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Social Media News: The 5 Biggest Stories of the Week

Samantha Scott

Nov 12, 2024

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Social Media News: The 5 Biggest Stories of the Week
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We get it! You're busy scheduling content and engaging with your followers, so it can be difficult to make time to sit down and read about the latest Facebook algorithm update or how brands are leveraging TikTok. But, hey, it's also important to carve out time to learn about new ways to improve your social media strategy. So, put down your phone (we know: it's a big ask!) and indulge in reading about recent social media updates.

Top Social Media and PR News Stories This Week

If you work in social media marketing, these are the stories you need to read this week!

TikTok Integrates With Spotify & Apple Music

This could be interesting. TikTok has announced an integration with both Spotify and Apple Music that would allow users on those platforms to share a song on TikTok. Sharing is available for DMs, to the main FYP, and Stories. This move further solidifies TikTok as a music discovery platform, helping to highlight new and independent artists.

Screenshot of boosting on Instagram feature

Instagram has expanded the types of posts eligible for boosting for more views and engagements. Now, most (not all) posts from Professional Accounts that contain GIFs or stickers are able to be boosted, providing brands and creators more ways to expand their audience.

Snapchat Expands Their Partnership with DoubleVerify

Snapchat is expanding their partnership with DoubleVerify to provide more brand safety measures. The expanded partnership helps brands see placement insights, which help them monitor the kinds of posts they show up alongside. From DoubleVerify: “...AI-driven classification technology allows advertisers to align their brand promotion with appropriate and suitable content…”

Update from November 12

New Filter for Instagram DMs

Instagram has added a new filter in Direct Messages to help creators communicate with their fans and followers. The new messaging filters make it easier to sort messages into different categories, including: verified accounts, businesses, or fellow creators. You will also be able to sort messages by follower count if desired.

Threads Hits 275 Million Users

Threads has now reached 275 million users, according to Meta’s Q3 earnings call. The app has shown steady growth, though whether or not it will gain a meaningful foothold among brands, and continue to expand active user-ship, still remains a question mark. 

New Updates to YouTube Studio Mobile

YouTube is introducing a slew of updates to their Studio app. Firstly, the Content Tab will now display all video formats which includes regular videos, Shorts, Lives, and playlists. The Comments tab has been renamed Community, and they’ve added a simplified way to quickly see audience metrics such as returning and most engaged viewers.

CapCut Introduces a New “Commerce Pro” Package

Popular video editing tool, CapCut, is launching a new paid version called “Commerce Pro.” Used in particular for editing TikTok videos, (CapCut is owned by ByteDance), the new Pro version is geared towards retailers looking to attract more sales through the app.

Update from October 29

Open the Snapchat Camera Directly from iPhone Lock Screen

Snapchat users will now have the option to access the Snapchat camera directly from the iPhone lock screen. It’s an interesting move for Apple that signals at the popularity of Snapchat, and the potential for closer partnerships between the two companies in the future. 

TikTok Partners With Distribution Platform, United Masters

TikTok is once again leaning into their music legacy, announcing a new partnership with United Masters, a platform providing independent artists with distribution options. The partnership could go a long way toward providing additional exposure for musicians looking to expand their audience.   

YouTube Thumbnail Facial Expressions With the Highest CTR

It’s no secret that the thumbnail you choose for your YouTube videos can make or break your click-through-rate. YouTube worked with Kapwing to analyze the breakdown of facial expressions used in thumbnails by high performing YouTubers. The data could help provide simple ways to improve and tweak your YouTube strategy for better results. 

YouTube Shorts Adds Poll Functionality

Now you can add polls to your YouTube Shorts, adding another way to encourage engagement with short-form video on YouTube. It’s a useful update, given that Instagram Stories has offered polls for years as a popular way to increase engagement and, previously, YouTube creators only had the ability to add polls in the Community tab on their profile.

Update from October 15

Keyword Targeting Updates from Reddit

Reddit has updated their keyword targeting options, expanding the ways that marketers can reach relevant audiences on the platform. Multi-placement ads are now available, as is “Dynamic Audience Expansion” which uses AI to predict additional users who are likely to engage with your ad. 

New In-Stream Shopping Push on TikTok

TikTok Fall Deals Shopping push

TikTok is continuing to highlight the value of in-stream shopping with a new push that includes Fall Deals and live streams from top brands. Participating brands include: NYX Cosmetics, Keurig, and Dyson. TikTok also announced this week that a new partnership with InMarket will improve conversion tracking based on location data.

Instagram Tests New Whatsapp Sticker

Threads Screenshot showing new Whatsapp sticker in Instagram

Instagram is testing a new sticker for Instagram Stories that would enable users to engage in DM conversations with brands. It could be a useful addition to your social marketing strategy, as more and more activity on social media is shifting to private interaction. 

Google has released their Halloween Trends guide, showing popular Halloween costume, makeup, and decor searches around the United States. These insights could be helpful when planning your marketing and social media campaigns during spooky season! 👻🎃

Update from October 8

Automated Ad Process on Pinterest

Pinterest is introducing Pinterest+, a new way that marketers can tap into AI and other automation tools for easier campaign management. The automated system covers creation, targeting, and bidding and will make executing your campaigns a quicker process. Something to consider for the holidays! 

New Facebook Layout Geared Toward Younger Users

Screenshot of Facebook new layout

Facebook recently revamped some aspects of their layout, in hopes of appealing more to younger users. The new look includes new tabs for “Explore” and “Local”. “Local” brings together content from Reels, Events, Groups, and Marketplace. “Explore” showcases accounts you don’t currently follow, but may be interested in.

TikTok Launches New Automation Options for Ads

TikTok has launched “Smart+”, which allows marketers to fully automate their ad creation and targeting. It could be a very handy time-saving tool during the busy holiday season. From TikTok: ““Smart+ automates the performance advertising process across targeting, bidding, and creative to deliver the right ad to the right person to offer the best performance.”

Pinterest has released their Halloween Trends Report, detailing the most popular searches on the platform. These insights can help marketers as they craft their holiday campaigns, social posts, and other marketing activities. Of note is the fact that searches for “vintage Halloween” and “90’s Halloween” increased by 50% and 140% respectively!

Update from October 1

TikTok Partners With WHO

TikTok has partnered with the Word Health Organization (WHO) to help raise awareness and combat misinformation through WHO’s Fides network — a community of healthcare and science content creators and communicators.

New Collage Features on Pinterest

Pinterest is introducing two new collaging tools facilitating more collaboration and cross-app sharing. First, they’ve added “Collage Remix” which allows users to add to existing collages made by other creators. They’ve also made it easier to download and share your collages on other social platforms. 

Snapchat Partners With Google

Snapchat has partnered with Google in a move to strengthen their AI features and functionality. The partnership integrates more aspects of Google’s AI system, Gemma, to power Snaps own “My AI” bot, enhancing its ability to process and understand more complex inputs and content types such as audio and visual. 

Ad Targeting Update on TikTok

TikTok has introduced some Search Ads updates to help marketers get in front of more relevant eyes. In particular, you can now select specific keywords to better match user intent and interest on the search page. From TikTok: “This innovative new campaign type offers brands a unique opportunity to tap into the moments when users are actively exploring content”.

Update from September 24

New Ads Library on Reddit

Reddit has added a library of top ads to help businesses maximize their conversion and engagement on the platform. The library gathers together a collection of best-performing ads, helping marketers get inspiration and learn what works. 

YouTube Expands Pause Screen Ad Placement Options

YouTube is offering their pause-screen ad capability to all Google Video Ads users. This ad placement gives marketers more options to consider for displaying products and reaching new potential customers — which is especially important as the holiday season kicks off.

More AI Updates for Google Ads

Google has made some more updates to help brands make the most of AI for ads. One notable update is that marketers will now have the ability to use AI image editing tools for more campaign types including Search, App, Display, and Demand Gen. 

Threads Now Allows 20+ Images to be Added to a Post

Threads is now allowing users to post 20 or more images, which could go a long way toward improving engagement metrics. The update also facilitates easier cross-posting between Instagram and Threads, given that Instagram recently updated their carousel posts to include 20+ images as well.

Update from September 17

TikTok Tests an Update That Would Allow for Retroactive Editing 

TikTok update shared to Threads

For those using native editing for TikTok videos (as opposed to a 3rd party app) this could be a very useful feature. TikTok is experimenting with allowing users to delete and re-edit a video after it has been posted, which could mean easier testing for engagement, or simply making updates more aligned with current trends. 

Reddit Releases Tips for Maximizing Ad Performance

Screenshot of Reddit infographic

Reddit has released a handy infographic to help marketers maximize their ad performance this holiday season. Some key takeaways include: the impact of takeover ads, video and text-based are the best formats, and provide more than one message for optimal results.

Ad Updates From Meta 

Meta ad example

Also taking into consideration the rapidly approaching holiday season, Meta is introducing some ad updates to help drive conversions. Updates include a cleaner discount code flow, new reminder ads that help users stay on top of when sales or deals end, and the ability to add multiple links to a single image ad.

Snapchat Announces a Range of New Updates 

At their recent Summit, Snapchat unveiled a wide range of updates to the app. These include a simplified UI, more opportunities for creators to build their audiences and connect with brands, and the ability to create AR lenses via text-based AI queries. The app also announced that it’s working on producing its own pair of AR glasses, joining Meta and Apple in this arena.

Update from September 10

More Engagement Features in Instagram DMs

Instagram DM features

Instagram continues to expand its DM features in response to a growing preference for DM communication among its users. Some new updates users can now take advantage of include: cut-outs made from your posts, birthday reminders, and seasonal chat-themes. 

YouTube is Working to Better Identify AI Deep Fakes

YouTube is working to help protect creators from content theft and deep-fakes created with AI. New processes to detect and alert content creators when their voice or image is copied and used in other videos without their consent. This will also help prevent the spread of misinformation, and gives creators more control. 

TikTok Adds a “Thoughts” Feature

Is TikTok taking another leaf out of Instagram’s book?! It certainly seems so. The app is introducing a similar feature to Notes, which has seen widespread use on Instagram. TikTok’s version “Thoughts” allows users to share what they’re thinking with followers via a public speech-bubble on their profile. 

Website Visits Added as a Goal on YouTube

YouTube ad goals screenshot

Ahead of the holidays, YouTube has added a useful new goal for your videos. You can now select Website Visits, to track how well the video does in sending users to your site. It will be especially useful for retailers in promoting various gift ideas. Videos using the feature will include a Sponsored label.

Update from September 3

Snapchat is planning to introduce Sponsored Snap ads into the main chat inbox. These ads will appear above your unopened chats, and will “enable more messaging features powered by generative AI and integrated into advertiser CRMs to help our partners communicate with their customers at scale” (Snap).

New LinkedIn Podcast for Gen Z

Screenshot of new LinkedIn podcast on Spotify

In collaboration with iHeartRadio, LinkedIn is launching a podcast, specifically geared towards GenZ. Titled “Let’s Talk Offline” the podcast focuses on navigating the early stages of one's career, creating work-life balance, and skill development. The first episode will be available September 10.

X Moves into Connected TV With New App

X is in the beta stages of launching a new TV app called X TV, which would allow users to view videos on their TV. It also introduces cross-functionality so you can like or respond to videos on a mobile device while they play on TV. This could introduce some intriguing opportunities for advertisers, as they try to reach new audiences.

Update from August 27

Disappearing Posts Could be Coming to Threads

Threads is tiptoeing into the ephemeral content sphere. The app is currently testing disappearing posts, which would give users the option to set a 24 hour timer on their content — after which time the post is automatically deleted, along with any replies it received. It’s an interesting idea that could inspire creative new ways to use Threads for brands and creators.

This could be useful for planning your Fall campaigns! Pinterest has released their Fall Trends Report, which dives into the most common searches on the platform. From Pinterest: “Pinterest users are embracing group activities this fall, with searches for "cook book club" up by 130% and “fall movie night” up by 140%.” Other categories explored include: home decor, fashion, beauty, and hobbies.

Add Music to Your Instagram Profile

Instagram is taking a leaf out of the MySpace book. The app recently announced that users will now be able to add a song to their profile. Now, unlike MySpace, the tune you’re jiving at the moment won’t start playing automatically, but it will be prominently included in your bio, where users can click to listen.  

Video Carousels for LinkedIn

LinkedIn is introducing video carousels in the main Feed. Carousels showcase vertical videos side by side from various users, selected by the algorithm. It presents an interesting new avenue for encouraging engagement, especially when it comes to appealing to younger users who are more used to video-first platforms.

Update from August 20

Snapchat Launches New Ad Tools

Snapchat has expanded their ad platform with some valuable new tools for marketers to take advantage of. These include enhanced lead-gen capabilities and automation for smoother CRM reporting, a new re-engage purchase option, and more advanced AI functionality for ads.

Threads Introduces Analytics, Draft Mode, and Post Scheduling

Big news from Threads! The app has launched a slew of new features that marketers can take advantage of including analytics, multiple drafts, and native scheduling. Their new analytics display shows important metrics such as interactions, follower growth, and demographics.

Longer Ad Breaks on CTV YouTube Videos

Important news for marketers using YouTube ads! The platform has announced that they will start introducing longer ad breaks for CTV (connected TV) viewers. The move comes after research revealed that 79% of YouTube users prefer to see more ads grouped together, resulting in longer stretches of uninterrupted viewing. 

Changes Coming to the Instagram Grid Format 

Instagram is currently testing a new profile format that does away with the traditional squares and replaces them with vertical rectangular thumbnails instead. It’s another move toward a more “TikTok” esque look and feel, and with Instagram still trying to push Reels, it makes some sense. But it will mean creators and brands may need to rethink their content approach, from a visual cohesion standpoint.

Update from August 13

New “Friend Map” Being Tested on Instagram

  Instagram is testing a new “Friend Map” feature, enabling users to tag their location, add notes, and see where others are. Snapchat has a similar feature. Currently the map is set to only be available to your Close Friends on Instagram, which is an important factor given the safety concerns surrounding these types of features. 

TikTok is Now an Official Gamescom Partner

TikTok is now the official 2024 partner of popular gaming conference, Gamescom. Through this partnership, TikTok will launch various in-app activations to help encourage engagement, and host panels and livestreams. Gamer usership is strong in TikTok, so this partnership could go a long way toward increasing engagement from this sector.

TikTok Announces Partnership with Amazon

In other TikTok news, the app has partnered with Amazon to facilitate easter and more streamlined in-app shopping, through connecting your Amazon account to your TikTok account. By linking accounts, you will start to see recommended products on your FYP, and be able to complete a purchase without leaving TikTok. 

UMG Expands its Licensing Agreement With Meta

Universal Music Group (UMG) and Meta have announced that they are expanding their licensing agreement. This new multi-year agreement introduces some key AI regulations, to make it more clear when music is AI generated, or if a track has been manipulated by AI in some way. It also allows for more opportunities for UMG artists to have their work used by creators.

Update from August 6

Topic Discovery Feature in Testing on Threads

Threads is working on a topic discovery feature to make it easier for users to find conversations on topics of interest — especially for current and events. The new feature shows a blue link in the home feed, which when clicked opens a feed specific to that topic, sortable by recency or popular posts. 

New Verification Badge for LinkedIn Company Pages

LinkedIn is rolling out a verification process for company pages on the platform. This follows the release of verification for individual pages earlier this year. As it currently stands, companies must apply for a waitlist to have their page verified, based on certain criteria including: accuracy of key information like location, active page admins, and compliance with LinkedIn policies.   

Celebrity-voiced AI Bots Could be Coming to Meta

Meta is currently exploring ways to make chat-bots more engaging, including using celebrity voices. The platform is reportedly in contact with a number of high-profile celebrities, including Awkwafinia and Judi Dench, for the usage rights to their voices. It’s an interesting idea, though will remain to be seen if it gains any traction.

Snapchat Reports 11 Million Subscribers Milestone

In their recent Q2 performance update, Snapchat announced that they have now reached 11 million paying members. The app has focused on providing its Snapchat+ subscribers with useful tools and features that enhance the ways users can connect with each other.

Update from July 30

Save Music Directly From YouTube Shorts

YouTube has announced that creators can now save audio tracks directly from a YouTube Short. Both TikTok and Instagram have made this a key functionality — making it easy to bookmark music for future use is especially useful for hopping on trends. So it was high time for YouTube to add this feature.  

Reddit Partners With Various Sports Organizations

Reddit has launched a new partnership program with several major sports organizations, including MLB, the NFL, the MLB, and the PGA. Through these partnerships, the platform will feature in-app activations such as player AMAs and behind-the-scenes content. It opens interesting opportunities for advertisers looking to strengthen their presence among new audiences.  

New AI Studio Launches on Meta

Meta has launched an AI studio to assist brands and creators with designing avatars and bots, which can then be used for customer service and other types of engagement. The new studio provides templates as well as the ability to create fully customizable characters from scratch. 

Snapchat Adds Olympics AR Experiences

Snapchat has launched some new AR experiences for the 2024 Summer Olympics, including special lenses and filters, to help fans feel more connected to the athletes and events. Some lenses have even been created in partnership with the IOC, and the official Olympics app has added links back to Snapchat, encouraging higher engagement.

Update from July 23

Snapchat Partners With Lincoln Center

Snapchat has partnered with Lincoln Center for a unique AR exhibit called “Ghost Variations.” Through a Snap AR lens, visitors can see large busts depicting famous composers as they walk through the experience, which shines a light on mental health. 

Instagram Users Can Now Leave Notes in Reels and Feed Posts

Instagram users are now able to add Notes to Reels and Feed posts. Notes, which was previously launched as a new feature for Instagram DMs, adds another layer of engagement to your content. While they are only visible for 3 days, and only to your connections, this could open some interesting doors for expanding the reach of certain posts. 

TikTok Adds Integration With Eventbrite

TikTok has integrated with Eventbrite to facilitate more streamlined event promotion. It allows any user to add an Eventbrite link directly embedded in-stream on TikTok. Promoters also have the ability to add multiple links, which is helpful for showing the most relevant events based on location.   

AI Comment Summaries in Testing on Meta

Meta is now testing AI comment summaries to provide those scanning their feed a quick overview of what post comments are saying. It’s an interesting idea, though could end up resulting in people leaving fewer comments which in turn would lower engagement rates.

TikTok Partners With DistroKid

TikTok has partnered with independent musician database DistroKid, enabling a wider range of new artists to create profiles with artist-specific features. These include things like ticketing, new releases, and a music tab. Musicians who are on DistroKid can create their TikTok account directly from the DistroKid dashboard.

Update from July 16

Pinterest is Working on AI-generated Backdrops

Pinterest is doing some interesting work on the AI front, that could provide a huge benefit to brands using promoted Pins to showcase products. “Pinterest Canvas” allows users to create AI-generated backgrounds to showcase products in optimal environments.

YouTube Tests New AI-generated Music Stations

 YouTube Music subscribers will soon see a new AI-generated radio option for creating playlists based on moods and genres. It’s the latest in a slew of AI features YouTube has introduced recently, and could serve as an interesting alternative to similar features on platforms like Spotify.

More Potential Tagging Options for Collaborative Posts on Instagram

Instagram may be introducing retroactive tagging for collaborative posts. It’s a small but potentially significant update, making it easier to credit influencer partners or brands that are featured in a post. This feature was already available for Reels, and this would expand it to include Feed posts.

Community Spaces in Testing on YouTube

YouTube is testing another social feature to provide more ways for users and content creators to interact. Their new Community Spaces update is an expansion of the Community Posts option, which creators can use to share updates, that broadens the fan community — allowing for text and image posts that community members can engage with.

Update from July 9

New Features for Snapchat+ Users

Snapchat+ users now have a few new features to enjoy with their subscription. These include a customizable digital house, appearing on a Snapchat map, a pet Bitmoji expansion that brings your virtual pet to more places within the app, and faster-expiring Stories. 

Restrictions for Ads Targeting Teens on TikTok

TikTok is adding some additional restrictions on ads that target its teenage users. The new restrictions mean that advertisers can no longer target teens using personalized targeting methods and are restricted only to broad options such as location and language. 

Improved Audio Removal Options on YouTube

Good news for content creators on YouTube! The video platform is implementing some changes to make it easier to remove audio that is flagged for copyright, and replace it with something else. With the improved audio removal system, it means that creators will be able to keep certain videos active, and available for monetization, rather than needing to take them down.  

LinkedIn is introducing sponsored newsletters, providing another way for brands to expand their reach. This is similar to their sponsored articles feature, introduced earlier this year, and is a great option for encouraging more signups, thus strengthening lead-gen and customer retention efforts.

Update from June 25

Chat Widgets in Development on Instagram

Instagram is reportedly developing some new DM chat widgets to encourage more engagement from its users. It’s a shrewd move as more and more people choose to communicate via DMs, or with close friends only, as opposed to publicly. So far the widgets will include a countdown timer, a timezone widget, and pinned content.  

TikTok Launches New App “Whee”

TikTok has launched a new photo-sharing app called Whee. The app is designed to facilitate private photo sharing among friends and family. It’s the latest in a line of apps from TikTok recently, including the Notes lifestyle app, and the product-sharing app Lemon8. 

New AI Tools for Brands on Meta

Meta introduced some exciting new AI tools recently, including more ways that advanced AI can help facilitate more accurate and effective chatbot messaging for businesses. The updates allow for custom responses based on some of the most common queries received.   

AR Creation Assistance With AI on Snapchat

Snapchat is adding AI-assisted generation for AR experiences. The hope being that this empowers more users and brands to create AR lenses, with the ease of simply describing what you want to see and previewing it in real time. From Snap: “This milestone of running GenAI models in real-time on mobile devices is made possible by our team’s breakthroughs to optimize faster, more performant GenAI techniques.”

Update from June 18

New Creator Insights Display in Testing on Instagram

More AI Ad Tools on Pinterest

Live MLB Scores on Threads

YouTube Tests Image Search Results

Virtual Influencers Program Launches on TikTok

New Creator Insights Display in Testing on Instagram

Instagram is testing a new creator insights display to further facilitate more effective ways for brands to view important metrics. Now brand pages can get a 30-day view of influencer followers, accounts reached, and accounts engaged within that period. 

More AI Ad Tools on Pinterest

Pinterest is introducing some new AI ad tools for marketers to take advantage of. These include a new AI automated ad campaign option, called Performance+, which helps optimize promoted Pins, and AI-generated images for ad backgrounds that can appeal to different user aesthetics.   

Live MLB Scores on Threads

Threads is looking to increase engagement through live updates of MLB scores. Now Threads users can search for a team on the app and get recent scores, as well as scores for games currently in progress. It’s another key step in Threads trying to provide similar content that people no longer using X are looking for. 

YouTube Tests Image Search Results

Image search could be coming to YouTube. The video platform is testing a way that users can search within YouTube using image search technology. It’s a natural extension for Google Lens, offering the ability to narrow your results to videos only. Currently this update is only being tested with a small group of users.

Virtual Influencers Program Launches on TikTok

TikTok has launched a virtual influencer program, giving brands more options when it comes to promoting products. A similar program has seen huge success in China and TikTok hopes it will further encourage online shopping in the western market. The main advantages to a virtual influencer, of course, is that they can be on 24/7, and they are cost effective. Brands can choose between a custom avatar or a stock avatar, created by actors and licensed for commercial use.

But will brands lose the longevity that comes with establishing brand equity through real influencer relationships? Hard to say at this point, but this will definitely be one to watch!

Update from June 11

Pet Stickers Could Be Coming to Instagram

Instagram is experimenting with a new virtual pet program. If you miss your tamagotchi, this could be for you! These digital characters will be added to your Stories, encouraging people to like the Story for the pet to grow. It’s an interesting engagement idea, though still in the early stages as the sticker is not yet publicly available.

Get Feedback on Your Unpublished Reels

This is an interesting one. Instagram is testing a new feature that would allow users to solicit feedback for unpublished Reels. So if you’re looking for some extra critique before publishing you could share a draft with friends and followers. The ability to share with a select group of non-followers is also being tested.

Additional AI Ad Tools on LinkedIn

LinkedIn is adding some additional tools to help marketers refine their ads. The first is an in-stream video program, called “The Wire” which enables advertisers to show pre-roll video ads on trusted partner content. Partner providers for this program include Bloomberg, Business Insider, and Reuters. The second is more AI tools through Microsoft Designer for LinkedIns automated ad generator option.

Update from June 4

Pride Programming Coming to TikTok

For Pride Month, TikTok has launched a “Visionary Voices'' campaign which highlights 15 top creators making a positive impact on the LGBTQ+ community. Throughout the month TikTok will highlight these accounts in various ways. TikTok is also shining a spotlight on LGBTQ+ owned businesses with a #ShopWithPride campaign.

Pinterest Partners With Shopify

In their continued effort to support minority and underrepresented businesses and creators, Pinterest has partnered with Shopify as part of their “Inclusion Fund” program. The new expansion to the program provides educational resources for increasing exposure and improving monetization.

Facebook Appeals to Younger Users

Facebook is making a bid to attract younger users back to the platform. They have an uphill battle, but there are certain areas where they believe they can gain traction, including: Groups, Dating, Marketplace, and Reels.  

Video Ads Test Happening on Instagram

Instagram is testing a new ad format that involves non-skippable video ads showing up in the feed. It’s a strange move given that users typically despise ads, especially ones they can’t scroll past. Being forced to watch in entirety before resuming scrolling could lead people to leave the app, reducing usership numbers.

Update from May 28

New Creator Studio & Management Platform on TikTok

TikTok is launching a new management platform to help creators manage videos and track their performance. The new studio is available on desktop and serves as a one-stop-shop, streamlining the process of producing TikTok content.

Instagram Tests “Memes” Category in Reels

This is an interesting one. Instagram is testing a new “Meme’s” option within Reels. Selecting this feature would open a catalog of well known animated meme elements that you can then add to your videos to make them more engaging.

Pinterest has released their summer trends report, covering everything from fashion and beauty to food and decor. The report can help marketers when thinking about their strategy over the coming months. Elder millennials now leading marketing teams may have an advantage; searches for “90s makeup” have seen increases in volume recently. 

More Ad Tools Available on TikTok

TikTok is adding some new ad tools, with a focus on AI, to help marketers make the most of the platform for product promotion. The new AI Creative Suite, called “Symphony”, provides prompts, video ideas, and can generate promotions based on your existing content.

Update from May 21

New Report From Pinterest Highlights Gen Z Shopping Habits

A new report from Pinterest is shedding light on Gen Z shopping and usage habits on the platform. Designed to help businesses with advertising efforts and, of course, encourage more companies to utilize Pinterest for promotion. Key points include: Gen Z searches are up 30%, use upstream CTAs to inspire purchases, and make pins shoppable wherever possible.

Instagram Experiments With Auto-Generated “Recent Stories” Highlight

Instagram is experimenting with a new feature that would showcase an auto-generated series of your recent Stories, at the front of your Highlights row. It’s an interesting way to help busy creators who don’t always keep their Highlights updated, giving users an idea of the kind of content you post.

60-minute TikToks in Testing

You heard right. TikTok is currently testing a 60 minute option for videos. It’s a clear effort to compete with YouTube which has always reigned supreme when it comes to long-form video content and it will be interesting to see if users adapt to longer viewing on TikTok.

Reddit Partners With OpenAI

Reddit has partnered with OpenAI which allows them to access the Reddit Data API and integrate Reddit information into tools like ChatGPT. It will also “bring AI-powered to redditors and mods. Reddit will be building on OpenAI’s platform of AI models to bring its powerful vision to life." (Reddit)

New Filter on Threads Shows Recent Posts

Threads is introducing a new feature that allows users to sort by recent posts. This chronological feed will help when browsing during major events like award shows and sports games, and also means that you get a more organic view, not influenced by post popularity.

Update from May 14

Meta Expands Verification Access

Meta is broadening verification access, enabling more users to get that coveted blue checkmark. Firstly, this option is now available to more countries, including Argentina, Chile, France, and Italy. Secondly, they are rolling out some new subscription packages for businesses.

View Count Added to Threads Posts

Threads is introducing a new update that means your posts will now display a view count. While it’s debatable how useful view count actually is as a metric, it could entice brands and influencers to create more content in order to see what drives engagement.

TikTok Adds Label to Content Created with External AI Tools

TikTok is taking another step to provide more transparency into AI generated content. They’ve added a new label that will indicate if a video or photo was made with AI tools, (outside of TikTok native tools, which already have AI label requirements). 

New Creator Interview Series on Instagram

Creator POV interview series on Instagram

Instagram is launching a new interview series with creators, to facilitate learning and provide tips for other content creators. It’s also a chance for users to express concerns and offer feedback to Instagram leaders, who will lead the interviews. The current series is called “Creator POV”.

Update from May 7

New Interactive Stickers on Instagram

Instagram is adding some new interactive stickers for users to take advantage of in Stories. They include: an “Add Yours” sticker for music tracks, “Frames” for more engaging ways to include photos in Stories, a “Reveal” sticker, and “Cutouts” which create stickers from you photos.

Control Who Can Quote Your Threads Posts

In another concerted effort to offer a more customizable experience for its users, Threads has introduced a feature allowing users to control who can quote their posts. Now you’ll be able to decide if you want to cater quotes only from people you follow, people who mention you, or anyone.  

New AI Powered Meta Ad Features

Meta announced some new AI powered features recently at NewFronts 2024. They include creator recommendations for finding influencers, an extension of their Image Expansion tool which can now be used in Reels, and product links for Reminder Ads. 

YouTube Launches New AI Ideas Generator

YouTube has launched a live test of their AI Ideas Generator to help creators come up with new content ideas based on viewer trends. It’s an interesting concept that means creators can be more confident that their videos will resonate. The Idea Generator feature is currently only available to a small number of channels, and it will be interesting to see how it influences the kinds of videos being posted.

TikTok and Universal Music Form New Licensing Agreement

TikTok and Universal Music have officially formed a new licensing agreement. According to TikTok, the agreement will “...deliver improved remuneration for U.M.G.’s songwriters and artists, new promotional and engagement opportunities for their recordings and songs and industry-leading protections with respect to generative A.I.”

Update from April 30

Threads Users Can Now Hide Certain Posts

An interesting new feature on Threads will allow users to hide posts that contain certain words, phrases, or emojis. It’s another step towards helping people customize their Threads experience. This option is also available on Instagram.

Dynamic Product Ads on Reddit

Reddit is continuing to hone the ad experience for businesses using the platform, now offering Dynamic Product Ads. This ad option will show relevant product listings to users during their research process in a single image or carousel format. It could be a powerful new way to capture consumer interest earlier in the buying journey.

TikTok Partners With CTS EVENTIM

TikTok is partnering with European ticket sales company CTS EVENTIM to facilitate in-stream ticket purchases for various music events. It could be a powerful way for new and emerging artists to promote shows and find new audiences.

Instagram Prioritizes New Creators in Home Feed

This is an interesting one. Instagram has announced that it has made some changes to their algorithm to prioritize new creators and those with smaller audiences. Going forward, reposts will have a clear label and they will also not be shown in recommendations, in hopes of encouraging more original content.

Update from April 23

New Updates for Creators Using Instagram Subscriptions

Some key new updates have been introduced for creators who take advantage of Instagram’s subscription feature. A particularly useful update aims to prevent screen recording and screenshots of subscription-only posts and lives. The update also includes a new metric to help creators track sticker clicks in Stories.

LinkedIn Tests Premium Company Pages

LinkedIn is testing some new premium company pages that include AI assistance for attracting new customers and building engagement. The offering is currently available to small and medium businesses.

There is Now a Premium Placement Option for Shorts Ads

YouTube Shorts is now offering a premium placement option that businesses can use to get in front of more potential customers. This new “Select Shorts” option allows advertisers to choose from these five categories to strategically place their ads: entertainment, beauty, fashion & lifestyle, food & recipes, gaming, and automotive.

Generative AI Images for Google Demand Gen Ads

Google is introducing generative AI into their demand gen ads, allowing marketers to create AI visuals to accompany their promotions. Using AI to create images specific to campaign type and format could go a long way toward increasing ROI on advertising.

New AI Watermarks on Snapchat Images

Snapchat will start showing a watermark so users can more easily identify AI generated images and videos that are downloaded from the app. The move will provide more transparency especially if the images are shared elsewhere after being downloaded.

Update from April 16

Snapchat Partners With New Ad Platforms

Snap has partnered with companies AppsFlyer and Snowflake to facilitate more advanced targeting, and data privacy and protection. As part of the integration with Snowflake, Snap “will serve as a key mobile platform partner” enabling marketers to work from a single view, while AppsFlyer provides an extra layer of security.

Recruiter Verification Badge on LinkedIn

LinkedIn has added a verified badge for recruiters, which will help unwitting job seekers avoid scams. The verification process is optional but recommended. It’s a small but powerful indicator that could go a long way to improving the workflow for job seekers.

More In-stream Shopping Tools on YouTube

YouTube is adding a few new shopping features that ecommerce businesses can take advantage of. These include “Shopping Collections”, which provide a way that creators can set up curated lists of their favorite products, and a new Affiliate Hub making it easier for influencers to connect to potential partners. 

Snapchat Debuts New AI Try-on Experience With Cartier

In partnership with Cartier and to celebrate the jewelry company's 100th anniversary, Snapchat has debuted a new AI ring try-on experience. It’s the latest in similar try-on experiences that Snap has launched for products such as nail polish, glasses, and shoes.

Update from April 9

Meta Expands AI Content Tagging Policy

Meta is expanding their content policy to better indicate when a post has been created with or uses AI. The previous policy only applied to altered videos while the new label will be used to identify any photos, videos, or audio that has been AI-generated.

New “Notify” Sticker on Instagram

A new sticker on Instagram will allow users to set a notification for when new content is uploaded by their favorite creators. Clicking the notification sticker provides users with different choices so they can customize what kind of posts they want to get notifications for.

New B2B TV Ad Features on LinkedIn 

Now you will be able to reach new audiences through LinkedIn CTV ads. Partnering with various video providers including Paramount and Samsung, businesses can now launch CTV ads via the LinkedIn campaign manager. 

Advanced Partner Program Launches at Snapchat

Snapchat is introducing a new Advanced Partner Program, an extension of their existing partner program. From Snap: “Advanced partners will receive unique benefits throughout the year including personalized training and enablement sessions, dedicated support, and additional tools and resources.”

Threads Creator Bonus Program in Testing

In effort to spur growth and engagement, Threads is experimenting with a new bonus program for creators. The incentive program will reward posts based on volume and performance. The program is currently invite-only and in the beginning stages of being rolled out.

Update from April 2

Snapchat Introduces Templates, Longer Videos, and More

Snapchat is adding a range of new features including advanced AI lenses, templates for shared Memories, and longer video lengths. The lenses convert images based on certain themes and Memories can now be remixed with music allowing you to reuse clips in new and fun ways. 

New “Blend Feed” in Testing at Instagram

This is an interesting one. Instagram is testing a “Blend” feed which would show you recommended Reels based on those you’ve sent to friends. It’s an intriguing idea in response to the growing popularity among users of sharing content via DMs, rather than to their public feed.

More Ad Features on Reddit

Reddit is introducing some new Ad features for businesses to tap into. These include AI suggested headlines based on the formats that perform the best and an Asset Cropper tool that customizes imagery to fit Reddit Ad sizes. They’ve also done some work to improve bidding options. 

New Google Shopping AI Features

Google Shopping is making some improvements. New AI driven enhancements will now provide related style recommendations and body-size matching. Users will also be able to refine these results by upvoting or downvoting based on personal preferences, as well as indicate which brands they’d like to see more or less of.

Update from March 26

Snapchat Adds Sponsored Filter Option for Brands

This is an interesting one. Snapchat has added a sponsored filter option, which brands can use for various promotions. The filters act as ads which include a link, providing more visibility and reach to a campaign. The filters are also a less heavy lift than a full AR experience, so more brands can start to take advantage of Snap as a marketing channel.

AI-Powered Skip Ahead Feature in Testing at YouTube

YouTube is testing an AI-powered skip feature, which would make it easier to skip to popular points in a video. This update would use AI to predict the places where most users stop when fast-forwarding, offering a “jump-ahead” action if a viewer is double tapping a video to skip through. 

Instagram is continuing to test new elements for Carousel posts. Their latest test would introduce the ability to leave a comment for a specific image or video within a carousel. This would open a lot of interesting possibilities for brands and influencers and potentially increase engagement on carousel posts. 

YouTube Adds Audience Segments and Customizable

YouTube has added another audience retention metric, this time for different audience groups. This new view shows you which of your videos are most popular for various audience segments, including “New vs Returning” and “Subscribed vs Unsubscribed”, allowing you to more accurately cater your content.

Update from March 19

LinkedIn Tests Incorporating Games into the Home Feed

LinkedIn is reportedly experimenting with adding in-app games. It’s quite a compelling idea for encouraging engagement on the platform, with a lot of interesting possibilities, but it remains to be seen whether users will go along for the ride. Per LinkedIn, the puzzle-type games will showcase scores and rankings, “to unlock a bit of fun, deepen relationships, and hopefully spark the opportunity for conversations.”

TikTok’s Sound Library Will Now Include Influencer Clips

Going forward the TikTok sounds library will include audio from influencers, which brands can then tap into for their advertising purposes. These audio samples are labeled “Sounds for Business”. The new collection also includes templates that brands can use for greater success.

Instagram is testing a new feature for carousel posts. These include more frames to choose from for your posts and the ability to add 15 photos or videos as opposed to 10. Carousel posts traditionally perform better than single image posts, so the new additions could be a great way to make these posts more appealing to creators, brands, and viewers.

Snapchat Tests Option to Keep Messages Beyond 24 Hours

Snapchat is currently testing the option to let users keep messages past 24 hours. As disappearing messages has always been Snaps model, it’s an interesting move to say the least, and one only available to a small subset of users at the moment. Auto-delete will remain the default selection meaning users would need to actively turn this option on. 

Instagram Launches Promo Codes for Ads

Now brands advertising on Instagram can add a promo code that will be automatically applied when users shop in-app. This update will facilitate better tracking and could encourage more Instagrammers and brands to take advantage of social commerce.

Update from March 12

Long Form Post Option Available to X Premium Subscribers

X is introducing “Articles” — a long form posting option available to premium members. It’s a move to encourage more in-app publishing as opposed to sharing outbound links to longer articles. It will be interesting to watch how user adoption of longer posts progresses among paying users.

New Insights for Brands Using Reddit

Reddit has created a new toolkit to help brands using the platform. Reddit Pro is a suite of tools, free to use, from which brands can see performance metrics and grow their presence. Currently in beta, Reddit Pro includes publishing tools, AI driven insights, and an engagement dashboard. 

New LinkedIn Tool for Facilitating Internal Career Progression

LinkedIn is introducing some new tools to help companies facilitate internal career growth for their employees. These internal mobility features include a “Next Role Explorer” that recommends potential roles, role guides, and learning plans for skill development.   

Google to Start Showing Recent Social Posts in Business Profiles

Google has announced that it will start displaying recent social posts in business profile listings. Businesses will have control over which social profiles are connected, but posts are populated automatically. It’s an interesting, very natural development, and could inspire more businesses to pay closer attention to their posts from a quality and frequency perspective.

Update from March 5

New Safety Alerts on Instagram

Instagram plans to start sharing alerts to help prevent users from succumbing to scams on the platform. The new in-stream alerts warn of possibly malicious links, impersonators, and suspicious DMs. It’s actually quite a useful update, and could go a long way toward generating awareness of common schemes.

More Features in Instagram DMs

Instagram continues to add new features to their DM space, which has seen an uptick in activity over the past few years. Going forward, users will be able to pin conversations, made edits to sent DMs (within a 15 minute period), and save their favorite GIFs and stickers for future use.

TikTok Tests Auto-tagging Products

This is an interesting one. TikTok is currently testing a feature that would automatically tag similar products to those seen in certain videos. The feature identifies products using AI and links to the TikTok shop when clicked. It presents an intriguing new avenue when it comes to how influencers use the app, and could help boost social commerce activity. 

Threads May Experiment With Auto-archiving Posts

Threads is continuing to do what it can to differentiate itself and keep usership up, mostly with positive reception. The latest big idea however, posed by Adam Mosseri, could need some convincing. The Instagram Chief is proposing an auto-archive update, which would archive posts after 30 days. Users seem skeptical of the idea, but it may hold merit as a way to encourage more active sharing on the app.

Update from February 20

New Music Remixing Options for YouTube Shorts

Creators mourning the suddenly lacking music options on TikTok may now lean more heavily on YouTube with this recent update. YouTube creators can now remix other Shorts in a variety of ways, including: Sound, Collab, Green Screen, and Cut. It will be interesting to watch how quickly this feature gets picked up in the wake of TikTok’s ongoing battle with Universal Music.

Snapchat Partners With Fospha

Snapchat has partnered with digital measurement company Fospha in order to facilitate more accurate tracking and attribution touch-points for brands. Per Snap this partnership will empower partners "to improve their attribution capabilities, identify growth opportunities, and maximize ROAS.”

Meta Verified Filter in Instagram Comments

This is an interesting update. Meta is now making it possible to filter comments by Meta Verified accounts. It could be a revealing way to filter out bots, irrelevant, and less valuable comments in favor of high profile engagement from celebrities, influencers, and brands. 

Fact Checker in Testing on Threads

Ahead of the upcoming election, Threads is testing a fact checker feature with the goal of minimizing the spread of misinformation and disinformation. Currently the notes attached to posts are not unique to Threads, but this is the eventual goal with Thread-specific tags.

Update from February 13

YouTube Adds Livestream Displays to Shorts Feed

This could be a big feature for livestreamers! YouTube will start showing in-progress livestreams in the Shorts feed; a feature that provides greater exposure for livestreams, allowing scrollers to hop in when something seems interesting. TikTok already does this, with great success, so it’s only natural that YouTube — where livestream videos are a favorite format for content creators — should try to empower creators with more visibility. 

Video Cutout Stickers on Instagram

Instagram is expanding on their recent update that allows users to create their own sticker cutouts from Feed posts. Now, users will also be able to do the same with videos, essentially creating a GIF. This option is available for anyone to use from videos posted publicly, although the ability can be turned off in settings.

Limit Your Political Posts on Threads

Threads and Instagram are experimenting with a new “Recommendations” feature that will allow users to limit the number of political posts that they see. Users will need to proactively opt-in to see more political posts, and they can also set various “recommendations” for what they would prefer to see. It will be interesting to track how this shakes out in terms of engagement numbers on the social platforms, but for now it seems like a good move toward making your feed a more positive place.

New Networking Prompts on LinkedIn

LinkedIn is adding new prompts to help facilitate networking within the app. Going forward, users will see a tab on their homepage called “Grow” (which used to be labeled “Network”) which will show you suggested connection opportunities. A new tab within “Grow” called “Catch Up” will provide suggested prompts for reaching out to your peers.

Update from February 6

Instagram Tests Preview Mode

Instagram is testing a new preview mode that would allow users to test layouts for their photo and video grid before posting. This could be especially useful for brands and creators looking to create a sleeker and more cohesive feel on Instagram. 

New Attribution Option on Meta

Meta is adding more attribution metrics to help brands understand user behavior after they engage with video ads. Now marketers will be able to measure if a conversion takes place within a specific period of time after a customer views their ad. 

See Playlist Metrics on YouTube

An interesting and potentially very useful new tool for YouTube marketers! The platform has introduced new analytics that allows you to see how users interact with your playlists. This could help you hone in on which playlists do well, and what changes you could make to encourage people to tune in. 

Discovery Through Topic Tags on X

X is adding a new search and discovery parameter that could help users find relevant communities to participate in. Community admins can now add up to 10 topic tags related to the conversations that members take part in.

Update from January 30

Super Likes on YouTube

YouTube is experimenting with adding “Super Likes” for “Super Chats” in livestreams and premieres. Super Chats are typically pinned during these events and a Super Like would be another way to facilitate donations and engagement.

More Safety Measures on Meta for Teens

Meta is adding more safety measures for teen users. New restrictions further limit who can send DMs to teens, and parents will now have additional controls and visibility. Perhaps most notably, young users will now need parental consent to turn off these default settings (if their profiles are connected through the Family Center).

New Video Editing Option on TikTok

A small but useful new editing option is being added to TikTok. The new Cutout feature is very similar to the green screen effect but offers wider flexibility when it comes to adding different backgrounds to your videos. 

New Tips Hub for Small Businesses Using Reddit

As it heads toward an IPO this year, Reddit is making sure businesses have all the tools they need to make the most of their advertising on the platform. Their latest addition is a mini-site for SMBs, offering tips and examples to help maximize engagement and conversions.

Update from January 23

Nighttime Nudges for Teens Using Instagram

Instagram is putting more safeguards in place for its younger users. A new update gives teens a gentle prompt to stop scrolling, after a certain amount of time. The nudge is currently set to activate during late nighttime hours when it detects that a young person has been scrolling through Reels or DMs for 10 minutes or longer.

LinkedIn Rolls Out New Sponsored Posts

A new sponsored post option is now available on LinkedIn, which could help increase lead generation through the site. With the new feature, companies can promote LinkedIn articles that they write with various CTAs including asking people to sign up before reading further. 

AI Pets on Snapchat

A whole new generation is discovering the joy of virtual pets. (Although the Snapchat version is a touch more sophisticated than our Tamagotchis). The new AI pet feature allows Snapchat+ subscribers to use generative AI for creating the pet of their dreams, real or imaginary. 

New Accessibility Feature on TikTok

TikTok continues to add accessibility features that make it easier for wider audiences to enjoy the app. Their latest update incorporates larger display text to make it easier to read. Although it’s important to note that text used within TikTok clips themselves still has size limitations.

Update from January 16

Create Custom Stickers on Instagram

Instagram is introducing a new feature that allows users to create custom stickers from their own photos, or the photos of other creators, if they are shared publicly. These can then be re-shared via Stories or Reels. For brands this could present an interesting new avenue for encouraging UGC.

Polls and Voice Notes in WhatsApp

WhatsApp has added the option to include polls and voice notes in channels, increasing the ways that brands can drive engagement and connect with their audiences through the app. 

AI Song Generation in Testing at TikTok

TikTok is coming out strong on the AI front in the new year with a new song generation feature. Now users can create prompts and the app will create song lyrics powered by Bloom, a multilingual language model.

More Creator Management Tools From Meta

Meta is improving the way that brands can connect with creators and facilitate partnerships. Now talent management agencies will be able to more easily access analytics data for influencers such as audience size and page earnings.

Update from January 9

X Partners With Shopify

X is expanding its Shopify partnership to try and entice more merchants to advertise and promote products in-app. New features will include more product amplification options, a simpler catalog update process, and more ways to maximize ad activity.

TikTok Announces Chromecast Integration

Is this the next phase of TikTok viewing? The app has announced a new Chromecast integration that would allow people to view TikTok videos on TV. Some options for watching TikTok videos this way already exist, but with Chromecast, TikTok is hoping to expand this viewing experience to a wider user base.

New Marketing Partner Categories Introduced on TikTok

TikTok is introducing some new ways that brands can facilitate better engagement, with categories that provide better context when it comes to performance and goals. These new measurement partners are now separated into the categories of “Cross Channel” and “Lift”. 

Reddit Report Showcases Power of Peer Product Review

Reddit continues to illustrate their unique power for brands with a look at how people take advantage of the platform to learn about products and find reviews. One of the most compelling stats revealed in their latest user study drives this home: “In 2023, users added “Reddit” to Google searches 32B times as they sought answers from real people rather than traditional influencers, digital articles or sponsored listicles.” (Reddit)

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