Social media updates and new features to know this week

Happy Tuesday, social friends! We have numerous updates to dive into this week. Some standouts include Meta’s new tool to weed out certain terms for AI ad creation, LinkedIn’s expanding verification and YouTube’s new community metrics. Read on to see how these updates can inform your strategy.

Threads

Threads has rolled out a major update that allows users to type up to 10,000 characters of text to a single post, complete with formatting options like bold, italics, underline and strikethrough.

The longer text appears as a compact block under the post that can be expanded to read in full, with any included links also carried through, Meta explains.

The feature makes it easier to share deeper perspectives, teasers or external content without breaking posts into multiple threads or relying on screenshots.

Snapchat

Snapchat has introduced the Imagine Lens, its first open prompt image-generation Lens. This feature allows users to create, edit and recreate AI-generated pictures by typing in their own prompts, per For example, one prompt could say, “Can you turn me into a cartoon?”

Any description you come up with becomes a visual effect generated by AI.

The Imagine Lens is currently only available to Snapchat+ Platinum and Lens+ subscribers.

Instagram

Instagram has introduced the ability for users to pin their own comments on posts, an enhancement to its existing pinned comments feature, which previously only allowed pinning comments from others.

Instagram has officially launched a dedicated iPad app, giving users a way to browse, create and connect on a larger screen for the first time, though users have been requesting this for years. It’s really amazing this didn’t exist before.

The app takes full advantage of the iPad’s display, opening directly into Reels for a video-first experience, while Stories appear across the top and main navigation tools are organized in a new sidebar, Instagram said.

The iPad app also introduces a Following feed tab with options to All, Friends or Latest posts, with a split-view layout that lets users check notifications, comments and messages without leaving the main feed.

Lastly, Instagram has introduced a new ranking system that uses machine learning to make notifications more relevant and varied.

The system reduces repetitive alerts by demoting notifications that are too similar to ones users recently received, while still personalizing content based on factors like creator, content type and product.

This update helps users see a wider variety of notifications, lowers overall notification volume, and improves engagement by keeping alerts both interesting and useful.

Meta

Meta has introduced a new “Restricted Words” feature within the Branding section of the ad creation process.

Social media analyst and researcher Jon Loomer explained that the tool allows advertisers to specify certain words or phrases they wish to exclude from AI-generated text in Advantage+ Creative campaigns.

By doing so, brands can maintain their unique voice and prevent the inclusion of terms that may not align with their messaging or tone.

As an example, Loomer says some advertisers might choose to restrict words like “fluff” or “unlock,” which are commonly used in AI-generated content but may not resonate with their audience.

The tool enhances the quality and relevance of AI-generated ad copy, ensuring it better reflects the brand’s identity, Loomer said.

LinkedIn

LinkedIn is expanding verification to more businesses by making verified checkmarks available to all organizations with a Premium Company Page subscription.

In addition, the platform is rolling out verification requirements for key roles, starting with recruiters and executives, in order to strengthen trust, reduce impersonation and help professionals engage with greater confidence across the platform.

“Our recent research found that 85% of business buyers say that trust is critical. Having a verified company Page signals to buyers, prospects, and job seekers that your business is real, credible, and trustworthy,” LinkedIn stated in a release.

TikTok

TikTok has introduced several new tools to support creators on TikTok Shop, aiming to enhance sales and content creation.

• Creator Pilot Program: This updated program now automatically enrolls new affiliate and marketing creators with 1,000 to 5,000 followers into a 30-day onboarding phase. During this period, creators are limited to five product promotion videos and three live streams per week, ensuring they familiarize themselves with TikTok’s shopping requirements and guidelines.
• Creator Policy Quizzes: Helps creators understand and comply with content policies. Passing these quizzes can improve account standing and reduce the likelihood of policy violations.
• Measurement scores: This includes Creator Health Rating and Promotion Performance Score, which provide creators with insights into their account’s compliance and the effectiveness of their promotional content.
• Violation Snapshot: This feature offers a detailed view of specific content that may have breached TikTok Shop policies, aiding creators in addressing potential issues.
• Video Pre-Check: This tool allows creators to upload videos for review before posting, helping identify and correct potential violations in advance.

YouTube

YouTube has rolled out several new features for improved creator engagement and content monetization.

Creators can now access detailed Community Metrics, allowing them to track engagement levels of individual followers and identify their most loyal viewers. This data helps build stronger relationships and can help creators tailor content to audience preferences.

Additionally, YouTube has launched Collaborative Playlists, enabling multiple users to contribute to a single playlist.

For monetization, YouTube Shopping has been expanded, allowing creators to tag products directly in longform videos, live streams and Shorts, streamlining the shopping experience for viewers.

Watch the full update here.

Courtney Blackann is a communications reporter. Connect with her on LinkedIn or email her at [email protected].