Feed Filters & Real Splitters: What's new with LinkedIn, Instagram & the SocialJems Team

Feed Filters & Real Splitters: What's new with LinkedIn, Instagram & the SocialJems Team
Welcome back to our monthly rundown of what's happening in the world of social media, plus our usual dose of marketing tips and team gossip. We've got plenty to cover this month, so let's dive straight in!
💎 LINKEDIN THROWS US A CURVEBALL
LinkedIn's testing something new. They're giving users the option to switch between two feed types:
- "All" - The default algorithmic feed you're used to
- "My Network" - Just content from your actual connections and pages you follow
This is basically LinkedIn admitting what we've known all along - people prefer seeing updates from people they actually know! Their own research shows users find content from peers and colleagues more engaging. Mind-blowing stuff, right?
Of course, they're not completely abandoning their algorithmic ways. The "All" feed remains the default, and you'll need to manually switch to the "My Network" tab every time you open the app.
What Does This Mean For You?
If you've been wondering why your brilliant posts seem to disappear into the void, this could be why. The algorithm might be hiding your content from your actual connections in favour of "more relevant" updates (like that random bloke's 47th post about hustle culture).
This change means your actual network becomes more important than ever. When people filter to only see updates from connections, you need to make sure you're on that list!
Building Your Network (Without Being Insufferable)
With these changes in mind, you might be wondering how to build up your LinkedIn connections. The answer isn't randomly connecting with everyone or, worse, connecting then immediately slapping them with a sales pitch (we all know that person - don't be that person).
Instead, try these approaches:
- Get involved in the comments - Add something valuable to discussions
- Slide into those DMs - But with actual conversation, not a copy-pasted pitch
- Build genuine relationships - Remember LinkedIn is social media, emphasis on SOCIAL
Struggling with this? That's literally what we do. From LinkedIn profile optimisation to content creation and full management, we can handle it all. Just saying.😉
💎 INSTAGRAM MIGHT BE BREAKING UP WITH REELS
Instagram chief Adam Mosseri recently floated the idea of a standalone Reels app to staff. Yes, you read that right - Instagram might be splitting off its most successful feature into a separate app.
This would be part of "Project Ray" which aims to take on TikTok more directly. The potential standalone app would open to a full-screen, scrolling feed of short videos, now extended to 3 minutes.
Reels are currently Meta's fastest-growing content type, driving over 200 BILLION views daily across Facebook and Instagram. More than 50% of what you see in your IG feed now comes from Meta's AI recommendations, not from profiles you follow.
As Mosseri himself noted: "People are sharing to feeds less, but to stories more and (even photos and videos) in messages even more still."
Will this actually happen? What do you think?
💎 SOCIALJEMS IS GROWING!
Since January, we've welcomed 9 new clients from various industries - which we absolutely love! We appreciate everyone who purposely seeks us out. It means a lot because while yes, we've got a business to run, we enjoy working with people who share our attitude to life and business.
We even had a client apologise for being "too nosy" - our response? Please keep being nosy! We like you asking questions and getting involved because we consider ourselves partners in your success!
Though we're busy, we still have some space for new clients. We don't want to burn out our team, so we're growing steadily. If you're looking for marketing help this year, get in touch now before we put you on the waiting list again (like we did last year...and the year before 😂).
Big shout out to our founder Jem - she's been working hard (sometimes WAY too hard) but it's really paid off. Well done Jem!
💎 TEAM UPDATES
💎 THE JEM OF ALL JEMS: JEM
Jem's made a big change this year and started booking actual holidays rather than just taking the odd day off here and there. From an Airbnb with a thermal spa to a girls' weekend with two of her closest friends (who she actually met through LinkedIn!), she's finally embracing some well-deserved downtime.
She'll also be celebrating the first networking event of the year for Social Games on May 15th. She's also booked Bucharest for Josh's mum's birthday. Busy times ahead!😀
Plus, she's working on something exciting with a well-known LinkedIn personality - they're planning a LinkedIn Live event together covering video marketing and content creation. Oh okay, who are we kidding we have to tell you! It’s Ryan from First Frame! So, if you want to learn how to create some epic video content on your phone, and you want to learn how to effectively use them to not only increase your brand awareness but personal brand awareness too…then this might be for you!
Keep your eyes peeled for updates, and if you aren’t already following Jem on LinkedIn, we recommend you do, you’ll get the updates from her first.😀
💎 SARAH (THE MORGENMUFFEL)
Our resident morning-grouch Sarah has booked her driving test, which she's both excited and nervous about. The hunt for her perfect dog continues (something she mentions approximately 67 times per day).🤣
Sarah also welcomed some friends to her new home - friends she's known for 16 years who are scattered around the country, so it was special to have them all in one room together.
PS she also made her second-ever charcuterie board. Who doesn’t love cheese.🧀
💎 SARAH (TWINNIE)
Twinnie celebrated her partner Bryan's birthday, which may or may not have involved some swimming pool shenanigans.
Her rescue dog Luna and her surprise puppies are doing really well and growing fast. The only problem? Sarah wants to keep ALL of the puppies because she loves them so much. (As you can tell, we're all massive animal lovers here!)🐶
💎 CATH
Cath is over the moon to share that she officially became a mum on February 11th, 2025! 🥳 Her little princess has finally arrived, and her heart is completely full. As you'd expect with a newborn, there have been plenty of sleepless nights, but she says every moment is worth it.
She's soaking in all the love and joy and couldn't be happier!
💎 THE SOCIAL GAMES: SUMMER EDITION!
Networking in sunshine? Count us in!😎 The Social Games is back for summer because networking is always wayyy more fun when the sun is shining.(Well, this is England so it might be rain…but we remain positive.)
Mark your calendars for 15th May because this is going to be special. Not only will Jem and Ryan be there, but we've also got Shaun joining us for another epic LinkUp SocialGames collab! Three hosts means triple the fun, and they’re pulling out all the stops to make this bigger and better than ever before.
What makes The Social Games different from your typical networking event?
- No hard sells
- No boring pitches
- No promotional material shoved in your face
- Just good vibes, games, and genuine connections!
It's all about boogieing, playing games, and networking with like-minded individuals in the heart of Leeds. The connections you make here aren't just business cards in your pocket – they're relationships that could transform your business (and possibly your social calendar too).
Previous attendees have walked away with valuable contacts, exciting collaborations, and in many cases, actual friendships. Who said business networking can't be the highlight of your month?
Ready to join the fun?
Tickets are limited and if history has taught us anything, they'll vanish faster than free drinks at an open bar.
So what are you waiting for? If you've currently got 15th May free in your diary, book your ticket now and come join the most refreshing networking event in Leeds!
See you there – bring your business cards and your best dance moves! ❤️
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-summer-social-games-tickets-1286652725939?aff=oddtdtcreator
💎 NOW FOR ONE LAST CHEEKY SELL
Whether you need LinkedIn profile optimisation, full LinkedIn management, content creation, article writing, or anything else social media related - we've got you covered.
Think of us as your social media sidekicks, ready to swoop in and make your online presence shine without you having to stress about it. Our approach is personal, professional, and occasionally involves questionable GIF choices (we make no apologies for this).
Ready to chat about how we can help? Get in touch before we're fully booked again!
Follow us:
LinkedIn
Instagram
Facebook
TikTok
Want to receive our newsletter directly? Just contact us and ask to be signed up!