Latest Talks &amp; 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, s

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1 year ago

Laura PorcinculaCommunity Manager

This Week in Social: Drop the most interesting story you saw!

Happy Friday, Arboretum Members! Welcome back to the new edition of This Week in Social!We invite you to use this thread to share any recent social media stories—good or bad—that you found compelling. Which news, strategies, or campaigns sparked your curiosity? Which ones made you cheer, and which ones caused a moment of pause?We would love to hear what stood out to you and why.

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1 month ago

Laura PorcinculaCommunity Manager

This Week in Social: Time to build our social media news brief!

Let’s dive into another week of community-driven discussions that spotlight the latest in social media news! This Week in Social is a dedicated space all about harnessing our collective insights, so let’s highlight those stories and innovative strategies you've heard over the last week.Have you come across any exciting new features that made you stop and think? Or perhaps a bold campaign that struck a chord with you? Maybe something in the realm of social media left you with questions or concerns? We want to hear it all! Whether it’s a groundbreaking trend or a thought-provoking article, feel free to drop your thoughts and links below. Let’s continue to explore what’s shaping the future of social media together!

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1 month ago

Laura PorcinculaCommunity Manager

This Week in Social: What's the biggest news on your radar?

It was great to see all the different stories and strategies you shared last week in our first community-led This Week in Social. Let's keep the conversation going!This space is for us to pool our collective knowledge and see what really stands out. So please continue the momentum and share what was the piece of social media news, mastery, or mayhem that stopped your scroll this week? Was there a new feature launch that got you excited? Did a campaign make you cheer? Did anything make you cringe? What news from the world of social media has you thinking about the future?Drop your links and thoughts below. We can't wait to see what caught your attention!

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2 months ago

Laura PorcinculaCommunity Manager

This Week in Social: What social news recently caught your attention?

Happy Friday, Arboretum Members! Welcome to a new edition of This Week in Social!You'll be seeing some changes coming to The Arboretum, and we're starting today by shifting how we share what's caught our eye each week. We believe in the power of social, and know that the stories that catch one person's attention may be completely missed in another's. So we invite you to share any stories of social media mastery (or mayhem) that caught your attention recently.Please use this thread to let us know which news stories or social media strategies sparked your curiosity or made you stop and think. Which ones made you cheer and or caused a moment of pause. We’d love to hear what stood out to you and why. alt text for image above is a chat graphic with text: What interesting Social Media new

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2 months ago

emily.murrayLevel 2

CapCut's Updated New Terms

CapCut quietly updated their terms and it gives them all the rights to your content including the ability to use, modify, and profit from it!! 👀 I’ve seen a lot of buzz about this on LinkedIn and Reddit. What are your thoughts on this? What other alternative editing apps are you using?

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4 months ago

Jonathan ZuluagaFormer Community Manager

This Week in Social: Reels Everywhere, TikTok AI, and Milestone Moments3-Minute Video

We’ve got a fresh episode of This Week in Social ready for you!From Facebook turning everything into a Reel (yes, really) to TikTok testing new AI-powered video tools — this week’s stories cover some big shifts across your favorite platforms. We’re also chatting about where people are actually getting their news (hint: it's not cable), and Instagram’s latest feature that helps you track your wins without opening a spreadsheet.🎥 Watch the full episode: Read more about the stories:Facebook renames all videos “Reels” Shift to news consumption via socia

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4 months ago

FlynnAgency Partner

YouTube Communities Integration?

Hi, now that YouTube Communities is rolling out to everyone, is Sprout Social planning on integrating any of the features/comments into the platform? Seems like a good opportunity that we would be excited to take advantage of for our clients!

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raven.gillAgency Partner

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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annarangosLevel 3

What Does Duolingo’s Recent AI Scandal Mean for the Future of Brand Social?

Lately, I’ve been thinking about how a lot of people — both in the social media world and outside of it — have set Duolingo as a kind of gold standard for brand social. Personally, anytime I talk to people outside the industry about who they think is doing it right, Duolingo is almost always the first name they mention.But after their recent AI scandal and the hostage-style skit videos that followed, I’m noticing the sentiment shift online. It feels like the goodwill they built is starting to crack.I’m curious how others working in social are feeling about it — do you think this marks a turning point for how brands approach social media? Is the era of chaotic, self-aware brand voice winding down? Or is this just a bump in the road?Would love to hear your thoughts.PS: slight shameless plug….I have written about it

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Jonathan ZuluagaFormer Community Manager

This Week in Social: New episode is live!3-Minute Video

The latest episode of This Week in Social is up and ready for your next coffee break!Each week, we round up the biggest headlines and updates from the world of social media—all in a quick, fun, and informative format.Take a few minutes to watch, then drop a comment below to let us know what stood out most to you.Read more:Instagram Adds New DM Options, Including Voice Clip Transcription Google’s AI Announcements

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MisterPLevel 4

New accessibility features in TikTok

TikTok announced this month they’re adding enhanced accessibility to to boost inclusivity for all users. Key updates include:Alternative Text for Photos: Creators can add alt text manually or use AI-generated descriptions for screen readers. Increased Color Contrast: Users can adjust text and UI contrast for better visibility. Bold Text Support: TikTok now retains device settings for bold text to improve readability. Auto-Generated Captions & Text-to-Speech: Enhances video accessibility Dark Mode & Animated Thumbnail Controls: Customizable viewing options for greater accessibilityDo these added accessibility features make you more or less likely to want to use Tiktok for your employer or clients (or yourself)? As I get older, I begin to appreciate the visual accessibility features a bit more myself, so I do feel the3se featur

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jamia.kenanSprout Team

Celebrating Black History Month: Best practices for celebrating on social media and beyond

With budget cuts, resignations and layoffs in diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) departments, professionals and consumers alike have noticed a trend in companies backtracking on their social justice commitments made in 2020. As more concerns of performative activism arise, consumers are watching to see if those same brands are staying true to their word or if they’ve already moved on and are investing less in their DEI efforts.Cultural heritage months like Black History Month are a cornerstone to many DEI initiatives for brands. But in a landscape where consumers and professionals alike are skeptical with top companies reneging on their previous commitment, how can brands celebrate Black History Month authentically?In this article, we’ll explore best practices for honoring Black History Month and feature stand-out brands who champion and celebrate all year long.What is the purpose of Black History Month?

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MisterPLevel 4

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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Jonathan ZuluagaFormer Community Manager

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 D

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Laura PorcinculaCommunity Manager

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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MisterPLevel 4

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 ZuluagaFormer Community Manager

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

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 ZuluagaFormer Community Manager

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 lo

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Jonathan ZuluagaFormer Community Manager

🎥 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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zach.walkerLevel 2

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

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 ZuluagaFormer Community Manager

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 &

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MisterPLevel 4

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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