Welcome to the July roundup of social media platform news! This past month has been pretty eventful, with Instagram at the forefront of the updates. But it’s not just Instagram making waves—platforms like LinkedIn, Pinterest, and TikTok also introduced notable changes.
So, let’s dive in and explore the key updates from July and what they could mean for your social media strategy…
It’s been a hot minute since we started a round up blog with some new updates from Pinterest… but here we are!
First, Pinterest has launched a new feature which allow users to share boards through messaging apps like WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger. This update should boost user engagement and simplify how users share interests and ideas with friends. We’re giving this update a big thumbs up… after all it could see Pinterest could enhance user growth!
Next, Pinterest is innovating with its AI text-to-image generation tool, named “Canvas”. This AI tool sets itself apart from similar tech in other apps, unlike tools that may alter core images, Canvas focuses on generating custom backgrounds for product images instead. This approach enhances the visual appeal of product displays without compromising the integrity of the original shot.
Over to TikTok now, but it’s only a couple of pieces of social media platform news this month!
We’re starting with TikTok introducing a new feature allowing creators to download videos without the TikTok watermark. This update just makes sense and it’s surprising it’s taking so long especially since users have been utilising SnapTik for ages!
Next, TikTok has announced a partnership with Eventbrite, allowing users to add Eventbrite links directly to their TikTok videos! This update gets a huge thumbs up from us and we can’t wait to use it!!
LinkedIn is another platform that has had a somewhat quiet month… but we still have a couple of updates to share.
We’ll start with sharing that LinkedIn is extending its sponsored articles ad option to include sponsored newsletters. This expansion allows companies to promote their newsletters and attract more sign-ups, capitalising on the growing popularity of the newsletter feature.
The next update is that LinkedIn is now rolling out its automated “Accelerate” campaigns to all brands. This new feature utilises AI to streamline and automate the ad campaign creation process, making it easier for brands to launch effective campaigns with minimal effort.
It’s unusual to not be overrun with X updates… but July is one of those months!
First, X is taking further steps to discourage users from clicking on referral links that take them away from its platform. The latest update includes a reduction in the reach of posts containing links and changes to how link previews are displayed. With this change, it makes sense that native long-form posting options are being introduced.
Next, X is currently testing a new comment downvote feature that could significantly impact how users engage with content. This potential game-changer offers brands, businesses, and marketers a new way to influence the visibility and relevance of comments. The jury is out on this update, so stay tuned and we’ll keep you updated when we know more!
Over to Meta now, and they’ve announced an update to its labelling system which changes the ‘Made with AI’ tag to ‘AI info’ across its apps. This change comes in response to user complaints about incorrect tagging of their pictures.
Next, Meta has decided not to release an advanced version of its AI model, Llama, in the EU, citing the “unpredictable behaviour of regulators”. Llama, which is designed to operate across text, video, images, and audio, is an open-source model that users can freely download and adapt. Despite its capabilities, regulatory uncertainties have led Meta to withhold its release in the European market.
Let’s get platform specific…
Facebook is experimenting with a new feature called ‘Clear Mode’ which is designed to enhance the viewing experience for Reels. It’s hoped that this new feature will offer a more immersive and uncluttered view which could potentially change how users interact with short-form video content.
Threads are adding an original music sharing option for Threads. This update aims to enhancing user engagement with creative content on the app… We’d love to hear your thoughts about this update.
Instagram:
Here we go! It’s been a HUGE month for Instagram, with a huge 8 pieces of social media platform news to share.
Instagram is launching a new ‘Early Access’ feature, offering select users the chance to try unreleased tools and updates. This update aims to give influencers and businesses an advanced look at new editing tools, analytics features, and interactive content options which could enhance their content and engagement strategies.
Next, Insta is experimenting with a “Super Like” option for Stories! There’s not much more information on this piece of social media platform news, so we’ll keep you updated!
Instagram is set to enhance its collaboration features. Currently, adding collaborators to feed posts and Stories is only possible during the initial creation phase. However, while Reels already allow for post-publication additions, this flexibility will soon extend to feed posts and Stories.
In this next update, Instagram is focusing on increasing engagement in DMs with new features like Notes, aimed at enhancing private interactions. In addition to this bit of social media platform news, the platform is also experimenting with a new messaging icon in the lower function bar of the app.
Instagram is enhancing its Notes messaging feature by allowing users to leave Notes on both Reels and feed posts. This update means that followers can now add comments directly from the messaging menu on Reels! This update is another way for users to engage with content and interact with friends.
And lastly, Instagram is rolling out a new feature that allows users to enhance their Reels with up to 20 audio tracks. This is a global update and enables creators to mix and match multiple tracks in a single video! This is a huge update, and one we’re excited to try out!
To use this feature, simply tap on “Add to mix” in the Reel editor. You can then trim each track to include the segments you want!
As we wrap up our look back at July’s social media platform news, it’s clear that the landscape continues to constantly evolve.
Keeping up with these updates is crucial for staying competitive and leveraging new opportunities to engage with your audience. With that in mind, don’t miss out on future insights and trends… Sign up for our newsletter to stay informed about all the latest developments in the world of social media.
Until next time, stay social!
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