Trial Reels Growth Hacking
Instagram launched Trial Reels to test content before sharing with followers. But, creators are finding a whole new way to use this shiny new tool.
💥 The Boom
– Creators are going viral using Trial Reels as a get-rich-quick way to gain thousands of followers
– The tool gives old content new life with traffic from non-followers
– Is this growth hack allowed? Insta Head Adam Mosseri says yes!
Our take
Working on growing your following? This Trial Reels hack could be your next smart move. Think of it as a get-rich-quick way to drive eyeballs to your content – and unlike follower ads, it’s free.
Not chasing followers? Trial Reels are perfect for testing your content before pushing it to your current crowd.
#3 Threads: The Ads Are Coming!
If your Threads feed looks a little different, you’re one of the lucky users currently testing ads on the platform for the first time.
💥 The Boom
– Advertisers will be able to seamlessly extend Meta campaigns to Threads
– Perfect timing as users and ad dollars flee X (and eye TikTok with suspicion)
– Brand safety measures and AI tools help you control where your ads appear
Our take
Threads is still new, but its growing user base (320 million monthly actives!) suggests it’s here to stay. Worth testing some ad budget if you get the chance – especially if your audience thrives there.
#4 Snapchat: Simpler the Better?
“Simple Snapchat” beta is set to launch this year after testing since September 2024. You ready?
💥 The Boom
– Update declutters the home screen for easier use.
– Prioritize photos, chats, and trending vertical videos (AKA “Spotlights”!)
– Big change often means big pushback – remember the 2018 update that outraged millions?
Our take
Snapchat’s Spotlight tab was built to compete with TikTok, and this update puts it front and center. With TikTok’s uncertain future, Snapchat could be your next move for reaching Gen Z.
#5 Meta: Edits for All
When opportunity knocks, Meta answers. As CapCut potentially faces TikTok’s fate (🤷🏾♀️), Meta’s new ‘Edits’ app offers creators a powerful new toolkit.
💥 The Boom
– Edits goes beyond video with an inspiration tab, collaboration tools, AI (!!), and Insta insights
– Meta is testing the app with creators before a wider rollout
Our take
As TikTok and CapCut went hand-in-hand, Meta hopes Edits and Instagram can do the same. With an emphasis on creators, Edits could steal the show… as long as it’s easy to use and is as good as, or better than, the OG.