Welcome to the first Algowatch, where we’ll be looking at algorithm changes affecting social media platforms. You’ll never have to rethink your social media strategy again.
March was a big month for TikTok and Meta platforms, so let’s delve into some of the biggest updates.
TikTok Shop creator update regarding payouts
TikTok Shop has announced some important updates regarding how creators are paid.
It announced that automatic commission payouts will now be transferred to creator accounts on the first day of every second month. No action will be needed - earnings will be sent directly via bank transfer.
Furthermore, starting on the 1st April 2025, creators will receive a commission 15 days after the order delivery date. In some cases, payments may take longer if there are unresolved disputes, issues or refunds or if the seller’s settlement period is longer than 15 days.
Major changes to how YouTube Shorts views are counted
YouTube has changed the way Shorts views will be counted. As of 31st March 2025, Shorts views now count every time a Short starts to play, meaning there’s no minimum watch time requirement.
The update aims to give creators better insight into their content’s reach, and aligns better with other short-form video platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels, which use the same system.
YouTube expands safety features for parents
YouTube released brand-new safety features, including expanded parental controls, an updated safety guide and expert recommendations designed to mitigate the potential harms of online content.
The updates come as a collaboration with the American Psychological Association and YouTube’s Youth and Family Advisory Committee.
The new safety tools offer recommendations on how to limit exposure to harmful content, such as videos related to body image, bullying and unrealistic financial advice.
While YouTube had previously limited body image and social aggression topics last year, this has now been extended to financial advice, delinquency and potentially harmful prank content.
Additionally, YouTube is introducing more prominent screen time reminders for teen users. The “Take a Break” reminder will now appear after 60 minutes, and a default bedtime reminder of 10pm will be set for all under 18s.
Parents will also be able to monitor their teens’ viewing activity and receive email notifications about the videos they’ve watched and uploaded, as well as the comments they’ve made and channels they’ve subscribed to.
Eventbrite introduces a new TikTok search tool
Gen Z are beginning to utilise the power of social searching, and Eventbrite are stepping up to bridge that gap.
The ticketing platform has implemented a new TikTok search tool for a campaign that has driven a 66% increase in click-through rates so far and has reached its target Gen Z and millennial audience.
TikTok could be the perfect place to advertise new and exciting events for young people.
Meta begins testing Community Notes on Facebook, Instagram and Threads
Meta has begun testing the Community Notes feature on Facebook, Instagram and Threads as of March 2025.
“In January, Meta announced that we will end our third party fact checking program and move to a crowd-sourced Community Notes approach, starting in the United States,” Meta wrote. “On March 18th, we will begin testing this new approach by allowing contributors from our community to write and rate notes on content across Facebook, Instagram and Threads.”
The blog outlined that Community Notes will have a limit of 500 characters and will need to include a link to support the note.
Furthermore, author names will be hidden to prevent bias, and authors must be over 18. They also will need an account that is older than 6 months and has a verified phone number.
“To safeguard against bias, notes won’t be published unless contributors with a range of viewpoints broadly agree on them.
“This isn’t majority rules. No matter how many contributors agree on a note, it won’t be published unless people who normally disagree decide that it provides helpful context.”
Facebook introduces Friends-only feed
Facebook is making a big move by introducing a new “Friends” tab that filters out algorithmic recommendations on the main home page.
In a blog post announcing the news, Meta wrote: “Over the years, Facebook evolved to meet changing needs and created best-in-class experiences across Groups, Video, Marketplace and more, but the magic of friends has fallen away.”
Meta also claimed it would add “several ‘OG’ Facebook experiences throughout the year” to make the platform more like it was “back in the day.”
Elon Musk’s xAI acquires X
Elon Musk announced last Friday that his AI firm, xAI, has acquired X in an all-stock transaction.
In October 2022, Musk bought Twitter for $44 billion; however, he now values X at $33 billion. xAI, on the other hand, is worth an estimated $80 billion.
Musk said that xAI and X’s futures are now interlaced, writing that as of Friday, 28th March 2025, he has officially taken steps to combine the data, models, computing, distribution and talent.
“This combination will unlock immense potential by blending xAI’s advanced AI capability and expertise with X’s massive reach. The combined company will deliver smarter, more meaningful experiences to billions of people while staying true to our core mission of seeking truth and advancing knowledge. This will allow us to build a platform that doesn’t just reflect the world but actively accelerates human progress.
“I would like to recognise the hardcore dedication of everyone at xAI and X that has brought us to this point. This is just the beginning,” said Musk.
