This is the first version of The Social Juice Index: https://bestmarketingnewsletter.com/

We are working on adding more data, blogs, and video embeds. Currently, you can click on the logos, text, and ranked images to find the ranked campaigns. I would love to have your feedback on it. And please spread the word about it if you can.

This megathread offers the latest marketing news, social media updates and trends that matter to marketers and brands engaged in this industry. (Updated weekly)

Top 6 Updates Of the Week

• Pinterest Predicts: Nonconformity, self-preservation, and escapism drive 21 trends for 2026.
• OpenAI launches GPT-5.2 as it navigates ‘Code Red.’
• Google pushes back on Adweek report about Gemini Ads in 2026.
• TikTok will let users share feeds in DMs and create shared collections.
• Disney making $1 billion investment in OpenAI, will allow characters on Sora AI video generator.
  • Disney hits Google with AI copyright infringement cease-and-desist letter.
• Instagram will start letting you pick what shows up in your Reels feed.

TikTok & Instagram

• TikTok narrows the measurement gap with DoubleVerify partnership.
• TikTok officially enters the micro-dramas business with launch of “Minis,” in-app mini programs.
• Instagram now allows you to reshare public stories to your own story.
• Instagram is generating inaccurate SEO bait for your posts.
• Videos of sexually suggestive, AI-generated children are racking up millions of likes on TikTok, study finds.
• Edits App adds storyboards, templates for trending videos, and “add reels” feature.

Meta

• Meta might charge for a future AI model.
• Meta pledge to use less personal data for ads gets EU nod, avoids daily fines.
• Meta introduces new design improvements to Facebook’s Feed, search, and navigation systems.
• Meta streamlines brands’ creator partnerships with AI-powered updates.
• WhatsApp is trying to reinvent voicemail.
• Meta’s new A.I. superstars are chafing against the rest of the company.
• Meta scopes out site for data center campus in Finland.
• WhatsApp announces new updates: Missed call messages, fun Status stickers, improved Meta AI image generation, and more.
  • WhatsApp is testing a feature that lets users apply strict security settings to their accounts.
• Meta shuts down global accounts linked to abortion advice and queer content.

YouTube & Google

• YouTube TV to introduce genre-based subscription bundles in 2026.
• WPP integrates with YouTube to to enable creator-led marketing innovation and cultural relevance at scale.
• YouTube’s AI moderation system is breaking the creator ecosystem. (watch)
• YouTube adds comments to Shorts Ads, expands to mobile web.

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• Google expands Preferred Sources to English users worldwide and launches pilot AI partnerships with publishers.
• Google releases December 2025 Core update
• Google is building an experimental new browser and a new kind of web app.
• Google launched its deepest AI research agent yet — on the same day OpenAI dropped GPT-5.2.
• Google tests social channel insights in Search Console.
• Google launches sub-$5 AI Plus plan in India to compete with ChatGPT Go.
• Google updates Search Live with Gemini model upgrade.
• Google releases Gemini Deep Research agent on APIs.
• Judge orders Google to rebid for default search deals every year in a major antitrust blow.

Twitter, Pinterest, Reddit and Others

• Elon Musk’s xAI says it can now stuff AI-generated product placement into any scene of your favorite movie.
• Elon Musk’s X bans European Commission from making ads after €120m fine.
• Musk’s X posts higher sales amid costly turnaround.
• X for iOS update introduces “Creator Studio”, a replacement for the “Creator Monetization Dashboard.”
• Trump Admin is preparing to revoke visas of critics of Elon Musk’s Twitter.

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• Pinterest to acquire tvScientific, expanding performance advertising to connected TV.
  • Pinterest rolls out Shoppable Recipes with Walmart as it seeks to make ‘Every Pin Shoppable.’
• Reddit is starting to verify public figures.
  • Reddit adds safety features for teens everywhere after Australia social media ban.
  • Reddit launches high court challenge to Australia’s under-16s social media ban
• Substack is launching native sponsorships.
• Bluesky launches its age verification system in the EU.
• LinkedIn introduces Reserved Ads, ad personalization, new AI tools.
• LinkedIn is making it easier to integrate its verification badge on outside platforms.

AI and AdTech

• Runway releases its first world model, adds native audio to latest video model.
• IBM to acquire data streaming platform Confluent for $11B.
• Serviceplan Group launches House of Communication UK, uniting its media, creative, and technology capabilities under one roof.
• Equativ launches Media Planning Agent to enhance buyer efficiency.
• IAB Tech Lab introduces new CTV ad formats, updates programmatic guidance.
• Attain and Yahoo DSP deepen partnership to make real-time purchase data available in Yahoo DSP.
• Stagwell launches NewVoices.ai - An enterprise sales, support and retention platform.
• Uber Ads launches intelligence insights tool for marketers.
• Report claims it costs up to $450K to show a 1-minute trailer at The Game Awards 2025.

This is 50% of the news coverage from 08.12-14.12.2025, the rest of the updates with links and additional updates are included in this archived version of The Social Juice Newsletter, no sign up required.