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Enebral Sainz4/16/24 11:44 AM6 min read

2024 Social Media Updates & News

Stay ahead of the curve with our comprehensive roundup of 2024's most significant social media updates and news, meticulously organized by platform to empower marketers with the latest insights and trends.

 

 

january

 

New on Meta 

  • EU users will be able to control how their information is used across each element of Meta’s platforms: Facebook, Instagram, and Messenger presences. Read more
  • Meta announced that it will remove and consolidate some of its detailed ad targeting options to avoid manual, granular ad targeting. Read more
  • Instagram is testing a new collaborative feature that will allow users to create Stories for their friends. Read more
  • Instagram has now rolled out its new “Flipside” alternative profile space, which is only accessible to you and your chosen connections. Read more

New on TikTok

  • TikTok has added the new “Cutout” editing option, which enables users to easily replace the background of their video with an alternative scene. Read more
  • TikTok keeps improving platform accessibility by allowing users to adjust TikTok’s text size via a new slider in the Settings. Read more
  • TikTok is testing the new 30-minute video upload option in the app’s beta version, which will also include broader monetization potential. Read more
  • TikTok is offering some creators “increased views” on content shot in landscape format to experiment with different content types. Read more

 

New on X (Twitter)

  • X is testing a new dedicated video tab that will be located in the lower function bar of the app to make it easier to discover the latest video content. Read more
  • X announced a new partnership with Shopify, providing more opportunities for Shopify merchants to promote their products in the app. Read more
  • X has added a new ad option that will enable marketers to target X Premium subscribers specifically with their campaigns. Read more
  • X community admins can now add up to 10 topic tags to their groups, which will help highlight them in related in-app searches to improve discovery. Read more

 

New on other platforms

  • YouTube has launched its AdBlitz hub, where all the Super Bowl ads will be displayed before, during, and after the big game. Read more
  • LinkedIn has announced that Lookalike Audiences will be discontinued as an ad targeting option. Recommended alternatives are “Predictive Audiences” or “Audience Expansion”. Read more
  • Pinterest has expanded its direct linking options, offering brands more opportunities to drive traffic and conversions from their Pins and Pin ads. Read more

 

february

 

New on Meta 

  • Meta expanded access to its Creator Marketplace tool, allowing businesses in more regions to search for Instagram creators. Read more
  • Meta is collaborating with industry partners to establish standards for identifying AI-generated content, with plans to label such images on Facebook, Instagram, and Threads in the coming months. Read more
  • Instagram is testing carousels within Reels, offering users and brands the ability to post multiple videos or still images in a single Reels post. Read more
  • Meta introduced the 'Meta Verified' comment filter on Instagram, enabling prioritized engagement for verified celebrities and individuals. Read more


New on TikTok

  • TikTok, in collaboration with the Cannes Film Festival, is hosting its third annual #TikTokShortFilm competition until March 15th, providing creators a global platform. Read more

  • TikTok’s AI-powered Creative Assistant tool is now on Adobe Express and TikTok’s Creative Center, allowing users to access trend-based ideas and inspiration in both apps. Read more

  • TikTok is prompting users to download a dedicated Search shortcut, simplifying content discovery and providing quick access to TikTok content from their device’s Home Screen.  Read more

New on X (Twitter)

  • X is testing a sorting feature for post replies, allowing users to arrange responses by “Most recent”, “Most liked” or "Trending”. Read more
  • X broadened access for all advertisers to vertical video feed ads, which appear when users tap through specific video clips in-stream. Read more
  • Following successful testing with YouTube star MrBeast, X introduced the "Creator Targeting" ad option, enabling brands to sponsor approved video creators in the app, with ads displayed as pre-rolls. Read more

New on other platforms

  • YouTube introduced the "Collab" tool for Shorts,  allowing creators to engage in split-screen duets and respond to existing videos, enhancing competition with TikTok’s popular feature. Read more
  • LinkedIn is discontinuing its"Creator Mode" option,  removing profile hashtags, and keeping most  Creator Mode elements as optional tools for all users, including the retention of the "Follow" button. Read more
  • Pinterest introduced the "Pinterest Palette,"  summarizing color trends from dominant Pins and identifying five key palettes expected to resonate this year. Read more

 

march

 

New on Meta 

  • Instagram has launched its new “Ads with Promo Codes” option to all brands globally. Read more
ads-promo-codes-meta
  • Instagram updated hashtag search, now directing users to broader search results instead of "Top Posts" for improved discovery within the app. Read more
  • Meta is restricting political content, requiring users to opt-in to view it in their main feed, reflecting its move away from news and politics since 2021. Read more
  • Instagram is testing longer Reels, allowing some users to upload 3-minute videos instead of the current 90-second limit. Read more
  • Instagram introduced new DM features, including message editing within 15 minutes of sending and pinning up to 3 chats to the top of the inbox. Read more

New on TikTok

  • TikTok introduced the Creator Rewards Program to pay creators for uploading high-quality content based on originality, play duration, search value, and audience engagement. Read more
  • TikTok added more commerce promotion options by launching Video Shopping Ads globally and allowing brands to auto-populate their product catalog into Carousel and Product Tiles formats. Read more
  • TikTok updated the “Sounds for Business” library with influencer audio clips, offering advertisers more options for campaigns. Read more

 

New on other platforms

  • YouTube is forcing creators to label AI-generated videos to facilitate viewer discernment between real and synthetic content. Read more
  • LinkedIn is expanding its Thought Leader ads to allow brands to promote content from any user on the platform, not just their own employees. Read more
  • Pinterest introduced "Body Type Ranges" AI-powered search filter for women’s fashion and other verticals, aiding users in finding more inclusive results. Read more

 

april-1

 

New on Meta 


  • Meta is updating its AI labeling policy to recognize more AI-generated content in various forms, labeling them as "Made with AI," using both industry signals and user disclosures. Read more
  • Instagram introduced a Notify sticker for creators, enhancing their ability to notify fans about their posts within the app. Read more
  • Meta introduced Meta AI, an advanced chatbot across its platforms, enabling users to access real-time information without leaving the apps. Read more
  • Instagram has confirmed it will roll out Profile Notes to all users, offering a new way to share thoughts and prompt engagement on profiles. Read more


New on X

  • Elon Musk hinted at reviving Vine with a tweet amid controversies, as the X team explores the app's code base for potential revival. Read more
  • X is incentivizing brands to join Verified for Organizations, offering ad credits equal to the subscription cost, aiming to boost participation and engagement. Read more
  • X appointed a new Head of Safety, Kylie McRoberts, aiming to enhance moderation processes following previous controversies, including disagreements over content safety standards. Read more

 

New on other platforms

  • After President Biden approved the TikTok sell-off bill, the platform faces a 270-day deadline for acquisition by a US-based owner or potential ban in the US, prompting TikTok to vow legal opposition, labeling the bill as an unconstitutional threat. Read more
  • YouTube is introducing new Shopping features for creators, including Shopping Collections, enabling creators to curate products from their favorite brands for users to browse through. Read more
  • LinkedIn is experimenting with a premium business subscription option, LinkedIn Premium Company Pages, offering dedicated features for brands to stand out on the platform. Read more
  • Snapchat introduced an AR ring try-on experience for Cartier's Trinity Collection campaign, allowing users to virtually try on the latest ring design on their own finger. Read more

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