Observed Signal · Jan 6, 2025 · Technical Release · Source: OnlineMarketing.de · Impact: 2/5 · Sentiment: Neutral
Instagram Tests Mute Button for Stories
Instagram is testing a dedicated Mute Button for Stories that lets users temporarily silence updates from specific accounts without unfollowing or blocking them. The feature aims to reduce Story overload while preserving connections, providing a quick way to personalize the viewing experience. The test was highlighted by social-media expert Ahmed Ghanem. In addition to the mute test, Instagram is also offering a Collage Mode option to present multiple images within a single Story, expanding creative possibilities for creators and brands. Meta’s Adam Mosseri frequently emphasizes the role of Stories in engagement and reach, underscoring the ongoing push to enhance creator and brand utility on the platform. The article frames these updates as part of Instagram’s broader efforts to refine user control and sustain activity within the Story format.
Moderate-impact feature test on a major social platform; potential implications for content consumption and creator reach.
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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- Instagram is testing a dedicated Mute Button for Stories to temporarily mute updates from specific accounts.
- The test was revealed by social-media expert Ahmed Ghanem.
- The mute feature aims to reduce Story overload without unfollowing or blocking accounts.
- Instagram is offering a Collage Mode to group multiple images in a single Story.
- Instagram Chief Adam Mosseri emphasizes the importance of Stories for creators and brands.
Connected Companies & Entities
2 Entities mappedOntology Mapping & Concepts
Related 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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