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Social media updates from July 2024

Social media updates from July 2024
Natalie Sherman
Natalie ShermanNaturally Social

Posted: Mon 5th Aug 2024

The digital landscape is regularly changing and the need to stay ahead of the curve is increasingly important. Join us as we run through the exciting social media platform updates that have shaped the landscape this month.

Welcome to the July roundup of social media platform news! This past month has been pretty eventful with Instagram at the forefront of the updates. But it’s not just Instagram making waves — platforms like LinkedIn, Pinterest and TikTok also introduced notable changes.

So, let’s jump in and check out the key updates.

Pinterest

We're kicking off with a couple of updates from one of the happiest platforms out there — Pinterest!

First, Pinterest has launched a new feature that allows users to share boards through messaging apps like Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp. This update looks to boost user engagement and simplify how users share interests and ideas with friends. We’re giving this update a double thumbs up.

Next, Pinterest is innovating with its AI text-to-image generation tool, called Canvas. This AI tool sets itself apart from other apps, which may alter core images, Canvas focuses on generating custom backgrounds for product images instead. This approach enhances the visual appeal of product displays without compromising the integrity of the original shot.

TikTok

On to TikTok now, but we've only a couple of pieces of social media platform news to share.

Let's start with TikTok introducing a new feature, allowing creators to download videos without the TikTok watermark. This update just makes sense and, surprisingly, it has taken so long, especially since users have been using SnapTik to do the same thing for ages!

Next, TikTok has announced a partnership with Eventbrite, allowing users to add Eventbrite links directly to their TikTok videos! This update gets a huge thumbs up from us and we can’t wait to use it!

LinkedIn

LinkedIn is another platform that has had a quiet month.

We’ll start by sharing that LinkedIn is extending its sponsored articles ad option to include sponsored newsletters. This expansion allows companies to promote their newsletters and attract more sign-ups, capitalising on the growing popularity of the newsletter feature.

Next, LinkedIn is now rolling out its automated 'Accelerate' campaigns to all brands. This new feature utilises AI to streamline and automate the ad campaign creation process, making it easier for brands to launch effective campaigns with minimal effort.

X

Surprisingly it's also been quiet for X this month!

The first update we have is that X is taking further steps to discourage users from clicking on referral links that take them away from its platform. The latest update includes a reduction in the reach of posts containing links and changes to how link previews are displayed. With this change, it makes sense that native long-form posting options are being introduced.

Next, X is currently testing a new comment downvote feature that could significantly impact how users engage with content. This potential game-changer offers brands, businesses and marketers a new way to influence the visibility and relevance of comments. The jury is out on this update, so stay tuned and we’ll keep you updated when we know more!

Meta

Over to Meta now and it has announced an update to its labelling system, which changes the ‘Made with AI’ tag to ‘AI info’ across its apps. This change comes in response to user complaints about incorrect tagging of their pictures.

Next, Meta has decided not to release an advanced version of its AI model, Llama, in the EU, citing the “unpredictable behaviour of regulators”. Llama, which is designed to operate across text, video, images and audio, is an open-source model that users can freely download and adapt. Despite its capabilities, regulatory uncertainties have led Meta to withhold its release in the European market.

It's time to get platform-specific.

Facebook

Facebook is experimenting with a new feature called Clear Mode, which is designed to enhance the viewing experience for Reels. It’s hoped that this new feature will offer a more immersive and uncluttered view that could potentially change how users interact with short-form video content.

Threads

Threads is adding an original music-sharing option. This update aims to enhance user engagement with creative content on the app.

Instagram

Here we go! It’s been a HUGE month for Instagram.

Instagram is launching a new Early Access feature, offering select users the chance to try unreleased tools and updates. This update aims to give users an advanced look at new editing tools, analytics features and interactive content options which could enhance content and engagement strategies.

Next, Instagram is experimenting with a Super Like option for Stories! There’s not much more info on this piece of social media platform news, so we’ll keep you updated when we know more!

Instagram is set to enhance its collaboration features. Currently, adding collaborators to feed posts and Stories is only possible during the initial creation phase. However, while Reels already allow for post-publication additions, this flexibility will soon extend to feed posts and Stories.

And the updates keep rolling in…

In this next update, Instagram is focusing on increasing engagement in DMs with new features like Notes, which aim to enhance private interactions. Additionally, the platform is also experimenting with a new messaging icon in the lower function bar of the app.

Instagram is enhancing its Notes messaging feature by allowing users to leave Notes on both Reels and feed posts. This update means that followers can now add comments directly from the messaging menu on Reels!

Finally, Instagram is rolling out a new feature that allows users to enhance their Reels with up to 20 audio tracks. This is a global update and enables creators to mix and match multiple tracks in a single video! This is a huge update and one we’re excited to try out!

Don’t miss out!

That's a wrap on July’s social media platform news, it’s clear that the landscape continues to constantly evolve.

Until next time, stay social!

Relevant resources

Natalie Sherman
Natalie ShermanNaturally Social
Social media consultancy based in Wiltshire. Passionate about authentic, creative content. We're on a mission to educate, enable and elevate others through our social media mentoring and management services.

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