Call Her Creator with Katelyn Rhoades

Episode 98: The Weekly Scroll (Mini Episode) Social Media Trends & Algorithm Updates Week 1, Nov 2025
Date: November 6, 2025
Host: Katelyn Rhoades

Episode Overview

This rapid-fire, ten-minute mini-episode of “The Weekly Scroll” brings listeners up to speed on the latest features, trends, and algorithm updates impacting social media—especially Instagram and TikTok—for the first week of November 2025. In her signature no-fluff, strategy-meets-real-talk style, host Katelyn Rhoades breaks down updates so creators, entrepreneurs, and marketers can focus on what actually moves the needle, minimizing burnout and maximizing smart growth.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Instagram’s Competitive Insights Feature

Timestamp: 01:00–03:18

• New Tool for Benchmarking: Instagram added a “competitive insights” feature to the Professional Dashboard, enabling users to compare their account’s performance with up to 10 other profiles.
  • Stats shown side by side: Follower growth, posting frequency, and reel/feed performance—even when competitors hide their like counts.
  • “It’s definitely cool to finally get a built-in way to benchmark your account without leaving Instagram…but follower growth alone doesn’t tell the full story.” (Katelyn, 01:42)
• Comparison Mindset Warning: Katelyn cautions listeners against obsessing over comparison.
  • “I am the worst at comparison and comparison is the thief of joy here.” (Katelyn, 02:26)
  • Her suggestion: Use this data for clients or broader context, not for constant personal comparison.
  • Priority should remain on engagement and conversions: “Are you getting views? Are you getting saves? Are you getting shares?…Your conversions. Are you driving clicks or signups from that engagement?” (Katelyn, 02:52)
• Main Takeaway: Use the new feature as a contextual tool, not a measurement of worth or sole strategy driver.

2. Reels Watch History: A Game-Changer for Research & Workflow

Timestamp: 03:19–05:10

• Feature Overview: Instagram introduces watch history for reels—accessible through profile > settings > activity—logging every reel watched in the last 30 days, filterable by date or creator.
  • “Your scroll regrets are officially over.” (Katelyn, 04:08)
• Creator Benefits:
  • Easily rediscover trends, sounds, or formats that previously inspired or performed well.
  • “It’s one of those small updates that quietly changes your workflow.” (Katelyn, 04:23)
  • Encourages reviewing what resonated personally as a clue to what will likely work for your audience.
  • Pro-tip: During trend research sessions, go through saved watch history instead of starting from scratch: “You’ll probably spot patterns in what caught your eye, and that’s often the best clue to what your audience will love.” (Katelyn, 04:55)

3. TikTok’s Generative AI Creation Tools: The Rise of AI-Driven Content

Timestamp: 05:11–07:15

• Major AI Advancements: TikTok launches in-app generative AI tools:
  • Turn images into videos, create video from text prompts, AI-powered transitions, and no separate software required.
  • “If you can describe it in words, TikTok can now help you create it.” (Katelyn, 05:44)
• Implications for Creators:
  • Makes TikTok “less like a social app and more like a full-blown AI powered creative studio.” (Katelyn, 06:00)
  • Fast-tracks ideation and production, offering accessible polish and variety.
• Human Touch vs. AI Flood:
  • Katelyn predicts that the ease of AI will flood feeds with more content, making authenticity even more crucial.
  • “What’s going to stand out more than anything else is you, your human perspective.” (Katelyn, 06:24)
  • Only creators who layer personality, story, and insight over technical tools will truly stand out.
• Memorable Quote:
  • “The creators who win are not going to be the ones who generate the most. They’re going to be the ones who create with purpose, personality and perspective.” (Katelyn, 06:50)
  • Reference to Lori Harder’s podcast: Standing out now requires intentional human presence, not just volume.

4. Instagram Edits App: Enhanced Features Favor In-App Editing

Timestamp: 07:16–08:58

• Significant Upgrades:
  • Animated/customizable captions, advanced color correction, and 28 new effects (super zoom, low res, tunnel vision).
  • Meta has bundled fonts, filters, beat markers, AI restyling, teleprompter tools, and royalty-free music.
• Strategic Platform Move:
  • Katelyn recommends adopting the Edits app, as reels made using Edits are currently favored by the algorithm.
  • “When you use the Edits app and post to Instagram, you will get more traction because they are favoring reels from the Edits app.” (Katelyn, 08:37)
• Competitive Edge: This may soon replace the need for paid editors like CapCut, giving creators more power and reach with in-house platform tools.

Timestamps for Key Segments

| Segment | Timestamp | |------------------------------------------|--------------| | Competitive Insights Feature | 01:00–03:18 | | Reels Watch History | 03:19–05:10 | | TikTok AI Tools | 05:11–07:15 | | Instagram Edits App Updates | 07:16–08:58 |

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Comparison is the thief of joy here…Use it as context, not as your gospel.” (Katelyn, 02:26 / 03:13)
• “Your scroll regrets are officially over.” (Katelyn, 04:08)
• “It’s one of those small updates that quietly changes your workflow.” (Katelyn, 04:23)
• “If you can describe it in words, TikTok can now help you create it.” (Katelyn, 05:44)
• “The creators who win are not going to be the ones who generate the most. They’re going to be the ones who create with purpose, personality and perspective.” (Katelyn, 06:50)
• “Go use the Edits app. They are favoring reels from the Edits app.” (Katelyn, 08:37)

Episode Tone & Style

Katelyn’s approach is practical, upbeat, and candid. She provides strategic advice grounded in experience but always with a reminder to focus on what matters for real business growth—authenticity, engagement, and conversions, not just vanity metrics or chasing every trend.

Summary Takeaways

• Use new comparison tools for context, not self-worth.
• Leverage watch history for efficient content inspiration and trend tracking.
• Experiment with AI tools but stay rooted in authenticity.
• Adopt in-app editing (Edits) for algorithmic advantage and cost savings.
• Ultimately, the human perspective is the creator’s greatest differentiator as tech shortcuts proliferate.

Next Steps: If you want weekly, actionable trends and strategy, Katelyn invites you to join Club Influence—her paid membership for creators needing up-to-the-minute ideas, templates, and behind-the-scenes strategies.

Listen for actionable updates every Thursday on “The Weekly Scroll.”