Liveworld

September was a transformative month in the world of social media, with significant updates rolling out across major platforms like Meta, Instagram, TikTok, Reddit, and more. From Meta’s enhanced AI initiatives to TikTok’s proactive stance against misinformation, there’s a lot to unpack. Whether you’re a marketer, content creator, or just a social media enthusiast, here’s a comprehensive overview of the latest developments you need to know. 

Meta: Expanding Horizons with AI and Developer Support 

• New Developer Hubs Launched: Meta has introduced new developer hubs aimed at streamlining external projects. These hubs provide resources and support for developers working on Meta Quest and Meta Horizon OS, integrating social technologies across Facebook, Messenger, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Threads. 

• Advancements in AI, VR, and AR: At Connect 2024, Meta unveiled significant advancements in AI, VR, and AR. Highlights include the Orion AR Glasses and the enhanced Ray-Ban Meta Glasses, which now feature improved voice commands and the ability to send voice messages on the move. The new Quest 3S headset promises an upgraded virtual experience, while Meta AI introduces celebrity voices and the capability to interpret visual cues, enhancing user interaction. 

Instagram: Enhancing User Engagement and Safety 

• New Direct Messaging Features: Instagram has rolled out new DM engagement options, leading to a significant increase in message interactions compared to Stories or the main feed. Users can now enjoy up to 20 photos and videos per post, providing more flexibility in content sharing. 

• Expanded Reminder Ads: The platform has expanded Instagram Reminder Ads through its API, ensuring third-party apps have full functionality comparable to Meta Ads Manager. This move simplifies ad creation for marketers and enhances campaign effectiveness. 

• Advanced Protections for Teen Users: Instagram has introduced robust safety features for teens, including: 

• Private Accounts: All teen users are now automatically set to private, with under-16 users requiring parental consent to change this setting. 

• Messaging Restrictions: Teens can only receive messages from those they follow or are connected to, ensuring a safer communication environment. 

• Sensitive Content Controls: Default settings now filter out offensive content, and interactions like tagging are limited to those users follow. 

• Time Management: Notifications remind teens to limit app usage, and sleep mode activates nightly to mute notifications and auto-reply to messages. 

• Signature Sound for Reels: Instagram has created a unique “signature sound” for Reels, which is automatically appended to every downloaded Reel, enhancing brand recognition and user experience. 

• Feedback on ‘Following’ Feed: Instagram’s chief revealed that a ‘following-only’ feed doesn’t drive engagement as expected, leading the platform to continue focusing on broader content discovery.

TikTok: Combating Misinformation and Expanding Advertising Options 

• Addressing Medical Misinformation: TikTok has partnered with the World Health Organization (WHO) to tackle medical misinformation. By joining the WHO’s “Fides” group, TikTok aims to enhance its fact-checking capabilities and ensure accurate health information is shared on the platform. 
• Search Ads and Keyword Targeting: The platform now offers search ads with keyword targeting for both Traffic and Web Conversion objectives, allowing advertisers to reach their desired audience more effectively.

New Features and Options 

• Instagram-Like Notes: TikTok has introduced a feature similar to Instagram Notes, enabling users to share short, text-based thoughts in their inboxes. 

• Delete and Re-Edit Option: Users can now restart their in-app video projects by removing all edits and re-creating clips from scratch. 

• Shutdown of TikTok Music App: TikTok has announced the closure of its separate music app. 

• Support for US Sell-Off and Platform Wanes: Public support for a potential TikTok ban has decreased, but the outcome remains uncertain. Should the ban be enforced, a significant migration to alternative platforms like Tumblr and Lemon8 is anticipated. 

Reddit: Enhancing Marketing Tools and User Accessibility 

• Ads Library Introduction: Reddit has launched an ads library, providing marketers with greater transparency and resources to optimize their advertising strategies on the platform. 

• Post Translation Expansion: The platform has expanded its post translation options to include more languages, making content accessible to a broader, global audience. 

Snapchat: Boosting Engagement and Ad Revenue 

• Positive User Experience Studies: New studies highlight that Snapchat fosters positive user experiences, contributing to its sustained popularity and engagement levels. 

YouTube: Expanding AI Capabilities and Content Management 

• AI and Gen AI Assistant Expansion: YouTube has broadened access to its Gen AI Assistant, an AI chatbot that assists users within video engagement options. Additionally, the platform is enhancing its AI tools to help creators detect and manage deepfakes, ensuring content authenticity. 

• Content Editing and Auto-Dubbing: Creators can now edit out rule-breaking elements in their videos and take advantage of expanded auto-dubbing features, supporting more languages and increasing accessibility. 

• New Community Features: YouTube has launched Communities, a Discord-like space where creators and fans can interact more directly, fostering stronger community bonds and engagement. 

• Content Recommendations for Teens: YouTube is implementing restrictions on content recommendations for teens to prevent exposure to harmful or inappropriate material, focusing on promoting positive and safe content. 

LinkedIn: Fostering Trust and Engagement in Professional Networks 

• AI Training Opt-Out: Users now have the option to opt out of AI training on LinkedIn, giving them greater control over their data and how it’s used for platform improvements. 

Pinterest: Driving Shopping Intent and Creative Advertising 

• Promotional Push and Gen AI Tools: Pinterest is ramping up its promotional efforts, leveraging its strong position as a shopping discovery platform. The introduction of genAI tools for product imagery allows advertisers to enhance their Product Pins, attracting more clicks and driving in-app spending. 

• Collage Remix and Sharing Enhancements: New collage remix and sharing options provide users with more creative flexibility, enhancing the overall user experience and encouraging more interactive content creation. 

Other Updates 

Collaborative Efforts and New Platforms 

• Meta, Snapchat, and TikTok Collaboration: These giants are teaming up to address self-harm related content, demonstrating a unified approach to user safety. 

• Emerging Platforms: Spill, a Black-owned Twitter alternative backed by Kerry Washington, and Shelf, a media-based social network, are gaining traction. Additionally, Spoony, a social media app for individuals living with chronic illness, has officially launched. 

• Regulatory Developments: An FTC report on predatory data hoarding practices hints at forthcoming regulations, potentially impacting how social media platforms handle user data. 

Staying Ahead with LiveWorld 

As social media platforms continue to evolve with innovative features and regulatory changes, staying updated is crucial for maintaining a competitive edge. LiveWorld specializes in helping brands navigate these dynamic landscapes through expert social media management, compliance monitoring, and creative engagement strategies. Whether you’re leveraging Meta’s latest AI tools, enhancing your presence on TikTok, or exploring new opportunities on emerging platforms like Spill and Shelf, LiveWorld ensures your brand remains both compliant and impactful. Partner with us to effectively reach and engage your audience across all social media channels. 

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Reagan Castleman is the Social Media Manager for LiveWorld’s social profiles. She enhances audience engagement through effective strategies that leverage both paid and organic channels. She can talk about social for literally hours and when she is not talking about it, she is researching all the little intricacies of each platform to make sure the social strategy for LiveWorld is current.