Today, we’re diving into the latest updates in the world of social media marketing.
There are a ton of new features and changes across various platforms this month, so let’s get started.
We’ll kick things off with Instagram and then move on to some exciting updates from Meta, Threads, TikTok, X, Pinterest, YouTube, and Snapchat.
We’ve also got some policy news that might impact the industry.
Instagram’s New Close Friends Live Broadcasts
Instagram is continuously evolving, and one of their latest features is quite interesting.
They’ve expanded their close friends feature, which has been around for over a year. With this feature, you can post stories or feed posts that are visible only to a selected group of close friends.
As of June 20th, Instagram users can host live broadcasts exclusively for their curated list of close friends.
This feature rolls out globally, and up to three other accounts can join the live broadcast.
This new addition is great for social media managers, entrepreneurs, and content creators who want to keep their personal life separate from their business while staying connected with friends and family.
This feature can also be valuable for businesses. For instance, you could use it to reward your top customers with exclusive behind-the-scenes content—leveraging the close friends list almost like a Patreon-style feed.
Meta’s New Updates: Automated Creative Variations for Reels and Political Content Toggles
Automated Creative Variations for Reels
Meta is testing a new feature for Reels—automated creative variations.
This auto A/B testing feature allows different versions of your Reels to be tested with various captions, covers, and other elements.
The top-performing version will then be distributed more widely. This can significantly maximize the performance of Reels with less effort and time, especially beneficial for content that garners millions of views.
Political Content Toggle
There’s a new political content toggle in Instagram settings. This feature allows users to limit or not limit political content from people they don’t follow.
This doesn’t affect the content from accounts you do follow but focuses on suggested posts in your feed.
You may want to check this setting as it has been unintentionally reset on some profiles, a bug that Meta is working to fix.
Threads Joins the Fediverse and Introduces New Features
Threads and the Fediverse
Threads has officially entered the Fediverse! For those unfamiliar, the Fediverse is a global open network of interconnected but independent social media servers.
This means users on Threads can interact with users on other platforms like WordPress seamlessly.
You can think of it like email—no matter the provider, you can still communicate.
Disappearing Updates and Media Tabs on Profiles
Threads is testing disappearing updates, similar to stories. These ephemeral posts will disappear after 24 hours.
Another feature in the works is a media grid for profiles, resembling the one on X (formerly Twitter). This development allows for a more organized and engaging profile layout.
Threads API Launch
The biggest news from Threads is the launch of their API. This allows for seamless integration with social media schedulers like Buffer and Nuelink.
The new API offers efficient content posting and in-depth analytics, a significant step forward for social media managers and businesses.
“The introduction of the API marks a significant step forward for Threads, allowing for more efficient content posting and in-depth analytics.” —Metricool Blog
TikTok’s Instagram Rival: Whee
TikTok has launched an Instagram-like app called Whee. However, as of June 26th, it hasn’t gained much traction.
This new platform allows users to share photos with filters and includes messaging features.
Despite its resemblance to Instagram, it hasn’t seen significant downloads or marketing, especially in the US.
TikTok is also dealing with the ongoing ban situation in the US, which might have influenced the launch and promotion of Whee.
X (Formerly Twitter) Updates
Hiding Likes
X has implemented a change where users’ likes are now private.
While you can still see your own liked posts, others cannot see what you’ve liked. This change aims to improve user privacy and encourage more engagement.
Live Streaming Restricted to Premium Users
X has also announced that only premium subscribers will be able to live stream.
This includes using an encoder with X integration. While this might not affect many users, it’s worth noting for those who utilize live streaming features.
Pinterest’s New Social Sharing Features
Pinterest is introducing a new way to share boards on social media.
You can now share dynamic videos of their boards, making it easier to showcase pinned content across platforms like Instagram.
YouTube’s AI-Generated Live Chat Summaries
YouTube is testing a new feature for live streams—AI-generated chat summaries.
This feature sorts live chat comments into topics, making it easier for viewers to follow and participate in the conversation.
This is particularly useful for high-traffic live streams with rapid comment activity.
Snapchat’s Efforts to Enhance Community Safety
In light of recent concerns, Snapchat has introduced several new safety features:
- Expanded In-App Warnings: Alerts users when they interact with accounts reported by others.
- Enhanced Friending Protections for Teens: Additional warnings for friend requests from unknown users.
- Simplified Location Sharing: Reminds users of who they are sharing their location with.
- Blocking Improvements: Blocks new friend requests from accounts created on the same device as a previously blocked user.
Social Media Policy Updates
New York’s Safe for Kids Act
Governor Kathy Hochul of New York has signed the Safe for Kids Act.
This law requires social media companies to limit addictive feeds for users under 18 and bar notifications between midnight and 6 AM without parental consent.
The act also mandates age verification and parental consent tools, with hefty fines for non-compliance.
Surgeon’s General Warning on Social Media
Dr. Vivek Murthy, the US Surgeon General, is calling for a warning label on social media platforms, highlighting the mental health risks for adolescents.
He argues that social media can double the risk of anxiety and depression, especially among teens spending more than three hours a day on these platforms.
“Social media is associated with significant mental health harms for adolescents.” —Dr. Vivek Murthy
Conclusion
That’s a wrap on what’s new in social media marketing this month! From Instagram’s close friends live broadcasts to TikTok’s new app and significant policy changes, there’s a lot to keep an eye on. As always, stay updated and manage your social media strategies accordingly.