Instagram gives up full-screen feed

Following Instagram’s latest algorithm and feed changes, Kylie Jenner and Kim Kardashian showed support to a campaign asking Instagram to ‘stop trying to be TikTok’. Instagram CEO Adam Mosseri responded quickly with a video post, where he explained the latest changes to the app. After initially stating that the changes would move forward, Mosseri has since announced in an interview that Instagram will phase out full-screen feed testing and provide fewer recommendations, to account for a recent downward trend in internal platform data. Read more here, here and here.

Social media used as a search engine

Instagram and TikTok are now being used as search engines, with users taking advantage of search features on the platforms to find new locations and places to visit. According to a study, almost 40% of young people are now using either platform when looking for places to eat. This news comes following Google’s announcement to work on deals that would allow it to index Instagram and TikTok videos in Google Search. Read more here.

Twitter sues Elon Musk

The Twitter deal with Elon Musk is ever more in balance, as disagreements over fake accounts will now take both parties to court. After Musk tried to back away from the deal in early July, Twitter responded by suing the billionaire to try and force him to close the agreement and still buy the social media platform. When Musk asked the court for a February trial, a judge ruled that the proceeding was to start in October instead, which led to Musk proposing an October 17th trial to complete his comprehensive investigation over Twitter’s fake accounts. Read more here, here and here.

BeReal inspires Instagram

Instagram has quietly added a feature to Reels called Dual, which lets users record videos using both their front and back camera simultaneously. With the new tool, creators can now record both content and their reaction at the same time. The feature is similar to the dual camera offered by BeReal, the newly-popular social media app with a focus on authenticity, which is currently one of the most downloaded social media apps on mobile. Read more here.

Twitter tests co-authored tweets

Twitter has been publicly testing out the ability to co-author tweets. Select users from the US, Canada and Korea can now invite other users to collaborate on tweets. The invited user will receive a request and has to give permission to be a co-author. If accepted, the written tweet will show on both users' timelines. Instagram released the same feature earlier in the year and it’s been adopted quickly by brands and influencers alike. Read more here.

Meta launches livestream payment

The push for more eCommerce options via social media apps is booming – and Meta has stepped up to the challenge. The company has added a new livestream payment feature which lets users and businesses purchase items seamlessly while still being active in a livestream's chat. The new feature is powered by 'Meta Pay' and can be utilised on both Messenger and Instagram Direct. Read more here and here.

YouTube updates Shorts

YouTube has rolled out new updates for Shorts, including revamped analytics and new options for creators. Users will now have access to more advanced analytics, as well as a new Cut feature, Green Screen tool, and more room for drafts. With Shorts now being the fastest-growing content format on YouTube, creators are set to receive a number of great updates in the coming months. Read more here and here.

Instagram to up live streams support

Instagram is testing a new ‘Live Producer’ tool to enable in-app broadcasters to stream from a desktop PC, maximising creators’ opportunities during live streams. The tool will include the ability to use multiple cameras, external microphones, graphic overlays and third party streaming platforms, to help creators take advantage of professional set-ups when streaming live to their audiences. Read more here.

Instagram tests 'Creator Market'

Instagram has launched the first test of its Creator Marketplace, which will enable brands to find potential creators to partner with for campaigns. A hugely valuable feature given the increasing focus on Reels, which requires in-depth knowledge of trends to maximise appeal and resonance. While currently available on an invite-only basis in the US, this could soon become the ultimate tool to manage your Instagram influencer campaigns. Read more here.

TikTok now training small businesses

TikTok has launched its six-week “Follow Me” programme in an effort to draw more small and medium-sized businesses to its platform. The course is free to enrol in and includes business tips on how to run campaigns and more. As SMEs become increasingly attracted to the potential virality the platform offers, this course could help onboard more businesses and ensure their success on TikTok. Read more here.

WhatsApp expands emoji reactions

WhatsApp has expanded its reaction feature to allow users to select any emoji they like to react to messages. This reaction feature, which was first launched in group chats in May, followed the trend set by other social media networks which allow responses via emoji. The update to this feature gives users the creativity to choose from thousands of emojis and opens the door to creativity. Find out more here.

Meta changes VR accounts' logins

New headset accounts will no longer require a Facebook account but a Meta login instead. The shift has been introduced along with further updates to Meta’s VR social interface. The change comes as a result of many of Meta’s VR users being unhappy with the Facebook account requirement. The new account format is set to roll out in August 2022 for both new and existing Quest users. Read more here.