New profile cards launch globally. New updates to profile cards are here, aiming to connect people through Instagram instead of other platforms.
Instagram introduces WhatsApp stickers. As the WhatsApp user base expands, Instagram is adding WhatsApp stickers for Stories to help brands make stronger DM connections with followers.
WHAT’S TRENDING
More people are partnering with micro-influencers to increase engagement rate.
Instagram is launching a new education campaign to help protect teens from “sextortion” scams.
Meta ends its ad restriction period. On November 7th, Meta began allowing new ads about social issues, elections and politics in the United States. These ads require a “Paid for by” disclaimer.
Facebook launches a Gen Z-focused redesign. Facebook is trying to compete against other social platforms such as TikTok who have a higher percentage of Gen Z users. Facebook has redesigned its platform to include Local tabs, an algorithm-powered Explore tab and a more prominent Reels tab.
WHAT’S TRENDING
South Korea fines Meta $15 million for illegally collecting and sharing user data.
LinkedIn adds lead gen objective to boosted posts. Businesses can now create more effective campaigns that drive conversions directly from their content on the platform.
The platform is testing a new navigation bar. The new interface sets in-app navigation options at the top of the screen for greater accessibility.
“Top Voice” badges are leaving. Following complaints that many members used AI to earn the “Top Voice” badge–an honor supposedly signifying expertise and authority–LinkedIn is removing the feature.
WHAT’S TRENDING
LinkedIn’s inaugural Work Change Snapshot report explores the evolving landscape of companies, jobs, skills and work dynamics.
Certain celebratory post templates are being retired.
TikTok
TikTok celebrates Cybersecurity Awareness Month. This month, TikTok is highlighting two important groups who contribute to their culture of online security: the researchers powering the HackerOne bug bounty program and the creators spreading cybersecurity knowledge on the platform.
TikTok announces new “Smart+” automated ad solution. With the holidays coming up, TikTok is working on more specific ad targets based on previous viewer data, in order to increase awareness of certain brands, events and sales.
WHAT’S TRENDING
MLS Season Pass on Apple TV and Major League Soccer to present ‘Player Spotlight: Messi’ exclusively on TikTok.
TikTok is failing to ban political ads.
YouTube
YouTube introduces new “Hype” feature. Hype will allow fans to actively support emerging creators by promoting their content within the first seven days of release, using a weekly leaderboard to boost visibility. This initiative gives smaller creators additional exposure and potential revenue through audience engagement.
YouTube launches longer Shorts. In a move that signals a push to compete with TikTok and Instagram Reels, YouTube is now allowing Shorts that are up to three minutes long.
WHAT’S TRENDING
YouTube revenue continues to climb.
Russia fines Google more than the world’s entire GDP.
X
New X block feature goes live. X has updated its blocking feature, allowing blocked accounts to view public posts unless the user’s account is private. While blocked accounts are still prevented from replying or reposting, critics argue this change could jeopardize the safety of abuse survivors by exposing them to potential harassment from individuals they have blocked.
X updates ad platform to optimize performance for SMBs. X has announced updates to its advertising platform aimed at enhancing performance for small and mediumsized businesses (SMBs). These improvements include new tools and features designed to simplify ad management and optimize campaign results for SMBs.
X introduces “Radar” tool for analytics. Premium+ subscribers can now use Radar to measure trends and track conversation volume.
Reddit announces controversial policy change. Following site-wide protests last year, moderators now need Reddit’s permission to turn subreddits private or NSFW.
The translation icon may have moved for some users. Reddit is experimenting with location features. Some features, like the translation icon, may have moved for certain users as Reddit tests different interfaces.
Threads
Threads adds an “activity status” feature. In response to demands for more real-time information, status indicators can show when a user is online.
Threads introduces time-sensitive reposts. Threads has introduced a new feature making reposts time-sensitive, aiming to encourage users to share and interact with content while it’s still relevant.
