The biggest updates in social media | September 2024
Social media is a huge industry filled with constant developments and updates to your favorite social platforms. Join us as we run through the top headlines from September 2024 so you can stay informed and make wise marketing decisions.
Social media news
Meta
Meta begins rolling out updated ad options for the holiday season
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Meta is updating its discount code promo options with more prominent code notifications, and for the code to be automatically added at checkout. Additionally, Meta is testing first purchase offers and personalized discounts, updating its Reminder Ads to allow for similar overlays on feed posts, and updating its site link options which enable brands to add multiple landing pages to a single image or video ad in the feed. There’s also going to be a new way to drive in-store purchase activity with a new promotion type to enable advertisers to show ads to people most likely to shop in-store, as well as the ability to target prospective tourists who may be travelling to your region.
Instagram adds Broadcast Channel replies
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Some Broadcast Channel creators now have the option to switch on replies for their Broadcast Channels, allowing subscribers to add their own comments. Replies are not visible within the main channel feed.
Instagram adds new DM engagement options
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Instagram has added a bunch of new options for direct messaging, including a drawing tool, stickers for images shared in DMs, the use of a cut-out option (to allow you to use elements from photos as Stickers), new birthday icons attached to users’ Notes bubbles to show when somebody is having a birthday, as well as new chat themes for fall.
Meta expands Instagram Reminder Ads placed via API
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Meta has announced an update to its Marketing API ensuring that those creating Instagram Reminder Ads in third-party apps will have all the same functionality available as those who create directly within Meta Ads Manager.
Instagram implements advanced protection for teens on the platform
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Instagram will now shift all teens into an advanced protection mode with limitations on who can contact them, what they see, and how much time they spend in the app. They’ll also be able to use a new feature that allows them to select the topics they want to see more of in Explore to ensure they’re shown content around their areas of interest instead of relying on algorithmic recommendations.
Instagram adds new Stickers and an updated “Emoji Pong” game
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Instagram has added 38 new Stickers that can be used in Stories and Reels as well as re-launched its “Emoji Pong” game. Emoji Pong allows you to DM an emoji to a friend and if either one of you tap it you can challenge each other to a game.
Instagram launches signature app sound
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Instagram has created a “signature sound” that will soon be appended to the end of every Reel that’s downloaded from Instagram.
X (Twitter)
X rolls out DM editing on iOS
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IOS users now have the option to edit their DMs in the app.
X launches Connected TV app
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X has launched the beta version of X TV which is similar to the YouTube TV app, allowing users to watch all the video content available on X.
X works on decoupling DM functionality
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X is currently working on separating its DM functionality from the rest of the app meaning that you can use the platform for messaging without engaging with other functionality on X.
X looks to remove account blocking options
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X is looking to reduce focus on its account blocking functionality by removing the block button from several places within the app.
Further reading: How to create engaging copy-based social media content
LinkedIn launches Gen Z-focused podcast
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“Let’s talk offline" is the first podcast of LinkedIn’s partnership with iHeartRadio, hosted by LinkedIn Career Development editor Gianna Prudente and LinkedIn Community Manager Jamé Jackson Gadsden.
LinkedIn adds AI training opt-out option
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LinkedIn has added an opt-out option for the harvesting of your data to improve LinkedIn’s AI models.
LinkedIn add more languages to its support options
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LinkedIn has added 10 more languages to its core support framework, thereby allowing users to engage in the app in over 36 languages.
LinkedIn removes “Top Voice” badges for Collaborative Articles
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In response to feedback from users, LinkedIn is retiring the “Top Voice” badges. This is due to concerns about badges being awarded automatically and for low quality contributions from non-experts.
Further reading: How to create and promote a LinkedIn newsletter
TikTok
TikTok rolls out improved safety measures for teens
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TikTok is rolling out improved safety measures for teens, including updated in-app resources for parents, improved advice guides, and a new campaign that highlights safety features.
TikTok adds new feature that is similar to Instagram Notes
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TikTok has launched a new feature that allows you to add a small amount of text to be displayed over your Stories bubble at the top of your inbox, much like Instagram’s Notes feature.
TikTok adds “Delete and Re-Edit" option
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TikTok is testing a new option to allow creators to take an uploaded TikTok and choose to “Delete and Re-Edit" the clip, allowing users to essentially start over with an unedited version of their clip.
TikTok to shut down its separate music app
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TikTok has announced that it is shutting down TikTok Music after operational challenges and limited user interest.
TikTok expands subscriptions for creators
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TikTok initially launched subscriptions for Live creators in 2022 but is now expanding subscriptions to even more creators and non-live creators in the app. Eligible creators will be able to choose between three pricing tiers that provide for features such as private communication channels, exclusive content, community identifiers, and customized perks.
TikTok updates Search ads campaigns with keyword targeting
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TikTok has updated its Search ads campaigns to give users more control over the placement of their ads. Search ads are now available for Traffic and Web Conversion objectives and allow advertisers to select relevant keywords for their campaigns.
TikTok offers new misinformation measurement to reassure ad partners
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TikTok's third-party brand safety and sustainability measurement partners are now able to provide advertisers with post-campaign misinformation data for the content that runs directly before or after their ads.
Further reading: 11 tested tips for boosting your TikTok engagement
Snapchat
Snapchat Is adding AI-powered Text-To-Video creation
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Snapchat has announced that users will soon be able to create short video clips within the app using text prompts.
Key takeaways
- Many social platforms are taking steps for more effective protection and safeguarding of young people using their apps including Instagram and TikTok.
- TikTok adds a new feature that is very similar to Instagram’s Notes functionality.
- Instagram Broadcast Channels now allow for replies from subscribers.
- X is looking to separate its DM functionality from the rest of the app.
- Instagram adds “signature sound” that will play when a Reel is downloaded.