Meta, Reels, and what’s next for 2026 📲

The latest platform updates, next year’s bold predictions, and Insta story secrets every creator should know.

October 15, 2025

Your feed called, and it’s craving a fall glow-up. This week’s MRKT dives into the trends and tips every savvy creator should know:

  • Fresh drops and updates from Meta, YouTube, and more

  • A peek into Social Media Today’s bold predictions for 2026

  • Reels inspo featuring the flirty “Stop Talking Dirty to Me” trend

  • The secret recipe for Instagram Stories that actually get seen

What’s New in Social Media

1.Facebook Stories = Cash Money

You can now officially earn money from Facebook Stories. Time to turn your daily updates into dollar signs.

2. Facebook Reels Algo Gets a Glow-Up

Facebook just leveled up its Reels game with a brand-new algorithm that learns what you like faster and serves up fresh, relevant videos. Your scroll is about to get a whole lot smarter.

3. Instagram Lets You Curate Your Feed

You can now personalize and edit exactly what your algorithm shows you. AKA more of what you actually want to see, less of the weirdly specific content you never asked for.

4. Instagram Looks to the Big Screen

Get ready for a dedicated Instagram TV app, which will be perfect for those “just one more scroll” nights.

5. Instagram Hides the “Sponsored” Tag a Little Better

The Sponsored label has officially moved to the bottom right corner of posts, making ads just a little sneakier. Blink and you might mistake one for your bestie’s brunch pic.

6. Instagram’s Redecorating Again

Instagram’s giving its Homepage and Profile page a makeover, shuffling buttons and icons like it’s redecorating your digital living room.

7. Edits Adds Major Upgrades

Instagram’s Edits app just got a major glow-up with new fonts (including one inspired by K-pop star Jennie), over 250 sound effects for Halloween and beyond, and even a media kit feature so creators can flex their Reels stats in style.

8. Instagram Drops a New “Add Yours” Remix

Instagram’s riding the Taylor Swift wave with a fresh twist on the “Add Yours” sticker, letting users remix Stories by adding their own video clips straight from their camera roll.

2026 Marketing, Made Easy

 It feels like 2025 just started, but somehow we’re already talking marketing plans for next year. According to Social Media Today’s 36 Predictions for 2026, big shifts are coming to every platform: AI-powered everything, Reels-first feeds, creators paying for reach, and a slow fade of the old “chronological” comfort zone. Here is the quick tour, plus what it means for Rhode Island small businesses.

The breakfown by platform:

Facebook: Still massive. Expect experiments with a chronological feed option in parts of the world, more Reels, more friend-forward prompts, tighter AI ad targeting, and extra shine on content captured with Meta’s smart glasses.


Instagram: Reels keeps rising. Tests to open the app straight to Reels, stronger AI-content labels, Edits app upgrades that could become paid, and easier “boost” style tools for creators.


Threads: Growth mode. Trending topics and smarter recommendations are coming, with a path to pass X for real-time chatter.


LinkedIn: Video and learning are heating up. Think a fuller video feed, bite-size skill lessons, better trend insights, and more AI help.


TikTok: Shopping and livestream commerce will keep expanding, along with mini-program style utilities. U.S. ownership questions linger, but video commerce is the north star.


Pinterest: Cleaner search results, stronger AI labels, better try-on tools, and a push toward simpler in-app checkout.


Snapchat: Leaning into AR creation and more personalized inbox offers while it reassesses hardware bets.

What this means for small business owners:

1) Budget for video first.
Plan simple Reels, Shorts, and LinkedIn-native video series. Batch one shoot per month, cut into multiple clips, and schedule across platforms.

2) Expect more “pay to polish.”
Instagram’s Edits may keep premium features behind a paywall. Set a small tools budget so you are not stuck when a must-have feature is gated.

3) Make friends with AI labels.
If you use AI in images or copy, stay transparent. Clear labeling protects trust and can future-proof content if platforms enforce stricter rules.

4) Lean into shoppable moments.
Test TikTok Shop or Pinterest Product Pins for one giftable product or seasonal bundle. Start with a low-risk pilot and watch conversion.

5) Treat LinkedIn like a media channel.
Post short expert videos, host a micro live Q&A, and add one “learn-in-3-minutes” tip weekly. Great for B2B, hiring, and partnerships.

6) Build a creator-friendly media kit now.
Even if you are a small team, keep a one-pager of reach, engagement, and audience demos ready. Brands and partners will ask.

7) Diversify beyond one algorithm.
Grow an email list, a WhatsApp Channel, and a consistent Stories cadence. If feeds reshuffle, your audience still hears from you.

8) Track what actually sells.
Set up UTM links on every promo and review monthly. Double down on the 20% of content driving 80% of clicks and purchases.

9) Think local video commerce.
Try a monthly “Drop Day” live stream on TikTok or Instagram featuring three SKUs, limited time codes, and curbside pickup for Rhode Island shoppers.

10) Prepare for AR moments.
Even without glasses, test simple AR try-ons or room previews where relevant. Pin those experiences on Pinterest and your product pages.

Three moves to make this month:

  • Pick one flagship weekly video: 45–60 seconds, vertical, value-packed, repurposed across IG, TikTok, YouTube Shorts, and LinkedIn.

  • Ship a one-page media kit: Current stats, best-performing posts, audience location highlights, and contact info.

  • Pilot one shoppable test: A holiday bundle on TikTok Shop or Pinterest, measured with UTMs and a unique code.

Reels Inspo: The “Stop Talking Dirty to Me” Trend

The “Stop Talking Dirty to Me” trend is taking over TikTok and Reels right now. The setup is simple: you post a seemingly innocent line like “I grabbed you an iced coffee” or “Your package is out for delivery,” then react with “stop talkin’ dirty to me.” The result is playful, flirty, and just the right amount of cheeky.

Creators love this trend because it’s fun without crossing the line, and it gives everyone a chance to show off their personality. There’s no official audio or rigid format; the charm comes from your timing, expression, and clever setup that leads to the twist.

Source: Instagram

It’s perfect for showing how your customers might be “carried away” by your products, services, or events. Let the wind be your creative direction. Rhode Island biz ideas to ride the wind:

  • Cafes & Bakeries: Start your reel with “The croissants just came out of the oven” or “The espresso machine finally hit that perfect pour.” Then hit the line “stop talkin’ dirty to me.” Bonus points for slow-motion steam shots.

  • Salons & Spas: Try “We had a last-minute cancellation if you want a self-care day” or “Your toner came out perfect.” Then react like you just heard the sweetest words in the world.

  •  Fitness Studios: Say “Everyone showed up on time for the 6 a.m. class” or “We added fresh towels.” Then hit your best I’m swooning face.

    Boutiques & Shops: Show off a freshly organized display with the caption “Everything’s color-coordinated again” or “That order of fall sweaters finally arrived.” Cue the “stop talkin’ dirty to me” reaction.

  • Artists & Makers: Film your clean studio, a fully packed order table, or the moment your last Etsy order ships. Use a caption like “All the custom pieces are officially done.”

  • Wellness or Yoga Studios: Try “Everyone remembered to silence their phones today” or “We burned the good sage before class.” Calm, cozy, and a little bit cheeky.

  • Photographers or Creatives: Use “The client approved the gallery with zero edits” or “The lighting hit just right at golden hour.” Perfectly satisfying moments that spark a knowing laugh from your peers.

    Restaurants & Bars: Pair it with “The ice machine is working again” or “The barback restocked the limes.” That’s real romance in the service industry.

The goal is to keep it relatable, funny, and just a little flirty. Think of it as your brand’s way of saying, “This is what makes our hearts skip a beat.”

See an example here:

⚡Cracking the Story Code

If your Instagram Stories feel like they’re hiding in the algorithm abyss, here’s the secret: it’s all about signals. Instagram decides how close to the front your Story appears based on how much you and your followers actually interact.

The breakdown:
1️⃣ Post info: how popular it is, what type of content it includes, even your tags.
2️⃣ Poster info: how often someone engages with your account.
3️⃣ User activity: the topics they usually like and interact with.
4️⃣ Interaction history: DMs, Story replies, comments — all count toward your visibility.

What this means: The closer the digital friendship, the higher your Story shows up.

How to Boost Your Story Views:

Want more eyes on your content? Treat engagement like a daily routine:

  • Reply to comments within 24 hours.

  • Respond to DMs (and don’t forget the message requests tab).

  • Add your biggest supporters to your Favorites or Close Friends list.

  • Spend five minutes a day liking and commenting on your followers’ posts.

  • Watch and reply to at least 20 Stories a day.

For small business owners, this is gold. Stories aren’t just for showing off your latte art; they’re the place where trust grows. The more you interact with your audience, the more your brand stays top of mind and at the top of their feed. Think of it as your digital handshake, built one tap, heart, or emoji reply at a time.

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Got a burning social media question? Wondering how to get more engagement, what to post next, or if hashtags still matter? 🤔 Now’s your chance to pick a marketer’s brain – no consulting fee required! Drop your questions in our quick survey, and we’ll tackle the hottest topics in an upcoming newsletter. Whether it’s content creation, branding, or social media trends, we’ve got you covered.

Your feed won’t glow up by accident, but you’ve got everything you need to make it shine. Until next time, keep creating, keep posting, and may your engagement rate rise faster than your caffeine levels. ☕✨