We are here with your latest edition of Social Media Unravelled, a monthly series of social media updates where we do the research, so you don’t have to. What a month it has been for updates and news from the different platforms!
Meta is developing a new AI Search Engine
Meta is building a search engine that can provide its AI chatbot with information to relay to users. This would enable them to lessen their reliance on Microsoft and Google and serve as a contingency if they ever decide to end their search deals with Meta. These new developments are all part of Meta’s long-term AI development goals to keep up with OpenAI.
Instagram adjusts video quality based on engagement
Another Adam Mosseri update that we all didn’t want to hear is that Instagram has a new approach to video quality management. Once a video Reel or Story is posted then a High-quality version is showcased to users, however, once engagement begins to drop, then the quality is reduced. When speaking about the update, Adam Mosseri said “We bias to higher quality (more CPU intensive encoding and more expensive storage for bigger files) for creators who drive more views.” Which tells us that it’s more about saving them some money on storage, rather than an algorithmic update.
Instagram expands Reels feed to include Photos and Carousels with music
Photo posts and Carousels with music are now eligible for the Reels tab on Instagram. This offers a new opportunity for creators and businesses to reach a wider audience. This comes after Instagram placed an emphasis on the importance of using carousels due to them having multiple ranking opportunities, therefore having more chances to be shown to users. Ensure you are utilising Carousels with music in your content strategy.
Instagram adds Naming & Scheduling features for Reels drafts
Managing content has become easier on Instagram, with the announcement that Reels drafts have two new features. Drafts can now be named and scheduled in the drafts folder. These updates make content planning and scheduling easier and more efficient. Naming your Reels drafts will allow better organisation when creating and editing your content.
Instagram launches ‘Best Practices’ hub
Within your Professional Dashboard, there is now a Best Practices hub with advice and guidance on how to best utilise the Instagram platform. This marks a significant step in their commitment to supporting content creators. This offers guidance on five areas: Creation, Engagement, Reach, Monetisation and Guidelines, with plans to expand this resource in the future. Before you begin planning your next load of content, take a read through these best practices for insights on how to optimise it.
Facebook introduces new features
Facebook are updating to their platform to improve content discovery and community engagement.
Firstly, a new tab for Local content which will cumulate content from Marketplace, Groups and Events. This feature is currently being tested in the US but we’d love to see this rolled out in the UK as this would help so many local businesses with their community building. Next is an Explore tab with will showcase content tailored to user interests. Finally, updates to the video tab which means that Reels have more prominence on Facebook.
Groups are also getting some updates that are currently in testing, including a Group AI that can answer member questions and link to relevant posts.
Messenger is seeing new features like Communities, which allows for the creation of topic-based chats in larger community groups. Another new Messenger enhancement is the testing of Notes formats like on Instagram DMs.
Other features in testing include SMS, email and Instagram invites for Facebook events and new creator monetisation programme that includes Stories.
Threads reaches 275M monthly active users
Threads has rapidly gained traction again in the last few months and gained 75 million active users over the last 2 months. This may have come as a result of the dissatisfaction of users with X (formerly Twitter) and Elon Musk’s allowance of political content and misinformation. Maybe it’s time for us all to be considering Threads as a major social media platform.
Threads introduces Location Tagging & Active Status features
Two more updates from Threads come in the form of new features: Location tagging on posts and Active Status indicators. Location Tagging will allow users to tag their location in posts, a feature that is available across most other social media platforms. This update aims to facilitate the discovery of local content and networking. Active Status indicators show when a user is currently active on the platform and are being introduced to encourage more real-time discussions and interactions on the platform. Users can opt out of this feature.
LinkedIn launches AI-powered hiring assistant
LinkedIn is testing an AI-powered hiring assistant for recruitment tasks such as job descriptions, candidate sourcing and communications management. This new feature aims to allow recruiters to focus on the human interactions with candidates by handing the administrative tasks. Recruiters can choose which tasks they want the AI to handle and will receive updates to inform their strategies. This feature is currently being tested across a group of large organisations.
YouTube introduces Comment-based Search feature
YouTube has launched a new search functionality that allows users to discover content directly from comments, which they aim to enhance content discovery and engagement. Search terms will be shown in blue and have a magnifying glass icon next to them, once clicked then they will take users through to a search.
We hope you found these updates helpful and will continue following our series. With social media evolving daily, we’re here to make it easier for you by breaking down the changes.
For any more information on any of these updates or for social media guidance, contact ella@buy-from.com or tegan@buy-from.com.
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