Whether you’re sharing an inspiring quote on Twitter or creating a list post for Facebook, eye-catching images are essential to getting the most engagement. This week’s social media updates include tips for improving photo quality, optimizing hashtags and more.

Authenticity is the key to building trust with your audience, so consider sharing more “you” updates. That doesn’t mean telling your followers what you ate for lunch, but rather sharing little details about your day or week that show you care about them. Some of the most respected people on social media do just that, from fitness gurus sharing their workout routines to thought leaders questioning popular beliefs on Twitter.

Instagram is testing a new feature that allows users to preview their feed post placement before publishing, helping to curate a cohesive grid aesthetic. It also expanded its Cutout sticker feature to create animated stickers from any video clip shared to Reels or Stories. It’s also reportedly limiting how many hashtags can be added to a single post, encouraging users to curate their tags and take a more strategic approach.

Keeping track of all the updates on social media can be overwhelming, so it’s important to understand how each change impacts your brand and audience. Start by testing out new features with a small percentage of your content to assess how well they work before integrating them into your strategy. In 2024, Instagram introduced a spring bonus program for creators and increased the carousel limit to up to 20 images or videos. It also updated its ad targeting options to better align with brand goals, while also improving safety by identifying young users who lie about their age and prioritizing content from verified creators.