April Social Media News One Liners

Hello fellow marketers and social media managers!

Hi. 🙂 

My name’s Mark Valasik and this is my Marketing Right Side Up newsletter (and also Youtube channel, and TikTok and Instagram). I help brands do honest and meaningful marketing strategies in a world of dishonesty and short-term tactics.

Yeah right, but why you’re probably here:

I have collected and ordered to a list ALL (noteworthy) Social Media News and Updates in April 2024!

For you, for free, hope it helps!

Yes, the main news are US Senate vote to force divest TikTok and Meta forcing everyone to using their new Meta AI (ChatGPT competitor) without chance to opt-out…

BUT there’s so much more to the news!

Make sure to subscribe, I promise from now on, these will be in a bite size form every week with my added comments.

But since we’re just starting, I thought this might work as well? Maybe? Don’t hurt me!

Full disclosure: I’m but a messenger. I have collected these news from multiple sources, summed it, selected it and ordered it for you to consume comfortably.

My main sources of news are
Matt Navarra’s Geekout 
Ahmed Ghanem 
Radu Oncescu
and Social Media Today
 
You can always follow them directly, or get it here summarized, the choice is yours.

Enjoy!

Table of contents:
1. Adobe
2. AirChat
3. BeReal
4. ChatGPT
5. Google
6. Linkedin
7. Meta
 7.1 Facebook
 7.2 Instagram
 7.3 Messenger
 7.4 Threads
 7.5 Whatsapp
8. Pinterest
9. Reddit
10. Snap
11. Spotify
12. Substack
13. Telegram
14. TikTok
15. Twitter
16. Youtube

Adobe

• Adobe explores partnership with OpenAI for AI video tools. 2024-04-15

• Adobe Premiere Pro to integrate generative AI video tools. 2024-04-15

• Introduces advanced AI image generation tools in Photoshop. 2024-04-23

Airchat

• Silicon Valley's latest craze, Airchat, under scrutiny. 2024-04-16

BeReal

• BeReal adds a feature that records video seconds before taking a photo. 2024-04-19

• BeReal introduces tagging feature for friends, artists, and brands. 2024-04-30

ChatGPT

• ChatGPT features persistent memory across conversations. 2024-04-28

• ChatGPT update includes memory across conversations. 2024-04-30

Google

• Google's AI capabilities expand to include GIF generation with Imagen, emphasizing safe and ethical AI use with new features. 2024-04-09

• Google enables generative AI tools for YouTube and Gmail advertisers. 2024-04-17

Linkedin

• A study reveals the most effective post types on LinkedIn in 2024, with multi-image posts leading in engagement and video posts in shares. 2024-04-05

• LinkedIn enhances its 'Who Viewed Your Profile' feature, providing more context for users about who is viewing their profiles, including influencers. 2024-04-09

• LinkedIn introduces a new feature allowing users to easily find collaborative articles for contributions, enhancing professional engagement and knowledge sharing. 2024-04-11

• LinkedIn expands its security features by supporting Passkeys on iOS, enhancing user authentication processes. 2024-04-11

• LinkedIn launches Premium Company Pages with enhanced features. 2024-04-17

Meta

• Meta plans to launch smaller, more cost-effective versions of its Llama 3 AI models next week. 2024-04-09

• Meta introduces extensive new safety features for Instagram DMs, automatically blurring images detected as containing nudity, especially for teens. The updates aim to protect users from sextortion and unwanted exposure to sensitive content. Additional features include preventing potential sextortion accounts from contacting or finding teen accounts in search results. 2024-04-11

• Meta launches Screen Smart Program to assist parents with device safety. 2024-04-18

• Meta updates AI, integrates it across apps and introduces new features. 2024-04-18

• Will end fundraising tools in the European Economic Area on July 1. 2024-04-25

• Meta's AI Advantage+ advertising tools misfire, causing increased costs and reduced performance. 2024-04-29

Facebook

• Facebook's new policy of paying users to post has led to a surge in spam and account sales. 2024-04-01

• Facebook and Instagram test and implement new features, including changes to Meta Verified labels and camera defaults, and new shortcuts for Stories and profile management. 2024-04-11

• Facebook adds a new cropping tool for Reels to fit video formats. 2024-04-19

• Facebook tests a new Reels feed titled "Nearby." 2024-04-21

• Facebook added categories to the friends list for easier management. 2024-04-30

Instagram

• Instagram tests a new feature allowing users to easily share stories across different apps directly from the interface. 2024-04-05

• Instagram launches 'Instagram University' Broadcast channel to keep users informed about platform updates, trends, and tips, aiming to enhance user engagement and education on the platform. 2024-04-11

• Instagram tests new features for Reels and Stories, including a 'Save' button for reels, to enhance user engagement and content management. 2024-04-11

• Instagram introduces new features for Stories and Notes, including a cutout tool for Reels, prompts for Notes to increase interaction, and displaying Notes on user profiles for 24 hours to enhance engagement. 2024-04-11

• Instagram tests "Inspiration" Reels feed in the EU. 2024-04-12

• Instagram tests DM chatbot for influencers. 2024-04-16

• Instagram introduces feature to hide unwanted reactions on channel posts. 2024-04-18

• Instagram tests a new "Location" sticker for Reels. 2024-04-18

• New DM privacy feature added. 2024-04-30

• Testing a 15-second trim feature for stories. 2024-04-30

• Live feature test for channel subscribers only. 2024-04-30

• Inspiration' moved to 'Tools' section. 2024-04-30

• Algorithm update to boost smaller creators. 2024-04-30

Messenger

• Meta introduces new Messenger features including HD photo sharing, sharable photo albums, and large file transfers, enhancing user interactions. 2024-04-09

• Messenger tests new features including messaging controls and security layers. 2024-04-17

• Mesenger Emojis with sound now available. 2024-04-30

• Messenger now shows when replies are sent. 2024-04-30

Threads

• Threads announces upcoming API features, setting post limits and supporting multimedia formats ahead of its June launch. 2024-04-09

• Threads tests new 'Recent' search filter. 2024-04-16

• Tests a new feature allowing users to automatically archive posts, enhancing user control over content visibility. 2024-04-25

• Introduced Hidden Words feature similar to Instagram. 2024-04-25

• Tests new features for EU users to archive posts. 2024-04-25

• Introduced “copy text” menu to copy text (shocker) and follow everyone in the thread. 2024-04-30

Whatsapp

• WhatsApp tests AI chatbot in India. 2024-04-12

• WhatsApp tests new "Events" feature for Communities on Android. 2024-04-19

• WhatsApp tests automatic generation of monthly account reports in iOS beta. 2024-04-19

• WhatsApp beta tests 3rd party chats feature in the EU. 2024-04-20

Pinterest

• Pinterest tests new view options and introduces a feature for creating collages, enhancing user interaction and content customization. 2024-04-11

• Pinterest introduces new features for iOS users, including view options and collage creation tools, to enhance user engagement and content personalization. 2024-04-11

Reddit

• Reddit's CPO discusses new features for better translations and moderation. 2024-04-17

• Updates its app to enhance user engagement with comments, streamlining the interaction process. 2024-04-25

Snap

• Former Snap AI chief launches Higgsfield, a new AI video generator, to compete with OpenAI's Sora. 2024-04-03

• Snapchat launches an Advanced Partner Program to bolster agency collaborations and enhance ad solutions. 2024-04-04

• Snapchat adjusts its 'Solar System' feature amid backlash, making it opt-in to respect user preferences regarding privacy and social insights. 2024-04-08

• Snapchat introduces a new AR ring try-on experience, incorporating advanced features like Ray Tracing and Hand Tracking for Cartier's campaign. 2024-04-11

• Snapchat tests a new button that simplifies switching between camera lenses, enhancing user interface and experience. 2024-04-11

• Snapchat tests a new interface feature allowing users to switch camera lenses more easily, reflecting ongoing enhancements to user experience. 2024-04-11

• Snapchat enables business profile admins to access more features. 2024-04-17

• Snapchat updates its efforts to promote civic participation ahead of 2024 elections. 2024-04-23

Spotify

• Spotify repurposes its live audio technology for a new feature called Listening Party, enhancing social listening experiences. 2024-04-05

• Spotify introduces features allowing users to remix songs by popular artists, with compensation for rights holders when modified tracks are streamed, though sharing outside of Spotify is restricted. 2024-04-11

Substack

• Substack enhances support for podcasters, enabling them to sync and distribute episodes directly to Spotify, alongside introducing new features like custom audio transcripts and improved clip sharing. 2024-04-11

• Substack enhances Notes feature with video and external embedding. 2024-04-16

Telegram

• Telegram officially launches business accounts with enhanced features for businesses. 2024-04-01

• Telegram adds 15 new features including mass moderation for groups. 2024-04-28

TiKTok

• TikTok is testing a new search feature for gaming livestreams. 2024-04-03

• TikTok's new photo-sharing app 'Notes' creates branding confusion with Instagram's text-based 'Notes' feature, highlighting the competitive dynamics in social media. 2024-04-09

• Taylor Swift's music returns to TikTok ahead of her new album release, possibly due to a separate deal with TikTok or a promotional partnership, despite ongoing disputes with Universal Music Group. 2024-04-11

• TikTok explores the use of virtual influencers for advertising, considering a new feature that generates scripts and avatars based on prompts, potentially impacting creator income. 2024-04-11

• TikTok launches Instagram-like photo app, TikTok Notes. 2024-04-17

• TikTok adds 'Exclusive Feature' label for select users with 30-minute video capability. 2024-04-17

• EU issues ultimatum to TikTok over new app launch and monetization methods. 2024-04-22

• US Senate passes vote to force divest ByteDance from TikTok or face ban in 9 months (see my recent video about this topic)

• TikTok launches a STEM content competition to foster educational content. 2024-04-23

• Plans to challenge the US ban in court, arguing that it infringes on First Amendment rights. 2024-04-25

• TikTok tests sharing comments as stories. 2024-04-26

• TikTok tests new digital avatars feature "AI-Moji". 2024-04-28

Twitter (okay okay, “X”...)

• X is developing new features for its Explore page to enhance user engagement with event summaries. 2024-04-04

• X rolls out features to support community notes in India ahead of elections, enhancing user interaction and content relevance. 2024-04-04

• Elon Musk announces updates to the X algorithm, aiming to reduce clickbait and increase engaging content. 2024-04-11

• A study reveals that X (formerly Twitter) tends to reward content related to hate targeting the Israel-Gaza war, showing that accounts promoting such content saw significant growth following recent conflicts. 2024-04-11

• Elon Musk teases upcoming algorithm updates on X, aiming to enhance content quality by reducing clickbait and promoting more substantial posts. 2024-04-11

• X updates its EU user count, slightly down from last year. 2024-04-28

Youtube

• YouTube launches new features for live streamers, including HDR streaming and live reactions. 2024-04-03

• YouTube introduces new Shopping features to help creators better market products and increase earnings, reflecting a focus on e-commerce. 2024-04-09

• YouTube enhances its affiliate marketing tools. 2024-04-12

• YouTube tests new features for 'Members Only' Shorts. 2024-04-17

• YouTube tests "pause ads" that engage users even when videos are paused. 2024-04-26