Social Media
Social Media Roundup: Reddit's AI Ad Tool, X's Hate Speech Lawsuit, TikTok's Sale & More
Updated on Wed, Jun 18, 2025
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The way we watch, talk, and even regulate online content is changing so fast. It’s been a week of big shifts in the digital world. From media corporations launching new products to changes in consumer behavior, recent headlines are offering new insights into the digital world we live in.
A rising trend is social platforms making bold moves, especially using AI to reshape how brands connect with audiences. This is influencing viewing habits, competition, innovation, and a lot more.
So, let’s unfold what is happening in the digital world. Dive in!
On Monday, Reddit announced the launch of two new artificial intelligence-powered advertising tools designed to enhance brand engagement by leveraging the platform's extensive user discussions.
The move comes as social media companies increasingly turn to AI for attracting advertisers in a highly competitive market—although it was a step behind Netflix’s roll-out of Generative AI ads.
The first new tool, "Reddit Insights powered by Community Intelligence," provides marketers with real-time insights for campaign planning. It also identifies trending topics on the platform and allows for the testing of campaign ideas, which gives brands a clearer understanding of user interests.
The second feature, "Conversation Summary Add-ons," enables brands to directly incorporate positive user comments under their ads, adding a layer of authenticity and social proof. This way, potential customers can see what real users are saying about the advertised subject.
According to Jen Wong, Reddit's Chief Operating Officer, Publicis Groupe in France is already utilizing Reddit Insights, adding that it is expected to "be launched to other ad agencies in July."
Brands are expected to favor flexible ad contracts and accelerate the adoption of AI tools for both ad production and user targeting. Reddit's recent initiatives align with this broader industry trend, with platforms like Snap and Pinterest also investing heavily in AI-driven ad targeting tools to secure their share of the advertising market.
The previous month, Reddit projected second-quarter revenue that crossed Wall Street estimates, though CEO Steve Huffman acknowledged potential disruptions to traffic from Google search.
These new advertising tools follow Reddit's introduction of new content moderation and analytics tools in March, designed to help users adhere to community guidelines and better understand content performance.
While Reddit turns to AI, X is heading to court.
Elon Musk’s social media platform, X, filed a lawsuit Tuesday against New York, challenging a law that requires platforms to disclose how they monitor hate speech, extremism, disinformation, harassment, and foreign political interference.
Filed in Manhattan federal court, the lawsuit argues that New York's "Stop Hiding Hate Act" violates the First Amendment and the state constitution. X claims the law forces it to reveal "highly sensitive and controversial speech" that the state may deem objectionable—or face substantial fines.
The company's complaint states that "Deciding what content is acceptable on social media platforms causes considerable debate among reasonable people about where to draw the correct proverbial line. This is not a role that the government may play."
The complaint also specified a letter from the law's sponsors, State Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal and Assemblymember Grace Lee, both Democrats. The letter reportedly claimed that X and Musk have a “disturbing record” on content moderation that “threatens the foundations of our democracy.”
New York Attorney General Letitia James was named in X’s lawsuit, and her office hasn’t responded to requests for comment.
Musk, who acquired Twitter (now X) in October 2022 for $44 billion, has publicly described himself as a "free speech absolutist" and has significantly altered the platform's content moderation policies since his takeover.
New York law requires social media companies to detail their efforts to combat hate on their platforms and report their progress. Not following the law could result in civil fines of up to $15,000 per violation each day. The law, created with help from the Anti-Defamation League, was signed by Governor Kathy Hochul in December.
X's lawsuit highlights a similar 2023 California law that a federal appeals court partially blocked last September due to free speech concerns. California subsequently agreed in a February settlement with X not to enforce the disclosure requirements of that law.
In a joint statement, Hoylman-Sigal and Lee expressed confidence that a judge would uphold New York's law. They asserted, "The fact that Elon Musk would go to these lengths to avoid disclosing straightforward information to New Yorkers" underscores the necessity of the legislation.
While Elon Musk and X have gone to court, Trump has taken the spotlight with a new update regarding US TikTok and the announcement of a new smartphone. Scroll on!
In a move that signals a continued complex interplay of politics, technology, and business, President Donald Trump is set to extend the deadline for China-based ByteDance to divest the U.S. assets of its popular short video app, TikTok.
This marks the third reprieve granted by the administration, pushing the June 19 deadline back 90 days to mid-September.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed the President's intention to sign an additional executive order this week to keep TikTok operational in the United States.
"President Trump does not want TikTok to go dark," Leavitt stated, emphasizing the administration's commitment to ensuring the sale closes so Americans can continue using the app with confidence in their data security.
This decision aligns with President Trump's earlier remarks in May, where he indicated a willingness to extend the deadline, citing TikTok's role in engaging young voters during the 2024 election.
The ongoing saga surrounding TikTok's ownership has been a contentious one. A congressionally mandated ban on TikTok was initially set to take effect in January unless ByteDance completed the divestiture or showed significant progress toward a sale.
However, President Trump, having begun his second term on January 20, opted not to enforce it, first extending the deadline to early April, and then again last month to June 19.
Earlier on Tuesday, speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, President Trump hinted at the impending extension, stating, "Probably, yeah," when asked about prolonging the deadline. He added, "Probably have to get China approval but I think we'll get it. I think President Xi will ultimately approve it."
The administration has been actively seeking a deal that would spin off TikTok's U.S. operations into a new U.S.-based firm, majority-owned and operated by American investors.
The announcement comes just as the Trump Organization makes its foray into the telecommunications market with the launch of Trump Mobile, its self-branded smartphone, priced at $499.
While the TikTok saga unfolds, and President Trump enters the mobile market, a new study has shown that consumers have a clear preference for digital viewing.
Streaming has officially overtaken broadcast and cable TV in the U.S. for the very first time, with 44.8% of total TV usage in May, according to Nielsen.
This shift shows the swift growth of platforms like YouTube and Netflix. For instance, in May, YouTube dominated with 12.5% of overall TV viewing, turning it into the most-watched streaming service.
Furthermore, free ad-supported platforms like Pluto TV, Roku Channel, and Tubi are also growing, making up 5.7% of TV viewing in May.
Broadcast made up 20% and cable 24% of TV viewing, showing that more people now prefer watching content on their own time instead of sticking to fixed TV schedules.
The pandemic accelerated the shift, as more people leaned into at-home entertainment. For advertisers and content creators, it’s a landscape full of both hurdles and fresh opportunities.
These new moves by social media giants and the US President show that the digital space is still evolving and super-competitive. With consumers preferring streaming to traditional media, will we see more changes in the digital media landscape?
Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
A rising trend is social platforms making bold moves, especially using AI to reshape how brands connect with audiences. This is influencing viewing habits, competition, innovation, and a lot more.
So, let’s unfold what is happening in the digital world. Dive in!
Reddit Rolls Out New AI-Powered Ads Tools
On Monday, Reddit announced the launch of two new artificial intelligence-powered advertising tools designed to enhance brand engagement by leveraging the platform's extensive user discussions.
The move comes as social media companies increasingly turn to AI for attracting advertisers in a highly competitive market—although it was a step behind Netflix’s roll-out of Generative AI ads.
The first new tool, "Reddit Insights powered by Community Intelligence," provides marketers with real-time insights for campaign planning. It also identifies trending topics on the platform and allows for the testing of campaign ideas, which gives brands a clearer understanding of user interests.
The second feature, "Conversation Summary Add-ons," enables brands to directly incorporate positive user comments under their ads, adding a layer of authenticity and social proof. This way, potential customers can see what real users are saying about the advertised subject.
According to Jen Wong, Reddit's Chief Operating Officer, Publicis Groupe in France is already utilizing Reddit Insights, adding that it is expected to "be launched to other ad agencies in July."
Brands are expected to favor flexible ad contracts and accelerate the adoption of AI tools for both ad production and user targeting. Reddit's recent initiatives align with this broader industry trend, with platforms like Snap and Pinterest also investing heavily in AI-driven ad targeting tools to secure their share of the advertising market.
The previous month, Reddit projected second-quarter revenue that crossed Wall Street estimates, though CEO Steve Huffman acknowledged potential disruptions to traffic from Google search.
These new advertising tools follow Reddit's introduction of new content moderation and analytics tools in March, designed to help users adhere to community guidelines and better understand content performance.
While Reddit turns to AI, X is heading to court.
Elon Musk's X Sues New York Over Hate Speech Law
Elon Musk’s social media platform, X, filed a lawsuit Tuesday against New York, challenging a law that requires platforms to disclose how they monitor hate speech, extremism, disinformation, harassment, and foreign political interference.
Filed in Manhattan federal court, the lawsuit argues that New York's "Stop Hiding Hate Act" violates the First Amendment and the state constitution. X claims the law forces it to reveal "highly sensitive and controversial speech" that the state may deem objectionable—or face substantial fines.
The company's complaint states that "Deciding what content is acceptable on social media platforms causes considerable debate among reasonable people about where to draw the correct proverbial line. This is not a role that the government may play."
The complaint also specified a letter from the law's sponsors, State Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal and Assemblymember Grace Lee, both Democrats. The letter reportedly claimed that X and Musk have a “disturbing record” on content moderation that “threatens the foundations of our democracy.”
New York Attorney General Letitia James was named in X’s lawsuit, and her office hasn’t responded to requests for comment.
Musk, who acquired Twitter (now X) in October 2022 for $44 billion, has publicly described himself as a "free speech absolutist" and has significantly altered the platform's content moderation policies since his takeover.
New York law requires social media companies to detail their efforts to combat hate on their platforms and report their progress. Not following the law could result in civil fines of up to $15,000 per violation each day. The law, created with help from the Anti-Defamation League, was signed by Governor Kathy Hochul in December.
X's lawsuit highlights a similar 2023 California law that a federal appeals court partially blocked last September due to free speech concerns. California subsequently agreed in a February settlement with X not to enforce the disclosure requirements of that law.
In a joint statement, Hoylman-Sigal and Lee expressed confidence that a judge would uphold New York's law. They asserted, "The fact that Elon Musk would go to these lengths to avoid disclosing straightforward information to New Yorkers" underscores the necessity of the legislation.
While Elon Musk and X have gone to court, Trump has taken the spotlight with a new update regarding US TikTok and the announcement of a new smartphone. Scroll on!
Trump Delays TikTok Sale In The U.S. Amid Smartphone Launch
In a move that signals a continued complex interplay of politics, technology, and business, President Donald Trump is set to extend the deadline for China-based ByteDance to divest the U.S. assets of its popular short video app, TikTok.
This marks the third reprieve granted by the administration, pushing the June 19 deadline back 90 days to mid-September.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed the President's intention to sign an additional executive order this week to keep TikTok operational in the United States.
"President Trump does not want TikTok to go dark," Leavitt stated, emphasizing the administration's commitment to ensuring the sale closes so Americans can continue using the app with confidence in their data security.
This decision aligns with President Trump's earlier remarks in May, where he indicated a willingness to extend the deadline, citing TikTok's role in engaging young voters during the 2024 election.
The ongoing saga surrounding TikTok's ownership has been a contentious one. A congressionally mandated ban on TikTok was initially set to take effect in January unless ByteDance completed the divestiture or showed significant progress toward a sale.
However, President Trump, having begun his second term on January 20, opted not to enforce it, first extending the deadline to early April, and then again last month to June 19.
Earlier on Tuesday, speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, President Trump hinted at the impending extension, stating, "Probably, yeah," when asked about prolonging the deadline. He added, "Probably have to get China approval but I think we'll get it. I think President Xi will ultimately approve it."
The administration has been actively seeking a deal that would spin off TikTok's U.S. operations into a new U.S.-based firm, majority-owned and operated by American investors.
The announcement comes just as the Trump Organization makes its foray into the telecommunications market with the launch of Trump Mobile, its self-branded smartphone, priced at $499.
While the TikTok saga unfolds, and President Trump enters the mobile market, a new study has shown that consumers have a clear preference for digital viewing.
Streaming Tops Broadcast And Cable TV In The U.S.
Streaming has officially overtaken broadcast and cable TV in the U.S. for the very first time, with 44.8% of total TV usage in May, according to Nielsen.
This shift shows the swift growth of platforms like YouTube and Netflix. For instance, in May, YouTube dominated with 12.5% of overall TV viewing, turning it into the most-watched streaming service.
Furthermore, free ad-supported platforms like Pluto TV, Roku Channel, and Tubi are also growing, making up 5.7% of TV viewing in May.
Broadcast made up 20% and cable 24% of TV viewing, showing that more people now prefer watching content on their own time instead of sticking to fixed TV schedules.
The pandemic accelerated the shift, as more people leaned into at-home entertainment. For advertisers and content creators, it’s a landscape full of both hurdles and fresh opportunities.
These new moves by social media giants and the US President show that the digital space is still evolving and super-competitive. With consumers preferring streaming to traditional media, will we see more changes in the digital media landscape?
Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
First published on Wed, Jun 18, 2025
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