Insta clears myths, MKBHD apologizes, TikTok hits brands

It’s Wednesday,

RØDE just dropped the Wireless Micro, a $149 pocket-sized mic system made for TikTok and Reels creators—offering pro-level audio, clip-on convenience, and a charging case to keep you filming all day.

Quick updates…

💳 Visa now recognizes creators as small businesses, giving them access to its financial tools and resources.

🎁 Pinterest added holiday gift discovery tools to help users find perfect presents through enhanced search and filters.

🇪🇺 Meta announced more updates to its ad-free subscription for EU users, addressing privacy requirements and regional regulations.

🎶 TikTok has introduced a "Share to TikTok" feature, enabling users to share songs, playlists, and more directly from Spotify and Apple Music into their TikTok content.

🛍️ TikTok launched celebrity-led live shopping streams for the holidays, combining entertainment with direct purchasing.

🎵 YouTube expanded its AI music experiment and introduced live reminders on Shorts, boosting engagement opportunities.

🎸 ElevenLabs partnered with Jerry Garcia’s estate to bring an AI version of his voice to its app for listening to articles and PDFs.

🔗 TikTok added integrated log-in for Lemon8, streamlining access across ByteDance platforms.

📝 Threads rolled out expanded draft options for mobile users, improving content management.

🤖 Instagram is testing AI-generated profile images, offering simplified avatar creation directly in the app.

1: Instagram clarifies reach concerns for sponsored content

Why it matters: Instagram Chief Adam Mosseri addressed a persistent myth: that Instagram penalizes sponsored content by reducing its reach to push brands toward paid ads. This reassurance comes amidst creators' concerns about visibility.

What Mosseri said:

• Sponsored posts are not deliberately downranked by Instagram.

• The “Sponsored” tag helps Instagram comply with local laws, ensuring creators mark such content appropriately.

• Lower engagement with sponsored posts likely stems from user behavior, not algorithmic changes.

Bigger picture: Mosseri’s myth-busting series continues to tackle user concerns about how Instagram treats branded content. While his transparency is helpful, skepticism persists due to Meta’s history with algorithmic shifts that have hurt business users.

Takeaway: Creators and brands can mark sponsored posts without fearing an Instagram penalty—but audience perception remains a hurdle.

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2: MKBHD faces backlash over sponsored video and reckless driving clip

What happened: Tech YouTuber Marques Brownlee, better known as MKBHD, is under fire for his latest video, "How My Video Gear is Changing!" The video, a fully sponsored segment for DJI, included a controversial clip of Brownlee driving a sports car at 95 mph in a 35 mph zone, near a "slow down for children" sign.

The fallout:

• Viewers’ reaction: Fans accused Brownlee of prioritizing sponsorships over authentic content, labeling the video “a 10-minute ad.” A pinned comment calling out the sponsorship has gained over 12,000 likes.

• Driving backlash: The reckless driving clip added fuel to the fire, sparking safety concerns.

• Response: Brownlee edited out the driving footage and issued an apology on X, admitting his actions were “inexcusable and dangerous.”

Bigger picture: This marks MKBHD’s second controversy in two months, following backlash over his expensive wallpaper app in September. As Brownlee diversifies with product collaborations and board roles, fans are questioning the balance between authenticity and commercial ventures.

Takeaway: While MKBHD’s apology may mitigate some criticism, repeated controversies risk tarnishing his reputation as a trusted voice in tech.

3: TikTok’s battle with misinformation hits brands hard

TikTok’s moderation policies are shifting—and so is the fallout for major companies.

Why it matters: TikTok’s updates to its misinformation policies have created ripple effects for brands, including high-profile boycotts that hit Starbucks and McDonald’s during the Israel-Hamas conflict. These changes highlight the app’s growing influence—and the consequences for businesses.

Key updates:

• In April, TikTok removed its stance against moderating misinformation causing “commercial and reputational harm.” This allowed the app to suppress posts spreading false claims about companies.

• The change followed misinformation campaigns targeting companies like McDonald’s and Starbucks over perceived ties to Israel, leading to boycotts.

• Starbucks reported notable sales losses, and McDonald’s acknowledged “meaningful business impact” in certain markets due to the misinformation.

The bigger picture: TikTok’s policies are bending under political and business pressures, as it faces scrutiny over its U.S. operations and questions about its role as a media force. Businesses are caught in the crossfire, underscoring the app’s evolving role in shaping public sentiment and economic outcomes.

Creator notes 📝

Read: 4 creator economy predictions and trends to watch in 2025 (AdAge)

Watch: The Making of Vogue's December Issue (Vogue)

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