10 Recent Social Media News Stories You Need to Read

August 04, 2021

It's been a busy few weeks for social media!

There have been so many new developments and changes that it can be hard to keep up, whether you're on a social network for business, inspiration or news.

Luckily, we've done the work for you and compiled some of the latest news stories that you need to know about—from across Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and more.

We're here to keep you updated with the latest happenings in the world of social media and online marketing. Here are nine recent stories that caught our eye:
 

1. Instagram will not focus on photos anymore.

Instagram will always be trying to build new features that benefit its users’ experience.

The head of Instagram announced that they will be prioritizing video content over photos, to create a more entertaining experience.

They’ll also be experimenting with how they can embrace video more broadly. It will start with an immersive full screen and entertaining experience, then follow up that flexibility to use anything from a mobile standpoint.

So don’t be surprised if you see more video posts on Instagram in the months to come. Plenty of updates are on the horizon for the platform, with videos being a high priority.

Creators, messaging, and shopping is also part of the changes coming to the social network.
 

2. Instagram now allows users to link to specific pages with Stickers.

One of the best ways to drive traffic from Instagram Stories to your website is by using swipe-up options. However, only verified accounts or those with over 10,000 followers have been granted this privilege so far.

Instagram is testing a new feature that will let you link back to a landing page or website through a sticker. They announced plans to make these stickers available for everyone shortly, and the ability to reply with stickers in DMs as well.

This newly introduced test will be used to monitor the types of links people typically post and keep an eye out for spam and misinformation.
 

3. Instagram will examine the content in the main feed for new in-feed recommendations.

Instagram's “Suggested Posts” feature received mostly positive feedback from its trial, so they have launched a new test that will mix brand-centred ads with recommended content in users' main feeds.

One such example of a useful setting that Instagram could introduce, according to recent updates, is the control for users to add topics of interest and “snooze” recommendations for up to 30 days.
 

4. Twitter plans live streaming of key summer events.

With summer in full swing and vaccination season coming to a close, live events are starting up. Twitter has shared some fantastic occasions, including cultural happenings and sporting events, that brands can participate in to engage with the community.
 

5. Instagram releases a new video ad format.

The platform has announced plans to introduce Instagram Ads for Reels, expanding the format from a 30-second video to a looping reel with up to 30 seconds of video content that can be commented on and shared.

Reels are already very popular for many brands. Now, Instagram wants to boost its popularity even further by introducing a new type of ad.

After piloting the service in select countries, Instagram unveiled its Reels ads feature to the world last month. Recognized as the best place on Instagram for reaching people who don’t follow you or as a growing global stage where brands can be discovered by anyone, Reels just became an ad format.

Businesses can reach more people through these campaigns, which pair brands and creators for inspiring content.
 

6. Facebook announced more ways users can customize their experience.

Dan Levy, Facebook’s Chief Business Officer and Advertising Head, recently spoke on the company’s roadmap plans. He commented on where they are focusing efforts in developing personalized experiences for users while maintaining a focus on user safety.

Facebook is using their new updates to ensure better privacy protection through product innovations, features that allow people to discover products more easily, and the tools needed for business growth.

Businesses have been facing a permanent shift in people’s behavior: online shopping, which may have taken 10 years to catch on, exploded within just 12 months. Combined with growing technologies for the privacy of customers’ information and broad generational opportunities for our industry to innovate, this is an exciting time for us.

The responsibility falls on both businesses and customers to develop new methods of managing personal data for advertising purposes.
 

7. TikTok announced a new feature that will make it easier to find and connect with potential employers.

TikTok unveiled their TikTok Resumes initiative, an app feature that will help them become the new go-to channel for recruiters and job seekers. You can find it in the app by searching for #TikTokResumes, then create job-related content or submit videos to what has been posted.

TikTok has partnered with several leading brands to test the format as an alternate way for job applicants to showcase their experiences and skillsets along with applying professionally in video formats.

Honestly, we can’t wait to see how the platform helps redefine recruiting with TikTok Resumes and help recruiters discover new talent.
 

8. Facebook incorporates revolutionary social shopping features.

Facebook Shops just announced experiences in other apps such as Facebook Marketplace and WhatsApp, expanding eCommerce capabilities by adding new features such as ratings and reviews to Instagram.

A new study found that one in three shoppers are cutting back on their in-store time this season, even after the pandemic subsides. The study also revealed that social media is a major influence to these consumers, with a whopping 72% of respondents reporting to get shopping ideas from WhatsApp, Facebook, Messenger, or Instagram.

So, your brand can use information about what your customers typically buy to provide new and personalized shopping experiences for them.

Facebook keeps reshaping the future of shopping by investing in new visual AR tools on Instagram. The tool enables users to find and purchase products with only minimal information, creating a virtual try-before-you-buy experience.

Consumers are becoming less loyal to retail shops, and it's easier than ever to buy online. Find out how the new Facebook eCommerce report can help your business.

To reiterate, buyers are becoming more difficult to please, with specific needs that a company can either meet or not. As such, the future of customer experience will be driven by consumers themselves. Businesses must adapt and innovate to meet these demands, or risk being outpaced.
 

9. Facebook is launching a new portal for publishers called Bulletin.

Facebook has just introduced a new form of media that will make it easier for writers to successfully monetize their content.

The platform, called Facebook Bulletin, provides creators with the opportunity to share long-form texts and audio content in one place.

It does not appear to have any social media aspect, but all of the content will show in news feeds and on the News section. Publishers can customize their branding, pick from pre-made themes, and use embedded multimedia elements to create visually engaging stories.
 

10. Facebook now features audio from live events and podcast episodes.

Facebook has launched a new service for US-based public figures and select Facebook Groups. These social audio features allow such users to connect with their audience using podcasts and Live Audio Rooms.

Live Audio Rooms offers public figures the opportunity to speak with up to 50 peers at a time on live topics of choice.

As for Live Audio Rooms, group admins will now have control over who can create them. Public groups grant all members of the group access to the room while group members in private groups enjoy more privacy with just them being able to join.

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