Social Media Platform News and Updates for NOVEMBER 2024
Stay updated with the latest social media changes from Meta, LinkedIn, Threads, and more. Meta has introduced new security tools on Facebook and Instagram, focusing on scam prevention and protecting young users from online threats. LinkedIn enhances its UI and video capabilities, while Threads tests community-building features with "Loops" to foster discussions around shared interests. Instagram promotes creative carousel posts, while TikTok collaborates with UnitedMasters to spotlight independent artists. Snapchat, WhatsApp, and YouTube also bring fresh updates, from festive lenses and AR experiences to improved video call features and a save option for Shorts. Dive into these updates for actionable insights.
Social media updates for Meta
Meta Tests New Security Features Using Facial Recognition to Detect Scams
Meta has started testing a facial recognition system to counter "celeb-bait" scams, where scammers use public figures' images to lure people into clicking on ads that lead to fraudulent websites. The new tool compares faces in ads to profiles of high-profile users, blocks ads confirmed as scams and deletes all facial data post-verification. Additionally, Meta is experimenting with video selfies as a verification method for users regaining access to compromised accounts, emphasizing that no facial data is stored beyond the verification process.
Meta Introduces Tools to Combat Sextortion on Instagram and Facebook
To address rising sextortion scams targeting young users, Meta is introducing new detection and privacy measures, such as alerts on suspicious connection requests and restrictions on follower visibility. Scammers often exploit these lists to blackmail users, so Meta has limited access to accounts flagged as suspicious. Additionally, Meta has enhanced restrictions on screenshots for sensitive images and introduced new educational resources with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) to help teens recognize and avoid sextortion scams.
Facebook's New Features Aim to Attract Young Adults
With 40 million young adults using Facebook daily in North America, the platform is testing new tabs—Local and Explore—focused on community and personalized content discovery. These updates include access to local activities, relevant groups, and AI-curated interests, as well as a TikTok-inspired full-screen video tab and an updated Facebook Dating feature. Facebook's renewed emphasis on real-life connections differentiates it from platforms like TikTok, where user interaction is more passive.
Social media updates for Threads
Threads "Loops" Feature to Build Topic-Based Communities
Threads is testing a "Loops" feature to create topic-specific communities, similar to X’s Communities, making it easier for users to join discussions around shared interests. This feature could bridge personal preference and algorithmic recommendations, enabling users to explore relevant content in focused groups. Though still in development, Loops may bring real-time, topic-based interaction to Threads.
Boost Engagement on Threads with Thought-Provoking Questions
On Threads, posts that ask questions, especially controversial ones, have proven effective in driving engagement by prompting responses. Some users have increased their visibility by "rage-baiting" or asking divisive questions that encourage replies. Meta is exploring ways to limit inauthentic engagement tactics while fostering genuine discussions, as question-based interaction remains a key engagement strategy on social platforms.
Real-Time Online Indicators Now Available on Threads
Threads has added active status indicators, marked by a green dot on a user’s profile, to encourage real-time conversations on the platform. Users can disable this feature if they prefer, but it may enhance engagement by letting others know they’re available for interaction. Threads aims to facilitate immediate conversations, bringing it closer to becoming a viable alternative to X for real-time social engagement.
Social media updates for LinkedIn
LinkedIn's UI Update: Potential for a Smoother Experience?
LinkedIn is experimenting with a new UI that places all in-app navigation options at the top, consolidating notifications and inbox alerts in a single line. This layout change could improve ease of access by reducing screen clutter, though it's unclear if the post composer is present in the new setup. While this updated design is still in testing, it has the potential to streamline user interactions within the app.
LinkedIn's "Know-How That Sticks" Video Ad Campaign
LinkedIn's U.K. campaign, "Know-How That Sticks," targets younger professionals by promoting the platform's video feed through short, engaging videos showcasing career advice in a TikTok-like format. This push aligns with LinkedIn's 34% year-over-year increase in video uploads, aiming to draw more attention to its evolving video features. Whether these videos will significantly engage audiences remains to be seen. Still, LinkedIn continues its efforts to adapt to the popularity of short-form video.
DoubleVerify Expands Media Quality Measurement on LinkedIn
LinkedIn advertisers can now gain deeper insights into video ad performance thanks to DoubleVerify's expanded media quality measurement services on LinkedIn's premium video inventory. This feature enables independent ad viewability and tracking placement, helping advertisers effectively verify and optimize ad results. With LinkedIn reporting a 34% growth in video uploads, this addition could be crucial for brands aiming to maximize ad reach and engagement.
Social media updates for Instagram
Instagram's "Creators of Tomorrow" Highlights Emerging Influencers
Instagram unveiled its "Creators of Tomorrow" list, celebrating innovative creators shaping trends and culture on the app. The 2024 list features 25 creators in categories such as "AI Accelerators," highlighting creators utilizing cutting-edge AI tools, and "Vibe Curators," who excel in setting emotional tones. Instagram plans to collaborate with these creators over the next year to expand their influence and provide more opportunities.
Instagram Carousel Posts Boost Engagement, Says Adam Mosseri
Instagram's Adam Mosseri shares tips for increasing reach with carousel posts, which now allow up to 20 frames and can include music. Carousels typically drive more engagement due to multiple media interactions and get a second chance if viewers don't initially swipe, potentially appearing in the Reels tab for added exposure. For those looking to maximize reach on Instagram, incorporating carousels and music is a smart tactic.
Instagram Introduces New Profile Cards for Easier Connections
Instagram has expanded the launch of its profile cards, offering a visually engaging way for creators to connect with brands and followers. The flippable cards feature a QR code for quick linking and include options to add music, change the background, and display a profile summary. While Instagram has tried similar features before, these new cards could foster better connections.
Social media updates for Pinterest
Pinterest's 2024 Halloween Trends: What's Popular This Season
Halloween is almost here, and Pinterest's 2024 Halloween Trends Report offers insights into the season's most-searched costumes, themes, and party ideas. From pop culture-inspired costumes, such as "It girl" styles (+170%) and "sports costume ideas" (+265%), to throwbacks like "90s Halloween decorations" (+140%), Pinterest users are exploring various ways to celebrate. Rising makeup trends include "soft vampire make-up" (+475%) and "Gothic guy make-up" (+290%), pointing toward a spooky, glamorous vibe.
Pinterest Launches AI-Powered "Performance+" Ad Campaigns
Pinterest has introduced "Performance+," an AI-driven ad campaign suite similar to Meta's Advantage+. This new tool leverages machine learning to automate campaign elements like targeting, budgeting, and bidding, aiming to improve ad performance with minimal manual setup. Early testing shows a 10%+ improvement in cost per acquisition for some users.
Pinterest Adds New Interactive Collage Features
Pinterest expands its collage capabilities with "Collage Remixing" and "Collage Sharing," building on the popularity of its "Shuffles" app. Collage Remixing lets users collaborate on existing collages, while Collage Sharing now allows downloads as videos for easy posting across platforms. These updates encourage creativity, giving users more ways to engage, especially with Gen Z.
Social media updates for X (Twitter)
X's Payments Plan Paused: Regulatory Roadblocks in New York
X, formerly Twitter, has paused its rollout of in-app payments following regulatory challenges in New York. While X holds payment transmitter licenses in 38 states, its application in NY was withdrawn after a legal filing highlighted concerns over ties to Saudi Arabia. Elon Musk's vision of transforming X into an "everything app" remains stalled for now.
X Rolls Out "Radar" Trend Analysis for Premium+ Users
X has expanded access to "Radar," a new real-time keyword analytics tool, for Premium+ subscribers, enabling in-depth trend tracking to enhance brand engagement. Costing $16 per month, Premium+ offers additional tools like Media Studio, Grok AI chatbot, and an ad-free experience, positioning it as a valuable choice for business users.
X Limits Blocking Functionality to Allow Viewing but Restricts Engagement
X is updating its blocking feature, allowing blocked users to still view but not engage with public posts. This adjustment has drawn criticism, as blocking is often a key defense against harassment and unwanted interactions. The change is likely intended to increase post visibility but could reduce the platform's safety features.
Social media updates for TikTok
TikTok Partners with UnitedMasters to Support Independent Artists
TikTok's latest collaboration with music distributor UnitedMasters gives independent artists broader exposure on the platform, making their songs accessible for use in TikTok's Commercial Music Library. UnitedMasters has already launched successful artists via TikTok's viral reach, and this partnership further aligns TikTok as a key player in music discovery and promotion. TikTok's focus on supporting independent musicians has led to notable success stories globally.
TikTok Launches Global Electronic Music Hub
To capitalize on electronic music's popularity, TikTok launched an Electronic Music Hub to celebrate genres like Drum & Bass, Techno, and Amapiano. The hub coincides with the Amsterdam Dance Event, fostering a vibrant online community for electronic music fans and expanding artist reach. TikTok's genre-specific approach has successfully elevated various music trends, connecting fans with both emerging and established artists.
TikTok Adds InMarket Integration to Measure Ad Impact on In-Store Visits
Through a partnership with InMarket, TikTok now enables advertisers to track if users exposed to TikTok ads visit physical stores, offering insight into ad impact on in-store traffic. Early data suggests that campaigns using InMarket have shown a 1.2x performance boost compared to benchmarks, showing TikTok's potential for driving offline business. Brands can use this data to refine marketing strategies and better measure in-store sales impact.
Social media updates for Snapchat
Snapchat's Halloween Update: Spooky Lenses, Costumes, and New Features
Snapchat's Halloween update brings festive lenses, costumes, and Bitmoji outfits, letting users digitally dress up as clowns, witches, and even characters from Mean Girls. Additionally, Snapchat has introduced "Footsteps" on Snap Map, which tracks users' travels, and a new option to set Snap as the default camera on iOS. Dive into Snapchat's Halloween update and its new interactive features.
Snapchat Showcases New AR Spectacles Experiences
Snapchat revealed the first augmented reality (AR) experiences created with its new Spectacles, featuring activities like origami tutorials and interactive pool games. These experiences highlight the potential for immersive interactions, though competition in the AR wearables market remains fierce as Meta and Apple pursue similar advancements.
Snapchat Introduces Sponsored Snaps and Promoted Places
Snapchat has introduced Sponsored Snaps, allowing brands to deliver vertical video ads directly to users' chat inboxes, and Promoted Places to highlight business locations on the Snap Map. These additions aim to boost ad engagement on the app, but there are questions about maintaining user privacy and app intimacy.
Social media updates for WhatsApp
New Filters and Backgrounds on WhatsApp Video Calls
WhatsApp now allows you to add filters and backgrounds to make video calls more fun and expressive. You can personalize your calls and keep surroundings private with options like Warm, Black & White, or Prism filters and backgrounds of cozy settings like a cafe or living room. Look for the effects icon during calls, and explore the Touch-up and Low-Light tools for an enhanced look—features available to all in the coming weeks.
WhatsApp's Improved Contact Management and Security
WhatsApp has launched an in-app contact storage feature, making it easier to save and manage contacts from desktop or mobile, even after switching devices. The new "Identity Proof Linked Storage" (IPLS) feature ensures contacts can be restored with added security through advanced encryption. These updates enhance contact management, offering added privacy and control across devices for both personal and business use.
Engage with Private Mentions on WhatsApp Status
WhatsApp’s new "Private Mentions" feature in Status lets users discreetly tag friends to get their attention, even if they’re not in the Status audience. This feature allows you to tag up to five people, potentially increasing engagement as notified users can view and share your post. Available in the latest WhatsApp update, this addition is ideal for making specific contacts aware of your updates without needing to mention them publicly.
Social media updates for YouTube
YouTube Expands and Enhances Shorts Features
YouTube is rolling out several new Shorts features to boost engagement, including an upgraded templates option that allows creators to incorporate more elements from other videos. This new capability will help users replicate specific attributes like audio segment timing and text, making it easier to engage with trending content. YouTube is also launching an opt-in for notifications when full songs are released from Shorts music snippets and a toggle to reduce Shorts in users' feeds, allowing for more personalized browsing experiences.
YouTube Tests New "Save" Button for Shorts
To make it easier to bookmark favorite Shorts, YouTube is experimenting with a "Save" button on the main Shorts UI, replacing the "Dislike" icon, which will now be moved to a secondary menu. This shift suggests that the "Dislike" option was not widely used. YouTube's algorithm will likely infer viewer preferences based on engagement patterns. The test is currently being rolled out to a limited number of mobile users, offering new ways to manage Shorts content in personalized playlists.
YouTube Rolls Out New Features Based on User Feedback
In its latest update, YouTube introduces several user-driven features, including variable playback speeds, improved widescreen browsing, an updated mini player, and collaborative playlist options. Other additions include a sleep timer to automatically pause videos and new achievement badges for milestone interactions on the platform. These refinements aim to enrich the viewing experience and make it easier for users to personalize their interactions across YouTube and YouTube TV.
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