TikTok introduced a suite of new comment features in October 2026, while Instagram tightened how it labels accounts that use AI-generated characters.
TikTok’s comment upgrades
Voice Comments let users record audio replies lasting up to 60 seconds and are limited to users aged 18 and older. Comment Polls let creators add up to five voting options beneath their own videos and choose how long the poll stays open. Users can also attach up to nine photos to a single comment or upload Live Photos with a short burst of movement. Comment Polls and Live Photo Comments are available globally, while Voice Comments and Photo Carousel Comments are rolling out worldwide.
TikTok also launched The Creator Cut, a Substack newsletter focused largely on TikTok Live, and added an AI-powered introduction tool to the Live composer that generates a short summary of what a stream covers.
Instagram’s AI profile labels
Instagram is replacing its “AI creator” label with “AI-generated profile,” and labelled accounts will display an explanation that their images may feature AI-generated characters. Instagram will limit the reach of profiles featuring AI-generated people that do not use the label — a meaningful change for anyone running virtual influencer campaigns.
Instagram also let users add posts they are tagged in directly to their main profile grid, with a tag icon on the thumbnail, and began testing invitation-only bonus programmes that reward eligible creators based on Reels plays or photo and carousel views.
What this means for creators
Voice comments and polls give creators cheaper ways to gather feedback without producing new content. The AI label change raises the cost of not disclosing a synthetic persona. As with any platform feature, check whether a given tool is available in your market before building a campaign around it.
What we did not do
We did not test these features or verify the reach-limiting claims. Several tools are rolling out gradually and may not be available in every region.
Sources
- Gain — Social Media Updates, October 2026 edition
- Havas Red — What you missed this month in social
- PR Daily — Social media updates and new features
- Honest Fred — LinkedIn Marketing Strategy: Key Updates for October 2026
