YouTube Adds “Community Notes”-Style Feature to Shorts in Push for Credibility

YouTube is now testing a new pilot feature that allows context-based notes to appear on Shorts videos. This feature closely mirrors Twitter’s (X) “Community Notes” initiative, aiming to improve the quality and reliability of content shared on the platform.

These notes will appear below Shorts content and provide viewers with additional context — such as whether a clip is satire, outdated, or taken out of context. YouTube is initially rolling this out to a small group of users in the U.S., with plans to expand based on feedback and performance.

This makes it easier for users to understand the full background of viral clips, especially those that may be misleading or manipulated.

Why?

With the explosive growth of Shorts and short-form content in general, platforms like YouTube are under pressure to combat misinformation that spreads rapidly. Adding fact-check-like elements helps users stay informed without disrupting the flow of entertainment.

As short-form videos continue to dominate user attention spans — especially among Gen Z — YouTube’s move shows a growing commitment to platform integrity. It’s a signal that more tools focused on “context and clarity” are on the way.

Link: https://blog.youtube/news-and-events/testing-notes-on-youtube/

TikTok Launches “Symphony” AI Tools to Help Brands Create Ads More Efficiently

TikTok recently unveiled a suite of AI tools under the name Symphony, designed to help marketers produce high-performing creatives using generative AI.

From automated video scriptwriting to avatar-based ad generation, the Symphony tools aim to reduce ad production time and improve personalization at scale.

These tools are expected to play a key role in expanding TikTok’s ad revenue and giving businesses of all sizes access to creative capabilities that previously required large production budgets.

Instagram Tests “Creator Insights” Dashboard to Attract More Influencers

Instagram has started testing a new Creator Insights dashboard designed to give influencers and content creators better analytics around their Reels, Stories, and collaborations.

This tool provides detailed performance metrics, including engagement trends, follower growth over time, and earnings from branded content. It also allows creators to benchmark their content against similar profiles.

This makes it easier for influencers to understand what’s working and what’s not — and to pitch themselves more effectively to brands.

Why?

Instagram is facing growing competition from TikTok and YouTube Shorts, where creators often receive clearer monetization paths and better tools. By offering robust analytics, Instagram hopes to retain top-tier talent and improve creator loyalty.

As platforms compete for creator attention, tools like this could be a game-changer — particularly for micro-influencers looking to go pro.

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Link: https://techcrunch.com/2024/06/03/instagram-creator-insights-dashboard/

LinkedIn Introduces “AI-Powered Job Match” to Speed Up Hiring

LinkedIn is rolling out an AI-based job matching system that helps both job seekers and employers connect faster. This new system not only highlights relevant jobs but also explains why a particular role is a good fit, based on the user’s profile, experience, and skills.

Employers will now also see suggested candidates who may not have applied but are a strong match — cutting down on the time spent searching through resumes.

This makes it easier for professionals to find meaningful roles without spending hours tweaking resumes and search filters.

Why?

The job market is evolving rapidly, and professionals are demanding smarter tools. LinkedIn’s AI move aligns with the broader shift towards personalization and automation in the recruitment space.

By using AI to bridge the gap between employers and candidates, LinkedIn is positioning itself as not just a professional network — but a smart career platform.

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Link: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/ai-powered-job-matching-linkedin-future-hiring/

Twitter Introduces Paid Verification via Twitter Blue

Elon Musk revamped verification, making Twitter Blue ($7.99/month) the only way to receive the verification checkmark.
This caused a flurry of impersonations, prompting a temporary suspension and later relaunch with “Official” labels for businesses & governments.
The shift aimed to reduce spam but raised concerns about authenticity and platform trust.
📌 Reference: major policy change under new ownership

Source: https://openinfluence.com/latest-social-media-news-november-2022/

Instagram Launches Notes & New Story Formats

Instagram rolled out Notes, a text-based feature that lets users share quick thoughts or emojis (up to 60 characters) with Close Friends or mutuals for 24 hours.
Additionally, Instagram began testing Candid Stories (spontaneous capture mode) and Group Profiles, shared spaces for curated content with selected friends.
These updates signal a step toward more intimate, conversation-like engagement beyond just images and videos.

Source: https://techcrunch.com/2022/12/13/instagram-now-supports-text-updates-with-launch-of-notes-adds-other-new-sharing-features/

Instagram & LinkedIn Add Native Post Scheduling

Instagram began rolling out built-in scheduling tools for Reels, photos, and carousel posts—enabling creators and businesses to plan weeks of content ahead.
LinkedIn followed with native post scheduling, removing the need for third-party tools and simplifying content planning for professionals and marketers.
These moves reflect platforms leaning into creator-first tools and supporting more strategic content workflows.

Source: https://www.contentstadium.com/blog/social-media-trends-tips-december-2022/

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Twitter Introduces View Count Under Tweets

Twitter added a view count beneath each tweet—mirroring metrics seen on video platforms—to show total impressions.
This provided users with broader visibility into reach, and highlighted that “90% of Twitter users read tweets without interacting”
The feature caters to creators and businesses seeking measurable proof of content performance.

Source: https://techcrunch.com/2022/12/22/twitter-now-shows-how-many-people-view-your-tweets/?tpcc=tcplustwitte

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Global Rollout of Twitter Community Notes

Twitter expanded its Community Notes (formerly Birdwatch) globally, allowing users worldwide to add context or fact-check tweets collaboratively.
The initiative uses crowd-sourced moderation, with votes determining visibility—aiming to improve misinformation detection in an open-source manner.
This marks a shift from top-down moderation to community empowerment, aligning with Twitter’s transparency goals.

Source: https://techcrunch.com/2022/12/12/twitter-begins-rolling-out-its-community-notes-feature-globally/

YouTube Introduces Ad Revenue Share for Shorts Creators

YouTube shifted from the $100 M Shorts Fund to a revenue-sharing model, enabling creators to earn a percentage of ad revenue directly from Shorts—making the format more sustainable long-term.
It also revealed that playback speeds of 1.5× and 2× are most popular, showing users prefer faster content consumption.
This update signals YouTube’s commitment to compete with TikTok for short-form video creators.

Source: https://blog.hootsuite.com/social-media-updates/instagram/top-instagram-news-september-2022/

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Instagram Tests Topic Tags for Reels

Instagram began allowing creators to add topic tags (e.g., #fitness, #cooking) to Reels to enhance categorization and discovery.
Marked by Matt Navarra in early September, this feature aims to make content more searchable and surfaceable through Explore and topic feeds.
Tags are expected to improve Reel reach and help users find niche content more effectively.

Source: blog.hootsuite.com

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LinkedIn Adds Pinned Comments in Reply Threads

LinkedIn introduced the ability to pin comments under replies to highlight valuable thoughts, drive engagement, or showcase user sentiment.
This update is a boon for brands and professionals who want to spotlight praise, insights, or key remarks.
Pinned comments provide better moderation and stimulate richer conversations on business-related content.

Source: https://www.giraffesocialmedia.co.uk/social-media-news-roundup-september-2022/

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Instagram Expands Stories & Reels Tools

Multiple enhancements included:

• Testing Repost to allow resharing of others’ posts in Feed or Stories
• 60-second Stories, eliminating the 15‑second segment limit
• Introduction of Templates to simplify Reel creation
  These tools aim to boost engagement, reduce friction in content creation, and maintain Reels’ momentum.
  
  Source: https://smirknewmedia.com/top-10-september-2022-social-media-updates/

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Twitter Begins Rolling Out Edit Tweet Button

After years of demand, Twitter launched an Edit Tweet pilot in September, allowing users to modify tweets post-publication.
Each edited tweet gets labeled and includes an edit history for transparency.
The feature helps users fix typos and update content, demonstrating Twitter’s effort to modernize without sacrificing integrity.

Source: https://disruptmarketing.co/blog/5-top-social-updates-from-september/

Instagram Begins Testing NFT “Digital Collectibles”

Instagram kicked off its Web3 ambitions by letting a small group of U.S. creators showcase Ethereum‑ and Polygon‑based NFTs directly in their feed, Stories and DMs.
There were no posting fees and each NFT appeared with a shimmer effect plus automatic creator attribution.
Support for Flow and Solana chains was promised next.
For brands and artists, the trial marked Meta’s first step toward native NFT monetisation on the world’s biggest visual platform.

Source: techcrunch.com

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TikTok Launches “Pulse” Ad‑Revenue Share

TikTok announced “Pulse,” its first ad product that splits revenue 50/50 with eligible creators (≥100 k followers).
Ads appear beside the top 4 % of trending videos, giving brands premium placement while paying creators for the first time.
The programme debuted in the U.S. with other markets to follow, positioning TikTok closer to YouTube’s Partner Programme.
For marketers, Pulse offered a brand‑safe gateway into viral culture; for creators, it opened a long‑awaited income stream beyond sponsorships.

Source: techcrunch.com

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Twitter Tests “Circle” Private‑Tweet Groups

Twitter rolled out Circle—a “close‑friends” list of up to 150 people who alone can see and reply to selected tweets.
Creators toggle visibility per tweet, mixing public and private content without extra accounts.
The move paralleled Instagram’s Close Friends and addressed user demand for nuanced audience controls.
Early testers reported higher engagement and more candid conversation inside Circles.

Source: techcrunch.com

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WhatsApp Adds Emoji Reactions, 2 GB File‑Sharing & 512‑Member Groups

WhatsApp users gained inline emoji reactions, cutting message clutter while keeping chats expressive.
File‑size limits jumped from 100 MB to 2 GB, meeting remote‑work and classroom needs; a transfer timer shows upload progress.
Group capacity doubled to 512 members, paving the way for Communities and larger brand or school clusters.
All updates remained end‑to‑end encrypted, reinforcing WhatsApp’s privacy stance alongside fresh utility.

Source: blog.whatsapp.com

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 YouTube Shorts Debuts “Green Screen” Remix Tool

YouTube Shorts introduced a TikTok‑style Green Screen effect, letting creators sample up to 60 seconds from any eligible YouTube video as a dynamic backdrop.
It joined other remix tools like Cut and Retouch, turning YouTube’s vast archive into interactive, bite‑sized canvases.
Original creators receive attribution links, driving traffic back to longer videos.
The feature, iOS first with Android to follow, further blurred lines between short‑form and traditional YouTube content.

Source: techcrunch.com

Instagram Tests Chronological Feed Again

For years, users requested the return of the chronological feed—and Instagram finally responded. In January 2022, Instagram began testing three different feed options:

• Home – The standard algorithm-based feed.
• Following – A classic chronological feed showing all posts from followed accounts.
• Favorites – A personalized list to see posts from selected accounts more prominently.

This test gave users more transparency and control over what they see, countering complaints about algorithmic filtering.

Source: https://www.socialmediatoday.com/news/instagram-tests-new-options-for-viewing-your-feed-including-chronological/617123/

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Instagram Launches Paid Subscriptions for Creators (US)

In an effort to support creators, Instagram began testing paid subscriptions in the U.S. This allowed influencers and content creators to offer exclusive content to their subscribers:

• Subscriber-only Lives
• Subscriber-only Stories
• Special subscriber badges

Subscription prices ranged from $0.99 to $99.99/month, giving creators more control over their income while keeping audiences within the Instagram ecosystem.

Source: https://techcrunch.com/2022/01/19/instagram-subscriptions/

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Instagram Introduces ‘Quiet Mode’ for Wellness

To promote healthier digital habits, Instagram launched ‘Quiet Mode’, allowing users to:

• Mute notifications for a specific time period
• Display an “In Quiet Mode” status to followers
• Auto-reply to messages saying you’re offline

This was part of Instagram’s push toward mental health and mindful social media usage, especially for teenagers.

Source: https://www.theverge.com/2022/1/20/22894210/instagram-quiet-mode-notifications-teen-safety

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Twitter Begins Testing ‘Flock’ – Private Tweet Sharing

Twitter rolled out a test for ‘Flock’, a new way to share tweets only with a selected group of up to 150 people. This feature, similar to Instagram’s “Close Friends,” was designed to support private engagement, smaller communities, and more meaningful interactions.

Key features:

• Only Flock members can view and reply to these tweets.
• You can edit the Flock list anytime.

Source: https://techcrunch.com/2022/01/21/twitter-flock-private-group-tweets/

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Twitter Expands Misinformation Reporting Tool

In January 2022, Twitter expanded its misinformation reporting tool to more countries, including Brazil, Spain, and the Philippines, after a successful pilot in the U.S., South Korea, and Australia.

Users could now flag tweets they believe are misleading, helping Twitter moderate harmful content more effectively.

Source: https://www.reuters.com/technology/twitter-expands-feature-allowing-users-flag-misleading-tweets-2022-01-17/

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Twitter Rolls Out NFT Profile Pictures

Twitter took a big step into Web3 by allowing Twitter Blue subscribers (iOS only) to set NFTs as their profile picture. These avatars appear in a hexagonal shape to distinguish them from standard profile photos and connect to users’ crypto wallets.

This feature added value for NFT owners and tapped into the growing digital collectibles space.

Source: https://www.theverge.com/2022/1/20/22893087/twitter-nft-profile-picture-blue-subscription-hexagon

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Global Social Media Usage Hits 4.62 Billion

According to DataReportal’s 2022 Global Overview Report, January 2022 saw a major social media milestone:

• 4.62 billion active users worldwide
• Represents 58.4% of the global population
• A growth of 10.1% year-over-year (+424 million users)

The report confirmed social media’s dominance in global communication and content consumption.

Source: https://datareportal.com/reports/digital-2022-global-overview-report

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TikTok Launches ‘Creative Solutions’ Guide to Building Effective TikTok Campaigns

With TikTok gaining more and more popularity, more brands and marketers are looking into how they can maximise the app’s tools and functions to boost their content’s reach and discovery. Unlike how Instagram and Facebook works, in terms of reaching out to the community, incorporating organic trends and even re-purposing ad campaigns or even creating professional-looking ads might not equate to more views and reach.

Thus, TikTok has put together a creative guide for brands based on case studies of effective organic videos that have done well on the app. TikTok explains creatives should be tailored to the platform’s unique characteristics. This guide provides useful notes and tips for effective and noteworthy best practices to make the most of the app for creators.

Link: https://www.socialmediatoday.com/news/tiktok-launches-creative-solutions-guide-to-building-effective-tiktok-cam/605010/ 

Instagram Adds New Features to Help Protect Users from Bullying and Abuse

Current features:

• penalties
• personal accounts to switch off DMs from people they don’t follow

New features:

• “Limits” option
• temporarily limit unwanted messages & comments from selected groups
• groups recommended based on detected activity
• display stronger warning message such as deletion of account
• automated detection based on certain terms & phrases in comment field
• hidden words feature for DMs
• automatically filter DMs based on potentially offensive terms, phrases or emojis
• re-routed to Hidden folder

Link: https://www.socialmediatoday.com/news/instagram-adds-new-features-to-help-protect-users-from-bullying-and-abuse/604846/  

Instagram Adds New ‘Audio’ Tab to its Search Options to Boost Reels Engagement

What

Instagram has added the capacity to search for audio specifically within the search tab in the app.

How it Works

Now when you search on Instagram, you’ll be able to switch across to a new ‘Audio’ tab, which will highlight the various tracks available for use within the app. 

Tap on any track and you’ll see a TikTok-like display of the Reels that have utilized samples of that song.

You can then save the audio for your own usage, while also getting a full overview of relevant trends and clips for inspiration.

This makes it easier to tap into trends based on music clips, with a focus on Reels creation based on the same.

Why?

Instagram is likely looking to increase Reels usage, in an effort to fend off rising competition from TikTok, it makes sense for it to align with usage trends, and facilitate related discovery as best it can.

As Tiktok continues to grow its user base and influence among the younger audiences, it is likely that Instagram is going to continue to add similar tools to slow down IG to TikTok user migrations, which eats into their audience bases.

Link: https://www.socialmediatoday.com/news/instagram-adds-new-audio-tab-to-its-search-options-to-boost-reels-engagem/604775/ 

Reddit Tests New TikTok-Like Video Feed as it Looks to Expand its Video Options

Reddit will be adding a video feed option to their forums after their previous acquisition of the company called Dubmash.

This was due to the popularity and rise of short video content.

As they do not have their own camera function for users to upload videos, they allow them to upload their video content from other platforms like TikTok, IG, YouTube and others.

A key takeaway would be Reddit is a popular platform for social and tech related topics. The new video feed will enable users to view videos of similar categories of videos they have previously watched or threads they have commented on. This will be a great tool for new tech tools to be discovered on Reddit.

Link: https://www.socialmediatoday.com/news/reddit-tests-new-tiktok-like-video-feed-as-it-looks-to-expand-its-video-opt/605008/ 

Instagram Verification

IG has rolled out a verification form to facilitate the application of account verification. Where previously the submission form was ambiguous, this new form clearly defines what needs to be uploaded, and has additional fields support to ensure documents and links are uploaded properly.

You can find this by going to Account ->  Request Verification

Do note that for applications which are unsuccessful, you need to wait for up to 30 days from the date of application, before a resubmission can be done.

Facebook Shares New Insights into the Key Elements of Effective Video Content

Video effectiveness on Facebook is determined by 2 main factors – executional elements such as ads, duration etc as well as the creative element which includes copy quality and design. These elements are at 20 and 70% respectively

7 best practices

• Frame for mobile (the article recommended 4:5 for FB and square for IG but we SHOULD GO FOR 1080 x 1350 px for IG!!!!!!!)
• Made for sound off – but we should go for sound on for most of the time!
• Showcase the product or service (main subject of the ad) 
• Have a single message focus – avoid squeezing multiple messages in one creative
• Showcase unique brand – due to FB algorithm, not everything will be showed
• Get to the point – make sure the key message is in the front. 
• Use movements or fast edit in introduction – aim to include some fast paced movement at the start and avoid having a still introduction. 

Highly recommended

• Say it it in less – succinct in messaging
• Flip the traditional storytelling arc
• Spark interest with twists and surprises
• Visual interest. Bright colours and close up

Link: https://www.socialmediatoday.com/news/facebook-shares-new-insights-into-the-key-elements-of-effective-video-conte/604940/ 

Facebook Announces Integration of Messenger and Instagram Direct, Adds New Messaging Features

Facebook has taken the next big step in its messaging integration plan by announcing new cross-messaging functionality that will link Messenger and Instagram Direct, in various ways. You can cross message from Messenger and Instagram, and you’ll be able to see your Messenger threads in Instagram Direct. But your existing Instagram messages and call details will only be available on Instagram, at least at this point.

Other new elements:

• Selfie stickers – Animated stickers that are “a unique hybrid of Boomerang, emojis, and selfies”, and provide a new way to react to conversations.
• Watch together –  Instagram users will also now be able to join Watch Together video co-watching parties via Messenger. The new integration will also enable Watch Together parties focused on IGTV and Reels content
• Vanish Mode – enable users to send messages that automatically disappear after they’re seen
• Chat colours, Custom emoji reactions, and Message controls

https://www.socialmediatoday.com/news/facebook-announces-integration-of-messenger-and-instagram-direct-adds-new/586180/

How to Run an Effective Giveaway Campaign on Instagram

A follower ‘loop’ is a process that has been devised to maximize post reach.

90% of the time the followers gained via loop giveaways are not high-quality followers who will stick around for your content and engage with your profile long term. There’s a generally large drop off rate, typically 50% or more, at the conclusion of a loop process. If your only goal is to generate followers, then it might be a good mechanism, but for the far majority of businesses, loops won’t work well as a growth strategy.

Here’s a sample giveaway strategy that you can use:

1. Pick a niche prize that your audience will love – As noted, targeting your specific target audience will attract a more focused audience subset
2. Promote your giveaway across your social media following and email list – Getting more people interested will further boost exposure for your campaign
3. Run Instagram advertisements for your giveaway – Retargeting your own audience will help to boost exposure among those already interested in your products while utilizing Lookalike Audiences will help you gain new, like-minded followers
4. Leverage micro-influencers with similar audience – Collaborate and do a mini-giveaway with each micro-influencer, so they help promote your larger giveaway, again among targeted, interested groups
5. Utilize entrant data – After your giveaway ends, you can run a retargeting campaign offering a free gift to followers who sign-up to your email list

https://www.socialmediatoday.com/news/how-to-run-an-effective-giveaway-campaign-on-instagram/586121/

Laneige Makes Use of IG Filter for Foundation Launch

During a period where it’s difficult for users to purchase foundation (due to no testers allowed at various stores because of COVID19, Laneige has cleverly made use of an IG Filter to allow for users to choose a foundation that may match their skin tone.

https://www.instagram.com/laneigesg/?hl=en

Key Highlights from Facebook’s Annual Communities Summit

• 1.8 billion people in groups
• 70 million moderators
• Admin assist available to make it easier for moderators
• Topics within groups will be searchable via hashtags
• Certification for Community Management now available
• Facebook is also experimenting with an in-group hashtag challenge, similar to TikTok, to boost in-group engagement
• Chats will be added as a feature to groups to boost real-time interactions. They have several mini-features such as stickers, Q&A prompts, etc
• Groups will be easier to discover moving forward

Facebook’s Removing its 28-Day Attribution Model for Conversions from Ads

Facebook has announced that it’s removing its 28-day attribution window option for Facebook ads, which will mean that advertisers will no longer be able to track direct actions based on their campaigns over a longer period. It will be reduced to 7 days and will take effect on 12 Oct.

https://www.socialmediatoday.com/news/facebooks-removing-its-28-day-attribution-model-for-conversions-from-ads/586102/