Discover the Latest 2024 Social Media News

As social media continues to evolve, staying updated with the latest features and trends across various social media apps is crucial for refining your brand’s social media strategy. From Meta’s (Facebook) latest updates to emerging platforms like Threads and Bluesky, here’s a detailed overview of recent changes and how you can adapt to maximize your brand’s presence.

October Meta (Facebook) Social Media Updates

• Meta shares tips on growing your Threads presence (source).
• Meta expands its AI chatbot availability (source).
• Meta tests improved Instagram to Threads crossposting (source).
• Monetize your content with Meta’s new program (source).
• Meta now lets brands shut off comments on Meta and Instagram ads (source).
• Meta acquires the Threads.com URL (source).
• Meta’s AI products just got smarter and more useful (source).
• Meta is asking creators to give permission to distribute tagged content across different experiences in exchange for extra reach (source).
• Meta now allows you to add custom covers for Reels, like Instagram (source).
• Mark Zuckerberg says Meta AI has nearly 500 million users (source).
• Meta has added a new Collaborator feature for posts (source).

How to adapt

Making the most out of Threads

Meta’s new features on Threads offer a solid chance to get your brand more noticed. Key point? Stay active. Post often and talk to people in the comments. It shows you’re paying attention and care about the conversation. Also, when there’s a hot topic, jump in and share your thoughts. It’s a good way to show you’re in tune with what’s current and can bring new followers your way.

Here’s the full list of Meta’s tips on how to grow on Threads:

1. Keep your brand front and center by posting regularly.
2. Don’t just drop a post and disappear. Stick around to chat in the comments. It shows you’re really listening and want to build a community.
3. When there’s a trending topic, add your insights and opinions. It’s a chance to show you’re in touch with what’s current and can attract new followers.
4. Bring your brand into discussions on pop culture and current events. It keeps your posts relevant and relatable.
5. Mix things up with text, images, or videos. See what your audience likes best and keep refining your approach.

Cross-post between Instagram and Threads

Meta is testing an easier way to share posts between Instagram and Threads. 

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It’s handy, but remember to tailor your posts a bit for each platform. Your followers probably don’t want to see the exact same thing in two places. A little tweak here and there can keep it interesting and prevent your content from feeling repetitive. Change up the image, tweak the caption, or add a different call-to-action.

Also, take into consideration platform requirements like hashtags. On Instagram, you might use several to reach different audiences, but Threads allows only one tag per post. Choose the one that best captures your message or taps into a current trend.

Earning more on Facebook

Facebook’s new Content Monetization Beta is simplifying how creators earn money by merging In-stream ads, Ads on Reels, and the Performance Bonus into a single program. 

Now, creators can earn from Reels, longer videos, photos, and text posts without the need to juggle multiple monetization channels. This update makes it easier for creators to manage and analyze their content’s earnings.

Over the past year, Facebook has paid out more than $2 billion to creators, with a notable increase in earnings from short-form content like Reels.

The monetization model remains performance-based, meaning earnings are tied to content engagement. This system benefits creators who produce compelling, engaging content that resonates with their audience. Facebook is sending invitations to one million creators already monetizing on the platform to join the beta. 

Additional creators interested in early access can express their interest through the Facebook for Creators page. 

Using Meta’s AI tools

Meta’s AI improvements are pretty exciting. These tools can make your interactions more engaging. Imagine someone asking a question about a product just by sending its picture, and getting an answer right away. Also, using AI to tweak your ads could get you more clicks and sales. 

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Here are the ​​key updates from Meta regarding its AI technologies:

• Meta AI now responds to users via voice across Messenger, WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram. Users can choose from various celebrity voices like Awkwafina and John Cena to personalize the experience.
• Meta AI analyzes and answers questions about photos shared in chats, offering details or helping with photo editing, such as changing backgrounds or outfits.
• Meta is testing a new translation tool for Reels that helps creators reach a broader audience by automatically translating and dubbing videos in different languages.
• Meta AI expands its “Imagine” feature, allowing users to create custom AI-generated images for feeds, stories, or profile pictures. Meta is also testing AI-generated content tailored to user interests for Facebook and Instagram feeds.
• Meta expands its AI tools for businesses, enabling them to set up AI-driven chat agents for customer support and commerce. Businesses using Meta’s generative AI ad tools report better performance, with higher click-through and conversion rates.

Navigating Meta’s permissions for tagged content

Meta is rolling out a new feature that lets creators give permission to use their tagged content across different experiences on the platform, like in ads. 

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Here’s the simple breakdown: if you agree to let Meta use your tagged posts (say, posts where you mention a brand), they might show up in ads. This isn’t about getting paid; it’s more about getting extra exposure. It’s like free advertising for the brand, but you might get more eyes on your content too.

Think about what this means for you. If your content starts appearing in more places, including ads, that could mean more people will see what you create. But remember, these aren’t paid partnerships, so weigh if the extra exposure is worth it. Meta promises to keep you in the loop with notifications asking for permission each time they want to use your content, and you can always say no.

Adding customized covers to Facebook Reels

Meta is making Reels more customizable, letting you add your own cover images just like on Instagram. This is great because it gives you more control over the first impression your Reels make. 

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Use this feature to make your Reels stand out with eye-catching covers that reflect your brand or the mood of the video. It’s a small tweak, but it can make a big difference in how people engage with your content.

Leveraging collaborator feature

You can now tag other creators in your posts, and both of you get credited as co-publishers. This means the post shows up on both your pages and reaches both your audiences. It’s a win-win: your content gets more exposure, and you get to tap into another creator’s followers.

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This tool also lets you see shared insights in Meta Business Suite, which is super helpful. You can track how well your collaborative posts are doing and understand your audience better. Think of collaborations as a way to mix up your content and keep it exciting and fresh. It’s also a great way to build relationships with other creators.

October Instagram Social Media Updates

• Instagram (and TikTok) remain the most popular social apps among teens (source).
• Instagram is working on the ability to sort creators’ Reels by most viewed (source).
• Instagram is testing showing the number of saves to the viewers (source)
• Instagram tests WhatsApp sticker to facilitate DM connection (source).
• Instagram launches ‘best practices’ tips element (source).
• Instagram chief says ‘following’ feed option won’t work (source).
• Instagram launches signature sound of the app (source).
• Instagram is working on the Halloween text font (source).
• Instagram rolled out a new profile card you can share in Stories (source).
• Instagram is working on shared albums (source).
• Instagram launches signature sound of the app (source).
• Instagram chief says “following” feed option won’t work (source).
• Instagram will soon allow users to attach a link to a Reel (source).
• Instagram adds new stickers and updated “emoji pong” game (source).
• Instagram is working on the ability to set multiple profile pictures (source).
• Instagram DM now allows you to add text, draw, and add stickers to the photos or videos you send (source).
• Instagram chief confirms that using videos created on third party apps won’t affect organic reach (source).

How to adapt

Reels sorting by number of views & post saves

Instagram is working on new features that could change how creators engage with their audience. One test is the ability to sort Reels by the most viewed from a creator’s profile. This could help brands and creators showcase their most popular content more effectively, making it easier for new followers to see their best work first.

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Another interesting test is showing the number of saves a post has. This feature could give users and brands alike more insight into what content resonates with their audience, beyond just likes and comments. 

For brands, this means a more nuanced understanding of what content truly engages and holds value for their audience, which can inform future content strategies.

DMs WhatsApp sticker for Instagram

Instagram is testing a WhatsApp sticker for Instagram Stories. This sticker, aimed at businesses that link their WhatsApp Business number to their Instagram account, could simplify the way followers initiate direct conversations. 

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If it becomes widely available, this sticker could be a powerful tool for driving engagement. Start thinking about how you can integrate it into your Stories to encourage more personal interactions.

For instance, retailers can leverage the WhatsApp sticker to offer exclusive deals or early access to sales. By tapping the sticker, customers could be taken to a WhatsApp chat where they receive a special discount code or a link to a hidden sale page, enhancing the shopping experience with a personal touch.

Instagram’s ‘Best Practices’ creators

Instagram is rolling out a “Best Practices” section within its Professional Dashboard to help creators enhance their content strategy. This tool will offer a variety of tips and insights based on Instagram’s research, supposedly helping creators maximize their efforts on the platform.

While some of the advice might seem generic, there could be valuable nuggets of information tailored to your account’s performance. Use these insights to refine your content strategy, focusing on what truly engages your followers.

Instagram’s stance on ‘following only’ feed

Instagram’s chief, Adam Mosseri, recently shed light on why the platform won’t be offering a ‘following only’ feed option. In his Q&A session, Mosseri explained that although they’ve tested this feature several times, the results consistently show a decrease in overall engagement and user satisfaction. 

When people switch to a feed showing only the accounts they follow, they tend to use Instagram less, which in turn reduces interactions like likes and comments across the platform. 

With this in mind, to adapt your strategy for better visibility on Instagram, creators and brands must apply SEO practices to stay visible.

For example, your bio is an important piece of real estate for SEO, so use it wisely to help users and the algorithm understand what your page is about. Make sure your username and bio are clear and include keywords that describe your business and industry. 

Hashtags are another major tool for discoverability. Use a mix of popular and niche hashtags that relate to your content to improve its visibility. 

Just like traditional SEO, keywords matter on Instagram. Use relevant keywords in your captions, comments, and even in your hashtags. This can help Instagram’s algorithm categorize your content and increase its chances of appearing in relevant searches.

New profile card feature on Instagram

Instagram has introduced a fun new way to share your profile: digital profile cards. This feature transforms your profile into a shareable card that includes a QR code, your photo, bio, and additional personalized elements like links or a favorite song. You can customize the background image, making it a versatile tool for personal expression or networking.

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The profile card is easy to use. You can access it by going to your profile and clicking “Share Profile.” From there, you can edit the card and share it directly with others or via your Stories. It’s particularly useful for creators and professionals who want to give a snapshot of of their digital presence in a neat, engaging format.

Link attachments in Reels

Instagram’s upcoming ability to attach links directly to Reels could be a game changer, especially for driving specific actions from viewers. To make the most of this, create Reels that not only engage but also logically lead viewers to want more information or access to products. 

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For instance, a Reel showcasing a sneak peek of a new product could end with a call to action, encouraging viewers to click the link and explore the product in detail on your website. Tracking the performance of these links will also be crucial. By adding UTM parameters, you can see which Reels are driving traffic and conversions, helping you fine-tune your approach to content creation.

Multiple profile pictures

Instagram’s test feature allowing multiple profile pictures will let you showcase different aspects of your brand personality. By rotating profile pictures that highlight various campaigns, you can keep your profile visually informative. 

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For example, you can use this new feature for seasonal updates or as a way to highlight special promotions, keeping your audience engaged with fresh visuals that reflect current campaigns or themes.

October Threads Social Media Updates

• Threads continues to rise in overall app downloads (source).
• Threads adds active status indicators to prompt more engagement (source).
• Threads is developing a communities feature called “Loops” (source).
• Threads is giving you more time to edit your posts (source).
• Threads users can now add up to 20 photos and videos per post (source).
• Threads is working on the ability to tag users in photos (source).
• Threads is rolling out location tagging on posts (source).

How to adapt

Active status indicators

Threads has introduced active status indicators—green dots on user profiles—to show when users are online. This feature is designed to encourage real-time interactions, suggesting that reaching out while someone is active could lead to quicker and more engaging conversations. 

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For brands and creators, this means timing your interactions could be key. Consider engaging with users or starting discussions when many of your followers are online, as indicated by the green dot. Also, make sure you have an active status most of the time so your followers can reach you when you’re online.

‘Loops’ feature for community discussions

“Loops” is a new feature on Threads designed to help users discover and engage with more relevant, topic-based communities within the app. Essentially, “Loops” are separate elements where users can add their individual threads to a specific topic, enhancing the discovery and engagement of content related to personal interests or professional fields.

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For brands and creators, “Loops” presents an opportunity to specifically target communications and interactions within communities that are most relevant to their products or services. This targeted approach can lead to more effective engagement by contributing valuable content directly into streams where it’s most valuable. 

By participating in or even initiating “Loops,” brands can increase their visibility among engaged communities, foster deeper connections with potential customers, and build more authority within relevant niches.

Enhanced media sharing 

Threads now lets users add up to 20 photos or videos per post, similar to Instagram’s carousel feature. Now you can tell a fuller story without making people click through to different posts. 

For brands, this means you can create in-depth how-to posts, showcase a new product from multiple angles, or highlight different parts of an event all in one go. It makes your posts richer and keeps people engaged for longer.

Tagging and location features

Soon, you’ll be able to tag other users in photos and include location tags in your posts. Tagging can help increase the reach of your posts by engaging other users and their followers. 

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Location tags are useful for connecting with local audiences or giving context to your photos and videos. These tools can help make your content more discoverable and relevant.

October LinkedIn Social Media Updates

• LinkedIn removes its top voice badges for collaborative articles (source).
• LinkedIn announces updates to event ads and AI campaign options (source).
• LinkedIn now shows where a new follower found your profile (source).
• LinkedIn is inviting creators to create video for its new video tab (source).
• LinkedIn reports increase in CEO activity (source).
• LinkedIn adds another puzzle game (source).
• LinkedIn publishes new guide to its revenue attribution report (source).
• LinkedIn now displays photo carousels in the video feed as well (source).
• LinkedIn adds more languages to its support options (source).
• LinkedIn finally added the “Video” tab for its EU users (source).
• LinkedIn updated its Unique view metric, it is now called “Members Reached” (source).
• LinkedIn’s ad products introduced a new metric called audience penetration (source).

How to adapt

LinkedIn removed top voice badges for collaborative articles

LinkedIn has decided to phase out the “Top Voice” badges previously awarded for contributions to Collaborative Articles. 

This decision stems from concerns about the authenticity and quality of expertise being recognized, as the badges were automatically given and may not accurately represent genuine thought leadership. Without these badges, there might be less incentive for users to contribute solely for recognition.

For professionals and brands on LinkedIn, this means adjusting how you engage with content. Instead of contributing with the goal of earning a badge, focus on the quality of your insights and how they position you as an expert in your field. 

Continue sharing knowledge and participating in discussions that align with your professional strengths and areas of interest. This approach can help you build a genuine reputation that doesn’t rely on external badges but on the value you provide.

Updates to event ads and AI campaign options

Lindsey Edwards, who heads Product Management at LinkedIn, wrote an article about how they’re tackling some tough spots in B2B marketing with new tools. 

Basically, a lot of B2B ads don’t really grab attention well—81% of them miss the mark. Also, most buyers aren’t actively shopping most of the time, so it’s really about catching their eye and making a memorable impression.

What’s working? Video content. It turns out that short, snappy videos, especially those that feature experts, are what B2B buyers prefer. They’re clear, direct, and save time, which is probably why 63% of buyers prefer them.

LinkedIn is rolling out some nifty features to help marketers make the most of this: 

Live event ads

The new features include options to promote user posts about your events and a “sneak peek” video clip that can be shown to targeted users. This can be especially useful for increasing visibility and interest in your events.

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To make the most of these updates, consider creating engaging posts that your followers can share, and use the sneak peek videos to capture the essence of your event, drawing in an audience that has shown interest in similar topics.

AI-driven campaigns with Accelerate

LinkedIn is expanding its Accelerate program, which automates the ad creation process and now includes more options for ad types and campaign objectives.

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Experiment with different ad formats—like videos, single images, or documents such as eBooks—and monitor which types perform best in achieving your goals, whether it’s brand awareness, engagement, or conversions.

New feature: see where your followers found you

LinkedIn now provides insights into how new followers found your profile, showing whether they discovered you through the feed, messaging, search, the homepage, or by viewing profiles similar to yours. This update can give you valuable information on which parts of your LinkedIn activity are driving the most attention to your profile.

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To make the most of this feature, pay attention to which sources bring in the most followers. If many people find you through the feed, it might mean your posts are resonating with your audience, so continue focusing on posting engaging content. 

If LinkedIn search is a key driver, then your profile might be well-optimized for relevant keywords, but there could still be room to refine your headline and summary for even more visibility. By tracking this data, you can adjust your LinkedIn strategy to focus on the activities that bring the most attention to your profile.

LinkedIn invites creators to submit videos for new video tab

LinkedIn is launching a new video tab and inviting creators to submit videos to be featured. They’re looking for informative, personality-driven, and educational content that is no longer than two minutes and includes at least 50 words of accompanying text. 

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If you’re a content creator, this is a great opportunity to get more visibility on LinkedIn. To take advantage of it, focus on creating short, impactful videos that blend useful insights with your own personality. 

Think about the career advice topic—sharing personal stories or lessons that resonate with professionals could help your video stand out. Since LinkedIn prefers vertical videos, be sure to film in that format to match their requirements.

Also, don’t forget to include a thoughtful caption with at least 50 words, as LinkedIn is pushing for more complete and engaging posts. After publishing, submit your video through the provided form for a chance to get featured, which could boost your exposure on the platform.

Increase in CEO activity on LinkedIn

LinkedIn has seen a noticeable rise in activity from C-suite executives, especially CEOs, over the past few years. According to recent data from The Financial Times, posts from CEOs have increased by 23% globally in the past year, and these posts receive significantly more engagement compared to others. 

Executives are realizing that personal content tends to gain more trust and engagement than posts from company pages. This increase in personal contributions from CEOs gives them a chance to connect with audiences in a more authentic way, helping to build trust and credibility, which is crucial for business leadership.

For brands and professionals looking to connect with senior leaders, this increase in CEO presence on LinkedIn means there are more opportunities to engage with top decision-makers. Being active in discussions, sharing valuable insights, and commenting on posts from influential executives can help you expand your network and visibility on the platform.

LinkedIn adds photo carousels to video feeds

In a move to make content more dynamic, LinkedIn has added the ability to display photo carousels within its video feed. This feature allows users to swipe through a series of images in the same way they would interact with videos. For marketers and content creators, this means there’s another way to capture attention with visual storytelling.

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If you regularly post on LinkedIn, consider integrating carousels into your content strategy. They allow you to showcase a sequence of images, which can be useful for tutorials, product showcases, or storytelling. By combining photos with videos in the feed, you can offer more variety and depth, keeping your audience engaged for longer.

Video tab now available to EU users

LinkedIn has also introduced its video tab to users in the EU, following its success in other regions. This dedicated video space gives creators and professionals more opportunities to share and discover video content. With video engagement continuing to rise, this feature offers brands and individuals a better way to tap into LinkedIn’s growing appetite for video content.

For professionals in the EU, this new video tab provides an easy way to get more visibility through video. Whether you’re sharing educational content, product demos, or thought leadership pieces, having your videos featured in a dedicated space increases the likelihood of being discovered by a broader audience. 

LinkedIn metric updates

So, LinkedIn has changed the name of its “Unique Views” metric to “Members Reached.” This just means they’re now counting how many different people and company pages see your posts. It’s still about understanding who’s seeing your posts, just clearer now, especially since they’re telling you that both individual people and businesses are included.

They also introduced a new metric called “Audience Penetration.” This one shows how well your ads are doing in terms of reaching the people you want to see them. For example, if you’re aiming your ad at 250,000 people and 8,000 see it, your penetration rate is 3.2%. If that sounds low, you might need to tweak your target audience, up your budget, or maybe both.

If your penetration rate is low, but your ads are still getting clicks, your content is engaging. You might just need to increase your ad spend to ensure more of your target audience sees it. 

Brands can also leverage LinkedIn Audience Network, a feature that shows your ads on other sites and apps, not just LinkedIn. This means your ads get more visibility while still hitting the mark with the right audience.

October YouTube Social Media Updates

• YouTube rolls out updated playback speed controls, playlist changes, and more (source).
• YouTube added longer Shorts, templates, trends, and more (source).
• YouTube’s testing AI-powered comment reply suggestions (source).
• YouTube shares insight into what viewers are seeking from content (source).
• YouTube will allow creators to edit out rule-breaking elements in videos (source).
• YouTube shares insights into the potential of gen AI for creators (source).
• YouTube Premium is getting a price hike of 30-50% in most countries (source).
• YouTube expands access to its own gen AI assistant (source).

How to adapt

Updated playlist features

Additionally, YouTube has introduced collaborative playlists, allowing users to create and share playlists with others more easily. For creators, this opens up new opportunities to engage with audiences. 

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You could invite your followers to help curate playlists or build collaborative lists for events, webinars, or series content. This can make your audience feel more involved and could lead to higher engagement rates.

YouTube Shorts updates: longer videos, templates, and trends

YouTube Shorts is receiving several updates that expand what creators can do with short-form content. One of the biggest changes is the ability to upload Shorts up to three minutes long. This puts Shorts in more direct competition with TikTok and gives creators more flexibility to explore longer storytelling formats in a short video environment.

Additionaly, YouTube is rolling out a new feature that’ll make it easier for creators to hop on trends. Similar to how TikTok uses CapCut, YouTube is adding templates directly to its platform, so creators can quickly use popular video formats without needing any fancy editing skills. There’s no need for a separate app—creators just hit a “use this template” button on a video, and they’re good to go.

In addition, a new “Trends” page will help users find popular trends in their region, offering valuable insight into what’s resonating with your audience at any given time.

AI-powered comment reply suggestions

YouTube is testing AI-powered comment reply suggestions, designed to help creators engage with their audience more efficiently. The system will learn your tone and style to provide personalized suggestions for responding to comments, which can save time for creators with large followings.

While some may feel this reduces the authenticity of engagement, it can be helpful for creators managing a high volume of interactions. Use the AI suggestions as a starting point to speed up your reply process, but make sure to add a personal touch to maintain authenticity. Engaging thoughtfully with your community is key to building trust and loyalty.

YouTube’s report of what viewers are seeking from content  

YouTube’s new study called “Why We Watch” has been looking into why people get so hooked on online videos, especially on YouTube. Researchers have noticed that watching videos isn’t just a way to kill time anymore. People are now actively choosing what they want to watch based on how much it resonates with them personally.

The research shows that good video content isn’t just about sharp images or how much money was spent making it. What really keeps viewers coming back is how much they connect with what they’re watching. If a video feels real and relatable, it’s more likely to hit home. “Viewers really value videos that feel genuine and teach them something new,” one of the researchers mentioned.

This report also talks about how this connection with videos is a big deal for advertisers on platforms like YouTube. When viewers feel a strong bond with the content, they’re also more open to watching ads—especially if those ads relate to the video they just watched.

They even did some brain scans for this study. It turns out, our brains light up more when we watch videos that strike an emotional chord with us. This is super useful for creators and advertisers to know because it means making content that viewers find meaningful can actually make it more memorable.

For brands, this study suggests it’s time to rethink their approach. Instead of focusing only on polished, high-budget ads, brands should look at creating content that feels authentic and connects emotionally with viewers. 

Ads that are relevant to the viewer’s experience, or that support creators people already care about, are much more likely to be welcomed. Brands that adapt to these changes will likely see better engagement and results from their advertising efforts.

YouTube’s generative AI assistant

YouTube is expanding its generative AI assistant to more Premium users in the U.S. This AI tool allows users to ask questions about the video they’re watching and get immediate, AI-generated responses. 

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While it’s still in a limited rollout, the tool can help users explore topics deeper and find more relevant content while watching a video.

For brands and creators, the AI assistant could become an important tool as it develops. If viewers are using AI to ask questions about your content, you’ll want to make sure that your videos are packed with valuable, clear information that encourages engagement.

Consider the types of questions viewers might ask while watching your content. Structure your videos in a way that answers common queries or encourages further exploration, positioning yourself as a knowledgeable resource.

October TikTok Social Media Updates

• TikTok offers improved in-store sales tracking (source).
• TikTok launches new in-stream shopping push (source). 
• TikTok now shows trending search topics on profile pages, inviting creators to make a video based on it (source).
• TikTok launches new feature called “Flip Stories” you hold the story to flip and see the hidden content (source).
• TikTok has added the ability to edit captions in different languages (source).
• TikTok expands subscriptions for creators (source).
• TikTok invites brands to be featured in their 2024 Holiday Gift Guide (source).
• TikTok is rolling out the “First comment” label to more users (source).
• TikTok looks to turn search queries into ad dollars (source).

How to adapt

In-store sales tracking with TikTok’s InMarket integration

TikTok has teamed up with location data company InMarket to help brands measure how their ads on the platform influence visits to physical stores. This feature gives advertisers insights into how online campaigns drive real-world traffic.

Results so far show that TikTok ads are highly effective: out of 126 campaigns measured, 121 saw significant increases in-store visits, and TikTok campaign performance was 1.2x higher than the LCI Incremental Lift benchmark.

Here’s how TikTok’s in-store tracking works:

1. When a user sees an ad on TikTok, InMarket tracks the interaction.
2. InMarket monitors if the user visits a physical store after seeing the ad. They compare the behavior of the exposed group to a control group of users who didn’t see the ad.
3. InMarket’s Lift Conversion Index® (LCI) measures how much the ad increased store visits by comparing the visitation rates between the exposed and control groups.
4. InMarket’s Retail Sales Lift Attribution (RSA) further analyzes sales data, tracking purchases through credit and debit card transactions from both groups to determine if the campaign led to increased sales.

TikTok’s in-stream shopping push

TikTok is ramping up its in-stream shopping efforts by launching promotions and discounts with major brands, including its “Fall Deals For You” campaign. The platform is also running live shopping events to drive more in-app purchases. 

While in-stream shopping is already huge on Douyin, TikTok’s Chinese counterpart, it’s been slower to catch on in markets like the U.S. and Europe.

For brands, this opens a new opportunity, especially with the holiday season coming up. By offering special deals or joining live shopping events, companies can create a more engaging shopping experience on the platform. However, it’s important to note that Western users remain cautious about making purchases directly through social media apps. Even so, TikTok’s push into live-stream shopping shows there’s potential for growth in this area.

Trending topics on profile pages

TikTok has introduced a new feature that shows trending search topics directly on user profiles. This encourages creators to produce content related to current trends. The goal is to inspire relevant videos and help creators tap into popular conversations happening on the platform.

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For both creators and brands, this is a valuable way to stay visible. By focusing on trending topics, you can align your content with what users are already searching for, increasing the chances of being discovered by a larger audience and potentially driving higher engagement.

TikTok’s Flip Stories

TikTok has rolled out a new feature called “Flip Stories.” It lets creators share two sides of a story, where viewers can flip to reveal hidden content. This adds an interactive element that can keep audiences engaged and create a sense of surprise. It’s a great option for creators wanting to share things like before-and-after moments, sneak peeks, or exclusive reveals.

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For brands, Flip Stories offers a creative way to build anticipation or showcase new products. Plus, you can track who’s flipping to see the hidden content, giving you useful insights into your most engaged viewers.

TikTok caption editing in different languages

TikTok’s new caption editing feature now supports multiple languages, which is a significant improvement for creators and brands with international audiences. This update allows content to be more accessible to users who don’t speak English, making it easier to connect with them.

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If your brand targets global markets, consider using this feature. Offering translated captions can help you reach a broader audience, enhance inclusivity, and boost engagement across various regions.

TikTok’s 2024 holiday gift guide 

TikTok has launched its 2024 Holiday Gift Guide, giving brands an opportunity to be part of the platform’s festive season push. This Holiday Emporium is designed to highlight fan-favorite brands and small businesses, driving visibility and sales during the busiest shopping time of the year. 

With 70% of TikTok users discovering new brands and 1 in 3 purchasing products they see on the platform, this holiday guide is a prime chance for businesses to capture the attention of ready-to-buy users.

Apply to be part of the TikTok Shop Holiday Emporium to get your products in front of holiday shoppers. Focus on creating engaging, festive content that fits with TikTok’s vibrant holiday spirit. Collaborate with creators through the TikTok Creator Marketplace to amplify your reach, and use TikTok Shop Ads to drive more traffic to your holiday deals.

TikTok expands subscription options for creators

TikTok is expanding its subscription feature, allowing creators to offer exclusive perks and content to paying subscribers. Previously, this was only available to Live creators, but it’s now accessible to a broader group across the platform. Subscriptions give creators a way to engage with their most dedicated followers by offering special content like exclusive videos, live sessions, and private communication options.

If you’re eligible, consider setting up a subscription to monetize your most engaged audience. Focus on providing content that adds real value, such as behind-the-scenes access, early releases, or personalized interactions. Promote your subscription offerings on your main feed so followers understand what they’ll receive by subscribing.

TikTok’s Search Ads Campaign tool

TikTok has rolled out its Search Ads Campaign tool, allowing advertisers to target users based on their search behavior. Similar to search ads on platforms like Google, this feature allows brands to reach users who are actively looking for specific products or services. 

With 57% of users utilizing TikTok’s search bar and 23% conducting a search within the first 30 seconds of opening the app, this tool presents a valuable opportunity for more precise advertising.

For businesses, it’s an effective way to connect with high-intent users already interested in what you offer. The tool helps optimize ads for both traffic and conversions, which is especially useful during peak shopping times like the holiday season. 

To get the best results, focus on high-intent keywords that match your product and optimize your ads for conversions, particularly when users are searching for gifts and deals.

October X (Twitter) Social Media Updates

• X returns to Brazil after complying with government requests (source).
• X will remove text formatting from the main feed (source).
• X has added a quick download button for videos (source).
• X is adding a profile search button on web (source).
• New data shows X is losing users in the US and UK (source).
• X looks to remove account blocking options in the app (source).
• X has added “long-press to view who engaged with your post” (source).
• Search for the top posts across all X communities (source).

How to adapt

No more tweet text formatting on the main feed

X is planning to remove text formatting options from the main feed, meaning users will no longer be able to style text with bold, italics, or other formatting tools directly within posts. 

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This update will simplify how posts look and keep the feed visually consistent, but it also means brands and creators will have fewer options to make their posts stand out through text styling.

For brands and creators, this shift puts more emphasis on crafting clear, engaging content without relying on formatting tricks. You’ll need to focus more on the strength of your messaging and the use of visuals, like images or videos, to grab attention in the feed. 

Clear calls to action and well-structured posts will become even more important as the feed becomes less visually dynamic.

New X profile search button

X has added a profile search button on the web version, making it easier for users to search through content on individual profiles. This feature allows users to quickly find specific posts or topics on someone’s profile without scrolling through their entire feed.

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For brands, this feature can help users find relevant posts on your profile more easily, making it important to ensure that your profile is well-organized and filled with valuable, easy-to-navigate content. If a user is searching for information or products related to your brand, this new button will make it easier for them to locate those posts.

Review your profile and make sure important posts are easily searchable. Highlight key content and ensure your posts are tagged with relevant keywords or hashtags so users can quickly find what they’re looking for. Consider reposting or pinning important content that highlights your brand’s offerings.

Search for top posts across all X communities

X is introducing a feature that lets users search for the top posts across all X communities. This allows users to discover the most popular or engaging content within specific community spaces on the platform. 

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For creators and brands, this is an opportunity to reach new audiences by participating in trending discussions or posting content that aligns with the interests of various communities.

Start engaging with X communities that align with your brand’s niche. Create posts that reflect the interests and needs of these communities to increase your chances of being featured as a top post. Use this feature as an opportunity to reach a broader audience by consistently sharing high-quality, relevant content within these spaces.

October Pinterest Social Media Updates

• Pinterest adds collage remix and sharing options (source).
• Pinterest shares the latest Halloween trend insights (source).

How to adapt

Pinterest collage remixing 

Pinterest is expanding its popular collage feature with two new interactive options: “Collage Remixing” and “Collage Sharing.” These updates allow users to remix existing collages, adding their personal twist to already created content. 

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Additionally, users can now download their collages as videos and share them on other platforms, helping to extend the reach of Pinterest content beyond the platform itself.

For brands, these features open up creative collaboration opportunities. Create branded collages that your audience can remix. Encourage users to put their own spin on your content, and run a campaign where the best remixes are featured on your page or receive a prize. This will boost engagement while showcasing your products in unique, creative ways.

Pinterest’s 2024 Halloween trends report

Pinterest’s latest Halloween trends report reveals what’s hot this spooky season, from pop culture-inspired costumes to nostalgic 90s decorations. Searches for “It girl Halloween costumes” are up 170%, and there’s a strong interest in gothic makeup and vintage décor. 

These insights are valuable for brands and creators looking to tap into Halloween themes and trends for their promotions or content creation.

For brands in the fashion, beauty, or home décor sectors, this report offers a roadmap for aligning your content with what’s trending on the platform. Whether it’s promoting gothic glam makeup kits or offering vintage Halloween decorations, using these popular themes can help your products get noticed by the right audience.