The TikTok ban drama is FINALLY over…Right? Here’s what you need to know:

TikTok averted a potential ban by finalizing a deal to transfer its U.S. operations to a new entity, TikTok USDS Joint Venture LLC, with majority ownership by U.S.-based investors.

A key point is that TikTok’s core algorithm remains owned by ByteDance, but will be “retrained” on U.S. user data – meaning the content recommendation system will be adjusted using U.S. data, potentially leading to somewhat different trending content in the U.S. vs. elsewhere.

📖 Read More: Creator Weekly: TikTok US Deal, YouTube's 2026 Priorities, Substack TV

The YouTube mobile app’s interface for creators was streamlined. Now all your videos (uploads, Shorts, etc.) are managed via your channel page, and the “Your Videos” button in the app simply opens your channel’s Videos tab.

Additionally, the video settings menu was simplified under a “Show More” dropdown to make managing content more intuitive and accessible.

📖 Read More: YouTube to simplify video management on main app for creators

Instagram has started to restrict certain features to paid Meta Verified subscribers. This is essentially a policy change turning some previously free tools into premium perks.

Content creators managing brands or multiple accounts should note that full access to collaboration and insight tools may require the $ subscription, as Meta continues to add value to its verification program.

📖 Read More: (January 23) 2026 Instagram updates, news, and features

⭐️ “She’s not that funny…”: This is a new and funny trend going around! All you have to do is pretend to laugh at someone’s joke for a specific reason. Ex: “When your boyfriend isn’t that funny but you want him to take you shopping…”

⭐️ “Your eyes stay the same…”: This is a sweet trend anyone can participate in. Just grab an old photo of you to show your followers that you have always been the same person. This is a great way for new followers to get to know you and see the younger version of the creator they now love. <3

⭐️ Reality Show!: This hilarious new trend is so easy and has the potential to go very viral! Take random clips of your day, either at work, at home, or with friends, and edit them to be like a reality show. Make sure to add “intense” music for a dramatic effect!