Stay up to date with monthly social media updates across TikTok, Instagram, LinkedIn, Threads, and more. Don’t miss changes that can impact your strategy.
If you’re a marketer, you already know social media doesn’t wait for anyone. Features launch overnight. Algorithms change without warning. And just when your content strategy feels solid, things shift again.
At Gain, we’re tracking the updates that matter most across Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, Threads, Facebook, and other major social media platforms. And while not every change makes headlines, the right ones can impact your reach, shift your strategy, or give you a competitive edge before others even notice.
Here are the most important January 2026 social media updates and news that you should know about. By the way, we’ll be back next month with the February updates, so make sure to check in again 😊.
January 2026 Social Media Updates
Instagram: January Updates👇
Instagram Tests “Liquid Glass” UI on iOS
Instagram is experimenting with a new design style called “Liquid Glass,” currently in testing for iOS users. The update gives the interface a glossy, semi-transparent look. The aesthetic changes may influence how users perceive content—something to watch for in creative planning.
Users Can Now Only Add Up to 5 Hashtags Per Post
Instagram has introduced a limit of five hashtags per post, shifting from its previous leniency. A tighter limit encourages more intentional hashtag strategy.
Instagram Adds Looping Carousels Feature
Carousels will now loop automatically, allowing users to continuously scroll through slides without restarting manually. This opens new creative options for storytelling and product showcases—loop-friendly design will matter more.
Threads: January Updates👇
New “Repost Only” Sharing Option for Images and Videos
Threads has added a “Repost only” button in the share sheet for images and videos. This allows users to disable original replies and limit engagement to reposts. The main benefit? It gives creators more control over how their content circulates—useful for brand-safe, shareable posts.
Podcast Preview Feature in Development
Threads is preparing to launch a podcast preview feature that lets users upload short snippets of episodes directly to the platform. This is a promising new format for thought leaders and media brands looking to drive podcast discovery natively.
📖 Related Read: Just getting started with Threads? This 7-step growth strategy will help you build momentum fast.
TikTok: January Updates👇
TikTok Thoughts Now Includes Customizable Avatars
TikTok has added “Avatars” to its TikTok Thoughts feature, allowing users to express themselves with a personalized visual identity.
TikTok Shop Now Offers Digital Gift Cards in the U.S.
U.S.-based users of TikTok Shop can now purchase digital gift cards directly through the app. There are also plans to add more personalization features, like attaching video messages and interactive unboxing experiences.
📖 Related Read: Want to grow on TikTok? Explore our top tips for building a winning TikTok growth strategy.
X (Twitter): January Updates👇
X Tests a “Seen” Tab for Watch History on iOS
X is experimenting with a new “Seen” tab that displays videos users have previously watched. It’s not yet clear how far back the history goes or whether it includes all post types, but the goal is to help users rediscover memorable content they can’t quite place.
X Launches Mobile Creator Studio Hub
X has added a new Creator Studio tab to its mobile app, offering quick access to monetization tools, analytics, subscription settings, payment info, and direct support. It also includes a new “Inspiration” tab that surfaces top-performing posts across the platform by day, week, or month.
“Ask Grok” Feature Now Available in DMs
X is testing an “Ask Grok” option inside private messages, bringing its AI assistant into user conversations.
Facebook: January Updates👇
Facebook Tests Redesigned Navigation Bar
Facebook is experimenting with a new layout for its main navigation bar, which could alter how users move through the app.
Avatars Coming to Facebook Profiles
Facebook is preparing to roll out avatar images directly on user profiles, bringing more visual personality to the platform. This signals a renewed push toward customizable digital identity.
LinkedIn: January Updates👇
New Ad Features: Reserved Ads, Personalization, and AI Variants
LinkedIn rolled out several new ad options:
- Reserved Ads give brands top-of-feed placement on specific days
- Personalized Ads auto-adapt copy using the viewer’s name, job title, or company
- AI Variants generate multiple ad versions from a single prompt for faster creative testing
LinkedIn Surpasses 100M Verified Members and Launches Verification API
LinkedIn now has over 100 million verified members. It also launched a self-serve API that lets platforms like Zoom display LinkedIn verification badges, helping users prove their identity beyond LinkedIn itself. Verifications are becoming trust signals across the web.
📖 Related Read: Looking to double down on LinkedIn? Check out the hottest LinkedIn trends to help you build a solid strategy—fast.
Put These Social Media Changes to Good Use
Yeah, there’s been a lot of updates lately. But as you know, social media never slows down. Staying on top of the latest social trends and platform changes isn’t optional — it’s how you stay ahead and keep your strategy sharp.
And if you’re juggling multiple accounts for your clients, the real struggle is keeping it all organized. New features, shifting formats, tighter deadlines… It’s a lot to handle. That’s where Gain comes in.
Gain helps busy teams and agencies manage more clients with way less effort. With dedicated workspaces for each client, automated content approval workflows, and built-in publishing tools, you can finally ditch the endless email chains and focus on what matters — creating great content for your clients.
Give Gain a try for free (no credit card needed).
