Social Media Trends & News: September 2024

Meta, Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, and Pinterest have all recently launched updates that are set to transform how we interact, create, and promote online. From cutting-edge AI features to enhanced creative tools and privacy improvements, these changes bring fresh opportunities for users and marketers alike.

We know it’s a lot to keep up with, but we’re here to help. In this post, we’ll break down the key updates from each platform and show you how to leverage them, whether you’re a casual user or aiming to boost your marketing strategy.

Meta: Pioneering the Future of Social Interaction

Facebook: Embracing AI, VR, and AR

Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, has been at the forefront of innovation this month. At their highly anticipated Connect 2024 event, they unveiled significant advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), virtual reality (VR), and augmented reality (AR) technologies. These tools are set to revolutionize how users and businesses interact within the Meta ecosystem, promising more immersive experiences.

As we approach the holiday season, Meta is doubling down on its commitment to businesses. They’ve rolled out updated ad options designed to help companies optimize their holiday campaigns, including improved ad placements and more personalized shopping experiences to boost conversion rates.

One of these updates includes discount code promo options, with a more prominent code notification, which automatically adds the code at the checkout.

To further support businesses, Meta has released a comprehensive holiday marketing checklist. This resource offers a step-by-step guide for companies preparing for the peak shopping season, covering strategies for ads, Reels, and immersive experiences. It’s clear that Meta is positioning itself as an indispensable partner for businesses looking to capitalize on holiday spending.

Recognizing the growing importance of short-form video, Meta has published a new guide focused on Reels marketing, providing best practices for creating engaging content that resonates with audiences and maximizes campaign reach. This move underscores the platform’s commitment to competing with TikTok in the short-video space.

Instagram: Enhancing User Experience and Safety

Instagram has been particularly active this month with a slew of updates and new features. In a notable move, Instagram’s chief addressed the ongoing debate about the platform’s “Following” feed option. Despite user requests for a chronological feed, the platform maintains that algorithmic recommendations are more effective for engagement. This highlights the ongoing tension between user preferences and platform strategies.

Safety and Privacy Initiatives

Instagram has implemented stricter privacy settings for accounts belonging to users under 16, automatically applying these protections to enhance safety and limit unwanted interactions. The platform has also bolstered parental control features, giving parents more tools to manage their teens’ activities.

Key Updates for Users

• Direct Messaging Upgrades: New photo editing features allow users to tweak and send edited images directly within chats.
• Signature Sound App: This app enables users to create personalized audio effects for Reels and Stories.
• Expanded Reminder Ads: Options for reminder ads have broadened, now available through Instagram’s API.
• Enhanced Engagement Tools: New features in direct messaging boost interaction, including quick replies.
• Broadcast Channel Replies: Creators can foster deeper engagement within their communities by enabling replies in broadcast channels.
• Custom Collage Creation: Users will soon be able to create custom collages for Stories.
• Story Comments: Users can now comment directly on Stories, driving real-time interactions.

To support creators and businesses in navigating these new features, Instagram has shared updated best practices for optimizing content and engagement strategies.

Threads: The New Frontier

Meta’s newest platform, Threads, is quickly gaining attention, especially now as users can add up to 20 photos and videos in a single post, enhancing multimedia engagement.

The recent acquisition of the threads.com domain highlights Meta’s commitment to expanding this venture, signaling more integration and growth on the horizon.

While Threads currently lacks a direct messaging system, Meta is exploring ways to streamline the process of sending Instagram messages from the app, hinting at a future where Threads could become a comprehensive communication platform.

Recent discussions, such as those on WIRED’s Gadget Lab podcast, have explored Threads’ potential as a major player in social media. This growing interest is reflected in Threads’ rising app download rankings, indicating increasing user adoption and solidifying its position in Meta’s social ecosystem.

TikTok: Expanding Horizons and Innovating for Advertisers

TikTok is moving forward with new features and opportunities for advertisers:

• 2024 Holiday Gift Guide: Brands can apply for inclusion in the 2024 Holiday Gift Guide, offering a prime opportunity to showcase products to holiday shoppers.
• Keyword Targeting for Search Ads: New capabilities allow advertisers to reach users with greater precision based on their search behavior.
• Combating Medical Misinformation: Partnering with health organizations, TikTok is rolling out new policies to ensure users receive accurate health information.
• Music App Shutdown: The standalone TikTok music app has been discontinued, with music features integrated back into the main platform.
• Paid Subscriptions for Creators: Creators can earn directly from their fanbase through an expanded paid subscription program offering personalized content.

Analysts are also watching the potential involvement of French billionaire Xavier Niel, speculating on how his influence could shape TikTok’s growth, particularly in Europe.

LinkedIn: Balancing Innovation and Privacy

LinkedIn has rolled out a series of updates recently, including the launch of a Gen Z-focused podcast, marketing attribution tools, and expanded language support, though the platform also faced scrutiny over its use of user data for AI training.

• Gen Z-Focused Podcast: LinkedIn has partnered with iHeartRadio to launch a podcast series aimed at Gen Z, offering career advice and insights.
• Advanced Revenue Attribution Reporting: A new guide helps businesses track and measure revenue attribution from their marketing efforts.
• AI Training Data Controversy: LinkedIn was found to have used user data for AI training before updating its terms of service. In response to scrutiny, the platform has ceased using UK user data for AI model training.
• Platform Updates: LinkedIn is phasing out its Top Voice badges and discontinuing collaborative articles as part of a broader update.
• Language Support Expansion: Additional language support helps businesses and professionals improve accessibility in global markets.

Pinterest: Embracing AI and Enhancing User Creativity

Pinterest is integrating AI into its platform and expanding offerings for users and advertisers:

• GenAI Tools for Advertisers: Generative AI tools allow advertisers to create dynamic and tailored product imagery to enhance ad performance.
• Collage Remix and Sharing Options: New features provide users with creative ways to engage with content and collaborate on visual projects.
• Expanded Promotional Push: Pinterest initiated a campaign to attract more advertisers, showcasing its unique visual discovery features.
• Pinterest Presents Event: The annual event showcased new ad tools, expanded shopping features, and creative opportunities for brands.

With each platform carving out its own space and expanding into new areas, the competition remains fierce. Meta continues to lead, but TikTok, LinkedIn, and Pinterest are rapidly refining their strategies to meet evolving user needs.

For businesses and marketers, staying on top of these updates is crucial—especially as the holiday season approaches, bringing major opportunities for growth. Success will come from leveraging the latest features and tools from each platform.

While the potential for growth is exciting, businesses must also be mindful of privacy concerns and the importance of responsible digital engagement. To stay informed about the latest trends and updates that can boost your brand, subscribe to our newsletter. Our expert insights will equip you with the knowledge and strategies needed to thrive in social media marketing.