The biggest updates in social media | November 2024
What’s new in the world of social media this month? Read through the summary and get up to speed.
Social media news
Meta
Meta developing AI system to detect age of users
Live soon
In an effort to protect teens using the platform, Meta is developing a new AI system that will detect teenagers lying about their age on the platform. Interpreting data such as follower lists, interactions, and even “happy birthday” posts, Meta will determine if users are above or below the age of 18.
Meta rolls out variable ad display options
Live soon
A new ad option called “Flexible Media” will allow you to add multiple images for an ad. From these images, Meta will select which ones are best to show to each user.
Meta adds video calling updates
Live soon
Meta is adding a few updates to its video calling functionality including the ability to make HD video calls, background noise suppression and voice isolation, audio and video messages, and AI backgrounds in Messenger video calls. IOS users will also be able to ask Siri to assist them in sending messages via Messenger.
Facebook makes “Views” its primary metric
Live now
Following suit from Instagram, Facebook is changing its primary metric to “Views” for image and video content. This means that the data around content will be simplified and made easier to understand.
Facebook to remove option for public followers on personal profiles
Live soon
Facebook is removing the option for private Facebook pages to allow their “Following” setting to be public. Users with such a setup will be encouraged to either remove public followers, or switch to a professional profile.
Instagram adds DM filters for Creators
Live now
Creators will now be able to sort and filter message requests using various qualifiers such the sender’s follower count, verification status, or type of account such as brand or creator. There is also a new folder exclusively for story replies to separate such replies from the rest of your messages.
Instagram expands boosting across more post types
Live now
Most posts containing GIFs or Stickers can now be boosted in the app.
Instagram tests simplified AI profile image generation
Live soon
Instagram is testing a new option that would allow users to use AI to generate a new profile picture, accessible from within the profile editing options.
Further reading: AI versus authenticity on social media
Instagram to remove option to follow hashtags
Live now
From December 13 onwards, you will no longer be able to follow hashtags or view content from followed hashtags in the feed.
Instagram makes it easy to remove inactive profiles from following you
Live now
When you view your list of followers, Instagram will now show a category of “Deactivated accounts” above your regular following, making it simple to remove such accounts.
Instagram moves Story Highlights to own tab
Live soon
Instagram is currently informing users that Story Highlights will soon be moving to a new dedicated tab within their profile, as well as showing in the main grid.
Instagram to let users reset recommendations
Live soon
A new option from Instagram will allow users to clear Instagram’s memory of your interests regarding the content it recommends in the feed. That being said, Instagram will still retain your interests and activity for ad targeting.
Instagram tests new placement of DM button
Live soon
Some users are beginning to see a new placement of the DM button appearing in the center of the bottom navigation bar in the app, replacing where the + icon for post creation is normally located. This is due to a reported increase in messaging in the app versus post creation.
Instagram adds new DM features
Live soon
Instagram is adding 17 new Sticker packs, with over 300 new Stickers, introducing the ability to favorite Stickers, and updating the Sticker UI to make it easier to find the right Sticker for your mood. Additionally, Instagram is adding the ability to select nicknames for your friends within DM chats, as well as optional live location sharing also within DM chats.
Instagram launches “Collage” for Stories
Live now
Instagram is rolling out a new option that allows users to select multiple images from their camera roll to share via Stories as a collage image.
X (Twitter)
X begins rolling out new block functionality
Live soon
The new update to X’s block functionality will allow users to continue to view the content on public profiles that have blocked them but will no longer be able to engage with it
X experiments with free access to Grok AI chatbot
Live soon
A version of Grok is currently in development that would be available to non-paying X users.
Further reading: What is X Premium and is it worth the price?
X users can choose to use side-swipe actions for likes and replies
Live now
Users on iOS can now choose to enable side-swiping actions in their app settings. Doing so will allow users to swipe on posts in the app to like or reply.
X adds NFL Portal
Live now
With sports ranking as the most discussed topic on X, a new NFL Portal has been added to compile posts from NFL teams, key reports, and fan profiles to keep football fans in the loop. Additionally, X has also added a separate tab for game schedules, live scores, an overview of current standings, and team and player stats.
LinkedIn adds “Open to Volunteer” option
Live soon
A new “Open to Volunteer” option will allow users to add a new tab to their profile that highlights the causes for which they are interested in volunteering.
More AI assistance tools coming to Sales Navigator
Live soon
Sales Navigator’s new “Lead IQ” option will provide users with an overview about prospective connections.
LinkedIn to retire audio events option
Live soon
LinkedIn is retiring its dedicated audio events option, rolling audio events into its existing live-streaming tools.
TikTok
TikTok adds music sharing from Apple Music and Spotify
Live now
A new “Share to TikTok” option will allow users to share music from Apple Music or Spotify on TikTok using a variety of sticker options.
TikTok announces celebrity-led live shopping streams
Live soon
TikTok will be hosting a range of live streams to encourage more shopping within the app, with appearances from celebrities such as the D’Amelio family and Nicki Minaj.
TikTok adds integrated log-in for Lemon8
Live now
While Lemon8 will remain a separate app, you can now sign-up or login to Lemon8 using your TikTok credentials.
TikTok expands affiliate marketing program
Live now
Some TikTok creators are now able to add affiliate links to their uploads, appearing at the top of the comment stream. When selected, users are taken directly to the product pages.
TikTok adds new Gen AI video creation tools
Live now
Business users are now able to generate video clips using the new Symphony Creative Studio element. This allows users to create video clips by entering a product description or URL to generate a video clip. You can also include a digital avatar to narrate the video or produce clips in different languages. All clips can be edited and customized before being published.
Further reading: 11 tested tips for boosting your TikTok engagement
TikTok creators may soon be able to build imitation AI bots
Live soon
Douyin, the Chinese version of TikTok, is developing a new project known as “V” which features a new AI Avatar feature. While AI Avatars are already on Douyin, this new feature will allow for AI Avatars that can continuously interact with users by replying to comments, replying to DMs, responding during live stream chats, and more.
Key takeaways
- Facebook changes its primary metric to views.
- Instagram adds DM filters for creators to better manage their messages.
- Story highlights on Instagram are soon to be moved into its own tab on profiles.
- A version of Grok AI for non-paying users is in development at X.
- You can now like and reply on X using side-swipe actions.
- TikTok adds a new ability to share music directly from Apple Music and Spotify.
- Business users can create AI-generated videos on TikTok by entering product descriptions or a URL.