Pinterest will now allow users to create videos of their Pinterest boards. The feature was launched after Gen Z Pinterest users were seen manually sharing their boards on TikTok by posting screenshots or using the green screen effect. Pinterest named this type of sharing “mecore” and found that it has led to a 565% increase in searches. Boards titled “mecore” have also increased by 255% since last year.
The new feature will allow Pinterest users to directly share their boards on other social platforms but, unlike the screenshots, these shared boards will feature links that will direct viewers to the complete board on Pinterest. The feature launched with Avril Lavigne and Tierra Whack who showed the functionality of the feature with fashion ideas, tour promotions and as a way to gather inspiration.
Snapchat celebrates Euro 2024
Snapchat has released a range of Lens and activations for users to celebrate Euro 2024. There are 20 AR lenses that “encourage Snapchatters to turn all their emotions and reactions to the action on the pitch, into memes to share with their friends and family” in the app. The lenses include a range of characters and supporter effects for various aspects of the tournament. Snap has also partnered with adidas and Nike on “Kit Selector” AR lenses allowing users to try on the official Euro 2024 adidas team kits. Users can also swipe up to buy the kit.
Meta begins rolling out AI characters for creators
Meta has announced that it will begin to publish AI characters made by creators on Instagram. The test will start in the U.S. and will primarily appear in messaging. The characters will also be clearly labelled as AI. Creators can make their AI characters using the Meta AI Studio and they are designed to help them interact with their community. Meta is starting to test the feature with around 50 creators and a small percentage of users. It will then roll out to more over the next few months with the full launch planned for August.
YouTube adds new features for Premium users
YouTube is rolling out a host of new features for its Premium users. Firstly, it is extending its picture-in-picture mode to Shorts, meaning that users can continue watching content whilst browsing on other apps. YouTube is also rolling out its ‘Jump ahead’ button which has been in testing over the last month. Users will be able to double-tap on a video to easily skip ahead. Rollout is starting with Android users in the U.S., with iOS rollout scheduled in the next few weeks.
YouTube is also adding a conversational AI tool which will let users ask questions related to the video or request to watch suggested content, and adding smart downloads for Shorts which will automatically download short videos for offline viewing based on watch history.
Snapchat adds new safety features for teens
Snapchat has announced new safety features for teens on the app. Firstly, Snapchat will now automatically block friend requests from accounts that have been previously blocked on other accounts but are using the same device. Users will also receive a pop-up if someone sends them a request and does not share any mutual friends or is a part of their contacts. Another pop-up message will warn users if they receive a chat from someone who has been blocked by other users or is from a region where they are not typically located.
Snapchat will also introduce more frequent reminders to users letting them know which friends they share their location with on the Snap Map. It is also introducing a simplified location-sharing feature which will make it easier to customise which of their friends can view their location.
