Social Media Platform News and Updates for SEPTEMBER 2024
This month brings several exciting changes to the social media landscape. Meta now allows cross-posting from Facebook and Instagram to Threads, simplifying multi-platform content management. The Meta Business Suite also supports up to 10 profiles, making managing multiple Pages easier. LinkedIn has introduced video carousels and improved search features to enhance user engagement. Instagram, on the other hand, is testing new ways for creators to showcase content, including profile cards and a "Friend Map" feature. Dive into the blog to see other surprising updates and features. Remember these updates as you refine your social media strategies this month!
Social media updates for Meta
Meta Introduces Cross-Posting from Facebook and Instagram to Threads
Meta has launched a new feature that allows users to cross-post content from Facebook and Instagram to Threads, enabling simultaneous updates across all three platforms. The new cross-posting option, available in the advanced settings of both apps, supports text and link posts but not Reels or videos. While this feature could save time, it raises the question of whether such uniform updates can effectively engage the different audiences of each platform.
Meta Business Suite Now Supports Multiple Profiles
Meta is enhancing its Business Suite by allowing users to link up to 10 profiles to a single account, streamlining the management of multiple Facebook and Instagram Pages. This update targets users who manage various business Pages under different profiles, enabling easier switching without needing to log out. While useful for social media managers handling multiple brands, it may not apply to most casual users.
Meta and UMG Expand Music Licensing Agreement
Meta has renewed its music licensing agreement with Universal Music Group (UMG), allowing broader use of UMG's music across Meta platforms, including WhatsApp, for the first time. This new agreement aims to enhance music experiences on Meta's apps and includes measures to protect against unauthorized AI-generated content that could affect artists. The collaboration underscores Meta's commitment to respecting and compensating human creators fairly.
Social media updates for LinkedIn
LinkedIn Enhances Video Engagement with New In-Feed Carousels
LinkedIn is introducing video carousels in user feeds, offering a more engaging way to discover video content tailored to user activity. These side-scrolling carousels link to a TikTok-like full-screen video feed, encouraging more video interaction on the platform. As LinkedIn sees a rise in video uploads, these carousels aim to boost video engagement among its professional audience.
LinkedIn Adopts Semantic Search to Improve Content Discovery
LinkedIn has upgraded its search engine to incorporate semantic matching, allowing for more accurate responses to complex queries. By focusing on understanding the intent behind search terms rather than just keywords, LinkedIn aims to enhance content discovery and user engagement. This new approach has led to improved search relevance and user satisfaction.
LinkedIn Expands Sponsored Newsletters to User-Generated Content
LinkedIn is expanding its sponsored newsletter feature, initially launched for company pages, to now include newsletters created by other users. This update allows brands to sponsor popular newsletters by thought leaders in their industry, extending their reach through paid promotion. Sponsored newsletter articles can be boosted via LinkedIn's Campaign Manager, offering brands and creators more exposure and potential for lead generation.
Social media updates for Instagram
Instagram Adds Option to Tag Channels in Posts
Instagram has introduced a new feature that allows users to tag Channels when uploading posts, making integrating content into Channel streams easier. This addition provides a more streamlined way for Channel owners to share updates directly with their audience. The feature aligns with Instagram's shift towards messaging and enhances user engagement by facilitating direct content sharing within broadcast chats.
Instagram Tests New Profile Cards with Creators
Instagram is testing a new feature that lets creators showcase their content using digitally flippable profile cards. These cards include a QR code for quick connections and a profile overview with essential details, potentially boosting profile visibility. While QR codes on Instagram have existed since 2018, this updated format aims to renew interest and usage among users.
Instagram Launches Live Test of "Friend Map" Feature
Instagram is testing a "Friend Map" feature that shows friends' locations based on tagged posts and Stories. This feature, only available to "Close Friends" or mutual follows, aims to facilitate more personal and location-based interactions, similar to Snapchat's Snap Map. While it offers new engagement possibilities, Instagram is cautious about privacy concerns and will monitor user feedback closely.
Social media updates for X (Twitter)
X Highlights AI with New Grok 2 Update Amid Revenue Challenges
X is focusing on its Grok AI chatbot by launching Grok 2, featuring enhanced text and image capabilities for Premium users. This move is part of X's strategy to boost Premium sign-ups and reduce reliance on declining ad revenue, as X faces financial challenges and competition. Grok 2 aims to provide advanced AI functionalities comparable to leading models in the market.
X Develops Advanced Analytics Dashboard for Verified Organizations
X is testing a new comprehensive dashboard for Verified Organizations to manage ads, job listings, and analytics in one place. This new tool aims to enhance businesses' functionality, including advanced search and query capabilities. Available only to Verified Organizations at a premium cost, the dashboard is part of X's efforts to offer more value to high-paying users.
X Expands Long-Form Posting with Updated API for External Apps
X has updated its API to allow third-party apps to support posts up to 4,000 characters, catering to users who prefer longer content. This expansion aligns with X's goal to host more content directly on the platform, aligning with Elon Musk's vision of X as an "everything app." While primarily aimed at Premium users, this update might encourage more detailed and in-depth posts from brands and users alike.
Social media updates for Threads
Threads Adds Option to Rearrange Columns on Desktop
Threads has introduced a new feature for desktop users, allowing them to rearrange columns in the Threads display. This update, similar to the formats used by TweetDeck and Hootsuite, helps users monitor multiple streams, including specific topics, keywords, and feeds. The rollout of this much-requested feature began today, aiming to improve usability for social media managers.
Threads Launches Analytics Dashboard for Desktop Users
Threads has introduced a new analytics dashboard for desktop users, providing insights into metrics like "Views," "Interactions," and follower growth. These analytics help users understand their audience's behavior, especially the distinction between follower and non-follower interactions. This feature is expected to assist users in optimizing their content strategies, leveraging the popularity of the "For You" feed.
Meta Prepares for Threads Monetization with Promoted Post Prototype
Meta is laying the groundwork for monetizing Threads by developing a prototype for promoted posts. However, an official launch has yet to be announced. The prototype, revealed by app researcher Alessandro Paluzzi, shows a "Sponsored" marker on ads that will eventually appear in users' feeds. While there is no immediate timeline for launching ads, Meta is preparing for future opportunities as Threads' user base grows.
Social media updates for TikTok
TikTok Introduces AI Voice Simulation for Personalized Content
TikTok is testing a new feature that allows users to create AI simulations of their own voice for use in voiceovers, making it easier to personalize video content. This new option, enabled by ByteDance's AI technology, also supports language translation, adding a global reach to personalized content. While this could streamline content creation, it raises concerns about the potential misuse of voice replication technology.
TikTok Offers Incentives to Attract New Users
Amid concerns over slowing growth, TikTok has launched a program offering Amazon gift cards to users who successfully invite high-profile YouTubers and Instagrammers to join the platform. This strategy indicates TikTok's efforts to boost user engagement and expand its audience by tapping into the follower bases of popular creators from rival platforms. The initiative reflects TikTok's urgency to maintain its growth momentum amidst increasing competition and regulatory challenges.
ByteDance Unveils AI Text-to-Video Tool with Potential TikTok Integration
ByteDance has launched "Jimeng AI" in China. This app allows users to create short videos using AI-generated animations based on text prompts. This new tool could eventually be integrated into TikTok, offering users innovative ways to create and share content. As AI technology advances, ByteDance's text-to-video capability highlights the company's commitment to exploring new creative possibilities in digital media.
Social media updates for Reddit
Reddit Launches Custom Audience API with CDP Partnerships
Reddit has introduced its Custom Audience API, enabling advertisers to use first-party data for more targeted and effective campaigns. This new API allows brands to upload customer lists, create lookalike audiences, and retarget users without needing a pixel. Reddit's partnerships with CDPs like mParticle, Tealium, and ActionIQ further enhance advertisers' ability to reach high-intent audiences and improve campaign performance.
Reddit Launches Official Partner Badging Program for Advertisers
Reddit has introduced its Official Partner Badging Program, allowing agency partners to earn exclusive badges by becoming Reddit-certified experts. This program, part of the Reddit Ads Formula, offers customized badges based on certifications and investment levels, with top partners gaining "Certified Sales Gold Partner" status. Benefits include early access to new certifications, personalized learning, and exclusive recognition, enhancing the ability of advertisers to optimize their Reddit ad strategies.
Social media updates for Snapchat
Snapchat Introduces Retro-Style Features with New Bitmoji and Music Updates
Snapchat is reintroducing Bitstrips, a popular feature from 2013, in the form of new Bitmoji Stories that use 3D avatars for personalized content. Additionally, Snapchat has added lyric stickers for musical interactions and custom ringtones for Snapchat+ subscribers, reminiscent of early 2000s ringtone trends. These updates aim to rekindle past trends to boost engagement and attract more Snapchat+ subscribers.
Snapchat Launches New Safety Resources for Educators
With a focus on student safety, Snapchat has released an Educator's Guide to help teachers understand the platform and address potential risks such as bullying and sextortion. The guide includes information on Snapchat's features, safety tools, community guidelines, and downloadable resources for educators to share with parents and students. Snapchat is also introducing a feedback form for educators to report concerns directly.
Snapchat Streamlines Ads Manager to Simplify Campaign Objectives
Snapchat has revamped its Ads Manager platform by reducing the number of campaign objectives from eleven to five, making it easier for advertisers to set their goals. This streamlined approach consolidates similar objectives, aiming to simplify the ad creation process and attract more small and medium businesses. The new objectives will be rolled out over the coming months, with existing campaigns transitioning to the new system.
Social media updates for YouTube
YouTube Integrates Google Gemini for Content Creation Ideas
YouTube is testing a new AI feature called "Brainstorm with Gemini" within YouTube Studio to help creators generate content ideas. This tool offers suggestions based on Google Search data, including concepts, trends, and thumbnail ideas, to enhance video content. By incorporating AI-generated insights, YouTube aims to support creators in producing more engaging and relevant content.
YouTube Becomes the First Streaming Platform to Reach 10% of U.S. TV Viewing
According to Nielsen's latest report, YouTube has achieved a milestone by accounting for 10.4% of all TV viewing in the U.S., making it the first streaming service to reach double-digit figures. Streaming platforms now dominate TV viewership, with YouTube leading the charge, especially among younger audiences. This shift highlights the growing influence of digital media over traditional TV as a primary entertainment source.
YouTube Expands QR Code Feature to All Channels
YouTube is rolling out QR codes for all channels, allowing users to easily share and promote their content. Creators can find their unique QR code in the YouTube app and use it to drive traffic directly to their channels. This feature aims to simplify the process of gaining new subscribers and engaging viewers through a quick scan-to-follow method.
Other Updates:
Pinterest Releases Fall 2024 Trend Report
Pinterest has unveiled its Fall 2024 Trend Report, highlighting key fashion, beauty, and home décor trends for the season. Popular searches include nature-inspired fashion, honey brown curls, and cozy sunroom décor, reflecting a shift towards natural aesthetics and comfort. These insights can help marketers tailor their strategies to align with current consumer interests.
WhatsApp Introduces Expanded Sticker Options
Meta is enhancing WhatsApp's messaging experience by expanding sticker functionality, including animated GIFs from Giphy and custom sticker creation. Users can now personalize their conversations with a wider range of animated and AI-generated stickers. These updates aim to diversify user engagement on WhatsApp, potentially paving the way for future commercial integrations.
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