Digital Dose: Content Visibility and More Accessible DMs

Welcome to your dose of trending news from the digital universe, courtesy of the Spectrum Science Innovation Team. 

In this edition of Digital Dose, we’re diving into X’s new Grok-powered AI algorithm and Instagram’s updated UI that makes Reels and DMs more accessible than ever. 

X’s Algorithm Is Shifting to a Grok-Powered AI Model 

X is shifting its algorithm to be fully powered by xAI’s Grok AI, aiming to improve content recommendations and give smaller creators more visibility. Users will also be able to adjust their feed via Grok, though impact depends on how many engage with the “For You” tab versus the default “Following” feed. Read More. 

Why it matters: X’s move to a Grok-powered AI algorithm could significantly affect engagement and audience reach. While the impact on visibility for brands and smaller creators remains uncertain due to limited insight into user behavior, staying informed about these changes allows us to anticipate platform dynamics and prepare flexible social media strategies on the platform. Understanding the algorithm’s evolution will be key for navigating an increasingly AI-driven social media landscape. 

Instagram’s Updated UI Is Coming — Whether You Like It or Not 

Instagram is rolling out an updated UI that moves Reels and DMs into the second and third tab positions, enabling swiping between tabs and prioritizing the app’s most-used elements. The change is gradually being offered to more users and is expected to become available to everyone soon. Read More. 

Why it matters: As Instagram continues to emphasize Reels and direct conversations, healthcare brands must rethink how they engage audiences on the platform. While traditional feed posts still have value, implementing Reels and Stories will likely improve reach and engagement. Leveraging high-quality video content ensures messages are credible, visually compelling, and optimized for these formats, helping healthcare organizations connect more effectively with target audiences. 

Interested in more? Don’t miss these additional digital headlines: 

• Meta Adds Warnings To Protect Older Users From Common Scams [Social Media Today] 

• Meta enables brand safety verification for ads on Threads [Social Samosa] 

• Facebook is adding job listings, again [The Verge] 

• LinkedIn B2B Marketing Insights [LinkedIn] 

• X is changing how it handles links to try and keep you in the app [The Verge] 

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