The second week of July 2024 has witnessed notable advancements across various social media platforms. From groundbreaking updates to pivotal trends, this period has been pivotal in shaping the current digital landscape. Let's delve into the top stories that are reshaping the way we interact and engage online.

1. New Features for Snapchat+ Users

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Snapchat+ subscribers now enjoy an array of exciting updates designed to enhance their experience. These include customizable digital houses on Snap Map, where users can design their personalized cribs visible to friends sharing their location. Additionally, expanded pet Bitmoji capabilities allow pets to accompany users not only on Snap Map but also in chats, adding a delightful touch to conversations. 

For faster interactions, new Snap options now offer expiration times as quick as .10, .25, and .50 seconds, perfect for quick messages or dynamic Stories. Snapchat continues to innovate with features like a live "Mirror" in Bitmoji Builder for all users, and new AI-powered Lenses such as "My 5-Year Old Self," ensuring everyone finds something to enjoy on the platform.

2. Restrictions for Ads Targeting Teens on TikTok

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TikTok has implemented stricter advertising guidelines for teenage users, limiting personalized targeting methods to broader options like location and language. This change aims to enhance privacy and safety for younger audiences on the platform. Advertisers targeting users aged 13-17 can only combine their ads with device, language, and location (excluding zip code), with detailed targeting options such as gender, interests, behaviors, and audiences unavailable for this age group.

3. Improved Audio Removal Options on YouTube

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YouTube has introduced advanced tools for creators to better manage copyrighted audio in their videos. These tools enable creators to replace flagged audio, ensuring videos remain active and monetizable without deletion. Features like "Trim," "Mute," "Replace Song," and the newly added "Erase Song" (previously in beta) offer enhanced editing capabilities for content management.

4. Sponsored Newsletters Launch on LinkedIn

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LinkedIn has launched sponsored newsletters, broadening its advertising options for brands. This feature mirrors sponsored articles, allowing brands to engage with targeted audiences through curated content. This expansion enhances engagement and supports lead generation efforts on the platform. 

Sponsored articles can be posted organically by Company Pages or promoted as part of thought leader ads by LinkedIn members, while sponsored newsletter articles are exclusively posted as organic Page posts by Company Pages. Key benefits include bringing content closer to the target audience and improving the speed of content distribution.

5. Election Deepfakes Could Undermine Institutional Credibility

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Moody's latest report highlights concerns about AI-generated deepfake content in political contexts, which could erode trust in U.S. institutions. The FCC has proposed rules to mitigate risks in traditional media but lacks coverage for social media platforms. Even the perception that deepfakes could influence political outcomes, despite few concrete examples, poses a significant risk. This could undermine public confidence in electoral processes and government credibility, impacting national stability and economic outlooks, according to Moody's assessment.

6. YouTube Expands Channel @Handles to 75 Languages

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YouTube expands its @handles feature to 75 languages, allowing creators worldwide to personalize their channel URLs and improve visibility across the platform. This expansion aims to strengthen creator branding and audience engagement globally.

According to YouTube, "Creators and viewers will be able to customize their unique handle in their preferred language. Handles are displayed across YouTube, on Shorts, and in comments, so be sure to select a handle in your preferred language that you’re comfortable with as your public identity."

7. TikTok Develops AI Chatbot Named Genie

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TikTok is set to launch "Genie," an AI chatbot aimed at enriching user interaction within the app. Genie will enable seamless conversations and access to app features, showcasing TikTok's integration of AI. It brings real-time assistance during video streams, integrates AI technologies like virtual live-streamers and "StreamVoice," and enhances user engagement with creative tools in chat interactions, promising a more dynamic and interactive user experience.

8. TikTok Launches Support Program for Beauty Creators

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TikTok partners with Estée Lauder to launch "The Catalysts," a program supporting emerging beauty creators. This initiative offers mentorship, financial support, and marketing advice, empowering creators to innovate and scale their beauty businesses.

According to TikTok, “Whether you are an aspiring or existing brand looking to grow, or a beauty innovator with a fresh idea to reach new audiences, The Catalysts is your chance to secure funding and the expertise required to make your beauty vision a reality.”

9. Instagram Shares Growth Tips in New Podcast

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Meta hosted the "Close Friends Only" podcast at VidCon, featuring insights from prominent creators on maximizing Instagram engagement. Tips include leveraging new features and creating engaging content formats like carousels to build and connect with audiences effectively.

10. X Considers Downvotes for Post Replies

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X explores the possibility of introducing downvotes for post replies to improve content relevance and engagement on its platform. This potential feature aims to enhance user interaction and promote more meaningful discussions within online communities.

Takeaway

These stories highlight the dynamic evolution of social media platforms, emphasizing innovation, user experience enhancements, and regulatory challenges in the digital space. You can supercharge your organic growth with quso.ai (previously vidyo.ai) to create, edit, schedule and publish compelling social media posts on the fly. Sign up on the quso.ai (previously vidyo.ai) app to dominate your social media presence with ease.