Social Media Updates For Tattoo Artists -July 2025

If you post your work online, market yourself through Reels, or talk to clients in the DMs, you should know what’s happening on the platforms. Here’s a look at the recent social media updates, what they mean for tattoo artists, and what to keep an eye on.

📱 Instagram

• AI Summaries Are Now in Search

  Instagram is experimenting with AI-generated summaries that show up when you search. If you’re using the app to research shops, trends, etc., this could help speed things up, but it’s unclear yet how accurate these summaries are.

• Stories Could Be Getting More Reach

  Instagram is testing a new way to explore Stories based on location or vibe. It’s like a mini Explore page, but for Stories. This could open up new discovery opportunities, especially if you tag your shop’s city or use Story music that fits your vibe.

• Reels Can Now Be Up to 20 Minutes Long

  Not that you need to post an big documentary, but this could be huge for artists who want to share long-form flash walkthroughs, healed tattoo updates, or bts footage without editing things into parts.

• Music-Driven Photos Are Eligible for the Reels Tab

  Instagram confirmed that static posts (like single images or carousels) with music can now show up under Reels. If you’re already doing this, good job, you’re ahead of the curve.

• Copyright Checks Are Coming to Reels

  Instagram’s adding a feature that flags copyright issues before your video goes live, giving you time to adjust. A lifesaver if you rely on trending audio.

  
  

🎥 YouTube

• 200 Billion Daily Views on Shorts

  That’s not a typo. YouTube Shorts are dominating attention right now, way more than TikTok’s last reported numbers. If you’re not repurposing your Reels here, it might be time to start.

• Answer-Found-in-Video Feature Rolling Out

  YouTube is launching a feature that pinpoints the exact moment a video answers a question. If you’re doing educational tattoo content (like healing tips or what to expect on tattoo day), this could give you an edge in search.

• YouTube Create Might Hit iOS Soon

  Their free editing app is still Android-only, but iOS could be next. When it launches, it’ll be another tool to help you clean up videos without needing fancy software.

🎶 TikTok

• Bulletin Boards Are Live

  This new feature lets you post text-style updates that your audience can view, kind of like a broadcast channel. Could be useful for sharing booking updates, cancellations, or last-minute flash.

• Auto Copyright Checks for iOS

  TikTok’s following Meta’s lead by rolling out an automatic copyright checker for sound. Good news if you’re tired of getting your videos taken down.

• The TikTok Ban Drama Continues

  Another deadline extension has pushed the potential U.S. ban to mid-September. No one knows what’s actually going to happen, but it’s worth staying flexible.

• Quick Replies in DMs

  You can now create saved responses to reply faster. It’s perfect if you’re answering the same questions all the time about availability, pricing, or aftercare.

  
  

🧵 Threads & X (formerly Twitter)

• Spoiler Tags on Threads Now Work for Images and Videos

  Not essential, but useful if you’re posting content that might not be for every follower.

• X Will Start Charging More for Bigger Ads

  Also: hashtags are now banned from all promoted posts. Probably not a platform to put your energy into right now unless you’re running paid campaigns.

📊 Analytics & Monetization Updates

• YouTube Advanced Analytics Revamp

  More filters, easier comparisons, and better visibility into revenue and performance. If you’ve got a channel or want to start one, it’s a good time to do it.

• Google’s “Offerwall” Helps Monetize Content

  Publishers can now offer access to content in exchange for actions like watching a short ad or taking a survey. Interesting model if you’re building out educational tattoo content or resources.

• Pinterest Wants Lifestyle Images

  If you’re uploading flash or healed work, try using it in context (e.g. modeled on a body, in your studio, or alongside tools you use). Pinterest favors lifestyle content over plain photos.

🔧 Odds & Ends

• Meta fixed a Facebook Groups suspension bug

  If your shop’s group got flagged, it wasn’t personal.

• LinkedIn is letting users upload cover videos for newsletters

  If you’re dabbling in LinkedIn, this is a nice bonus, but most tattoo artists can probably skip this one.

  
  

✨ What to Focus on This Week (TL;DR)

• Add music to your photos or carousels on Instagram.

• Test longer-form Reels if you’ve got a story to tell.

• Cross-post Reels to YouTube Shorts.

• Prep for TikTok’s new Bulletin Boards as a way to share flash updates or booking info.

• Try out saved replies on TikTok DMs to streamline your convos.

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