Observed Signal · Aug 12, 2025 · Technical Release · Source: OnlineMarketing.de · Impact: 4/5 · Sentiment: Positive
Instagram tests Live Photo Loops in Feed; WhatsApp Motion Photos
Instagram is testing a Loop feature that lets Live Photos be shared directly in the Feed as looping moments, turning still images into moving snippets. On iOS, Live Photos capture about 1.5 seconds before and after the shot, effectively turning a photo into a short clip; Android devices offer Motion Photos or Top Shot with similar brief pre- and post-capture moments and can export to GIF or video via Google Photos. The feature is in early test with a small user group and screenshots were shared by Radu Onescu and Ahmed Ghanem on Threads. Separately, WhatsApp is beta-testing Motion Photos in Android (version 2.25.22.29), enabling users to send short, motion clips in chats, groups, and channels, with a motion thumbnail indicator and gradual rollout.
Technical Release on Meta platforms (Instagram/WhatsApp) introducing new motion/photo loop formats with cross-platform implications.
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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- Instagram testing a Loop feature to share Live Photos as looping moments directly in the Feed.
- iOS Live Photos capture ~1.5 seconds before/after the shot; Android Motion Photos/Top Shot capture similar brief moments (exportable as GIF or video via Google Photos).
- WhatsApp Beta for Android (2.25.22.29) enables Motion Photos to be shared in chats, groups, and channels with a motion thumbnail indicator.
- First screenshots shared by Radu Onescu and Ahmed Ghanem on Threads.
- Feature currently in early testing with a small, selected user group.
Connected Companies & Entities
1 Entity mappedRelated Market Signals & Shifts
Recent verified developments and strategic activity across this market segment.
Grok Bot Searches X, Integrates Rival AI Models
SpaceXAI has enhanced its AI agent Grok Bot with the ability to continuously search and analyze the entire X platform. Users can now deploy the agent for 24/7 social listening, brand monitoring, and trend analysis, similar to Google's Information Agents. Grok Bot will also integrate other AI models from competitors, such as Claude Opus 5.5, Midjourney, and Suno, depending on the task. This move signals a shift towards multi-model AI agents and expands the capabilities of AI-driven social media analytics.
Instagram Edits App Now Supports Carousel Creation
Instagram's Edits app now allows creators to create Carousel posts directly within the app, according to an announcement by Instagram's Creators account via Instagram and Threads. The feature is available immediately for iOS users, with an Android version expected soon. In a broadcast channel, Instagram head Adam Mosseri confirmed that users can mix photos and videos on any slide, connect images across slides, and use the same stickers, text effects, and cutouts used in video editing. This functionality aims to streamline content creation and boost engagement, as Carousels remain a popular format on the platform. Additionally, the Edits AI Assistant, which provides video ideas based on account metrics, is currently available only in the US. Meta continues to enhance its creator tools to support social media marketing efforts.
Global ad market grows 11.9% in 2026; print, TV weak
According to Warc Media's forecast, the global advertising market is set to grow by 11.9% in 2026 to $1.34 trillion, following 10% growth in 2024 and 2025. Key growth drivers include investments in AI and major events like the Olympics and the FIFA World Cup. Social media will see the strongest growth at 21.3% to $394.6 billion, followed by VOD, retail media, search, and DOOH. Traditional media declines: TV down 1.8%, print down 0.9%, and radio down 3.0%. Alphabet, Amazon, and Meta will capture a combined 59.7% of global ad spend outside China. The growth is expected to normalize to 8.4% in 2027 and 7.9% in 2028. AI is reshaping targeting, creative, and campaign optimization, and creating new ad environments like generative search.
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