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| | | | | Be honest… How many of you created an AI-generated action figure for your brand (or yourself) this week? | I'm struggling to think of a brand that HASN'T shared one on social in the past 7 days! | Also this week… | …TikTok got another stay of execution from Trump.
…Meta got caught gaming AI benchmark scores.
…And Instagram is going all out to scoop up TikTok creators. | All that and more, in a moment… But first. Do NOT miss these: | 🔥 How TED Boosted Video Views by 115%… Localisation growth hacks for TikTok, Insta, YouTube. This FREE Playbook is gold.
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| __________ | Facebook's Moderation Madness Strikes Again 🤬 | | I could rant forever about Facebook's lack of customer support or the maze called Meta Business Suite, but this week's gripe is moderation. | Out of nowhere, Facebook notified me that a post broke their rules on originality, slapping monetisation restrictions on my account. | | But here's the real kicker: Facebook won't even show me which post broke the rules! | | How can anyone contest a violation without knowing the offence? It's like being accused of shoplifting but not told what you allegedly stole. 🤷♂️ | To appeal, Facebook offers vague options like, "My post was misunderstood" or "My post didn't break any rules." But how TF am I supposed to pick one without actually seeing the offending content? | I hit "request review" blind and now wait helplessly in moderation limbo. Again. | I'm lucky I don't rely on Facebook income, but for creators who do, this could be devastating. | ✨ Has Facebook's moderation madness messed with your content too? Hit reply and let me know. | __________ | Geekout PSA - Easter Break | There will be no Geekout next week. I'm taking a much needed break to spend Easter with my kids. | But Geekout will be back in your inbox on Friday 25th April. |
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| | 🔥 GEEKOUT HOT 5 | Geekout's pick of the hottest headlines in social this week: |
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|  | Trump extends TikTok sale deadline by another 75 days after China tariffs nuke deal | The president announced a further 75-day reprieve to the Chinese-owned video app's ban as talks continue on a sale, drawing out a years-long battle over the hugely popular platform's fate. |
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| Meta has officially dropped fact-checkers and launched Community Notes in the US [CROWDSOURCING] Meta denies it artificially boosted Llama 4's benchmark scores [MANIPULATING] Instagram tried to scoop TikTok creators with improved search, new deals… and maybe an iPad app at last! [ENTICING] A false X post triggered $2.4 trillion market swing [SPIKING]
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| | 🚨 EVERYONE'S TALKING ABOUT… | TikTok's troubles might finally bring Instagram to the iPad |
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|  | Instagram might finally release an iPad app |
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| Instagram and the iPad were both launched in 2010. But in the years since, the two have never come together. | If you're one of those people who likes to work on an iPad (and judging by the coffee shops the Geekout team hangs out in, there are a lot of them) you could forget having a decent experience as a creator or social media manager using Instagram. | The best you can get is a blown-up version of the iPhone app, which looks horrible. As Social Media Today noted, the iPhone version of TikTok has consistently remained among the top 20 most downloaded apps for the iPad, so there's clearly demand. | The idea of an Instagram iPad app has been doing the rounds for YEARS. And the Instagram team has always knocked it back as not high-priority enough. | So why, 14 years after they both launched, are Instagram and the iPad coming together at last? According to The Information, we might have, in a roundabout way, Donald Trump and the uncertainty around TikTok to thank for it: | Instagram has taken other steps to face off against TikTok, as part of an initiative code-named Project Ray. It has tweaked its app to more closely resemble TikTok, including by making photos and videos on users' profiles vertical rather than square, and increasing the maximum length of a Reels video from 90 seconds to three minutes. Instagram is also working on a version of the Instagram app designed for iPads, the current employee said, which could further drive usage of Instagram. |
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| Sure, Instagram imminently launching the CapCut-like Edits app, reportedly planning a standalone Reels app, and improving in-app search, are bigger shifts to steal TikTok creator turf than launching an iPad app. | But given the lack of such an app has become a standing joke, it's good to finally hear a decent punchline. |
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| | ✨ NEW & NOTEWORTHY | Everything else you need to know from the past seven days… |
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| Meta / Facebook 👥 | | | __________ |
Instagram ✨
|  | Instagram's new locked Reels post feature |
| | __________ |
WhatsApp 🟢 / Threads 🧵
| | | __________ |
Twitter ('X') 🤡
|  | X's new parody account rules require |
| X has tightened its rules for parody accounts, requiring them to include "parody," "fake," "fan," or "commentary" at the beginning of the account name 🛑 X is testing a DM revamp with full encryption, file sharing, vanish mode, unlock codes, and more X suspended 700+ accounts in Turkey during anti-Erdoğan protests, leading to Elon Musk facing backlash for silencing free speech X has launched an NBA portal to boost sports engagement X has dropped Twitch from its advertiser lawsuit after a private agreement Elon Musk failed to turn up for his deposition in an investor lawsuit over Twitter buyout Elon Musk is boosting an influencer on X who platforms far-right Putin allies The Australian government spent $2.7 million advertising on X in Musk's first year in charge, despite brand safety fears
| __________ |
YouTube 📺
|  | YouTube's improved search results with carousel of channels latest videos |
| YouTube's new search UI makes finding the latest channel videos much faster 🔎 YouTube's recent change to Shorts view counts is popular with brands, but not creators YouTube is testing a Shorts timer to curb doomscrolling YouTube has added auto beat-matching for easier, synced video edits, and faster monetisation ID checks
| __________ |
TikTok 📱
| | | __________ |
LinkedIn / Bluesky / BeReal / More… 💼
|  | LinkedIn's improved video playback feature in messages |
| | __________ |
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| 🔥 Want to see more hot NEW features spotted in the wild this week?
Just head to the 'More news' section below! |
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| | 🤖 SOCIAL A.I. | The newest social media A.I. features spotted this week: |
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|  | Snapchat rolls out Sponsored AI Lenses for brands | Snapchat is introducing Sponsored AI Lenses, a new ad format that lets brands engage with consumers in an immersive way. While Snapchat has offered brands |
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| | | 💬 YOU CAN QUOTE ME ON THAT | When I'm quoted in the news, you'll find it here: |
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| | | | | | When you move an image in Microsoft Word… 💀 | … This bit of relatable genius went viral this week 👏👏👏 |  | Watch now on TikTok | @jessandquinn | |
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| | Threads topic tag suggestions for Elon are wild | | | And finally…. the biggest lol of the week… You need to watch the video 👇 🤣 |  | Elon Musk was brutally trolled when he livestreamed himself gaming and it's the funniest thing you'll watch this week |
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| | | The brands have arrived. This meme is dead. 💀 | Remember the ChatGPT-generated action figure I shared in last week's Geekout? | They're EVERYWHERE this week, and has become a meme of its own. | |  | tiktok.forbusiness120K followers | |
|  | | tiktok.forbusiness | | Add a comment... |  |
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|  | publichealthwales14K followers | |
|  | | publichealthwales | | Add a comment... | |
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| … Here are a few more brands and celebrities who also jumped on the viral trend: | | …And a endless more! | And ICYMI, here's mine from last week. I need to update it to include the accessories! | | Also ICYMI: | |
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| | | SOMETHING FISHY: A French fish has been taking over everyone's TikTok FYP this week… 🐡 | "Le Poisson Steve, a chiptune earworm by French musician Tomo, found its way into virality through an animated clip by illustrator Vigz. The concept is delightfully minimal. Steve is a fish. He is orange. He has arms and legs. That's the whole thing — and it works" |  | Why is this French fish taking over your FYP? | This weird little guy is making waves on TikTok. |
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|  | Watch now on TikTok | @vigzvigz | steve le poisson steve musique par @tomo |
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| Also: | |
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| | | Adobe tried to join Bluesky but quickly deactivated after a harsh backlash - how can Bluesky monetise effectively if brands are hounded off? | Read all about in the excellent Garbage Day newsletter… | | Also: | 'Brands are paralyzed': TikTok whiplash is putting fashion and beauty brands' plans on hold Meta have run special showings of the movie M3GAN, encouraging phone use in cinemas to unlock second screen fun incl. film trivia and BTS content. Best Buy is paying influencers who recommend products with a new programme Why creators are now a boardroom priority: Creators have moved from niche marketers to key strategic partners, driving brand growth and consumer loyalty in 2025.
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| | | "Let her speak the truth, and you come here and tell us your version of the truth, if you have the guts to do it." | - Senator Richard Blumenthal has no time for Meta's gag order on Sarah Wynn-Williams, and challenges Mark Zuckerberg to give his side on Capitol Hill | Also overheard this week: | |
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| | | Head of Instagram, Adam Mosseri has revealed secrets to growing an account in 2025. 🤐 | Podcaster, Brock Johnson spoke with him about the latest platform updates, the algorithm, usage trends, and more. | Watch it here… |  | Head of INSTAGRAM reveals secrets to GROWING in 2025 |
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| | | The unhinged mascot era is taking over social… | "Duolingo, McDonald's, Scrub Daddy, and more are using absurd characters to connect with Gen Z". |  | Brands Are in Their Unhinged Mascot Era on Social Media |
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| | | SCANNING SOCIAL: This shouldn't surprise you if you've been paying attention to what's happening in America. 🕵️♂️
But it's a huge worry if you like to post about politics and want to move to (or even visit) the USA… |  | Trump's State Department Is Scanning Visa Applicants' Social Media Accounts For Anti-US Content |
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| | | | A new LinkedIn rival coming soon? | "Series is a new social network for finding professional connections. It uses AI to connect people directly in text messages." |  | A new AI startup founded by Yale students wants to compete with LinkedIn. Read the pitch deck it used to raise $3M. |
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| Also: | |
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| | | TWITCHY: Oops. Twitch kept charging subscription fees for permanently banned channels, splitting revenue… with itself. 💰 | It's now issued refunds to affected users. |  | Twitch was making money off subscriptions to permabanned channels. Thanks to streamers getting loud about it, refunds are on the way. |
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| Also: | |
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| | 👔 YOU'RE HIRED! | Hot new social media jobs worth checking out this week: |
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| | | | |  | Inside the Facebook Algorithm in 2025: All the Updates You Need to Know | Everything we know about how the Facebook algorithm works and how you can get your content the reach it deserves. |
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| More pro-tips worth checking out ✨ | |
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| | | 7.7 MILLION | - The estimated number of paying Meta Verified subscribers, potentially generating $100 million per month in revenue |
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| Even more social stats: 📈 | TIKTOK TROUBLE: 66% of Americans aren't concerned about TikTok's shutdown, but among daily users, concern flips: 61% are worried. PLATFORM ENGAGEMENT: LinkedIn leads the social media engagement league table at 6.5%. Facebook is 2nd with 5.07% TikTok is 3rd at 4.86%. BEASTLY MONEY: MrBeast's business generated $473 million revenue in 2024, and is targeting $899 million in 2025 SPORT ON THREADS: Sports creators on Threads gained nearly 1 million followers in 2 months, the fastest-growing category WHATSAPP SNOOPING: Court docs revealed NSO's WhatsApp spyware attack hit 1,223 WhatsApp users across 51 countries in 2019 SNAP-HAPPY: Snap found ads sparking happiness drove 10x more attention than dull creatives DAYS OUT: 73% of travellers discover trips on social platforms, according to Snap research
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| | | HOLDING ATTENTION: TikTok users now spend TWICE as much time on the app as Instagram users spend on Instagram | U.S. TikTok users average 108 mins daily — double Instagram's 48 mins. | YouTube comes second at 87 mins, Facebook at 63 mins, Snapchat up 15% to 34 mins, X (Twitter) slides to 24 mins, down 5% YoY. | |
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| More charted social media insights spotted this week: 👀. | |
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| |  | MORE META NEWS |
|  | Meta's AI research lab is 'dying a slow death,' some insiders say. Meta prefers to call it 'a new beginning' | Meta's storied AI research lab faces existential questions amid leadership changes and internal reshuffling—while its founder insists it's just entering a new chapter. |
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| Regulators are probing WhatsApp's non-removable AI rollout in the EU. [Android Police] Scam alert: look out for emails offering fake courses and certifications from Meta. [@MattNavarra] Meta plans to bring Quest 3 headsets to more airlines after a successful Lufthansa trial with 4,000 passengers. [Road to VR]
| New features and tests: | Facebook: | | Instagram: | Instagram now displays album covers for songs available in the "Add music" section. [@oncescuradu] Instagram appeared to remove the 'Live' tab from its apps (but it now looks like it was a just a bug). [@oncescuradu] Instagram now shows which profile shared the Reel you're viewing if it was shared outside the app and you're not following them. [@theahmedghanem] Meta has added a new chat theme for Messenger and Instagram DMs, 'A Minecraft Movie'. [@oncescuradu]
| Threads: | | The rest: Creator Studio / Adtech / Quest and more: | |
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| | 💥 EVEN MORE SOCIAL MEDIA NEWS & UPDATES |  | Starmer confirms UK online safety rules up for negotiation with US | UK prime minister says Britain needs to remain a pioneer on free speech. |
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| Ofcom has launched its first UK Online Safety Act probe, into a suicide forum tied to 50+ UK deaths. [BBC News] Bluesky has overtaken X as the new academic hub for sharing research. [Times Higher Education $$$] Meta and Pinterest have reportedly made secret donations to the Molly Rose Foundation, set up in the name of Molly Russell. [BBC News] Telegram has been fined 7 million roubles ($80,000) for not removing anti-government content. [Reuters $$$] YouTube supports the 2025 NO FAKES Act in the US, to combat AI-made fake content of people's voices and likenesses. [YouTube blog] Snap and Roblox back the US Take It Down Act, to fight non-consensual imagery and deepfakes. [Mashable] Snap has opened its creator workshops up to brand sponsorships. [Social Media Today] Australia's social media ban is attracting global praise – but we're no closer to knowing how it would work. [The Guardian] Turkey wants to make it easier for authorities to block social media and messaging apps. [TechRadar]
| New features and tests: | Lemon8 has added DMs. [@jonahmanzano] Clubhouse is working on a feature that lets you see who has viewed your profile. (people still use Clubhouse, apparently) [@alex193a] Vimeo is launching a product that lets creators create their own subscription services and apps without coding. [Hollywood Reporter]
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| | 📰 WEEKEND READS | Geekout's pick of the best longer reads to sink into over the weekend: |
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| Rapper 'finstas' are the new method of promotion for artists introducing new music… |  | How Public 'Finsta' Accounts Became the New Album Rollout Method |
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| More great weekend reads: | |
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| | | FACEBOOK's MARKETPLACE IS WILD: Taxidermy goat bagpipes, a Robosaurus for $1.5m, a Big Bird head… | Facebook Marketplace has it all! 😆 |
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|  | 21 unbelievable Facebook Marketplace ads for things you can actually buy (but don't have to) |
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| | | Welcome to the end but of Geekout. | A place very few reach. So, if you are reading this… Respect! 👊 | I'm heading off to binge watch the new season of Black Mirror on Netflix. | I've watched the first two episodes 'Common People' and 'Bête Noire'. So dark. So good! |  | Black Mirror: Season 7 | Official Trailer | Netflix |
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| Reminder: There will be NO Geekout next week. I'm take a break for the Easter holidays. | But Geekout will return to your inbox on Fri 25th April. | Goodbye, geeks! | | P.S. This newsletter is edited by Martin SFP Bryant |
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