As 2023 wraps up, the major social platforms have seen some big updates, partnerships and changes this month. Instagram rolled out new controls for users, TikTok expanded into new areas, while Meta’s private messaging app Threads began testing clickable hashtags. Pinterest also launched a crucial update that directly links ads to brands’ websites aimed at driving more conversions. Let’s review the key developments! Instagram Gives Users More Power Instagram introduced features to put users in the driver’s seat: Globally, you can download public Reels to your camera roll. Creators can disable downloads if they want. Just go to Profile > Settings > Sharing and Remixes > Download your Reels and toggle off the button. An option to share Feed posts and Reels just with close friends boosts privacy. New editing tools aim to improve the video creation process with intuitive features for tweaking clips. Threads Tests Clickable Hashtags Threads, Meta’s private messaging app, is trying out hashtags in Australia — but instead of plain tags, Threads turns the words into blue, clickable links. This differentiates it from platforms like Twitter and Facebook with regular hashtags. TikTok Gets Festive with Retail Partners This holiday season, TikTok is collaborating with major retailers on interactive initiatives: On December 2nd, Walmart will launch an interactive holiday series on TikTok (and Roku, YouTube) enabling direct in-app shopping. Users can buy products straight from videos. Nationwide insurance’s iconic “On Your Side” jingle sparked a viral #NationwideJingleChallenge on TikTok, started by 5-year-old Zaya Campbell’s soulful singing clip. Nationwide then had Zaya and her mom, artist Erica Campbell, record a sequel video and encouraged creative renditions of the catchy tune. It’s a trendy way for Nationwide to showcase their commitment to “being on your side.” TikTok also faces ongoing controversy as Senator Marsha Blackburn spearheads calls for a national ban over data privacy concerns. Compounding challenges, parent company ByteDance initiates layoffs within its gaming division as part of a major restructuring effort. LinkedIn Study Finds Correlation with Imposter Syndrome With LinkedIn approaching 1 billion members, researchers are examining the platform’s psychological impacts. One study from the UK indicates that LinkedIn usage correlates with increased instances of imposter syndrome. As the networking site continues expanding, these findings highlight ethical considerations around social media and self-perception. Pinterest Update Drives More Conversions Pinterest launched a big update that directly links ads to brands’ sites. Early data shows stellar results — linked ads drove 96% more site traffic versus previous campaigns. This helps Pinterest creators expand reach and conversion potential. Stay Ahead of the Latest Trends As we know, social media moves fast with ever-emerging features. Staying current is crucial for brands that want to connect with savvy digital audiences. That’s why we issue this monthly newsletter covering the most impactful and intriguing social media updates. Our insights help you crack cryptic algorithms, optimize your strategy, and resonate online. Don’t risk falling behind due to lack of know-how — subscribe to our newsletter today to navigate this complex landscape confidently. We’ll supply the knowledge so you can focus solely on building communities that truly matter.
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