What’s New in Social Media This Month (September 2025): Quilting Business Edition

Social media changes so quickly it can feel like trying to quilt while the fabric keeps shifting underneath you. This update covers the platform changes we saw in September, so you can use them as guideposts while planning your content and promotions for October and beyond. It’s written especially for quilting business owners - pattern designers, teachers, and longarm service providers - to help you make sense of the noise and pick one or two things to try next month.

Social Media Platform Updates You Should Know

What's new on Instagram: Reels-First UI Tests & Hashtag Shift

What changed: Instagram has begun testing a Reels-first interface in markets like India and South Korea, where Reels becomes the default home tab. Also, Instagram’s CEO confirmed that hashtags no longer serve as strong reach boosters - they’re more for categorization now. (turn0search21) (Brand Nation)

Why it matters: If Reels become the default feed, your short videos (tutorial snippets, behind-the-scenes quilting shots) may get more exposure. And moving away from hashtags as reach engines means you’ll want to lean more into good captions, alt text, and meaningful engagement.

What to try: In October, post a short Reel (e.g., a quick binding trick or trimming tip) and treat it as a priority post. Use descriptive keywords (e.g,. “modern quilt binding tip”) instead of relying on many hashtags. Keep this in mind as you choose October’s top video content.

What's new on Pinterest: Retail & “Find Retailers” Button

What changed: Pinterest added a new button called “Find retailers” on Pins, making it easier for users to be directed to where they can buy what they see. (turn0search1) (SocialBee)

Why it matters: For pattern designers or quilt shops, this feature can shorten the gap between discovery and purchase. Visitors seeing a beautiful quilt block or fabric combo might click “Find retailers” and end up on your shop or pattern page.

What to try: Update some of your best visual Pins (quilts, fabric combos, blocks) to link to your pattern or supply pages. Use the “Find retailers” option if available in your region. Use this when you set up your October Pin refreshes.

What's new on YouTube: Better Tools for Shorts & Live

What changed: YouTube rolled out a few updates:

• New filtering options in comments (e.g. “Newest” replies) to help creators see fresh engagement faster.

• A process to auto-create Shorts from portions of livestreams on mobile.

• A “Hide” button for end screen recommendations so your video doesn’t force too many extra suggestions.

• “Ask Studio” chatbot to help creators interpret analytics and get content ideas. (SocialBee)

Why it matters: These small tools make it easier to handle engagement and repurpose longer videos into Shorts, saving you time. The “Hide” button helps avoid overwhelming viewers with external video pushes.

What to try: Next time you do a tutorial or livestream, mark a section you want as a short and let YouTube auto-convert it to Shorts. Use “Ask Studio” to get insight on what worked. Test this with one video in October to see whether Shorts get extra reach.

What's new on TikTok / CapCut & U.S. Deal Movement

What changed: Negotiations over TikTok’s operations in the U.S. advanced in September, giving more clarity that it may stay under a restructured model. Meanwhile, CapCut (which is tied to TikTok’s parent company) continues to evolve with new templates and effects. (Social Media Today)

Why it matters: The algorithm might shift to favor certain video formats or styles. Videos edited in CapCut may still “play nicely” with TikTok, giving you an advantage if you stay on that editing path.

What to try: Use CapCut to edit your next quilt tip video - apply captions, transitions, and effects you like. Then post that to TikTok, Reels, and compare which gets more traction. Watch your TikTok analytics in October and double down on styles that perform best.

Facebook: Pinned Comments Return, Emphasis on Original Posts

What changed: A useful feature returned in September: creators can now pin their own comments under posts, letting you highlight important info (links, calls to action). Also, there’s continued momentum at Facebook to reward original content versus rehashed or repetitive posts. (Website Builder Expert)

Why it matters: Pinning a comment lets you keep a key link (e.g. to your pattern shop or class sign-up) visible under a post. And original, story-driven content is more likely to get reach.

What to try: After posting an instructional quilt photo or video, drop your pattern link or “visit my shop” in a comment and pin it. Also avoid just reposting or copying content - add your voice or story. Use this technique in October to keep your key links visible and your content fresh.

Trend Watch: What’s Hot in Craft & Quilting

• Visible mending/upcycling & scrap projects - People love seeing creative reuse of leftovers.

• Sustainability & eco fabrics - Audiences want to hear where your fabrics came from or how you reduce waste.

• DIY kits/bundle offers - Patterns paired with pre-cut fabrics or starter kits attract beginners.

• Quilting as wellness/self-care - Show quilting as a calming, mindful practice.

• Nostalgia & heritage techniques - Traditional blocks, patchwork, heirloom styles are trending again.

• Slower trend cycles on Pinterest - Content you plan now can stay relevant for months.

What to try: Pick one trend - perhaps visible mending - and do a post about a quilt you repaired using scraps. Ask followers: “Do you ever mend old quilts? What’s your favorite patch style?” Use that to spark comments and ideas for content.

Summary Table

Platform / Feature	What Changed / Added	Why It Matters for Quilting Biz	What You Can Try (October)
Instagram Reels-First UI & hashtag de-emphasis	New default UI tests and hashtags losing reach	Reels may gain priority; rely more on SEO & engagement	Prioritize one Reel; use descriptive keywords over many hashtags
Pinterest “Find retailers”	Direct link from Pins to sellers	Shortens buyer journey	Update Pins with shop links and use “Find retailers” option
YouTube Shorts / live tools	Auto-Shorts, comment filters, “Hide” end screens, Ask Studio	Helps manage engagement & repurpose content	Mark segments for Shorts, use Ask Studio for insights
TikTok / CapCut + U.S. clarity	Ongoing TikTok restructure, more CapCut features	Format & edit style may affect reach	Use CapCut for your next quilt demo, compare reach
Facebook pinned comments & originality push	Pin your own comments, reward original posts	You get to keep a link visible; original content wins	Post something unique, add a pinned comment with link

Your October Action Plan

1. Post a Reel using descriptive keywords (not just hashtags).

2. Update one or more Pins on Pinterest to link directly to your shop via “Find retailers.”

3. Use YouTube’s auto-Shorts feature on a recent tutorial.

4. Edit a quilt tip video in CapCut and post it to TikTok, Reels, or Shorts, then compare reach.

5. Post a repair or mending story and invite comments (“How do you quilt your scraps?”).

6. On Facebook, pin your own comment under a post with a link or class offer.

Ready to Talk Strategy?

If you’re not sure which of these updates fits your quilting business best, let’s chat. I offer a free 30-minute strategy session where we’ll explore your goals, audience, and the social media path that makes sense for you.

Click here to book

Note: This report is generated with the help of AI and then personally reviewed by me, Tori. It’s meant to give you ideas and suggestions, not guarantees of results. Every quilting business is unique, and what works for one person may need adjusting for another.

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