Social media news round-up (July/August 2023)

We’re sharing the latest news and tips for social media marketing success

Welcome to the latest ‘Social Media News Round-Up’ by The Content Emporium, your go-to source for the latest news, updates and trends in the social media world.

Whether you’re a seasoned social media marketer or just starting out, we aim to provide you with actionable insights into the latest social media news to elevate your strategy to new heights.

This week's social media news includes the rebrand of Twitter to ‘X’, explores AI experimentation for Instagram, new Facebook video features and various TikTok updates.

Twitter has rebranded as ‘X’ and is working on semantic search

Recently, Twitter made an abrupt change and rebranded to ‘X’, with the logo changing from the famous blue bird to a big X on the platform. Additionally, ‘tweets’ will be no more, as Elon Musk has stated they will now be called ‘Xs’.

Musk wants X to become a “super app” and, as part of his big vision for the platform, is dedicating time and resources to AI investment. He claims these models are set to be "uncompromisingly truth-seeking," devoid of any sway from political motives.

Image: @elonmusk on X

Instagram is experimenting with AI elements

Meta continues to venture into the realm of AI experimentation, with Instagram exploring the integration of artificial intelligence elements to elevate user experiences. Some key elements include:

  • Generative AI sticker creation: This would enable users to create custom graphics on their Stories based on text prompts.

  • Visual editing tools: These would enable you to remove or replace elements of their uploads on the platform. For example, an AI brush to replace parts of the image and a ‘Restyle’ tool to re-create sections using text prompts.

  • Message summaries: By summarising long messages in DMs, Instagram aims to save users time.

  • AI chatbot built into DMs: Much like Snapchat’s My AI tool, the chatbots would answer user’s questions and offer them advice.

Image: @alex193a on X

New video features unveiled on Facebook

Facebook sets out to promote video on the platform by introducing new video features. Here are some highlights:

  • Renamed the 'Watch' tab as the 'Video' tab on the Facebook app

  • Revamped the Explore section for enhanced visibility of trending video topics

  • Integrating Reels editing tools into the main feed as the look to facilitate more short-form video creation

  • Introducing higher quality video format options as users can now upload HDR videos for Reels

  • Adding the ability to view and write comments on Instagram Reels that have been recommended on Facebook. Which means there is no need to switch between the  apps

TikTok rolls out text-based posts and new character limits

TikTok has made a few recent updates, including the brand new introduction of text-based posts. The text will display over a coloured background and have a maximum of 1,000 characters available.

Image: TikTok

You may have also already noticed the caption character limit has now increased to 4,000 characters. When TikTok first started the character limit was just 300, moving up to 2,200 in September 2022. This move will help TikTok users optimise their SEO as TikTok continues to move to increase its SEO capabilities.

More in the world of social media…