This Month in Social Media - January 2026 Update
We kept track of the most important changes across 4 major social media platforms, so you don’t have to scroll for hours to stay ahead.
Social media moves fast, and so do the algorithms, features, and trends that shape your brand’s visibility. Here's the social media updates for October. Bookmark it. Check back often. We’ll keep it fresh.
LinkedIn definitely said enjoy the holidays. May be they will circle back in January with new updates. ;)
- Facebook is rolling out updates focused on helping creators and brands get discovered more easily, while making content creation simpler and more social.
Key changes include:
- They're simplifying the Feed to make content easier to consume and more immersive. Multiple photo posts will now appear in a standardised grid, users can like photos by double-tapping, and Feed content can be viewed in full-screen mode.
- Reorganising the tab bar so the features people use most, like Reels, Friends, Marketplace, and Profile, are easier to reach. Alongside this, the menu is getting a visual refresh and tab notifications are being simplified, making it quicker to spot and catch up on what’s new across the platform.
3. Facebook will now have a full-screen viewer for reels and photos.
4. Facebook is updating profiles to make it easier to connect with people who share your interests. As you update your profile, Facebook will surface friends with similar passions or relevant experience, whether that’s someone who can share sourdough tips or recommend the best spots for your next trip.
The update also lets people share more about who they are, from work and location to hobbies, travel, music, and shows they’re watching, with full control over what’s visible and whether it appears in the Feed. The goal is deeper, more meaningful connections, not just fuller profiles.
- Now you can share a public Instagram story that you are not tagged in, to your story.
- You can now post up to 20 minutes long reels on Instagram.
YouTube
- According to the new Australian law banning social media for users under 16 years of age, YouTube will comply with the ban. From 10 December 2025, accounts of minors under 16 (even supervised by parents), will be automatically signed out.
When you’re logged out of YouTube, some features won’t be available. This includes interacting with content through likes, managing subscriptions, accessing private playlists, or using channel memberships.
If you’re a creator, signing out also means your channel won’t be publicly visible or accessible. You won’t be able to view or manage your uploads, respond to comments, or access monetisation features until you sign back in.
Under 16 accounts now have 3 options:
- You can delete all your data and sign out
- If you are moving out of country, the parents can fill out a form requesting for region change, which means you'll be able to access the account as usual once approved.
- Sign out of the account, and sign back in once the account holder is of 16 years or older.
- Creators will now be able to A/B test the titles of their YouTube videos.
