Social Scoop Unplugged #5
Ready to spice up your social media strategy? Welcome back to Natty’s Social Scoop! This week, we're unpacking the freshest updates from the digital world to help you stay on top of your game. Discover Meta's innovative developer hubs built specifically for creative minds, and explore new ad enhancements just in time for the festive rush. TikTok is dialling up its features with improved search ad capabilities and exciting new subscription options for creators, empowering you to forge deeper connections with your audience. Meanwhile, Instagram is amping up the fun with teen-friendly account settings and fresh engagement-boosting tools like the revamped Emoji Pong game. Plus, Snapchat's collaboration with Google is set to revolutionise AI interactions on the platform.
So, buckle up and let’s explore these dynamic updates that are set to make your social media sparkle and keep your followers coming back for more!
Meta Launches New Developer Hubs for External Projects
Meta just dropped some exciting updates that are sure to make waves in the developer community. They’ve completely revamped their developer resources, neatly organising everything into three focused categories to simplify your experience and help you navigate their ecosystem like a pro.
Here’s what you can expect from these shiny new hubs:
Meta Horizon – This hub is a goldmine for creators working with Meta Quest and Horizon OS. Dive into resources that empower you to craft immersive VR and AR experiences that are out of this world! Whether you’re designing virtual worlds or interactive content, this is your go-to space.
Social Technologies – This hub covers all the major players: Facebook, Messenger, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Threads. It’s a treasure trove of tools and documentation to help you integrate and innovate across Meta’s social platforms. If you’re looking to enhance user engagement or tap into social commerce, this section is your best friend.
AI – Curious about the latest in AI? This hub has you covered! Get insights into Meta’s evolving AI platforms, explore tutorials, and discover how to harness these powerful tools for your projects. With AI at the forefront of technological advancement, this resource is a must for any developer looking to stay ahead of the curve.
Meta’s mission with these new hubs is crystal clear: they want to empower you to build successfully and expand your business globally. By leveraging their cutting-edge technologies and vast ecosystem of resources, you can create innovative solutions that resonate with users worldwide.
Now, while this update might not seem like a game-changer for casual users, it’s a monumental shift for developers. With Meta’s VR and AR experiences evolving at lightning speed and a commitment to an open-source AI infrastructure, having dedicated spaces for each area makes it super easy to connect with the right tools and seamlessly integrate them into your projects.
This move also aligns perfectly with Meta’s long-term strategy. The more developers leverage Meta’s systems, the more indispensable the platform becomes in the tech landscape. As VR continues to gain traction, the importance of external developers building on Meta’s foundation will only grow.
So, while this may seem like a technical update, it’s actually a significant step in Meta’s ongoing evolution. Get ready to explore these hubs and see how they can elevate your projects! Stay tuned for more exciting developments!
Meta Rolls Out New Ad Features Just in Time for the Holidays
With the festive season right around the corner, Meta is stepping up its game with some exciting ad updates to help brands shine during this busy time. Think easier discount codes, fresh reminder ads, in-store shopping promotions, and more!
Streamlined Discount Codes
First on the list, we have revamped discount code options! Say goodbye to confusion and hello to clarity—shoppers will now see a handy notification for discount codes that automatically apply at checkout. Less hassle for customers means more conversions for you! Advertisers can showcase their discount codes directly on overlay ads, making it super easy for users to take action.
But wait, there’s more! Meta is also testing out first-purchase offers and personalised discounts to spark even more interest in those in-stream offers. Remember those updates from July? They’re all about making shopping smoother and more enjoyable!
Reminder Ads
Next up: Reminder Ads are getting a fresh makeover! With handy overlays on feed posts, these ads will keep your offers front and centre, boosting engagement like never before. Plus, Meta is increasing the frequency of reminder notifications—because who wouldn’t want their audience to remember those sweet deals?
Multi-Link Site Options
In another cool twist, brands can now link multiple landing pages to a single image or video ad in the Facebook Feed. As Meta puts it, “With site links, people can go directly to a specific landing page for various categories with just one click from the ad.” Talk about convenience for your customers!
In-Store Purchase Promotions
Meta is also introducing a new promotion type aimed at driving in-store purchases. This feature cleverly targets shoppers likely to visit in person, based on their past interactions and location. Smart, right?
Holiday Travel Targeting
And we can’t overlook the potential holiday travellers! If someone is planning a festive getaway and engaging with content related to your area, they might just see ads from businesses eager to capture those seasonal sales.
So, there you have it! Meta’s updates are designed to help brands connect with customers during this bustling holiday season. It’s a fantastic opportunity to spark interest and boost those festive sales! Get ready to shine!
TikTok Levelling Up Its Search Ads for Brands
The platform has just rolled out an updated version of its Search Ads campaigns, opening up new avenues for you to connect with users who are actively searching. With these revamped Search Ads, you now have enhanced control over how your content appears in TikTok’s search results, allowing for better-targeted placements.
Previously, the “Search Ads Toggle” allowed ads to pop up in related searches, but it lacked specific keyword targeting. Well, that’s all changed! Now you can select relevant keywords during setup, making it a breeze to reach your ideal audience. TikTok even offers keyword recommendations to help you fine-tune your campaign. How handy is that?
Why should you care? A whopping 57% of users utilise TikTok’s search function, and 23% are searching within 30 seconds of opening the app. That creates an amazing opportunity for your brand to stand out! Brands that run Search Ads alongside In-Feed Ads typically see an average 20% increase in conversions—definitely something to consider!
As TikTok solidifies its position as a go-to destination for product discovery, these enhanced Search Ads will become even more crucial for brands looking to elevate their presence on the platform. Now’s the time to dive into these exciting features and get your brand noticed!
TikTok Boosts Subscription Options for Creators
Exciting news is on the horizon as the platform expands its subscription feature, giving more creators the chance to cultivate an audience of loyal, paying subscribers. Initially launched in 2022 for Live creators, this expansion means ALL creators can now tap into this fantastic opportunity!
So, what’s the scoop? Subscriptions allow creators to offer their dedicated followers exclusive perks and access to a vibrant members-only community for a monthly fee. This is a game-changer for building deeper connections and encouraging meaningful engagement with your audience.
Eligible creators get to customise their subscription packages with three different pricing tiers, which is super flexible! Here’s what you can expect:
• Private Communication Channels: Subscribers can enjoy direct access to chats and messages, making it easier to connect and interact!
• Exclusive Content: Think special videos, live sessions, and behind-the-scenes notes that are reserved just for subscribers. This is your chance to give them that VIP experience!
• Community Identifiers: Unique stickers and badges will help showcase a creator’s community identity, fostering a sense of belonging among subscribers.
• Customised Perks: TikTok offers ready-made perks, but the real fun comes from allowing creators to design their own unique offerings. Get creative with what you want to provide!
This initiative not only helps creators enhance their offerings but also strengthens community ties while opening up exciting new revenue streams. But there’s a catch—creators must be 18+, have a solid account standing, and boast at least 10,000 followers and 100,000 video views in the past month to qualify.
While this feature is geared towards larger accounts, it’s a smart move by TikTok to encourage community connections. The expanded subscription feature will roll out to eligible creators in select regions soon, so keep your eyes peeled! It’s time to level up your TikTok game and explore all the amazing possibilities this new feature offers!
Instagram adds new stickers and a Revamped ‘Emoji Pong’ Game
Get ready to amp up your social media game because Instagram is stepping up the fun factor with some exciting new features! We’re talking about brand-new sticker types to add flair to your Stories and Reels, along with a revamped version of the classic “Emoji Pong” game that’s perfect for challenging your friends!
First up, brace yourselves for 38 fresh stickers—yes, you heard that right! You’ll find everything from classic hearts to playful days of the week. While this might not be a complete overhaul, these delightful additions are all about giving you more ways to connect and express yourself as we gear up for the festive season. Whether you’re sharing your latest adventures or just feeling those holiday vibes, these stickers will add a personal touch to your content!
But that’s just the beginning! Instagram has also revamped the “Emoji Pong” game, which lets you DM an emoji to a friend. Here’s the fun part: if either of you taps on the emoji, you can dive into an exciting challenge together! This feature first made its debut as a surprise back in March, and now it’s back with a polished user interface that makes the experience even more enjoyable and engaging.
These updates are especially perfect for students returning to school, as they’re on the lookout for fresh and interactive ways to engage with friends on the app. Whether you’re trying to beat your bestie’s score or simply having a good laugh, these features are sure to keep the good times rolling. While they might not dramatically change the platform’s functionality, they add that sprinkle of novelty that enhances Instagram’s appeal as an interactive space.
So, make sure to check out these exciting updates in the latest version of the app. Dive in, start exploring, and unleash your creativity with those new stickers and the revamped Emoji Pong game! Your Stories and DMs are about to get a whole lot more fun!
Instagram Rolls Out New Protections for Younger Users with the new Instagram Teen Accounts
Instagram is enhancing its safety features for teen users with the introduction of new “Teen Accounts,” designed to provide a safer experience for users aged 13-17. These accounts come with six key restrictions:
Private Accounts: All teens are automatically set to private accounts. Teens under 16 will need parental approval to switch to public, limiting who can connect with them, view their content, and send them DMs.
Messaging Restrictions: Teens can only be messaged by people they follow. By default, the strictest settings are applied to reduce unwanted contact.
Sensitive Content Controls: The app will automatically apply the highest level of sensitive content control for all teen users.
Limited Interactions: Teens can only be tagged or mentioned by people they follow, and potentially offensive terms are filtered out by default using the Hidden Words feature.
Time Limit Reminders: Teens will receive reminders to take a break after 60 minutes of daily use, helping them manage their time on the app.
Sleep Mode: Notifications are muted from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m., encouraging better screen time habits. Direct messages will receive automatic replies during this period.
These new protections will be automatically activated for all teen users, with those under 16 needing parental permission to disable them. As Instagram shifts towards safer interactions for teens, it’ll be interesting to see how these changes impact their usage. Could these stricter settings lead teens to adjust their habits—or possibly push them towards other platforms? Time will tell how teen engagement on Instagram evolves with these updates.
Snapchat Partners with Google for Expanded AI Push
Exciting news in the tech world! Snapchat CEO Evan Spiegel has announced that the platform is integrating Google’s Gemini AI system to enhance its own AI features. Until now, Snap’s “My AI” bot has been powered by OpenAI’s GPT models, making this shift noteworthy.
So, why the change? Reports suggest that Gemini’s capabilities will allow My AI to better understand various information types, including text, audio, images, and videos. Spiegel describes My AI as a “brilliant best friend” for users, enabling engaging conversations and problem-solving based on visual context.
This move indicates that Google’s systems might be more adept at handling multimodal inputs compared to OpenAI. While it’s unclear if Snapchat will completely phase out OpenAI, the partnership with Google appears to align better with user engagement.
With Google and Meta ramping up their AI capabilities, Snapchat’s shift to Gemini could signal a broader trend in the industry. It’s an interesting development to watch!
Pinterest New Collage Features for Creative Sharing
Pinterest is stepping up its game with fresh collage options! They’re introducing “Collage Remixing” and “Collage Sharing” to make your creative experience even more interactive.
Since launching the collage feature last September—originally inspired by the popularity of their “Shuffles” app—users have enjoyed digitally cutting and combining elements from various Pins to create unique visuals. Now, the fun just got even better!
With Collage Remixing, you can collaborate with others by building on existing collages. This means you can take someone else’s stunning creation and give it your own twist while giving credit to the original creator. It’s a fantastic way to inspire creativity and share ideas!
Plus, the new Collage Sharing feature allows you to download your collages as videos, perfect for sharing on other platforms. While the Pin links won’t be clickable in these clips, they’ll include Pinterest watermarks to direct viewers back to the source. If you’re posting to IG Stories, you can even add custom stickers linking back to your Pinterest post!
These updates are sure to enhance engagement, especially among Gen Z users who are loving the collage trend. Pinterest is also developing collage ads, and it’s clear that this format is catching the attention of other platforms, too—hello, Instagram!
X to Remove Account Blocking Features: What You Need to Know
X is shaking things up with a significant change to its account blocking functionality! After a year of discussions, they’re moving forward by removing the block button from various areas within the app, sparking plenty of conversation among users.
So, what does this mean for you? While you’ll still be able to block users directly from their profiles, it’s important to note that blocked accounts will still have access to your public posts. If you want to keep your updates away from certain eyes, you’ll need to either post privately or limit visibility to your followers—definitely something to keep in mind as you navigate your social strategy!
The reasoning behind this change? Well, anyone can access public content—even if blocked—by simply logging in through another account or using incognito mode. However, blocking has always provided crucial safety for users facing harassment by preventing unwanted accounts from seeing updates directly in their feeds. It’s a balancing act that raises some concerns!
Interestingly, both the App Store and Google Play Store require a blocking feature, which leads to questions about how X plans to comply with those guidelines while diluting this option.
Elon Musk, the owner of X, views blocking as a hindrance to post visibility and is aiming to enhance reach by making it less accessible. While he insists that blocking will remain a feature, its decreased visibility could lead to complications for users. It’s a bold move that may create more challenges than it solves, but Musk is pushing forward regardless.
Stay informed as these changes unfold, and make sure you’re adapting your approach to maintain your online safety and engagement!
Meta is rolling out some exciting new AI features
Over the next few weeks, you’ll start seeing these updates, and they are game-changers for creators, brands, and even casual users
Here’s what’s new with Meta AI:
Voice Interaction: Meta AI now talks back! You can ask for advice, hear stories, or chat about your day—and the coolest part? You can choose from voices like Dame Judi Dench or even John Cena. Perfect for hands-free social media moments!
Photo Replies: Ever wanted to share a photo in chat and get instant info? Now you can. Meta AI can now tell you more about the photos you share—whether it’s identifying a flower or explaining a dish you want to cook.
Photo Editing Just Got Easier: Want to add or remove an object from your pic? Meta AI can now help you tweak photos like a pro. Need a new background? No problem—just ask Meta AI, and voilà! Instant backdrop change.
AI-Generated Selfies: Introducing imagine yourself—you can now create and share AI-generated selfies across Feed, Stories, and Profiles. Think fun filters, but next level!
Automatic Reels Dubbing: Meta AI is testing an incredible new feature where your Reels get automatically dubbed and lip-synced in different languages, making your content accessible to a global audience. It’s only available to a few creators in the U.S. and Latin America for now, but fingers crossed for a wider rollout soon!
Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses: They’ve upgraded the features for smart glasses and unveiled Orion—the most advanced AR glasses prototype yet. AR experiences are about to hit a whole new level.
Meta AI is evolving to be more creative and useful, giving you more tools to make content creation easier. With voice features, instant photo editing, and even multilingual dubbing for Reels, you can save time and still create top-notch, interactive content.
Whether you’re a brand looking to expand your reach or a creator wanting to play around with new tools, Meta AI’s updates are making the platform more intuitive and fun.
That wraps up this week’s Social Scoop Unplugged! 🚀 Remember, the world of social media never stops evolving, and neither should your strategy. Stay curious, keep experimenting, and don’t forget to adapt to these exciting updates as they unfold.
If you’ve found this helpful, share it with your network or drop me a message with your thoughts and feedback. Until next time, keep shining and be creative online!