Let’s be real—networking can feel cringe, career growth is confusing, and marketing a “boring” brand? Even harder. But don’t worry, we’re breaking it all down in today’s episode.

Whether you’re trying to:

💼 Land better opportunities (without chasing them)

📈 Make an unsexy brand go viral

🤝 Network like a natural (no awkward small talk required)

👩‍💻 Build a career that actually makes you money

…this episode is for YOU. 🎙️💰

Hit LIKE & SUBSCRIBE for weekly career & marketing hacks! 🚀✨

Latest Social Media Updates You Need to Know!

📱In this episode, we're diving into the biggest social media updates and trends that's reshaping the digital landscape. From Google's Gemini AI revolutionising YouTube consumption to Instagram's innovative ad formats, we've got you covered!

💡 Whether you're a content creator, marketer, or social media enthusiast, this episode is packed with insights you won't want to miss.

Google’s Gemini can now watch YouTube for you https://www.zdnet.com/article/gemini-can-now-watch-youtube-for-you-skip-the-video-get-the-highlights/

57% of marketers currently post on Threadshttps://mobilemarketingmagazine.com/threads-gains-momentum-among-brands-research-reveals/

YouTube AI-generated video clips in Shorts

https://www.theverge.com/news/612031/youtube-ai-generated-video-shorts-veo-2-dream-screen

Instagram is testing a new carousel ad format for reels

https://www.threads.net/@oncescuradu/post/DF03hiTsxbT?xmt=AQGzGnwbZ5PDvhyi2WDBEMszfNaGCqXv-lD77hX9IHcWG0A

TikTok release discover list

https://www.socialmediatoday.com/news/tiktok-emerging-creators-discover-list-2025/739967/

Youtube Key Areas of Focus

https://www.socialmediatoday.com/news/youtube-key-areas-of-focus-2025/739842/

🎉 It's Our Birthday Episode! 🎉

We’re celebrating this incredible year of our Social Commuter Journey by reflecting on our biggest moments so far! Plus, we’re diving into the latest game-changing social media updates, viral trends, and our top creators of the year 🚀

💬 What’s been your favourite moment from our journey? Drop a comment below!

📹 Shoutout to our amazing videographer, Louis Derricott (@louleroq) from LouDProductionz! If you're in Manchester and need top-tier video production, we highly recommend him!

📩 Contact: [email protected]

📹 Special thanks to our creative director and montage editor, Bodhi Davies! 

📩 Contact: [email protected]

🔥 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and turn on notifications so you never miss an episode! This year we have some incredible guests, don’t miss out!

#SocialMediaTrends #ContentCreators #BirthdayEpisode #SocialCommuter

Join us for an insightful conversation with Paid Media expert Sophie Fell as we dive deep into career growth and mastering Google Ads!

In this episode, we explore how to advocate for yourself in your career, navigate the complex world of Pay-Per-Click advertising, and unlock the secrets of running successful Google Ad campaigns. Sophie shares her expert insights on maximising ROI, avoiding common PPC pitfalls, and building a strong professional presence.

Key Topics:

Whether you're a marketing professional looking to advance your career or a business owner wanting to understand paid advertising better, this episode is packed with actionable insights you won't want to miss.

Join us for your weekly social media marketing fix! We're keeping you up to date, on the go, ensuring you're READY to smash your digital marketing and social media strategies this week.

In today's video, we're breaking down the BIGGEST social media updates you can't miss! From meta fact checking ending to the new dislike button on TikTok and so much more.

Stay ahead of the curve with our insights on platform trends and updates from this past week!

Follow us on Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn for all the latest social media trends, digital marketing tips, and behind-the-scenes content from the @socialcommuterpodcast! Don't miss out on our exclusive social media marketing hacks and industry insights.

Connect with us individually on LinkedIn for all things social media: @Eloise Fenwick @Georgia Smith

Links To What We Discussed:

Meta Fact Checking

https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2025/jan/07/meta-facebook-instagram-threads-mark-zuckerberg-remove-fact-checkers-recommend-political-content

Millennials Overtake Gen Z

https://mobilemarketingmagazine.com/millennials-overtake-gen-z-in-social-shopping-on-tiktok-instagram-and-facebook/

Meta plans to increase creator revenue

https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=1148900309933730&id=100044413150303&ref=embed_post

Lemon8

https://www.axios.com/2025/01/07/tiktok-lemon8-ban-sponsored-posts

Insta Donts for Maximum Engagement

https://www.socialmediatoday.com/news/instagram-post-reach-tips-infographic/736874/

Youtube Expands 3 min Shorts To All Users

https://www.socialmediatoday.com/news/youtube-expands-3-minute-shorts-to-all-users/736967/

TikTok Forecast Report

https://ads.tiktok.com/business/en/trends-whats-next

Join us for your weekly social media marketing fix! We're keeping you up to date, on the go, ensuring you're READY to smash your digital marketing and social media strategies this week.

Join us for your weekly social media marketing fix! We're keeping you up to date, on the go, ensuring you're READY to smash your digital marketing and social media strategies this week.

This week, we dive into the latest social media updates, including:

Stay ahead of the curve with our insights on platform trends and updates from this past week!

Follow us on Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn for all the latest social media trends, digital marketing tips, and behind-the-scenes content from the @socialcommuterpodcast! Don't miss out on our exclusive social media marketing hacks and industry insights.

Connect with us individually on LinkedIn for all things social media: @Eloise Fenwick @Georgia Smith

Links To What We Discussed:

TikTok Ban In US

https://www.forbes.com/sites/emilybaker-white/2024/12/13/congress-warns-apple-and-google-they-must-ban-tiktok-in-january/

YouTube is testing “voice comments”

https://www.threads.net/@oncescuradu/post/DDpSviwoB9_?xmt=AQGzDYJV4nGvCuhHt2dM5u5aX0Gk9nDefeX1BFAVynzUJ9w

Snapchat Influencers

https://www.theverge.com/2024/12/16/24320402/snapchat-creator-monetization-program-stories-spotlight

Meta Video Seal

https://techcrunch.com/2024/12/12/meta-releases-a-tool-for-watermarking-ai-generated-videos/

Meta's new AI model

https://tech.co/news/what-is-meta-motivo

Instagram added a new “memories” sticker

https://www.threads.net/@oncescuradu/post/DDo64OVIUVq?xmt=AQGzhP4gitfh75vcUoUI3yE605KJiVvYX9XaMi32oFEfkiI

Threads rolls out its own version of Bluesky’s ‘Starter Packs’

https://techcrunch.com/2024/12/12/threads-rolls-out-its-own-version-of-blueskys-starter-packs/

Instagram users can now schedule DMs

https://tribune.com.pk/story/2514809/instagram-users-can-now-schedule-dms-heres-how

Should we still be using hashtags?

https://www.socialmediatoday.com/news/do-you-still-need-to-use-hashtags/735983/

Meta Launches Affiliate Link Display

https://www.socialmediatoday.com/news/meta-affiliate-link-display-updates/736083/

US supreme court to hear TikToks appeal over sell off bill

https://www.socialmediatoday.com/news/US-supreme-court-approves-TikTok-appeal-against-ban/735962/

Creators:

@jayscotttttt

@lisa@corbo

Join us for your weekly social media marketing fix! We're keeping you up to date, on the go, ensuring you're READY to smash your digital marketing and social media strategies this week.

This week, we dive into the latest social media updates, including:

Stay ahead of the curve with our insights on platform trends and updates from this past week!

Follow us on Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn for all the latest social media trends, digital marketing tips, and behind-the-scenes content from the @socialcommuterpodcast! Don't miss out on our exclusive social media marketing hacks and industry insights.

Connect with us individually on LinkedIn for all things social media: @Eloise Fenwick @Georgia Smith

Links To What We Discussed:

TikTok could be pulled from US

https://www.businessinsider.com/tiktok-ban-details-when-how-legal-cases-trump-options

YouTube previews AI-powered Inspiration Tab

https://www.searchenginejournal.com/youtube-previews-ai-tools-to-overcome-creative-blocks/533862/

Linked in slideshow banner

https://www.socialmediatoday.com/news/linkedin-adds-revolving-slideshow-option-for-profile-banner-images/734691/

Youtube top trends 2024

https://www.socialmediatoday.com/news/youtube-shares-top-trends-2024/734481/

Linked In posting tips

https://www.socialmediatoday.com/news/linkedin-shares-posting-tips-boost-presence/734399/

Threads individual post analytics

https://www.socialmediatoday.com/news/threads-tests-individual-post-analytics/734772/

Pinterest trend predictions

https://www.socialmediatoday.com/news/pinterest-publishes-trend-predictions-for-2025/734765/

Creators -

@emmanielsen

@halliebatchelder

Join us for your weekly social media marketing fix!

We're keeping you up to date, on the go, ensuring you're READY to smash your digital marketing and social media strategies this week.

This week, we dive into the latest social media updates, including:

- Your Holiday marketing guide

- Instagrams huge new updates

- Why community is the future of marketing

- The impacts of Australias new social media laws

Stay ahead of the curve with our insights on platform trends and updates from this past week!

Follow us on Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn for all the latest social media trends, digital marketing tips, and behind-the-scenes content from the @socialcommuterpodcast!

Don't miss out on our exclusive social media marketing hacks and industry insights.

Connect with us individually on LinkedIn for all things social media:@Eloise Fenwick @Georgia Smith

Links To What We Discussed:

TikTok Partners With Deezer

https://newsroom.tiktok.com/en-gb/tiktok-partners-with-deezer-on-add-to-music-app

You Can Now Create Prompts In Instagram Broadcast Channels

https://www.threads.net/@martijncales/post/DC1Jq8RCwLJ?xmt=AQGz_ZynOhSCaeIT3NpP7A5YBAPx3ZePWH1_nPP9tFmB-7s

Threads Will Change Its For You Page

https://www.theverge.com/2024/11/21/24302400/threads-algorithm-focus-people-you-follow

Threads Tests AI-powered Summaries

https://techcrunch.com/2024/11/22/taking-a-cue-from-x-threads-tests-ai-powered-summaries-of-trending-topics/

Instagram Is Testing On iOS A New Feature https://www.threads.net/@oncescuradu/post/DCkLOdyo-eH?xmt=AQGzIJar7buD-rOX9dCTCrjDjpWVFUhrra4EW3f1uZzU078

Threads Is Distancing Itself From Instagram

https://www.threads.net/@mosseri/post/DCVnxBRpDCs?xmt=AQGzZ7Ycvv16gL9gnHzzIod8NjaOXGRulioAuXOjhZsjHvkI

Instagram Is Reorganising Its Profile Layout https://www.threads.net/@lindseygamble_/post/DCer1HqyRQA?xmt=AQGzfWPt_hJl3BEPv9KWxiVBJRk2vpbhwJAyGVdvqzeUZPo

Instagram Story Collage

https://www.socialmediatoday.com/news/instagram-launches-collage-option-stories/734145/

Bans Social Media for U16s

https://www.socialmediatoday.com/news/australian-government-votes-to-ban-under-16s-from-social-media-apps/734234/

TikTok Holiday Marketing https://www.socialmediatoday.com/news/tiktok-shares-holiday-marketing-tips/733936/

Pinterest Holiday Campaign https://www.socialmediatoday.com/news/pinterest-launches-holiday-campaign-hub/733499/

Creators-

@ludymilw_

Disco Dance Queen

@nikolbeniakh

Best Video Editor

@squizzay

Fashion Icon

Welcome to Social Commuter – your go-to podcast for staying ahead in the ever-evolving world of social media marketing! Each week, we deliver the latest trends, essential platform updates, and spotlight inspirational accounts to help you craft winning social media strategies.

Whether you're managing a brand, building a personal profile, or just staying on top of your social media game, our episodes are packed with actionable insights and expert advice tailored just for you. Join us every week as we dive into:

Trends to Watch: Discover the hottest trends shaping the social media landscape and learn how to leverage them to boost your engagement and reach.

Platform Updates: Stay informed with the latest updates from major social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, TikTok, and more. We break down what these changes mean for you and how to adapt your strategies accordingly.

Creators Of The Week: Get inspired by following accounts that are killing it on social media. We feature creative influencers, brands, and campaigns that can spark new ideas and elevate your content game.

Tune in to The Social Commuter Podcast to ensure your social media strategy is always on point and ahead of the curve. Hit subscribe and get ready to make your mark in the social media world!

Stay connected with us on Instagram, TikTok and LinkedIn @socialcommuterpodcast and join the conversation using #SocialCommuter (https://m.youtube.com/hashtag/socialcommuter).

Links to features discussed:

Facebook Views

https://www.socialmediatoday.com/news/facebook-switches-views-primary-metric/732979/

Social media predictions 2025

https://www.socialmediatoday.com/news/26-predictions-social-media-marketing-2025/731576/

TikTok affiliate marketing program

https://www.socialmediatoday.com/news/tiktok-expands-affiliate-marketing-program/732839/

Boosting Instagram Posts

https://www.socialmediatoday.com/news/instagram-expands

TikTok has announced plans for celebrity-led live shopping streams

https://newsroom.tiktok.com/en-us/black-friday-and-cyber-monday-on-tiktok-shop

Instagram DM Update

https://www.threads.net/@theahmedghanem/post/DCSTAaNtcvK?xmt=AQGzwsL6MuCr1MEk9o7AActZ-1j5jn1F_aUZKqLEc7zDEXM

LinkedIn has introduced a new hub called "Build Your Voice" to support content creators.

https://buildyourvoice.linkedin.com/student/catalog

YouTube tests adding TikTok’s swipe up gesture for full-length videos

https://9to5google.com/2024/11/11/youtube-swipe-up-gesture-test/

Music on TikTok

https://newsroom.tiktok.com/en-us/tiktok-launches-share-to-tiktok

Instagram Goals

https://www.threads.net/@theahmedghanem/post/DCOZeJqKHpG?xmt=AQGztAc8niPnLCYJtOqJkvVnV-wCwVboI7vWlu27coSbaKg