Social Media Platform News and Updates for MARCH 2025
As social media platforms continue to adapt to changing user needs and technological advancements, recent updates showcase exciting new features designed to improve engagement and content creation. This blog post explores significant developments from major platforms like Meta, LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube, highlighting innovations that cater to both creators and audiences. With updates such as Meta's second-generation AR glasses for research and YouTube's new audio reply feature, these changes aim to enhance user interaction while promoting meaningful discussions. Stay tuned as we delve into the specifics of these updates and consider how they might shape your social media presence in the future.
Social media updates for Meta
Meta has introduced its second-generation Aria AR glasses, aimed at researchers to enhance studies in machine perception and contextual AI. The new glasses feature upgraded sensors, improved battery life, and new capabilities like heart rate monitoring and advanced audio technology, making them more functional for research applications. While currently not available for consumers, Meta envisions these glasses transforming connectivity and interaction in the future.
Expansion of Meta AI in the Middle East and Africa
Meta has launched its AI chatbot in the Middle East and North Africa, now offering Arabic capabilities to millions of users on popular apps like Facebook and Instagram. This expansion marks a significant milestone, increasing Meta AI's user base from 400 million to 700 million monthly users as the company invests heavily in AI infrastructure. Upcoming features include advanced multimodal tools, enhancing creativity and connection for users in the region.
Changes to Facebook Live Video Storage Policy
Meta is updating its storage policy for Facebook Live videos, allowing them to be replayed and downloaded for 30 days before automatic deletion. This change is driven by the observation that most views occur shortly after broadcasting, leading Meta to reduce storage costs associated with older videos. Users will receive notifications about deletions and have options to download their content or convert it into Reels before the videos are removed.
Social media updates for LinkedIn
LinkedIn Tests New Feed Options for Enhanced Engagement
LinkedIn is experimenting with a new feature that allows users to filter their feeds to show updates only from their first-degree connections. This new setup includes two tabs: the default "All" tab, which displays the standard feed, and the "My Network" tab, which focuses solely on content from connections and followed pages. This initiative aims to drive more engagement by making it easier for users to stay updated on relevant content from their professional network.
New Comment Impression Metrics Introduced on LinkedIn
LinkedIn has rolled out a feature allowing users to see the impression counts for their comments, providing insights into the reach of their contributions within the app. Each time a comment is viewed, it counts as an impression, including multiple views from the same user, which may inflate numbers. This feature aims to motivate users to engage more actively through comments, potentially increasing their visibility and interactions on the platform.
LinkedIn Enhances Video Features Amid Growing Popularity
With video content on LinkedIn seeing a 36% increase in watch time year-over-year, the platform is introducing several new features to improve video visibility and engagement. These include a full-screen vertical video format now available on desktop, a "Videos for You" module, and enhanced discovery options in search results. LinkedIn is also launching new learning courses to help users create effective video content, reflecting its commitment to promoting video as a key format for professional engagement.
Social media updates for Instagram
New Group Chat Features on Instagram
Instagram is introducing a feature that allows users to invite people to group chats using dedicated QR codes, making it easier to add new members. This update is part of a broader enhancement of the messaging experience on the platform, which aims to drive more engagement among users. While these changes may seem minor, they could facilitate greater interaction and community sharing within the app.
Instagram is considering launching a standalone app for its Reels feature, which would provide a dedicated space for short-form videos similar to TikTok. This move, part of an initiative called "Project Ray," aims to improve user engagement by allowing for longer Reels and more focused content consumption. However, creating a separate app poses the risk of cannibalizing Instagram's user base and could complicate user engagement across platforms.
Insights on Instagram's Video Algorithm
Instagram's chief, Adam Mosseri, clarified how the platform's algorithm measures watch time, emphasizing that both the percentage of a video watched and the total seconds viewed are important. This means that watching 10 seconds of a one-minute video is treated equally to watching 10 seconds of a ten-second video, alleviating concerns that longer videos may be penalized for lower completion rates. The algorithm aims to encourage creators to post longer content by ensuring that partial views still contribute positively to engagement metrics.
Social media updates for X (Twitter)
X Launches New Ad Creation Features with Grok 3
X has introduced two automated ad creation features alongside the launch of its Grok 3 AI model, aimed at enhancing advertisers' creative processes. The first feature, "Prefill with Grok," allows users to input a website URL, which Grok then uses to generate tailored ad copy, images, and calls-to-action. The second feature, "Analyze Campaign with Grok," provides AI-driven insights to optimize ad performance, helping advertisers refine their strategies based on user engagement data.
Grok App Sees Surge in Usage After Version 3 Launch
Following the launch of Grok 3, downloads of the standalone Grok app surged tenfold, with daily active users increasing five times week-over-week, according to Sensor Tower data. The new version includes features like voice mode, allowing users to interact with Grok using voice commands that are available to top-tier subscribers. Despite these gains, concerns remain regarding Grok's long-term relevance in a competitive market dominated by established players like Meta and OpenAI.
Concerns Over Community Notes and Misinformation
A study reveals that Community Notes on X heavily relies on professional fact-checkers, indicating that similar strategies may not be effective for Meta's upcoming Community Notes program. Despite the trust placed in notes referencing accredited organizations, 85% of proposed notes remain invisible to users due to a requirement for consensus among differing political views. This lack of visibility undermines the effectiveness of Community Notes in combating misinformation, especially in politically charged contexts.
Social media updates for TikTok
TikTok Reinstated for Download in the U.S.
TikTok has been reinstated for download in the Google Play and Apple App stores in the U.S., following assurances that the companies will not face penalties for facilitating access to the app. This comes amid ongoing discussions about its future, with TikTok required to be sold to a U.S.-based owner or face a ban under the "Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act." As a result, TikTok is currently accessible and is negotiating with potential U.S. partners, including Microsoft and Oracle, to secure its presence in the market.
Transition to TikTok One Platform
TikTok is set to replace its Creative Center and Creator Marketplace with the new "TikTok One" platform, which aims to centralize all creative tools for users. Starting March 1st, the current Creator Marketplace will stop allowing new campaigns and applications, with full functionality ceasing on April 1st. Users will need to transition to TikTok One to access their previous campaign data and utilize enhanced creator tools to manage their marketing efforts.
TikTok has introduced a custom ad solution specifically designed for automotive sellers, aiming to leverage its engaged audience of car enthusiasts. The new Automotive Ads feature streamlined setup and dynamic creative options are designed to enhance user experience and maximize return on investment. By utilizing catalog-based advertising that matches users with vehicles based on their preferences, TikTok aims to drive better results for auto sellers on the platform.
Social media updates for Reddit
Reddit Partners with Intercontinental Exchange for Financial Data Products
Reddit has announced a collaboration with Intercontinental Exchange to develop new data and analytics tools for the financial sector. This partnership will leverage Reddit's vast pool of over 16 billion posts and comments to enhance portfolio optimization, algorithmic trading, and due diligence efforts. By connecting Reddit's conversations with advanced data science and machine learning infrastructure, financial professionals can make more informed investment decisions.
Reddit at CES: Exploring Conversations that Drive Purchases
At CES 2025, Reddit introduced its activation "A Different Conversation," emphasizing the importance of user discussions in influencing purchasing decisions. New research highlights that 42% of internet users consider Reddit recommendations the most impactful for purchases, surpassing other sources like expert reviews. Additionally, Reddit unveiled tools like Reddit Pro Trends and AMA Ads to help businesses engage with relevant conversations and enhance their marketing strategies.
Social media updates for Snapchat
Snapchat Launches New Ad Placement Control Tiers
Snapchat has introduced new brand suitability controls, allowing advertisers to select from three tiers—Full, Standard, and Limited—regarding where their ads are displayed in the app. This new feature utilizes machine learning to match content types with the appropriate sensitivity tier, giving advertisers more control and reassurance about their ad placements. Additionally, Snapchat has partnered with third-party measurement firms like DoubleVerify and Zefr to enhance brand safety and provide detailed reporting on ad performance.
New Features for Snapchat+ Subscribers
Snapchat is rolling out exciting new features for its Snapchat+ subscribers, including generative AI tools for creating custom stickers and movie poster simulations based on users' messages. The update also introduces new Bitmoji clothing options, allowing users to refresh their avatars with styles suitable for upcoming events like Valentine's Day. Furthermore, a new feature called "Snap Modes" enables users to send self-destructing Snaps, adding a playful element to user interactions and encouraging engagement.
Insights from Snapchat's AR Lenses Research
Snapchat has reported that its AR Lenses are used over 80 billion times monthly, indicating their significant role in user engagement and interaction. A recent study conducted in partnership with Tinuiti explored how AR facilitates modern word-of-mouth conversations among users, revealing that AR content is shared more frequently than other types of social media posts, especially among close connections. The findings suggest that brands can enhance campaign performance by focusing on emotional connections and entertainment in their AR experiences, though they must balance branding to avoid diminishing share rates.
Social media updates for WhatsApp
Introduction of Chat Themes on Messaging App
A new feature allowing users to personalize their chat experience with colorful chat bubbles has been introduced. Users can choose from pre-set themes that change both the background and bubble colors or mix and match colors to fit their style. To apply these themes, users can navigate to Settings > Chats > Default chat theme for all chats or customize individual chats through specific options in the chat menu.
New Wallpaper Options for Chats
Alongside chat themes, users can now select from 30 new wallpaper options to enhance their chat backgrounds or upload their own images for a more personalized touch. These wallpaper choices can be applied universally to all chats or customized for individual conversations, providing a unique look for each chat. The ability to change themes and wallpapers is rolling out globally in the coming weeks, and these features will only be visible to the individual user.
Social media updates for YouTube
YouTube Expands Text-to-Speech and Launches Mental Health Initiative
YouTube has announced the expanded rollout of its text-to-speech feature for Shorts, now available on both iOS and Android. This feature allows creators to add automated voiceovers to their videos. Alongside this, YouTube is partnering with the JED Foundation to promote mental health awareness among teens, launching a new series of videos for Safer Internet Day. These updates aim to enhance user engagement while addressing important social issues through educational content.
YouTube Updates "Replace Song" Feature and Tests New "Hype" Program
YouTube has improved its "Replace Song" function in YouTube Studio by incorporating AI-based recommendations for alternative tracks when copyright issues arise, making it easier for creators to keep their content active. Additionally, YouTube is testing a new "Hype" program that allows viewers to allocate points to support smaller creators, with a paid option being piloted in Turkey. This initiative aims to increase discoverability for emerging channels while raising concerns about the potential misuse of the system for gaining exposure.
YouTube Expands Audio Replies and Promotes Shorts Feature
YouTube is expanding its audio replies feature, allowing creators to respond to comments with voice clips up to 30 seconds long, currently available to a limited number of creators on iOS. In addition, YouTube has introduced a "Promote" option for Shorts, enabling creators to easily boost their videos to a wider audience directly from the app. These features are designed to enhance interaction and increase visibility for creators, streamlining the promotional process for engaging content.
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