We Are Social’s Tuesday Tuneup
Threads is rolling out tags feature globally
Threads got a major update last week with the platform rolling out its tags feature. Last month, Meta, which owns Threads, tested the new feature in Australia and, following its success, has now begun rolling it out worldwide. Unlike hashtags, people can use a phrase with spaces in it, along with special characters, and even emojis can be tags! To avoid any cheeky tag spamming, only one tag per Thread will be allowed.
In the four days since the feature launched, web developer Max Mykhalchuk found the top trending tags to include NBA discussion, tech-related communities, and photography.
Meta introduces end-to-end encryption for Messenger
Meta has started rolling out end-to-end encryption protection for Messenger. The updates, expected to arrive by the end of the year, will ensure that personal chats and calls will have end-to-end encryptions by default. Meanwhile, encryption for group chats will remain an opt-in feature.
Meta releases multiple new AI updates
Meta AI, Meta’s generative AI experience, is gaining new capabilities, including the ability to recreate new AI images with its “Reimagine” feature. It allows users to share Meta AI generated images with their friends, who can then layer further prompts and create a brand new image in the process. Friends can then go back and forth, recreating the image with multiple prompts as they try to one-up each other with even wilder ideas.
Meta AI chat also now has support for Reels. This feature is aimed to help look for visual examples related to a question. For example, if a user is planning a trip with friends, they can ask Meta AI to recommend the best places to visit and share Reels showcasing those top sites and attractions.
WhatsApp adds disappearing voice messages
Meta is introducing disappearing voice messages to WhatsApp, which will allow users to send a voice message that can only be listened to once before it disappears, similar to the “View Once” option for photos and videos introduced in 2021.
The feature aims to bring added security to conversations for scenarios such as planning surprise parties or sharing sensitive bank card information. The feature is rolling out globally over the next several days.
Snapchat launches its first virtual makeup drop
Snapchat has launched its first virtual beauty drop on Bitmoji, in collaboration with e.l.f. Cosmetics. The drop will allow Snapchat users to claim a free digital lipstick for their Bitmoji avatar. Users will also be able to virtually try on 11 shades of the Lipstick through an AR Bitmoji Lens.
Influencer updates
AI-automated dance routines are coming for Tik Tok Influencers
A new AI model called ‘AnimateAnyone’ has made its foray into the social internet.
The tech lets users merge a still image with any recorded movement, creating passable deepfakes of people dancing. Harry Styles doing the Tootsie Slide? Sure. David Attenborough renegading? Done.
Learn more about these funky moves on our Instagram publication, The Feed🕺
In other news
Discord updated its mobile app, and users don’t love it. You can now purchase a Snapchat+ subscription as a gift. And, Meta is removing cross-app messaging between Facebook and Instagram.