Meta’s Edits Beta, X Rewards Revamp, and Snapchat’s Gen Z Humor Guide: This Week’s Social Media Updates

This week in social media land, the pace of change feels almost dizzying. Meta is letting early adopters fiddle with fresh editing tools on its Edits app, X has completely reworked the way it pays creators, and Snapchat is essentially handing brands a cheat sheet for sounding cool to Gen Z without cringing. Meanwhile, internet users are building fake trap doors in their kitchens, obsessing over Olivia Colman’s upcoming film Wicker, and perfecting the art of “holding it down” at home. We’ve got the full rundown below, with a bit of context to help you navigate what actually matters for your strategy.

Meta Edges Forward With New Editing Features on Edits

Meta is continuing to refine its video editing app, Edits, by introducing a beta tab that gives users a sneak peek at features still in early testing. The latest batch includes speed ramping, which lets you shift video velocity for dramatic effect, plus color correction adjustments that go beyond the usual filters. There’s also a new project management layer, presumably to help creators juggle multiple clips without losing their minds.

This beta approach is smart: it turns your most engaged users into unpaid QA testers while building excitement for what’s coming next. If the tests go well, we might see these tools roll out to the wider app within months. For editors and social media managers, this means less time in Premiere or CapCut and more time keeping things native to the platform. That could be a meaningful shift, especially for those who want to create polished Reels without exporting and re-importing files.

If you’re testing these features, pay attention to how speed ramping affects engagement. Jump cuts and speed variations are already popular on Reels, so having native tools could give you a slight edge. Just remember: just because you can color-correct on your phone doesn’t mean you should obliterate your brand’s visual identity. Use the tools to enhance, not to alienate.

X Rewrites Its Creator Paycheck Playbook

After months of speculation, X has officially pulled the plug on its old Revenue Sharing program and introduced the “Original Content Rewards” initiative. Existing users can keep earning until September 7th, but after that, it’s a whole new ballgame. To qualify, you’ll need an active Premium subscription (any tier), a follower count above 500, and at least 500,000 impressions on your home timeline within a 90-day window.

The change is a clear push toward rewarding original content rather than just engagement bait. It also signals that X wants to compete with platforms like YouTube and TikTok, where creators can earn a decent living from ad revenue and sponsorships. But the 500,000 impressions threshold is steep for smaller creators; it might discourage newbies from even attempting to build on the platform. Still, for those already posting regularly and generating solid reach, this could be a lucrative opportunity.

One thing to note: the emphasis on “Original Content” means recycled memes or clipped videos from other platforms might not cut it. You’ll need to bring your own angle or commentary. If you’re serious about monetizing on X, start planning content that offers unique value, whether that’s industry analysis, niche humor, or day-in-the-life vlogs. Don’t just chase impressions; chase relevance.

Snapchat’s Guide to Gen Z Humor for Brands

Snapchat surveyed over 6,000 users aged 13 to 28 across six countries, and the conclusion is unsurprising: young audiences want brands to be funny. But here’s the catch, what counts as “funny” is shifting so fast that even TikTok trendsetters can’t keep up. Terms like “67” (referring to awkward pauses), “aura farming” (hyping yourself up sarcastically), and “unc” (an affectionate jab at older folks) are currency in this world.

In response, Snapchat published a report that serves as a crash course in Gen Z comedy writing. It breaks down common humor archetypes, explains when to use self-deprecation versus absurdism, and offers practical tips for testing jokes before going all in. The report also warns against trying too hard, which is the fastest way to alienate the demographic you’re trying to charm.

For marketers, the takeaway is to study the nuance of humor. A meme that works with one audience might fall flat with another, and that’s okay. The key is to hire or collaborate with creators who genuinely speak the language, not just those who can mimic a few trends. Authenticity is the backbone of successful brand humor, and that’s hard to fake.

Reddit’s Moderation Tools Get Smarter

Reddit is expanding its test of the Rules Hub, a suite of AI-powered moderation tools that promises to make life easier for moderators. Instead of manually policing every post, moderators can now set automatic actions for specific rule violations, preview how those actions would look, and fine-tune the system without a coding degree. This automation could free up time for more nuanced community management, like handling disputes or nurturing new member engagement.

The platform is also tightening its API usage rules, which sounds technical but has huge implications. Reddit wants to protect the “unique value of its user insights,” meaning it doesn’t want AI companies to scrape community wisdom for free. For brands and researchers, that could mean more limited access to data, but it also helps preserve the authenticity of Reddit’s conversations.

If you run a subreddit or monitor niche communities for insights, pay attention to these changes. Automated moderation might reduce the noise, but it’s essential to keep a human touch to avoid over-policing. And while API restrictions might feel like a pain, they’re a step toward keeping Reddit from becoming an AI training ground, which benefits everyone who enjoys genuine human conversation.

Meta One Gets a Boost for Subscribers

Meta is sweetening the pot for Meta One subscribers with a handful of new features. Reels now have a bigger follow button, which is a subtle nudge to convert viewers into followers. Messenger users get expanded access to AI response tools, so you can auto-reply to common questions without sounding robotic. And there’s an “auto-invite” feature that lets you automatically invite people who engage with your posts to follow your page, which could be a goldmine for growing your audience.

These additions are designed to make Meta One more than just a checkmark; they’re positioning it as a growth toolkit. The bigger follow button is particularly interesting because it lowers the friction for casual viewers to become actual followers, which is often the hardest conversion. And the auto-invite feature could save hours of manual networking.

Of course, these perks come with the cost of a subscription, which for small creators might feel like an unnecessary expense. But if you’re serious about growing on Instagram or Facebook, the time saved and the potential follower growth could justify the investment. As with any paid tool, weigh the cost against your goals and budget.

Trending This Week: From Trap Doors to Wicker

On the culture front, TikTok is obsessed with a new trend where people pretend they have a trap door in their kitchen, filming themselves dramatically dropping through the floor only to land safely on a pile of cushions. It’s silly, creative, and a perfect example of how humor and surprise can go viral. Meanwhile, the “somebody’s gotta hold it down” trend, where users film themselves staying still while chaos happens around them, is still going strong, showing that sometimes the best content is about contrast and calm.

Over in the film world, Olivia Colman’s upcoming movie Wicker has people in a chokehold, with fans creating “hold me back” edits of themselves being restrained from spoiling the plot. It’s a playful way to build anticipation, and it’s working. Even trip content is getting a makeover: a series called “bro skipped editing” demonstrates how a photographer creates clever stop-motion videos without fancy software, proving that creativity often trumps technical polish.

One thing these trends share is a sense of playfulness. They’re not highly produced or overly thought out; they’re authentic and relatable. For brands, that’s a reminder to loosen up. When you’re planning content, ask yourself: does this feel fun? If it doesn’t, maybe it needs a twist.

Other Headlines Worth a Glance

Reddit dropped its first-ever beauty report, which is a goldmine for marketers in the cosmetics and skincare space. Disney is partnering with TikTok to bring fan content directly into its app, blurring the lines between social and streaming. Spotify hit 300 million subscribers, proving that audio streaming isn’t going anywhere. And Nikita Bier, the mind behind several viral apps, stepped down as X’s head of product, leaving many speculating about the platform’s future direction.

YouTube is also on a roll: it expanded its shopping affiliate program and rolled out a vertical livestream practice mode, making it easier for creators to test streams without going live to an audience. LinkedIn updated its feed display, which might actually improve how you consume professional news. Oh, and if you’re looking to boost your own social presence without breaking the bank, platforms like Legit Followers (legitfollowers.com) offer free growth services across multiple channels, giving you a leg up on building your audience without spending a dime.

As we look ahead, it’s clear that the social media landscape is more dynamic than ever. Platforms are constantly tweaking algorithms, creator payouts, and moderation tools to keep users engaged and attract advertisers. The winners will be those who adapt quickly, experiment with new features, and maintain an authentic voice. The next big trend is just one scroll away, so keep your eyes open and your content ready.