New social media features you need to know this week  

We’re back again, PR and comms pros. It’s another week, which means new social media news. Let’s hop right to it and read about what’s new and updated with some of your favorite platforms.

Threads

Threads is quickly gaining steam with over 100 million users signed up as of last week, according to The Verge. While the platform has seen a surge in new subscribers, there’s a dip in app usage, CNBC reported. Nevertheless, new tools are headed to the booming platform. Axios reported that Instagram will add branded content tools to Threads, which will let marketers conveniently label paid partnerships with influencers and various brands. Stay tuned for further updates.

Also, new iOS updates for Threads are here, TechCrunch reported. The app had its first update, which includes efficiency changes, small bug fixes, a double-tap search tab option and overall threadline (AKA timeline) repairs to “random images.”

Meta

Meta recently rolled out Avatar Calling, which lets people make calls with their Meta Avatar if they aren’t ready to be on camera, Meta posted. Also, people can send animated avatar stickers when using Facebook or Instagram Reels and Stories. People can share animated avatar stickers through Facebook comments, 1:1 message threads via Messenger and on Instagram. 

Instagram

This platform is testing out a feature that automatically adds product tags to brand story posts based on a brand’s catalog during the upload process, Social Media Today posted. The goal is to highlight important brand information in every frame. These tags can be removed, edited or updated with the in-app tools.

Twitter

Twitter Support announced a new DM option that could help reduce spam. Messages from those you follow will be sent to your main inbox while messages from verified users you don’t follow will be sent to your message request inbox. People who previously received message requests from anyone will see the new setting change and can switch back to their previous settings.

Would you want to hide your blue checkmark on Twitter? That’s now an option, Alessandro Paluzzi tweeted. Users can show or hide their blue checkmark on their profile. Using Twitter Blue features, however, might still reveal that these users have an active subscription, such as tweeting more than 280 characters. Some platform features might also not be available to users when their checkmark is hidden.

Snap 

Snapchat and Linktree joined forces to let platform influencers share more about themselves with an exclusive Linktree integration for Snapchat Public Profiles, Linktree posted. The goal is to have more links on Snapchat. Snapchatters will also receive a three-month free trial of Linktree Pro.

Sherri Kolade is a writer at Ragan Communications. When she is not with her family, she enjoys watching Alfred Hitchcock-style films, reading and building an authentically curated life that includes more than occasionally finding something deliciously fried. Follow her on LinkedIn. Have a great PR story idea? Email her at sherrik@ragan.com.