New social media features and updates to know this week
Updates to X, TikTok, Threads and more.
It’s 2024 and we have this year’s first batch of social media updates. Now that we’re back in the swing of things, let’s dig into what’s new.
X
X Designer Andrea Conway posted that media grids will be launched soon, though one commenter noted that the feature is already here. Media grids are similar to Instagram’s layout where images and vids are arranged in eye-catching, colorful rows. Users should soon see X’s new format on the web profiles, search pages and iOS and Android devices. Have you seen it yet?
Meta
Social media expert Matt Navarra posted on Threads that Facebook is encouraging group administrators to join a waitlist to access Meta AI. According to a photo he shared, Meta AI can take over admin responsibilities like answering group questions, connecting people to group posts and more. Using Meta AI in groups could save admins time by doing the grunt work for them. The feature is being rolled out regionally.
Threads
Threads is testing out API functionality, which will allow users to schedule content and post using third-party tools, according to Social Media Today.
In other news, Paluzzi posted on X that Instagram is adding notes to profiles. Rolled out in December 2022, a note is a post of 60 characters or less that can have emojis or text, according to Meta. According to his post, notes on profiles:
- Expire after three days.
- Only mutuals can leave them.
- Can be removed at any time.
- Users can turn off the feature in the edit profile section.
Yugi Motta, a product designer, posted on Threads that Instagram is now giving users the choice to keep their profile photos small if someone tries to enlarge them. If an account is public, the person’s profile and posts can be visible to anyone with or without an Instagram account. If their account is set to private, only approved followers can see what is posted and other personal details.
TikTok
TikTok made some improvements to its app to make it more visually appealing on “larger screens and foldable devices” according to a TikTok announcement. The updates include “a seamless and visually appealing TikTok experience for users worldwide, regardless of the device they choose,” TikTok announced. The app updates include better clarity for videos, an improved navigation bar for easier access to more tabs and an improved viewing experience in portrait or landscape mode.
LinkedIn announced a new AI-powered educational tool available on LinkedIn Learning. The coaching tool helps users find answers to the next steps in their learning with AI guidance. LinkedIn’s current areas of focus are in leadership and management. Users can visit LinkedIn Learning and describe what issues they’re dealing with at work or pose a question on the platform. The AI-powered tool will scour the LinkedIn Learning Library and provide information on how to take the next step to address the problem.
Reddit announced that the platform is doing away with the live chat posts soon. It will disable the setting for new and current communities, according to its announcement. Current live chat posts will be turned into standard posts with a comment section.
Sherri Kolade is a writer and conference producer at Ragan Communications. She enjoys watching old films, reading and building an authentically curated life. Follow her on LinkedIn. Message her if you have a great PR/comms speaker in mind for a Ragan event.
