Inclusive Marketing News #78: Social Media Updates & New REFY Campaign

Welcome back 🙌

Another week, another wave of platform updates, creator moves, and campaigns shaping the future of social.

Here’s what we’re talking about this week:

(1/7) Instagram Gives Creators More Control

Instagram is now letting users rearrange carousel posts after they’ve been published.

Another highly requested update, and one that shifts how content can be optimised in real time. Creators and brands can now rethink storytelling on the fly, reshuffling visuals to better hook audiences or highlight key moments without starting from scratch.

BUT, users still won’t be able to add new media to a carousel post after they’ve published it. If you want to add another photo or video to the display, they’ll still need to post a new carousel.

Will you be using this feature?

(2/7) YouTube Tests Smarter Previews

YouTube is testing a new video highlights preview feature, giving viewers a snapshot of the most engaging moments before they click, trying to help people avoid being misled by video thumbnails.

According to YouTube, “you’ll see 5-10 previews featuring short, engaging moments from videos that are already recommended for you. You can then watch the full video, add to your “watch later,” and more.”

Currently just being tested on Android, but we’re excited to see this expand to others as well.

(3/7) TikTok #BookTok Bestseller List

TikTok announced that the #BookTok Bestseller List and in-store book sticker programme will expand into new European markets: starting with the UK, Italy and Spain.

Highlighting the most successful titles within the #BookTok community each month, the listing will also incorporate platform insights from TikTok as well as sales data.

This could be a really great way to help promote titles and drive readership for a younger audience. 

(4/7) REFY Hands Over Creative Control

REFY took a bold approach to launching their new skin tint—sending products to influencers with zero content approval.

No scripts. No edits. Just honest reviews.

In a space saturated with overly polished content, this kind of transparency stands out.

(5/7) Heartbreak High & Disability Representation Done Right

Heartbreak High continues to show what meaningful representation looks like beyond the screen.

Creator Ella Willis created artwork for the show that has now been brought into the real world—featured on walls across Sydney. It’s a powerful example of disabled talent not just being included, but being platformed and celebrated in culture.

Chloe Hayden also shared a retrospective on her character Quinni following the end of the series; offering honest reflections on autistic representation, its impact, and where the industry still needs to go.

It’s the kind of conversation the industry needs more of: nuanced, lived-in, and led by the people it represents! 💜

(6/7) Trend Spotlight: “Maybe in Another Life”

“Maybe in another life… no, this one.”

This trend pairs soft, dreamy visuals with a simple but powerful message about choosing the present. It’s reflective, optimistic, and incredibly versatile can be used to celebrate everything from major milestones to quiet, everyday moments.

(7/7) Campaign Spotlight: Alix Earle launches Reale Actives

Alix Earle has officially stepped into the beauty space with Reale Actives, a skincare brand focused on acne-prone skin, but the real story is how she launched it.

For months, followers spotted unlabelled products quietly appearing in the background of her content.  Then, a new Instagram account, @wtfisalixdoing, appeared out of nowhere, posting cryptic visuals, puzzles, and clues. It racked up over 500K followers almost instantly, fuelled entirely by speculation. 

At the same time, her influencer circle started receiving locked suitcases that could only be opened by solving accompanying puzzles. A live billboard built in SoHo saw puzzle pieces being assembled in real time, with updates shared back through the “wtfisalixdoing” account.

In a market saturated with celebrity beauty brands, this is what cuts through: turning your audience into part of the experience before the product even exists to them.

That is all for this week, but if you’ve enjoyed our content, make sure to subscribe and don’t forget to follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram, and keep an eye on our blog content for everything marketing and inclusion related!

👉 Do you want to work with THE inclusive marketing agency? Send us an email at info@purplegoatagency.com 📩