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Latest Talks & Trends

Keep up to date with the latest social media and marketing trends. Discuss and discover the newest trends and ideas with other professionals.

  • 231 Topics
  • 829 Replies
231 Topics
Gayatri Shukla
Community Manager
Gayatri ShuklaCommunity Manager
published in Latest Talks & Trends
Community Giveaway Q 🎁: Which brands are leveraging AI well? ✨

 Whether it’s visual enhancements, copywriting assistance, or customer experiences and more - AI is truly everywhere around us - there’s no denying it.Q: What brands do you believe are truly harnessing the power of AI in remarkable ways, and have caught your eye with their mesmerizing AI magic tricks? 🎩✨Chime in the thread below to share the ones that have left you going 'Wow!' 🤩 for a chance to win! 🎁  The Promotion begins at 10:00 a.m. Central Time (“CT”) on April 5, 2024, and ends at 11:59 p.m. CT on April 10, 2024. To participate in the promotion, engage with the outlined question by sharing a reply for the chance to win one of three packages that include an Arboretum notebook, Water bottle, sticker, power bank and a 2-pack Professional Wireless Lavalier Microphone, AND be featured on Sprout’s Insights blog. Three prizes will be awarded. No purchase necessary. Open to legal residents of (i) the 50 United States excluding Hawaii, (ii) the District of Columbia (“D.C.”), (iii) Puer

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Jonathan Zuluaga
Community Manager
Jonathan ZuluagaCommunity Manager
published in Latest Talks & Trends
This Week In Social: Unlockable Reels, AI Alive and much more!Watch Now

This week’s episode of This Week in Social is live!We’re breaking down the biggest updates across your favorite platforms — and what they mean for marketers, creators, and brands alike. It’s quick, it’s insightful, and it’s packed with the kind of commentary that makes staying informed actually fun.Catch up on what’s happening in social — you won’t want to miss it.Read more:Instagram Launches First Official Use of Unlockable Reels  TikTok Adds Option To Activate Customer DMs During Livestreams Introducing AI Alive: Bringing Your Photos to Life on TikTok Stories Navigating Your Career in the AI EraWant to know if your content strategy is on par with industry standards? Or if you're maximizing your engagement?Get your copy of the report: The 2025 Content Benchmarks Report

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raven.gill
Agency Partner
raven.gillAgency Partner
posted in Latest Talks & Trends
Hashtags - Do you actually use them as a consumer?

I've been hearing mixed perspectives within the industry when it comes to hashtags. While the common advice is to include them in content, I've noticed a disconnect in practice. Whenever I ask someone, “When was the last time you actually clicked on a hashtag to explore similar content?” the response is usually a blank stare or something along the lines of, “Honestly, I can't remember.”So, from a user perspective rather than a content creator's—when was the last time you actively clicked on a hashtag to discover related content?

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Laura Porcincula
Community Manager
Laura PorcinculaCommunity Manager
published in Latest Talks & Trends
The Social Care Revolution Starts Now - Stay Connected Here for What's Next!

Excited to explore the future of social care at Breaking Ground? Make sure you subscribe to this thread now to stay in the loop! Join us for Breaking Ground: The Social Care Revolution tomorrow, Wednesday, May 14th for the latest groundbreaking innovations. After the event, return here for follow-up discussions, answers to your burning questions, and to connect with other forward-thinkers. This will be your hub for post-event insights and ongoing discussions with your peers.Don't miss out on being part of this journey!

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Laura Porcincula
Community Manager
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MisterPLevel 4
asked in Latest Talks & Trends
Human influencers vs. virtual influencers

AI-powered content and personas have claimed real estate in one domain after another, and influencers are certainly no exception. There’s plenty of good reading and podcasts out there about this topic (ex. good summary about this topic on Metricool).From your own perspective, what’s the calculus in creating a brand-targeted virtual influencer balanced against the desire for authenticity that may seem more, well, authentic in a human influencer?Personally, I don’t have a fixed stance either way, as I feel some brands may benefit from their own custom-made digital persona while, in many other cases, the unique personalities and idiosyncrasies of an authentic human influencer is what’s needed.

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MisterPLevel 4
asked in Latest Talks & Trends
New Meta ad and content formats in the news

Interesting news via Adweek about updated Meta social offerings.!--startfragment>Meta is expanding its advertising offerings by introducing video ads on Threads and reviving Facebook Live Partnership Ads. At the NewFronts 2025 event, Meta announced that a small number of advertisers will test 16:9 and 1:1 video ads within Threads' feed. Also, Meta is bringing Trending Reels Ads, allowing brands to place ads alongside popular Reels content. The company is also boosting Instagram’s Creator Marketplace with AI-enhanced trend analysis and performance insights. How might this news from Meta affect your 2H social media plans? !--endfragment>  

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Jonathan Zuluaga
Community Manager
Jonathan ZuluagaCommunity Manager
published in Latest Talks & Trends
Community Question Giveaway: Tell us how you want AI to make your life easier

We’re celebrating the AI event with a special giveaway!To enter to win, answer this question in the thread below:"What's one way you're hoping AI can help make your work in social media easier this year?"Share your biggest challenge or boldest idea — we want to hear it! Share your answer by Tuesday, May 6, 2025 at 11:59pm for a chance to win 1 of 3 prizes that include an Arboretum sweater, moleskin pen, Ringo 24 Oz. MagSafe Tripod Water Bottle, socks and fleece blanket. See full Terms and Conditions here.Let’s get the conversation started!

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MisterPLevel 4
asked in Latest Talks & Trends
Are AI and social media platforms blurring lines?

In April, OpenAI announced a social media network under their banner was being developed. Now, in the last week, we’re hearing that Meta (Facebook, Instagram) has developed a standalone Meta AI app.These developments are moving so fast that I cannot tell if this is a net positive or net negative for either the AI OR social media spaces. What are your takes on these technological crossovers or integrations (hot takes also welcome), which could affect content or algos and more?   

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Jonathan Zuluaga
Community Manager
Jonathan ZuluagaCommunity Manager
published in Latest Talks & Trends
This Week in Social: Threads Holds Steady, Pinterest Schools Teens, and a Bold Move for 20253-Minute Watch

This week’s This Week in Social is live and packed with some big updates from across the platforms. Threads is quietly keeping its momentum, Pinterest is trying to keep teens off during school hours, and we’ve got new tools to talk about from both Instagram and Canva. Plus, we’re sharing a big Sprout Social milestone.🎥 Watch the episode: 📰 Explore the stories we cover:Threads Maintains Growth Momentum as X and Bluesky See Slower Take Up Pinterest wants teens to log off during school hours Edits by Instagram: A video creation app Canva Introducing Visual Suite 2.0 What’s one bold move you’re making on social this year? 15 year announcement

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kate.meyers emery
Jonathan Zuluaga
Community Manager
Jonathan ZuluagaCommunity Manager
published in Latest Talks & Trends
🎥 Watch: AI-Powered Social with Jeff MacDonald

AI isn’t on the horizon—it’s here, and it’s already reshaping how we work. On May 1st, join ​@jeff.macdonald, Director of AI at Mekanism, for a hands-on workshop where we’ll walk through how to use AI tools like Google AI Studio and ChatGPT to boost your storytelling, content, and strategy.You’ll leave with real skills, new ideas, and a clear path to bring AI into your workflow.This event has concluded. Catch up on-demand and watch the recording: 

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Laura Porcincula
Community Manager
zach.walker
zach.walkerLevel 2
posted in Latest Talks & Trends
What's your go-to for staying up-to-date on the latest social media trends and news?

I was asked this question recently and I instinctively suggested to our client to look at the Sprout Social blog and SocialMediaToday. Beyond hearing from the major social platforms themselves, where do you find the most valuable insights or analysis about platform changes and best practices? Is there a specific blog or podcast that you regularly check-out that others in our industry should as well? 

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MisterPLevel 4
asked in Latest Talks & Trends
With an April 5th U.S. TikTok ban deadline coming up, what's your strategy?

The next U.S. TikTok ban deadline is set for Saturday, April 5, 2025, when ByteDance, TikTok's parent company, must divest its U.S. operations by then. Do you think TikTok gets another extension, a sale will go through, or a ban will be made to stick? With all that uncertainty around TikTok in the next week alone, do you have contingencies in place, regardless of whatever happens on the political/business side of things?I feel like a “wait and see” approach may be the only way to go right now, while exploring alternatives to TikTok. 

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Jonathan Zuluaga
Community Manager
Jonathan ZuluagaCommunity Manager
published in Latest Talks & Trends
This Week in Social: YouTube Shorts Shifts, TikTok Ban Buzz, LinkedIn Trends, and New Creation ToolsNew Eposide

This week’s This Week in Social is packed with updates you won’t want to miss—from new creation tools on YouTube Shorts to LinkedIn’s test of a trending video tab, and yes, the ongoing TikTok ban drama.🎥 Watch now: Read more on each story:YouTube Shorts view count changes LinkedIn tests video trends TikTok ban saga & Navigating the US TikTok ban: What brands need to know New creation tools coming to YouTube Shorts Best times to post on social media in 2025

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Katy4Riskonnect
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MisterPLevel 4
asked in Latest Talks & Trends
What's the best April Fool's social media post or campaign you've seen today?

Holidays are often some of the best times to discover fun and inventive ideas. I’m sure that’s no less true with April Fool’s Day. Gaming accessory company, Razer, posted a “brainrot” AI-powered translation device ad, and it seemed pretty clever and on-point to me. It’s also gotten a lot of traction across different media, such as Facebook, X, and elsewhere.What’s the best April Fool’s social media post/s you’ve found? 

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DerekKing
Jonathan Zuluaga
Community Manager
Jonathan ZuluagaCommunity Manager
published in Latest Talks & Trends
This Week in Social – Watch Now!

There’s never a dull moment in social media, and this week is no exception. In this episode of This Week in Social, we’re covering some of the biggest updates shaping the industry.📺 Watch here: 🔗 Want to dive deeper? Check out the latest news:Reddit paywalls to hit this year as paid subreddits confirmed New Tiktok Tap Into Moments Report Bluesky Adds Longer Videos, DM Requests Folder  Instagram Begins Live Testing of ‘Blend’ Reels Sharing FeatureWhat stood out to you this week? Let’s discuss in the comments!

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Katy4Riskonnect
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Annie DohertyLevel 1
asked in Latest Talks & Trends
Interacting with Facebook Groups

The company I work for, has a tech product that is used largely by educators. There is a private Facebook group that is managed/ran by educators (this is not owned/ran/managed by our company), that is a hub for our product - everything from questions, comments, etc. Is there best practices on how to interact with this Facebook group that is not owned by us? Specifically to help with questions? I wasn’t sure if anyone else had any guidelines or experience with this! 

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JamesLambertLevel 1
asked in Latest Talks & Trends
What Are the Best Times to Post on Social Media for Maximum Engagement?

Hi everyone,I’ve been experimenting with different posting times on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, but I’m still not sure when I get the best engagement. Some posts perform well in the morning, while others do better in the evening.Are there any updated best practices for 2024 regarding optimal posting times? Does it vary by platform or audience type? I’d love to hear what has worked best for you in terms of reach and engagement!Looking forward to your insights!

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camrynsmithLevel 1
posted in Latest Talks & Trends
Integrating Sprout with Salesforce Marketing Cloud

Hi there!I work in higher education, and we have been using Sprout for 2+ years as an organization. Now, we are rolling out Salesforce Marketing Cloud slowly.I have been reading up on the benefits of the integration between Sprout and Salesforce MC, but I am really interested in finding some real-world examples of why you find it useful, or really any information on your experience with it.Thank you!Camryn

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Laura Porcincula
Community Manager
Laura Porcincula
Community Manager
Laura PorcinculaCommunity Manager
published in Latest Talks & Trends
March Madness marketing: A playbook for universities & athletic departments

March Madness is here! Last year, the men’s March Madness championship game drew an average of 14.7 million viewers. The women’s championship attracted an even larger crowd, with an average of 18.7 million viewers. With tens of millions of people tuning in, it’s clear that March Madness is a major cultural moment and opportunity for brands.How is your university showing up this year?These resources can help you strengthen fan and alumni connections, create the right content, leverage student-athlete influencers, and use data and insights to bolster performance and understand what your audience.🏀 Dominate the Digital Court: Here’s Your March Madness Social Media Playbook📊 Elevate Your University's Brand: March Madness Data Insights 

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aubree.smith
Jonathan Zuluaga
Community Manager
Jonathan ZuluagaCommunity Manager
published in Latest Talks & Trends
This Week in Social: Google’s AI, TikTok’s Reign, RIP Duo, and Pinterest’s Big Win

A brand new episode of This Week in Social is here, and we’ve got a lot to talk about. From AI advancements to bold marketing moves, the social media world never slows down—so let’s dive in!Read More:Google Expands AI Image Generator ‘Whisk’ → Read more TikTok Rises to the Top of the App Download Charts → Read more Duolingo ‘Kills’ Its Owl Mascot Duo → Read more Pinterest Reports Record Usage and Revenue → Read more Bonus Giveaway: Answer below by March 3, 2025 at 11:59pm for a chance to win Pomodoro Timer Cube, Arboretum Sweater, Owala Tumbler, pen and a fleece blanket!   

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briana.rabiola
Laura Porcincula
Community Manager
Laura PorcinculaCommunity Manager
published in Latest Talks & Trends
Poll: What social media skills do you think will be most crucial for you in 2025?

 Don't miss out on the essential insights from the 2025 Sprout Social Index™! The Index report reveals critical social media skills that'll set you apart in the coming year and beyond, ensuring you stay ahead in the fast-paced social media marketing industry.Get your copy of the 2025 Sprout Social Index™ by following this link to download today!How are you taking action this year to level up your career? Share with us in the thread, what you're doing to enhance your skills and achieve your professional goals. Now, it’s time for a poll! Poll Question: What social media skills do you think will be most crucial for you and your team in 2025?  

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Laura Porcincula
Community Manager
Laura PorcinculaCommunity Manager
published in Latest Talks & Trends
🎥 Watch: Celebrating Black History Month: Best Practices for Brands

This event has past, catch up on-demand now!Join us for Celebrating Black History Month: Best Practices for Brands, a panel discussion featuring ​@jamia.kenan, ​@courtney.lake and Jazmin Griffith, that honors the contributions of the Black community, celebrates Black voices and explores best practices for supporting inclusivity year-round.By attending our panel discussion today, you'll gain:Actionable strategies for creating meaningful content that resonates with diverse audiences Insights on how celebrating heritage months like Black History Month can positively impact your business Expert advice on how to support and partner with Black colleagues, creators and influencers to shape authentic campaigns throughout the yearPlease use this thread as a safe space for Black social marketers and allies to celebrate, discuss, and network with each other beyond the month of February.Don’t miss this chance to connect with peers, hear inspiring stories and spark meaningful change in your social

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Laura Porcincula
Community Manager
Laura Porcincula
Community Manager
Laura PorcinculaCommunity Manager
published in Latest Talks & Trends
The Sprout Social Index™ Book Club

Welcome to the Arboretum Book Club, a gathering place for us to unpack the insights from the 2025 Sprout Social Index™! In this discussion, you'll explore two key themes that are shaping social media in 2025.What do consumers really want from brands on social media? The 2025 Sprout Social Index™ report digs into the desire for personalized customer care, keeping up with online culture and the role of social media in discovering new products. How do you balance the need for original content with the importance of staying relevant to current trends? What are some ways you use Social Listening to stay informed and engage meaningfully with your audience? How do you manage fast, personalized customer care? How do you ensure your content is authentic and relatable to your audience? How do you balance the pressure to be constantly online? Building Next Generation Social Teams Social teams have a critical need for leadership buy-in and support. There are still many challenges social ma

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Gayatri Shukla
Community Manager
Gayatri ShuklaCommunity Manager
posted in Latest Talks & Trends
Navigating the US TikTok ban: What brands need to know (March 2025 Update)

The April 5 deadline for enforcement of a federal law banning TikTok nationwide is approaching, after enforcement was deferred for 75 days in January. Because this is the first time the US government has banned a social network, much is still unknown about how the ban may be enforced and implemented for TikTok’s 170 million US users.If you manage a community or brand/s based in the US—or have a strong follower base in the US—you will need to reevaluate and diversify your network strategy immediately. The ban will require marketers to pivot, adapt quickly and make room for experimentation.Read this article to learn the 4 steps you can take right now in light of the potential US TikTok ban, along with some ongoing considerations for adjusting your social strategy.

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Gayatri Shukla
Community Manager
Laura Porcincula
Community Manager
Laura PorcinculaCommunity Manager
published in Latest Talks & Trends
Get your copy of The 2025 Sprout Social Index™

The 2025 Sprout Social Index™ is now available, and it's a must-read for all social media marketers!If you aren’t familiar with The 2025 Sprout Social Index™, it's a comprehensive annual report designed to help social marketers navigate the ever-evolving world of social media. This year, we surveyed over 4,000 consumers, 900 social practitioners and 300 marketing leaders, to provide actionable strategies for content creation, customer engagement, and social commerce, ensuring you stay ahead of the competition and build a memorable brand. The report highlights these key social media marketing challenges and opportunities: Keeping up with online culture Originality in your content The impact of AI on social teams The executive trust gap Delivering superior customer care And more! Dive into the full report to discover strategies and insights to help your brand stand out in 2025! ➡️ Download now: The 2025 Sprout Social Index™ 

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Laura Porcincula
Community Manager
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