Welcome to the latest edition of Social Commotion, Motion’s roundup of social media updates and news. Check out our top social media updates from June 2026.
Social Media Becomes Leading Source of News
Social media has officially surpassed television and traditional news websites to become the leading daily source of news, according to the Reuters Institute 2026 Digital News Report. Based on the survey of more than 85,000 people, the report shows that using social media as a news outlet is growing across all age groups. TikTok and Instagram are seeing the biggest jumps in influence, while platforms like X are losing ground to newer alternatives like Threads. On top of that, more people are increasingly turning to individual content creators and AI chatbots to find out what’s happening in the world.
Because social media algorithms and independent creators are often driven to chase views and engagement rather than the facts, it is incredibly easy for misinformation to spread. However, this also opens up a massive opportunity. By creating highly accurate, educational and reliable content, brands and creators can step into the vacuum left by traditional news outlets to build deep consumer loyalty and a dedicated audience.
The Strategic Evolution of Employee-Generated Content
Starbucks is taking employee-generated content (EGC) to the next level with a new TikTok initiative that formalizes the process of creating and amplifying employee content. The program gives employees content briefs, opportunities for amplification and even compensation when their content is used in paid advertising.
The move reflects an evolution in how brands approach EGC. Rather than simply encouraging employees to post about their workplace, brands are building structured programs that provide training, content prompts and incentives to make content creation easier and more scalable. And the opportunity is significant: 61% of Gen Z consumers say they frequently discover new products and services through employee-generated content.
You don’t need Starbucks’ scale to apply the idea. Brands of any size can borrow elements of the strategy by creating their own employee ambassador programs. By formalizing EGC efforts, brands can create a steady stream of authentic content and empower employees to become trusted brand advocates.
Instagram Releases Profile Grid Rearranging
Instagram has officially rolled out its long-awaited “Reorder Grid” feature, which allows users to rearrange posts on their profile without having to delete or repost content. The update gives creators and brands more control over how their profiles are presented, making it easier to showcase standout content, refresh their aesthetic or create a more intentional first impression for profile visitors.
To use the feature, users can tap and hold any post on their profile grid, select ”Reorder grid,” then drag and drop posts into their preferred positions. Changes are saved instantly and are immediately visible to anyone visiting the profile. Instagram first hinted at the feature in 2022 but delayed its release while prioritizing other profile updates, including the switch to larger, vertically oriented grid thumbnails in early 2025.
The new functionality offers greater flexibility for creators, businesses and everyday users looking to optimize their profile layouts. Whether highlighting top-performing posts, updating a curated feed or adjusting older grid designs to fit the current format, the feature adds another layer of customization to Instagram profile management. The feature is rolling out globally in the latest version of the app.
