This week, TikTok rolls out its own version of Community Notes, Instagram is getting collab-crazy with shared feeds and co-created Stories, and Bluesky introduces blue check verifications. Meanwhile, a Euphoria-inspired meme format is taking over X, and TikTokers are creating Hollywood worthy videos with narrator voiceovers. Read on for more social media news.
TikTok tests Footnotes
Image credit: TikTok
TikTok is trialling a new “Footnotes” feature in the U.S. that will allow users to add context and extra information to videos. Footnotes will work alongside TikTok’s existing fact-checking features, and contributors will be asked to vote on the helpfulness of a footnote.
Instagram is rolling out a new custom Reels feed called Blend. Blend feeds are invite-only and can be created with a friend or with a group chat. The custom feeds are refreshed with new content each day. Once you accept an invite, you will be greeted with a series of reels picked for each person in the chat. When someone in the group reacts to a reel, Instagram will notify you so you can keep the conversation going.
TikTok is testing a new review feature that displays reviews for locations tagged in the comments section of the video. For example, if you come across a video of Central Park where the creator has tagged the location, you’ll be able to see users’ star ratings for the location, written reviews, and uploaded photos. You can also click on a reviewer’s username to visit their TikTok profile.
Instagram is testing a new Stories feature called “Storylines”, which are collaborative Stories built by you and your friends. Friends who follow you back will be able to link their own stories to your story, giving another POV to the event – e.g. hanging out at a party or a concert. These collaborative Stories would then be viewable by their friends, allowing even more people to add to the Story chain.
Bluesky has confirmed rumours that it will be rolling out Twitter’s infamous blue check on the platform. Like Twitter’s original blue check, Bluesky will verify that accounts are legitimate. Bluesky will work with a series of “Trusted Verifiers” to check accounts, and its moderator team will double-check each new verification.
