X, formerly Twitter, now lets paid users hide their verification checkmarks. Elon Musk, owner of the platform, introduced paid verification last year under ‘Twitter Blue’, which has now been renamed ‘XBlue’ during the ongoing rebranding to ‘X’. Those who subscribe to ‘XBlue’ have a blue verification tick next to their username, but will now be given the choice to hide it. This will supposedly help users benefit from subscription features without showing that they are a verified account.
Snapchat is launching a new rewards program for AR Lens creators
Snapchat is introducing a new Lens Creator Rewards programme to give AR creators and developers the chance to earn money for top-performing Lenses. Creators could be rewarded up to $7200 per month for their high performing Lenses, i.e. those with the highest engagement in the US, India and Mexico. Although performance is only measured in these three countries, the programme is available to creators globally.
YouTube Shorts gains new creation tools
YouTube has announced an expanded suite of creation tools for YouTube Shorts, its short-form video platform. New features include tools for remixing, adding effects, stickers, and going live. Other new tools include “Collab” – a way for a creator to record a Short in a side-by-side format with other YouTube or Shorts videos, and a Q&A sticker that lets creators ask their audience questions and get responses in the comments. These sound familiar!
Meta is preparing to release AI-powered chatbots with different personas
According to the Financial Times, Meta has plans to roll out AI-powered chatbots with different personas. The chatbots are designed to have humanlike conversations with users on Meta’s social media platforms, including Facebook and Instagram. Different personas might look like – a chatbot that advises users on travel plans in the style of a surfer and another that speaks like Abraham Lincoln. These plans could launch as soon as next month – looking forward to a conversation with Lincoln!
Meta open sources framework for generating sounds and music
