Weekly social roundup
Meta is doing too much again
But also, when are they not? Meta is releasing features, new Smart Glasses, and a new … app? Yup, seems that way.
I’ve rounded up all the best of the best news below (and there are quite a few this week!), plus a trend you should hop on and my favorite reads of the week.
YOU’RE WELCOME! Let’s get into it!
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Top Meta news from the week
Get more reach on your carousel posts by adding music. Instagram pushes carousel posts with music attached in the Reels feed.
Instagram is giving more users access to Meta AI’s post summary, which analyzes the post and gives you a summary of what the Reel, post, or photo is about.
Instagram is launching long-form videos and trying to take over TVs. Yes, this is officially them stepping a toe into the YouTube space.
Facebook is testing adding alt text to Facebook Stories. This would be interesting if it helps with discoverability on the app.
Facebook is looking for new ways to increase engagement on Pages, like adding a new Messenger sticker. The sticker gives users an easy way to start a conversation with a Page directly from their Facebook Story.
WhatsApp now warns users before they open a message from an unknown number. Scammers are on the rise, so be careful out there, folks!
Meta stopped tracking its employees doing their jobs. Why? Oh, because there was a breach and the whole company could see sensitive data. Yikes.
Speaking of tracking and watching people. Meta is releasing a cheaper version of its smart glasses.
Meta, REPORTEDLY, is planning on replacing more of its staff with AI tools. Specifically those who review content across their platforms. Great. Cool. Amazing.
Meta is getting in on predictions … and launching a new app where people can guess (aka bet) on real-world events.
Meta is the only holdout so far to agree to allow the US government to review its AI for security concerns.
Extra, extra! Read all about it!
Top TikTok news from the week
TikTok has officially launched its Custom Creator Networks, which give advertisers direct access to creators and brand advocates to create new user-generated content for the brand, or turn existing videos into ads.
TikTok has updated its DMs, giving users more power. Users can choose between Personal or Professional Messaging to keep their inbox exactly as they wish.
CapCut has released a new subscription tier at $1,000/month. Honestly, it better make the video exactly how I picture it in my head without me lifting a finger, if I was going to pay that.
Extra, extra! Read all about it!
Top YouTube news from the week
YouTube has added a “Clear Screen” feature, much like TikTok. It clears the screen of any icons so you only watch the video and see nothing else on screen.
YouTube has updated its Studio to help creators get better insights into their account. Creators can now get access to video issues, monetization, reporting, and more.
Extra, extra! Read all about it!
Top Other news from the week
Premium user on LinkedIn? LinkedIn will soon send automated job applications for you.
LinkedIn is testing a new “suggested” feed to help drive engagement across various posts.
If you advertise on Reddit, this is for you. A whole suite of new integrated ad options has arrived on the platform.
Four in five under-16s are still using social media despite the ban in Australia. Almost like … kids are smart and will find a workaround!!
And the Australian government isn’t happy about it and is implementing a stricter fine against any social media company allowing kids on the platform.
Trends this week
Wish List
What it is: Take a photo, whether it’s of yourself, your pet, your desk, coffee, whatever! Something aesthetic! And surround the photo with things you’re currently wishing for. Aka: 8 hours of sleep, a trip that actually leaves the group chat, a client who approves on the first round, etc.
Why it works: It’s fun and engaging. It’s something that would make someone want to share it with friends and go, “same.” This is a great way to create something that is an easy win and also give your followers more insight into you, your brand, or anything else in between that makes sense for your style of content!
How to create: Pick a photo and add text around it using Instagram's or TikTok's text tools, or create it in Canva or Edits if you want more control over the layout. Keep each wish short, just a few words max. Post it as a static image, a carousel slide, or a Story.
This one works on every platform and for every niche.
Reads this week
WTF is TikTok Farlands?
WTF is TikTok Farlands? If you’ve ever spent a ton of time scrolling on TikTok late at night (hello, the call is coming from inside the house), then you might have gotten a video that made you pause and think: “What the hell was that?”
It’s weird. Confusing. Might even make you think you’ve made it up because it’s so strange.
However, it’s a part of the internet and TikTok specifically that people are trying to unlock further.
This Future article explains exactly what TikTok Farlands are and why, in their opinion, it’s making them feel hopeful about the future of social media and the internet.
Other reads:
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And that’s all, folks!
Thanks, as always, for your support! If you like this newsletter and want to help it grow, please send it to a friend, coworker, or anyone you think would enjoy it. It always helps!
Until next week!
Mackenzie
