Episode Summary:
Call Her Creator with Katelyn Rhoades – Episode 96: The Weekly Scroll (Mini Episode) Social Media Trends & Algorithm Updates Week 4, Oct 2025
Air Date: October 30, 2025
Host: Katelyn Rhoades
Episode Overview
This mini episode of “The Weekly Scroll” offers a rapid-fire rundown of the latest social media trends, platform updates, and insider marketing predictions for creators heading into the holiday season. In under 10 minutes, Katelyn Rhoades breaks down TikTok’s ongoing U.S. negotiations, major Instagram feature releases, Meta’s algorithm focus, as well as forward-looking predictions and actionable advice for creators and marketers—especially as they prep for Black Friday and beyond. The tone is upbeat, practical, and packed with clear strategy.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. TikTok’s Pending U.S. Sale
- Update: U.S.–China negotiations on TikTok’s U.S. ownership are nearing completion. Talks recently took place in Madrid, with a final decision due by Dec. 16 under the “Protecting Americans From Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act.”
- “Scott Bessant told CBS Face the Nation that U.S. and Chinese negotiators met recently in Madrid and have ironed out all of the details with plans for both countries leaders to finalize the transaction this Thursday in Korea.” [02:10]
- Uncertainty Remains: China has not officially confirmed approval, with diplomatic tensions still high post-new U.S. tariffs.
- “So while the U.S. says the deal is nearly done, it’s not quite official yet. So stay tuned.” [02:58]
2. Instagram’s New DM Features: Drawing & Stickers
- Feature: Users can now add drawings and stickers directly in Instagram DMs for more creative, playful messaging.
- “You can now add drawings and stickers in the DMs—mic drop. Instagram just rolled out this fun new update for DMs, and it’s all about creativity.” [03:05]
- Access by pressing the + icon next to the message bar and finding the new “Draw” option.
- Strategic Insight: Instagram is focusing more on DMs as engagement shifts away from feed posts.
- “More people are sending messages than posting to the feed or to Stories. That’s why sends matter so much for the algorithm. If someone’s sending their post to someone else in the DMs, it’s going to help your piece of content get more reach and traction.” [04:00]
3. Instagram’s AI Photo Editing—Restyle Comes to Stories
- Update: The AI-powered “Restyle” tool, previously in the Reels Edit app, is now available in Stories, allowing creators to easily remove details, add design flourishes, or transform content with natural language prompts.
- “This one’s kind of special to me because when the creator’s account on Instagram reached out to me to collaborate with me, they chose Restyle as my update/trend to talk about in my reel… I am a fan of Restyle.” [05:00]
- “You can remove unwanted details, add playful elements, or completely change the vibe of your photo using simple conversational prompts. Powered by Meta AI.” [05:35]
- Meta’s Intention: The tool aims to enhance—not replace—creator creativity by making advanced editing easier and accessible directly in-app.
4. Instagram App Layout Change: Prioritizing Reels & DMs
- Interface Shift: Reels and DMs are now more prominent in the app’s bottom navigation, reflecting user behavior—most time is spent watching Reels and chatting in DMs.
- “Instagram is officially rolling out its new app layout to more users. The bottom navigation bar is getting reorganized, so Reels now sit in the second tab, DMs in the third, and then you can swipe between them for faster access…” [06:10]
- Instagram’s head, Adam Mosseri, confirms that this redesign matches current use trends.
- Strategic Takeaway: Feed posts now serve mainly as a “portfolio” for proof/brand depth, while Reels are the main driver of discovery and engagement.
- “Reels and stories run the show. Feed posts are still valuable for profile depth and brand building, but they’re no longer the main driver of visibility or engagement.” [07:00]
- “With video watch time up 20% year over year, and reels now making up half of all time spent on Instagram, this redesign just makes it official.” [07:22]
5. Marketing Predictions for 2026 (From Social Media Today)
- Top Predictions Summarized: (Full list available on Social Media Today; Katelyn handpicked key takeaways)
- Instagram Goes “Reels First”: Treat Reels as the growth engine, Stories for retention, and feed for credibility.
- “Treat reels and stories as your primary growth/retention engine. Keep reels as your growth and stories to nurture and retain them, and then use your grid for like your proof portfolio.” [08:00]
- Monetization of Creation & Reach: Expect paid AI tools and boosted content packages for creators.
- “You guys can expect edits to add a paid tier for advanced AI features plus simplified boost packages for creators to pay and amplify posts that are trending.” [08:30]
- Consider reserving budget to selectively boost top performers.
- Chronological Feeds Return on Facebook: A potential Dutch ruling could force Facebook to offer this in the EU, weakening algorithmic power.
- “A Dutch ruling could force an easy permanent chronological feed opt out, undercutting the algorithm that they have been working on for years.” [09:05]
- “For EU reach: diversify beyond the pure algorithm wins. So lean on your groups, direct sharing, DMs, email, and reels that travel cross.” [09:20]
- Instagram Goes “Reels First”: Treat Reels as the growth engine, Stories for retention, and feed for credibility.
6. Meta’s 2025 Holiday Marketing Guide—Key Takeaways
- Holiday Content Push: Meta’s new guide emphasizes using both Facebook and Instagram to drive holiday sales—specifically, focusing on Reels for greatest visibility.
- “Meta’s guide specifically says to double down on your reels this holiday season and that’s where the algorithm is going to push the most visibility.” [09:35]
- Suggestion: Use Reels for growth, Stories for nurturing, and feed for proof of expertise when planning Black Friday and gift-guide content.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- On Instagram’s Core Focus:
“The app we once knew for photos is now fully leaning into short form video and private conversations. And that’s where your focus needs to be, especially with 2026 coming.” [07:25] - Practical Action:
“Keep scrolling smarter.” [09:55]
(Katelyn’s recurring tagline and a reminder to focus on strategic—not scattershot—growth.) - Personal Reflection:
“When the creator’s account on Instagram reached out to me to collaborate with me, they chose Restyle as my update/trend… I studied my butt off to make this collaboration really stand out. So I am a fan of Restyle.” [05:10]
Timestamps for Important Segments
- 00:40 – Katelyn introduces key topics: TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and prepping for Black Friday
- 02:10 – TikTok’s U.S. deal update
- 03:05 – Instagram DMs: Drawings & stickers
- 05:00 – Instagram Restyle (AI editing) comes to Stories
- 06:10 – Instagram’s app layout redesign (Reels & DMs move up)
- 08:00 – Social Media Today 2026 predictions; what creators/marketers should do
- 09:35 – Meta’s advice on doubling down on Reels for the holiday season
Final Takeaways
- For Creators:
Stay focused on Reels and Stories for growth and engagement, with feed posts backing up your credibility. Adopt new tools (like Restyle) and tap into fresh DM features to deepen audience relationships. - For Marketers:
Watch for monetization trends and consider strategic paid boosts in 2026. Diversify your tactics, especially for EU audiences facing algorithm changes. - For Everyone:
Keep up with platform shifts—these rapid-fire updates help you prioritize your time where it matters most.
Host's Closing Thought:
Katelyn wraps up with a strong call to action, reminding listeners that turning updates into effective content is easier inside her creator membership, Club Influence.
- “If you loved getting all these updates without wasting hours researching, you’re going to love Club Influence… If you’re ready to turn what you just learned into content that actually converts, join us...” [09:45]
Useful for:
- Creators planning Q4 content or Black Friday campaigns
- Entrepreneurs and small business owners watching social media trends
- Marketers looking for actionable insights and predictions for 2026 and beyond