Welcome to the latest edition of Social Commotion, Motion’s roundup of social media updates and news. Check out our top social media updates from March 2025.
Senators Urge Trump to Extend TikTok Deadline as Negotiations Continue
TikTok’s future in the U.S. remains uncertain, with only nine days left before a potential ban on April 4. The U.S. government is still in negotiations with various bidders to find a suitable U.S. partner for the app, as President Trump extended the deadline for these discussions. The uncertainty follows the passage of the “Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act” in January, which mandates that TikTok must be sold to a U.S.-owned company to continue operating in the U.S.
The law is based on national security concerns, specifically regarding how TikTok collects U.S. user data and the possibility of the app being used to spread pro-China propaganda. Although the exact details of the government’s reasoning have not been fully disclosed, the primary concern is that TikTok could be a tool of influence by the Chinese government, leading to the push for its sale and severance from any ties to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). President Trump’s administration has extended the deadline for negotiations, though the legality of this move has been questioned.
Currently, negotiations are focused on Oracle, which is reportedly working with the U.S. government to reach a deal that satisfies the legal requirements. The “Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act” stipulates that foreign entities cannot own more than 20% of TikTok or maintain control over its algorithms, alongside restrictions on data sharing. However, reaching an agreement that satisfies these conditions remains challenging, and if no deal is finalized by April 4, TikTok could face a complete ban in the U.S.
Meta: Still a Powerhouse 21 Years Later
Preparing to celebrate its 21st birthday (just two years older than Motion as we celebrate 19 years in 2025), the evolution of Meta represents a fascinating chapter in our industry. This platform has undeniably transformed how we connect with audiences and execute multi-market campaigns.
Despite the inevitable shifts in the digital marketing landscape, Meta remains a dominant force, boasting an astounding 3.3 billion daily users across its family of apps, including Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp and Threads. This massive reach translates into unparalleled opportunities for brands to connect with diverse audiences at scale.
Although the core Facebook platform’s user base has matured, it still includes 68% of U.S. adults. Meta, however, is not resting on its laurels. It is actively addressing the need to engage younger audiences through strategic initiatives like courting content creators and investing in platforms like Instagram and the burgeoning Threads. Their recent Breakthrough Bonus program is a clear demonstration of their commitment to injecting fresh content and energy into their ecosystems.
Meta has indeed faced its share of controversies, which Marketing Brew delves into, but the platform’s resilience and adaptability are truly commendable. From the introduction of Reels to active experimentation with new updates and algorithm changes, Meta has consistently shown its ability to maintain relevance and attract the next generation of users—something all brands should strive to emulate.
Social Media Best Practices to Know in 2025
As we often emphasize during new business pitches, the social media landscape is in a constant state of evolution. This necessitates a proactive and informed approach from content professionals to effectively guide our clients. And to connect with audiences and use content to help achieve business goals in 2025, a nuanced understanding of the most popular social media platforms and how to best utilize them is essential. Hootsuite suggests 19 social media best practices for 2025, and here are a few of our favorites:
Quality Over Quantity: Just because there are more social media platforms now than five years ago doesn’t mean brands need to be on each one. It’s why we push our clients to identify the platforms where their target audience actively engages and their brand’s message resonates most effectively. Brands must consider user behavior and content formats for each platform to avoid creative fatigue and drive engagement.
Proactive Content Planning: Strategic content planning is not just a task; it’s a powerful tool that empowers us to maintain a consistent and high-quality social media presence. We encourage our clients to think at least one month in advance, giving them the control and confidence to shape their social media narrative. With tools like Sprout Social, it’s easier than ever to see content before it goes live, visualize what that post will look like, and schedule it for the best times based on user activity.
Unearthing Insights with Social Listening: Social listening provides our clients and internal teams with invaluable real-time “market research, allowing us to monitor brand mentions, industry trends, competitor activities, and consumer sentiment. With Sprout Social’s listening tools, we can identify opportunities for engagement, proactively create content that addresses customer concerns or questions, and gain insights for brand positioning.
Stay up to date on the latest in social media with Social Commotion, The Motion Agency’s monthly roundup of social media updates, or contact us today to help your brand navigate the ever-changing landscape of social media.
