Navigating Social Media Changes: Instagram Updates, CapCut Alternatives, and Platform Agnosticism
Feeling like social media’s doing the most lately? Same. From Instagram grid updates to the disappearance of CapCut and TikTok’s ongoing drama, it’s enough to make your head spin. Let’s break it down and talk about how to future-proof your online presence, because hustling on borrowed space isn’t it.
Instagram Grid Changes: What You Need to Know
Instagram has officially declared: the classic square is out. The new star of the show? A taller 4:5 portrait ratio (1080×1350 pixels). It’s scroll-stopping, yes, but here’s the catch: the preview crops to 3:4. Translation? If you don’t adjust, you’re risking key elements getting cropped—and no one has time for that.
Here’s how to work smarter, not harder:
- Switch to portrait templates in Canva to slay the new dimensions.
- Resize your old 1:1 designs to 1080×1350 pixels—a quick refresh that’ll save your content.
- Always preview your posts to keep everything important in-frame.
- Change your phone and camera to shoot 16:9 so you have room to crop.
CapCut Is Gone: Meet Your New Editing Ally
RIP CapCut. For those scrambling for a solid alternative, say hello to InShot. It’s user-friendly, powerful, and perfect for whipping up scroll-worthy videos. Will it take a minute to get comfy with the features? Sure. But YouTube is packed with tutorials to fast-track your learning curve.
Canva is also a solid choice!
TikTok’s Shaky Ground: The Case for Diversification
TikTok’s wobbly status has a lot of creators sweating—but not you, because you’re smart enough to diversify. (Cue applause.) In my book, The Art of Small Business Social Media, I talk all about being platform agnostic. The TL;DR? Don’t put all your eggs in one algorithmic basket.
TikTok and CapCut could come back, but let’s be real—why trust them? TikTok’s ban in several countries, including India, and ongoing scrutiny in the U.S., stem from concerns over data privacy and potential surveillance. It’s a stark reminder that platforms we don’t own are never guaranteed. We’ve seen this before—remember when Vine disappeared or Google+ shut down? These shifts are loud reminders that social media platforms are like rented apartments: they’re great until the landlord (or algorithm) decides to change the locks. You need to own your corner of the internet. That means:
- Your Blog: Think of it as your digital HQ. No algorithms, no drama—just you, your voice, and your audience.
- Your Email List: The OG relationship builder. If you’re not growing your list, you’re leaving money and connections on the table.
Leveraging Pinterest for Stability
While the rest of the internet feels chaotic, Pinterest stays steady like a BFF who always has your back. Its search-driven, evergreen nature makes it a powerhouse for driving traffic to your blog, digital products, and affiliate links. Each Pinterest Pin has a clickable link. Think of each pin as a little employee, quietly working for you 24/7.
Adapting to Change: A Resilient Strategy
Here’s the thing: social media changes aren’t the enemy—staying stuck is. Every shift is a chance to innovate, pivot, and grow. By focusing on platforms and tools you control, you’re building an online presence that can weather any algorithm storm.
Want the full strategy playbook? It’s in my new book, along with tips to build a foundation you own. Because when social media shakes things up (and it always will), you’ll be ready to roll with it—like the pro you are.
What’s been your biggest “wait, what?” moment with these updates? Let’s chat in the comments!
