New social media features and updates to know this week

This week’s social media updates deliver plenty for marketers, creators and everyday users to pay attention to.

LinkedIn introduced new ad tools and a content strategy hub, Meta made it easier to share large files on Messenger and YouTube rolled out AI-generated music tracks for creators. Add in enhanced teen protections for Meta’s suite of platforms, smarter event planning on WhatsApp and fresh ad formats on Snapchat, and there’s a lot to catch up on.

Here’s what you need to know.

LinkedIn
LinkedIn has launched a new “Create on LinkedIn” page to help users improve their content strategy.

The mini site offers practical tips, best practices, and examples for creating engaging posts, including dedicated sections for newsletters, events and video content. It also includes links to LinkedIn Learning courses to help users elevate their strategies.

The networking site also has new templates in Canva to help users design, export and promote B2B video ads on LinkedIn.

Meta
Large file sharing on Meta just became easier with an update to Messenger.

The platform now allows file sharing of up to 100 megabytes, increasing from 10 MB. It supports all major file formats, including Word, Excel and PDF, as well as video and photo files. Users can also create HD shared albums on both desktop and mobile versions of Messenger.

Meta also announced new protections for teens on Instagram, including requiring parental permission for teens under 16 to go Live or disable certain protections, such as blurring sensitive images in DMs. These features will expand to Facebook and Messenger.

Meta reported that 97% of teens aged 13-15 have kept these default protections in place, and 94% of parents in the United States told the platform the features are helpful.

The rollout will begin in the U.S., United Kingdom, Australia and Canada, with more regions to follow.

Threads
Threads may soon allow users to add multiple links to their profiles.

This feature, spotted in testing by app researcher Alessandro Paluzzi, would allow users to show one main link with an option to tap through to more links, .

WhatsApp
WhatsApp has released a series of updates aimed at improving chatting, calling, and following channels.

Admins can now post short video notes up to 60 seconds, auto-generate transcripts for voice messages and share QR codes .

Group chats now show how many participants are online, and new notification controls let members receive alerts only for @mentions, replies or messages from saved contacts. WhatsApp also added features for event planning, such as creating events in one-on-one chats, setting an end time and inviting a plus-one.

On the calling side, users can add someone to an ongoing call directly from a chat. The platform has also improved video call quality with better routing technology and automatic bandwidth detection.

There are also some iPhone-specific updates, such as allowing those users to scan and send documents using the device’s camera and a pinch-to-zoom feature for video calls.

Reddit
Reddit has launched a “Partners” feature to make it easier for third-party agencies and partner businesses to collaborate with the platform’s 101 million daily users.

This update to Reddit Business Manager allows brands to invite others to help manage campaigns, share ad profiles and extend credit lines across accounts. Key features include:

• Running co-branded campaigns using a partner’s profile.
• Allowing agencies to use the advertiser’s credit line for billing.
• Managing campaigns on behalf of clients or partners.
• The ability to collaborate across accounts in a unified workflow.

Reddit plans to one day allow the sharing of audiences and ad accounts.

Snapchat
Snapchat introduced sponsored AI lenses, a new ad format that uses generative AI tech to create interactive, personalized AR experiences.

These Lenses allow users to transform their appearance, such as trying out ‘90s hairstyles or futuristic looks, while engaging with brands. For example, Tinder used AI to create a “My 2025 Dating Vibe” lens, while the band Coldplay launched an immersive experience for their album “Moon Music.”

These tools are available in the Lens Carousel.

TikTok
TikTok has launched a new Specialized Rewards Program to offer extra earnings to select creators in areas like film, TV, automotive, education and sports.

This invite-only program adds to the platform’s existing Creator Rewards payouts. Social media consultant Matt Navarra notes that it’s part of TikTok’s strategy to retain top talent amid growing competition from Meta and the threat of a possible ban in the U.S.

X
X appears to be testing a series of new direct messaging features designed to make the platform more like other full-service messaging apps.

Social Media Today reported that the updates include all-user message encryption, expanded file sharing capabilities, unlock codes, vanishing mode and message deletion for both sender and recipient.

X is also tapping into its sports fan base with the launch of its new NBA Portal, which debuts just in time for the 2025 NBA Playoffs. The portal offers real-time stats, standings, a Feed Tab with trending content, and a dedicated hub for fan conversations during the postseason.

YouTube
Music-loving content creators are gaining more control over their content with several new updates.

The video platform is expanding its Creator Music tool, allowing users to generate custom AI tracks for their videos, according to the Creator Insider series. Creators can describe the type of music they need, and the AI will produce an audio clip based on their input.

YouTube is also trying out a beat-matching feature for Shorts that automatically syncs video clips with chosen music, making it easier for creators to edit.

In terms of monetization, YouTube is testing a faster online ID verification method, which would replace the traditional PIN system.

Lastly, YouTube is testing a “Subscribe+” button to simplify how viewers discover and access channel memberships, addressing confusion around the difference between the “Subscribe” and “Join” buttons.

Casey Weldon is a reporter for PR Daily. Follow him on LinkedIn.