Brand Management: TikTok Deal in Sight, YouTube TV and Disney Deal Falls Apart
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Social Networking Service: Instagram now lets users apply Meta AI tools directly within Instagram Stories. Instead of relying on a separate Meta chatbot, users can now enter text prompts to edit or fully restyle photos and videos through the new “Restyle” menu, accessible via the paintbrush icon at the top of every Story. Users can also pair AI-generated Story edits with the long-running “Add Yours” sticker, possibly starting trends around their AI-restyled creations.
Following new regulations implemented by China’s Cyberspace Administration (CAC) on Oct. 25, Weibo is undergoing a major strategic and structural reassessment. The platform has intensified efforts to reduce misinformation, suspend “rumor mill” accounts and crack down on disguised advertising in health-related products. More than 1,200 accounts have been suspended, and creators in fields such as healthcare, legal and finance must now verify their professional qualifications before posting. As Weibo is heavily reliant on content shared and produced by users, these changes might produce a large skew in overall user participation and engagement. In regards to Weibo’s stock, there is already apprehension regarding buying or selling, with many financial analysts settling on “hold.” This is likely to change again based on China’s current and developing social media policies.
Youtube
Online Video Platform: YouTube announced that negotiations with Disney over carriage rates collapsed, leading to ABC and ESPN going dark on YouTube as of Oct. 31. Disney accused YouTube of refusing to pay fair market rates; YouTube countered that Disney’s terms would force higher prices onto subscribers. The ensuing blackout has affected 30 million YouTube TV users. In its statement, YouTube promised users a $20 credit if the dispute drags on and the channels remain.
Twitch is facing intense scrutiny after one its biggest streamers, Emily-Beth “Emiru” Schunk reported being assaulted during a meet-and-greet on the first day of TwitchCon. A man attempted to kiss her before being stopped by event security, then walked away without immediate apprehension. The Asian American cosplayer shared her take via her account on X, criticizing Twitch for inadequate safety measures and poor treatment of streamers. The video of the incident circulated online, fueling criticism and validating concerns raised by users who already distrusted Twitch’s safety protocol. Twitch CEO Dan Clancy and the platform's official X account made public statements on the matter. Neither of them was well-received, especially judging by the Community Note left under Twitch’s post, which also links Emiru’s own post as proof. The San Diego Police later confirmed the man was detained only after leaving the venue. The incident has significantly damaged Twitch’s reputation and its claims of prioritizing creator safety.
Industry: U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced that the U.S. and China have reached a framework agreement securing TikTok’s continued operation in the United States. Under the deal, TikTok will become a separate US-based entity owned by American investors and companies. Although TikTok is based in Singapore, its parent company, ByteDance, is based in China; this underlines concerns of the app being a threat to national security. The deal seems to also have been a major proponent in cooling down a potential trade war between China and the U.S. and has also become central to U.S. President Trump’s campaign.
