The biggest updates in social media | August 2024
August has come and gone, and with it a heap of brand new social media news. Let’s get caught up.
Social media news
Meta
Meta explores celebrity-voiced AI chatbots
Live soon
Meta is rumored to be pivoting its celebrity-faced AI chatbots towards celebrity-voiced AI chatbots. This would allow users to message with chatbots modelled after celebrities and receive responses in the style of that celebrity voice.
Meta and Universal Music announce new licensing deal
Live now
The new arrangement will allow Meta to use tracks from Universal Music artists in more ways within its apps.
Meta expands profile connections for Business Suite
Live now
A new update for the Meta Business Suite will allow users to connect more profiles to an account, allowing you to easily switch between Facebook and Instagram accounts. You can now link up to 10 profiles to your Meta Business Suite account.
You can now cross-post Facebook and Instagram content on Threads
Live now
This new feature is available to all users, but it must be switched on in your post settings. It is not possible to cross-post Reels or Facebook videos.
Facebook offers first-time rule violators a way to avoid penalties
Live now
Creators who violate Facebook’s policy for the first time will be given the opportunity to complete an education process to have the warning removed.
Instagram updates metrics to focus on views
Live now
Instagram’s analytics have been reformed to make views the primary metric for each element.
Screenshot blocking for temporary DMs coming soon
Live soon
Instagram is looking to implement screenshot blocking for any content shared on Instagram in “Vanish Mode” or when “View Once” is active.
Instagram expands carousels to 20 frames
Live now
All users can now add 20 photos to their carousel posts.
Instagram test Friend Map location sharing
Live soon
Currently being tested by a small group of users, Instagram’s Friend Map will allow you to see where your friends are, have been, and any Stories that have been location-tagged. You can also add Notes to any of the locations to further engagement and interaction.
Changes coming to grid profile displays
Live soon
Instagram is testing a new vertical profile display which makes use of longer stills in-stream versus the traditional square-shaped images.
Instagram test profile cards for creators
Live soon
Currently being tested with select creators, Profile Cards give a profile overview and summary and a QR code for immediate connection.
Instagram adds option to tag a Channel when uploading a post
Live now
When uploading new content to Instagram, you can now tag a Broadcast Channel to highlight the content within Channel streams.
Instagram adds music to profiles
Live now
Instagram has added the ability to add a song of your choice to the top of your Instagram profile, enabling you to showcase your music taste to all.
Instagram adds comments for Stories
Live now
Some users can now add comments to Stories. Any comments on Stories will be visible to anyone who views the Story.
Instagram experiments with custom collage feature
Live soon
Instagram is currently experimenting with a new feature that will allow users to generate collages in the app using images from your device’s camera roll.
Instagram explores music-sharing options via Spotify integration
Live soon
Instagram is testing a new integration with Spotify which would enable Instagram users to automatically display the track they’re currently listening to via their Instagram Notes.
Instagram adds new text and Sticker options
Live now
Instagram has added several new fonts to use when adding text to your Stories. Additionally, you can also now animate your text or make use of an effect. You can also now add Stickers to single and multi-image carousel posts.
X (Twitter)
X removes all ads for Premium+ subscribers
Live now
Those subscribed to Premium+ on X will now be able to access the app and have an entirely ad-free experience.
X adds reply-sorting option for posts
Live now
X users are now able to sort the order of replies on their posts by Trending, Most Recent, and Most Liked.
X rolls out Advanced Analytics to Premium subscribers
Live soon
X’s Audience Insights tab has been rolled out to Premium subscribers, allowing them to view information around their audience including age, gender, country of origin, and more.
X enables long-form post creation via third-party apps
Live now
A new API update will allow external apps to facilitate post creation on X for content up to 4,000 characters.
X is developing more advanced management tools for Verified Organizations
Live soon
X is developing an all-encompassing dashboard for Verified Organizations allowing users to manage ads, job listings, affiliate accounts, and analytics from one place.
Grok 2 launches
Live now
Grok 2 is now available to all paying users, including image-generation capabilities, as well as functional improvements.
X provides new analytics tools for verified organizations
Live now
X analytics now allows you to see keyword analytics, allowing you to track trending topics and keywords and how these terms rise and fall in popularity over time.
X is almost ready to launch video conference calls
Live soon
According to reports, X’s video conferencing abilities are almost ready to be launched, with Elon Musk claiming the functionality is already being used for internal meetings at X.
LinkedIn adds verification for Company Pages
Live now
LinkedIn is now rolling out verification for Company Pages in the form of a gray tick that confirms a page has passed LinkedIn’s checks for identity and authenticity.
LinkedIn to enable brands to sponsor user-generated newsletters
Live now
LinkedIn launched sponsored newsletters for company pages last month, and now they’re expanding this feature to allow brands to promote/sponsor any newsletter (with approval) created by other users within the app.
Further reading: How to create and promote a LinkedIn newsletter
LinkedIn launches in-feed video carousels
Live now
LinkedIn has launched new video carousels in the app which provide users with a side-scrolling display of recommended video clips.
TikTok
TikTok shuts down “TikTok Lite” program in Europe
Live now
TikTok Lite was a rewards program that offered cash incentives for in-app activity. The program has now been shut down due to concern from EU officials about potential DSA violations.
Further reading: 11 tested tips for boosting your TikTok engagement
TikTok launches “Spotlight” promotion option for film and TV
Live now
TikTok Spotlight will identify relevant TikToks on the platform and attribute an anchor link. The link will drive users to a landing page where they can discover more about the film or TV referenced in the TikTok such as cast, plot summary, and where to watch.
TikTok establishes new deal with Amazon for in-app purchases
Live now
A new integration with Amazon will allow TikTok users to make Amazon purchases from within the TikTok app, without needing to tap through to the Amazon app or website.
TikTok adds Group Chats and Stickers in DMs
Live now
TikTok is adding stickers into DMs which include video stickers and user-created sticker sets. User-created sticker sets can be made using TikTok’s new sticker management platform allowing users to create and upload Stickers to be used by others within the app. TikTok is also facilitating group chats with users now able to create chats of up to 32 participants.
TikTok uses cash incentives to attract new users
Live now
A new promotion has been spotted that encourages users to invite those with YouTube audiences over 10k followers and Instagram audiences over 100k to join TikTok. If successful, users will be rewarded with Amazon gift cards.
TikTok enables users to create own AI voiceover voice
Live now
TikTok users now have the option to create their own AI voice, meaning that they can speak into their device and then use this voice on future TikTok clips.
Key Takeaways
- Meta pivots AI chatbot focus to AI-generated celebrity voices.
- TikTok makes push for TikTok Shop with new Amazon integration.
- Instagram adds the ability to leave comments on Stories.
- X video conferencing will be available soon.
- Instagram increases focus on music with the ability to add music to profile and share what you’re currently listening to via Notes.