Keeping up with rapidly evolving digital trends and innovations can be overwhelming for business owners, entrepreneurs, and marketing heads. Our monthly roundup provides a curated selection of news from social media platforms, search engines, AI advancements, and more. It also empowers business leaders to make informed decisions and adapt their strategies effectively. It saves time, reduces information overload, and enables them to capitalize on emerging opportunities in the digital landscape.
1. Twitter rebrands to “X,” bids farewell to bird logo 🐦✖️
- Following a series of changes and updates over the past few weeks, Twitter finally rebranded to “X”.
- This brings Elon Musk closer to his dream of turning Twitter into the everything app. Although many business analysts consider this a risky move. However, Elon Musk believes that this will propel the platform forward.
- He further explained to the public that the “Twitter” name was suitable for short Tweets, but as the platform evolved, accommodating longer content and financial features, it no longer aligned with its initial concept. Farewell to the bird logo. 🐦✖️
2. Threads’ daily active user count declines (Again!?)
- Threads’ daily active user count is down 82% from launch as of July 31, according to Sensor Tower (via CNN), with just eight million users accessing the app each day.
- That’s the lowest it has been since the day after the app’s release, when daily active users peaked at roughly 44 million.
- As of August 1, Threads’ daily average usage time fell to just 2.9 minutes per day, as opposed to the average time of 19 minutes when the app was just launched.
3. Twitter introduces daily limits on DMs for unverified accounts
- X (Twitter) platform announced that unverified accounts will have daily limits on the number of DMs they can send.
- This is done in a bid to reduce DM spam and encourage Twitter Blue subscriptions.
- Although the limit rate and implementation date are yet to be announced, this move hasn’t been well-received by both verified and unverified users.
4. LinkedIn tests Microsoft Designer integration to enable Ai image creation
- LinkedIn is testing a new integration with Microsoft Designer, which would provide advanced image creation and visual editing tools direct in-stream in the app.
- With this, LinkedIn users and content creators can easily create visual elements based on text prompts, while also being able to use templates, create GIFs, and generate videos, all without having to leave the app.
5. YouTube tests AI generated video summaries in-stream
- YouTube is testing an “AI auto-generated Summaries” feature so that it’s easier for users to read a quick summary about a video and decide whether it’s the right fit for them.
- These summaries may appear on watch and search pages.
- Note that while these summaries give viewers a quick overview of what a video is about, they do not replace video descriptions (which are written by creators).
6. Bing Chat introduces Visual Search for more interactive web browsing experience
- Microsoft has announced the addition of visual search functionality to its Bing Chat AI chatbot.
- With Visual Search in Chat, users can upload pictures and initiate web searches based on the contents of those images.
- For instance, a user may photograph a book they are interested in learning more about and then use the image to look up reviews, pricing comparisons, and other relevant details.
7. Threads introduces rate limits to combat spam
- Instagram Threads is now implementing rate limits to combat the issue of spam attacks and crypto-shilling bots.
- On July 1, Twitter imposed hard rate limits on users to reduce the impact of spam DMs, among other reasons.
- Threads aims to balance user data protection with ensuring the seamless operation of its servers.
8. Google Search is testing boxed-in favicon designs for snippets
- A snippet is that summary that’s displayed first on Google Web Searches. Snippets give users a glimpse of the page’s content before they click on the full page.
- Currently, the favicon of a snippet is shown as it is.
- When this new feature is launched, users will see all icons placed in a square box.
9. Twitter set to launch job listings feature
- Twitter is reportedly preparing to launch a new feature that will allow verified organizations on the platform to post job listings on their profiles.
- While Twitter users have been posting job listings through regular tweets, this new functionality will make it easier for companies to connect with job seekers across the platform
- At the moment, Twitter hasn’t announced an official launch date, but it’s likely to be launched sometime soon.
10. Meta tests affordable package deals for Facebook and Instagram verification
- Meta is testing a new package that will enable users and content creators to save money when they sign up for “Meta Verified” on Facebook and Instagram.
- To be eligible, accounts must meet minimum activity requirements and submit a government ID that matches the profile name and photo of the Facebook or Instagram account they’re applying for.
- The Verification Package is set to cost $42 per month – or $504 per year (according to Social Media Today).
11. Meta adds Meta avatars to video calls
- Meta has released a new feature that allows Instagram and Messenger users to conduct video conversations using their Meta avatars.
- Meta says that more than a billion Meta Avatars have been created thus far, which is a positive sign for its next-level communications push.
- These avatars mimic facial expressions and mouth movements to enhance communication. Users can make their avatars perform actions, bringing more personality and emotion to their virtual interactions.
12. YouTube tests hyperlinked keywords in video comments
- Currently, if a viewer wants to learn more about a topic or product that they see in a comment, they have to navigate away from the video they’re watching to learn more.
- With YouTube Hyperlinked Keywords, phrases, or single words in comments that encourage exploration will be hyperlinked within the test.
- Clicking on a link will initiate a new YouTube search with that term, navigating users to the search results page. To avoid interruption, the video will stay playing in the miniplayer.
Want to Learn More?
Our roundup aims to equip you with useful insights and fresh ideas to effectively navigate the dynamic digital realm. Keep an eye out for upcoming updates, and continue to explore and experiment with your digital marketing endeavours.
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P.S. Don’t forget to be productive and stay positive!
