Instagram redesigns its home screen, adding Reels and Shop tabs Instagram’s home screen has had a makeover, adding Reels and Shop tabs. The Reels tab directs users to watch and create shortform videos, while the Shop tab will surface personalised recommendations, as well as editors’ pics curated by the shop channel, shoppable videos, and new product collections. This is the first major design change that Instagram has made in years, an indication of the app’s priorities to maintain relevance in a continually evolving market.
Vanish mode arrives on Facebook Messenger and Instagram Just like magic, it’s gone! Taking inspiration from Snapchat, Facebook has announced its new feature for disappearing messaging; Vanish Mode. Users can send text chats, emoji, pictures, GIFs, voice messages and stickers, which will disappear automatically after they’ve been seen and the chat is closed. This opt-in feature is designed to enable more secret casual conversations, and people will be informed if a screenshot of their chat has been taken.
TikTok tests feature that helps people fundraise for charity TikTok is not only a platform for Gen Z dance challenges, but could also soon be an app that enables charitable donations. A new feature currently being tested allows users to raise funds for causes and charities they care about directly from their TikTok profiles. Screenshots uncovered show a new option on people’s ‘Edit Profile’ area directing them to choose a non-profit from a list of vetted organizations and charities. Once selected, the user’s profile will feature the charity in red text just below their bio. Visitors can then click on the text, taking them directly to a screen that allows them to make a donation.
Snapchat now lets you compare astrology readings with friends Are the stars written in…Snapchat? Snap’s new feature allows users to access their detailed astrological profiles, including analyses and personality explanations of their sun, moon and rising signs. To see whether you and your friends are really meant to be, you can click on the astrology icon in a friend’s profile, witnessing a detailed astrology compatibility analysis. All presented with Bitmoji, the feature includes swooshing and twinkling planetary backgrounds and easy-to read insights.
YouTube Rewind 2020 cancelled 2020 hasn’t been the best year. In fact, it might be better off forgotten altogether. That’s YouTube’s thinking at least, as it announced that it’s cancelled its annual Rewind video that highlights the creators, videos and trends that have defined the preceding year. According to the platform, it’s supposed to be a celebration, but “2020 has been different. And it doesn’t feel right to carry on as if it weren’t.” Fair enough.
