March 2026 S@MS Newsletter

Instagram Carousel Re-Order: Instagram is working on giving users the ability to shuffle the order of images in carousels after posting. This could be a helpful tool for making sure the slide your audience is most engaged with is at the forefront of your post.

TikTok Recovers from Usage Dip: TikTok saw a usage dip in the U.S. immediately after the ownership change, but it appears that things have largely gone back to normal. The app has bounced back to more than 90 million daily active users, indicating that many who left TikTok have since returned.

Instagram Thumbnail Editing: IG is rolling out a new update that will allow users to update thumbnails of previously posted content. This will be helpful for editing thumbnails on content posted before IG made grid previews taller, and to better align your grid with your profile aesthetic.

X Makes New Vertical Video Update: If your unit is still on X, note that the platform is introducing a new vertical video player. Users will now be able to expand videos to full screen with one tap, and once in full-screen mode viewers can swipe up to scroll to the next video, similar to TikTok or Reels.

The Future of Social Media Trends in 2026: As platforms shift from follower-based algorithms to interest-based algorithms, NP Digital's recent blog breaks down how to make content more visible for search and provide insights about how different age groups are using social and how that might impact post format. 

1. What Google Sees vs. What I See: We've seen this dual photo format creeping up on higher ed profiles lately, which provides a fun way to show off a campus space and also the memories that will be made in it. We liked Harvard Business School's take and how it highlighted iconic spaces in their corner of campus.
2. Air Drop Carousels: Lots of accounts have recently been trying out the Air Drop-style carousel, which combines a familiar notification with an opportunity to play with overlap in photos to give them a more expansive, interesting look. We loved Nebraska's recent post in this style (especially slide 7.)
3. Non-numerical Listicles: A text-based post that inspires users to swipe? Sign us up. Lately we've noticed lots of accounts drawing users in to list content by shuffling and omitting numbers within the list. Whether you're getting dating tips from the New York Times or checking our Spotify's top 100 pop songs from the streaming era, this style draws users in and incentivizes them to swipe until the end of the carousel. 

We all need inspiration. Here are a few accounts that may spark new ideas. 💡

1. Pokémon: The gaming giant is celebrating their 30th anniversary, kicked off with a star-studded Super Bowl ad. We're keeping an eye on their accounts to see how they approach the milestone on social to see if it inspires any ideas for upcoming anniversary content.  
2. NPR LifeKit: It can be hard to make research findings or industry expert perspectives pop off on social, especially Instagram. We love how NPR LifeKit is able to simplify their segments to make them into a comprehensive, easily digestible carousels that are perfect posts to save and come back to later. 

Meltwater recently released their 2026 State of Social Media Report which outlines global trends in organic social, social listening and paid social. 

As we head into commencement season, consider a quick social media audit to ensure all your profiles are updated and positioned for success ahead of one of the busiest times of year in higher ed. We love this how-to guide from Hootsuite that includes step by step instructions and templates. 

Love them or hate them, hashtag holidays (informal observances on social media that originally gained traction through designated hashtags) are a part of the digital landscape. But how do you know when to add to a conversation, and when to sit out? We liked this guide from Sprout Social on how to decide when it makes sense for your brand to join in online for these informal observances.

(P.S. - Don't forget about MSU's inclusive holiday calendar for guidance on how the university approaches more formal observances.)

We love the Student Organic Farm for many reasons, one of which is Trout Tuesday. Every week, they have a post that features their barn cat Trout at work alongside students. It's a deeply cute and fun way to highlight the awesome work they do, and we look forward to it every week. 

Social Media Help: doepke@msu.edu

Sprinklr Help: comms.websupport@msu.edu

Social Media Content Suggestions: comms.social@msu.edu