This week, social networks rolled out updates that provide more ease and user comfort. These include improved compatibility between Threads and Instagram, Meta’s updated APIs for marketers, and more ways to give on YouTube. Follow along as we get into how these features could help steer your social goals.
WhatsApp’s latest feature lets users give someone who’s just been added to a group chat a way to catch up on recent conversations. Previously, new members could only see messages sent after they joined, which meant they often had zero context and had to ask others what was going on.
With this update, when users add someone to a group, there will be an option to share recent messages, with an option to send from 25 up to 100 messages. Group admins can also choose to turn the feature off entirely.
The shared messages show up clearly separated from new chat messages and include timestamps and sender names. Everyone in the group is told when the history is shared.
Threads
Meta has made it easier for users to share a post from Threads to Instagram Stories. Now there’s a button inside Threads that lets users send a post straight to Instagram Stories in one tap.
When users share this way, Instagram automatically turns the Threads post into a full-screen Story. One caveat is that users can’t add stickers, text or edits unless they open Instagram afterward.
The change is mainly about speed and convenience, making it quicker to cross-post between the platforms, per Social Media Today.
Meta
Meta has released new versions of its developer tools, Graph API and Marketing API. These tools are used to connect with Meta platforms like Facebook and Instagram behind the scenes. The new versions include some changes that help modernize how data and ads work.
The updates mainly do a couple of things. They change how ad and content data are measured and reported, moving toward simpler, more consistent ways of counting things like views instead of older metrics like reach or impressions, and showing results more clearly.
They also remove or change some older parts of the API so developers must move to newer systems, particularly for ad automation like Advantage+ ads.
YouTube
YouTube recently shared some small updates.
The platform is expanding where people can donate during live streams by giving more creators access to “Jewels,” which are a virtual way for viewers to send money to creators.
This was already in the U.S. but is now expanding to creators in Canada as well.
YouTube is also giving creators better editing tools for Shorts so they can fine-tune clips more easily. This includes tools that can zoom into the timeline and moving parts around. This is currently available on Android and will come to iOS soon.
Snapchat
Snapchat is adding a new feature called Creator Subscriptions. Users may now pay a monthly fee to support their favorite creators.
When someone subscribes, they may get special perks, such as extra Snaps or Stories, have their messages shown to the creator first through priority replies and watch that creator’s content without ads.
Creators can choose how much to charge each month within suggested pricing tiers.
The new system has started being tested with some creators in the United States this week and will spread to more creators and geographies in time.
TikTok
TikTok Shop is adding tools to make selling easier. The new tools are geared for sellers and creators who use TikTok Shop frequently.
One big change is that more people can now use the Seller Assistant chatbot, which is an AI helper inside the app that answers questions and gives guidance. Sellers now don’t have to leave the app to get help.
Other updates within TikTok Shop include automated product sample approvals for creators so they can review products more quickly, recommending creators to help with promotions and clips from live streams showing relevant sound bites that are easier to share.
Courtney Blackann is a communications reporter. Connect with her on LinkedIn or email her at [email protected].
