Social Updates You May Have Missed – October 2024

Another day, another social media update. When every platform changes daily, it can be difficult to keep up. But, don’t you worry. Our social team has been in the weeds, scouring the headlines, and endlessly scrolling so we can keep ourselves (and you!) updated. Here are a few of our favorite stories:

Social News

Threads is on the rise

After a huge launch then steady decline, it’s back on the rise with a lot of new updates. 

But X Is Not

Well, it depends on who you ask. Reports say users in the US and UK have declined in recent months, but it seems that Mr. Musk is reading a different report as he continuously touts that usership is going up.

TikTok Misinformation Measures

TikTok is working with third-party brand safety partners to reassure advertisers their ads won’t run alongside misinformation claims. We love to see it!

What’s Launched Recently?

Music on Instagram Profiles

Yup, now you can add your favorite tune to your IG profile. Takes us back to the ol’ Myspace days. (Just please don’t add a Top 8!) You can find this update under “Edit Profile.” 

You can now Edit DMs on X

But only if the person hasn’t seen it yet. 

20 Slide Carousels on Instagram

We weren’t sure this was necessary but then we posted 15 pics in our last photo dump so maybe they’re on to something with this one. 

Teen Protections

Instagram and YouTube have both announced new features recently to protect teens – like auto private accounts, restrictions on DMs, time limit reminders, safe content recommendations, and hidden words.

What’s Coming?

Instagram Friends Map

They’re currently testing real-time location sharing with your IG followers. If you’re still using Snap Maps it’s basically the IG version of that. They’ve been teasing this one for a while though, so we’ll be interested to see if and when it actually launches. 

Instagram Vertical Grids

This might be controversial but we’re actually excited about this one. Vertical formats tend to perform better than squares, but they get cut off on a grid view. This update would solve that problem. But like the Friends Map, we’ve been hearing about this one for a while.

No More Blocks on X

Well, kind of. If you’re public, blocked accounts can now see your posts but won’t be able to engage. It’s pretty interesting that while other platforms are ramping up safety protections, X seems to be doing the opposite.

Edit “Rule Breaking” YouTube Videos

Creators will be able to remove certain elements that go against guidelines after a video has been posted. We think this is a great update in case you make an honest mistake. 

New Kids on The Block 

Coverstar

A safer version of TikTok aimed at creating a positive community for kids. In their words, “Coverstar may look exactly like TikTok, but it is vastly different — and better — when it comes to creating a safer space for kids to express themselves.” 

Bluesky

Ok, not quite a newbie since it launched last year, but we’ve been hearing a lot more about this one recently. It’s basically an X dupe that describes itself as “social media as it should be.” The platform gives you more control over your scroll with content filters, moderation lists, and feed subscription options. 

Social AI

Ok this is our personal favorite. Social AI is like a version of X where you can connect with millions of… bots?! That’s right. Send a tweet and then select the types of bots that interact with you. (Trolls, supporters, skeptics, flirts, anything!) BRB going to pretend we’re all influencers now. 

Our social team lives and breathes all things social. If you ever have any questions or need help with your brand’s social media strategy and content, let’s chat!