๐Ÿ‘Ž The social media "like" is dead.

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AI Summary

Jack Appleby argues the social media 'like' is dead, citing sharp declines in likes and comments on Instagram and TikTok from Gabriel Davis and SocialInsider data. He says algorithms now prioritize passive consumption signals such as watch time, completion rate, and dwell time, so brands must shift their focus away from engagement metrics like likes and comments. The newsletter also includes a sponsored promotion for Navan Edge, an AI business travel assistant.

Key Facts

โœ“Gabriel Davis's analysis of 2.5M Instagram posts shows average likes on Reels down 81% and carousels down 73% from Jan 2025 to May 2026.
โœ“TikTok and Instagram now use passive signals like watch time, completion rate, replays, and dwell time rather than likes/comments to rank content.
โœ“Jack Appleby recommends social teams focus on watch time, hooks, and completion rate โ€” not likes/comments or 'community building'.

Author Takes

Bearish

Social media engagement metrics

Likes and comments are dead; brands should stop optimizing for them and focus on watch time and completion rates.

Skeptical

Community building on social media

Most brands claiming to build community are just collecting comment sections of randos talking to the brand, not real communities.

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