TikTok's BeReal-clone app available

Following the launch of TikTok’s BeReal twin, ‘TikTok Now’, the platform has announced an independent mobile app. The app launched globally for iPhone on September 18, allowing users a three-minute window to snap their photos. It is yet to rank in Top Overall iPhone app charts, but has managed to inch into the top 100 iPhone Social Networking apps in five markets. Read more here.

Twitter to add immersive video feed

Twitter is introducing a scrolling feed of video content and a bespoke video section for its Explore tab, becoming the latest social media platform to try and tap into the success of TikTok's look and feel. The update marks an important change for all video content on Twitter, which has mostly been treated as part of tweets until now. With the 'immersive media viewer', videos will become part of a separate experience, which may lead to a tailored video tab in the future. The update is expected to roll out this month. Read more here.

Shorts creators to get ad rev in 2023

YouTube has announced a new Shorts Partner Program, which will enable creators to earn ad revenue from the platform. Starting in 2023, creators will be able to apply if they meet new Shorts-specific requirements of 1,000 subscribers and 10 million views over a 90-day period. Shorts has also just added a narration voiceover feature. More here, here and here.

Meta explores paid add-on features

Following the success of Snapchat+, Meta is looking to add paid-for features to Instagram and Facebook. That could see the inclusion of new NFT features or improved functionality for Instagram, or a permanent chronological timeline setting on Facebook for a fee. It is unclear exactly what the features will be at this stage, but Meta has clarified that they will not include an ad-free tier. Meta's paid-for services aim to stem revenue losses from cancelled projects as the company refines its focus on the metaverse. Read more here.

LinkedIn tests native post scheduling

LinkedIn is adding a native scheduling tool that will enable users to schedule posts without having to rely on third-party tools. This new feature is expected to be more reliable and make your post look better than if you were using a social media management app, which is currently the only way to schedule LinkedIn posts. With engagement levels surging on LinkedIn, this will be a welcome tool in the community. Find out more here.

Instagram tests ‘Nudity Protection’

Instagram is testing a new feature that aims to protect users from unwanted content exposure via DMs. The new ‘nudity protection’ option enables Instagram to activate the nudity detection feature on iOS, which was launched by Apple late last year. The system also scans incoming and outgoing messages on a user's device to detect potential nudes in attached images, then blurs them if triggered. Read more here.

Facebook trials subscriber-only posts

Facebook has started testing a new option to make posts exclusively accessible to page subscribers for a limited time period – 24 hours, 48 hours or a week. This feature comes as part of a wider push to help Meta's platforms become more appealing to creators, so that they – along with their fans – spend more time in the Meta ecosystem. It will also help Facebook page managers build community and cultivate their readership better. Read more here.

Telegram extends emoji reactions

Non-premium Telegram users will now have access to more emoji reactions following the latest platform update. This news comes shortly after Telegram debuted a wider set of reactions to Premium users last month. In addition, the private messaging app will also enable Premium subscribers to use animated emojis as a status. Other changes introduced with the update include a new sign-in system and a new format for profile sharing. Find out more about the news here.

WhatsApp partners with Salesforce

Salesforce and WhatsApp have announced a new partnership intended to support brands’ and businesses’ promotional and customer service messaging. The new integration between the CRM platform and one of the biggest messaging services in the world will enable brands to answer questions in a fast, simple, and personal way, as well as provide customer support and promote products at the same time. Read more here.

Tweet editing now in testing stages

Twitter has launched the first testing stages of the ‘edit tweet’ function, giving users the ability to edit a tweet that has already been posted. The ‘edit’ feature has arguably been one of the most highly requested features on social media of all time. Crucially, the function will allow users to view a ‘version history’ to alleviate some of the concerns over any misuse. Further internal development is expected in the coming weeks. Read more here.

Twitter launches Spaces scheduling

Twitter Spaces has released a feature that will let broadcasters schedule multiple Spaces at one time, up to 30 days in advance. Users will now be able to access a listing of ‘Upcoming Spaces’ in the app, from which it is possible to edit any planned sessions, or share them via tweet. Twitter has remained committed to Spaces development, adding a range of updates to help improve the feature's functionality. Read more here.

PRCA explores social media trends

The PRCA – the world's largest communications professional body – has released its annual Digital PR and Communications Report, which looks at digital trends, particularly in the use of social platforms among brands and agencies. According to the study, LinkedIn is the most popular platform among agencies (82%), but TikTok is on the rise, with 73% 'expecting' to use it in a campaign over the next year. Find out more in the full report here, or grab the summary here.