YouTube has added a “Save Music” feature that will allow users to save audios to their chosen sounds folder within the app. The sounds can then be easily found again or reused on the user’s own videos.
Image credit: YouTube
YouTube has also expanded its Inspiration tab to now provide AI-generated content tips and ideas. Creators can enter a topic into the search bar and YouTube will generate ideas based on what channel viewers are likely to want to see. The Inspiration tab will also be available in new languages including Japanese, Korean and Hindi.
Image credit: YouTube
Another new feature is a desktop extension for creators in YouTube’s shopping affiliate program. The extension will allow creators to save products and compare commission rates while browsing on Chrome. The platform has also added new resources to the YouTube Help Center, including guides on channel management and how creators can make money in the app.
Meta adds new AI image tools
Meta is expanding its AI capabilities with its new generative selfies feature. “Imagine Yourself” can create an image based on an uploaded photo and a prompt. These can include options such as “imagine me surfing” or “imagine me on a roller coaster”, but the options are endless.
Image credit: Meta
As well as the new selfie feature, Meta is also adding tools that allow users to add or remove objects in images, or even change them into other objects—for example, “Change the cat to a corgi.” Meta AI is also introducing an “Edit with AI” button which will offer additional fine-tuning editing options. Over the next few days, users will start seeing shortcuts for sharing Meta AI-generated images across the company’s apps.
X launches new AI user summaries
X has added a new “More About This Account” feature to its Grok AI model. The feature, currently only available to paid X members, appears when users hover their cursor over a handle or display name on the web. Once clicked, the feature will then generate an AI-generated synopsis of the user.
Image credit: Screenshot by TechCrunch
However, the initial rollout has been found to be a little bit unreliable. For example, when TechCrunch writer Ivan Mehta asked Grok about its colleagues, Grok believed the colleagues were experts on Canada, managed brunch accounts, and were famous Indian cricketers. In X’s defence, it warns that this is an early version of the feature and may make mistakes.
Snapchat celebrates the Olympics
Snapchat has launched new features to celebrate the Olympics, including AR Lenses, official highlights, filters, and more. The AR lenses, created with the International Olympic Commission (IOC), feature elements from Olympic data feeds and IOC archival imagery to help fans feel connected to the Games at home. These are available on both Snapchat and the official Olympics app. The IOC has also launched scannable AR elements on official posters and promos for the Games. Snapchat also partnered with NBCUniversal to add Team USA athlete Bitmojis into the app and provide updates throughout the event.
Image credit: Snap
There is also an IRL activation in Paris with the first AR vending machine in collaboration with Coca-Cola. The machine can be found in the athlete’s village and is powered by a Snapchat AR mirror. As well as dishing out drinks, the mirror also provides photo ops, games and prizes.
Meta adds new ad feature
Meta has added a new feature to its ad setup that detects offers based on the URL entered into a campaign. This means Meta will highlight any discounts or promo codes found on your site automatically on your Meta ad. These can still be edited within the campaign setup. The system will also display the ads and discounts to viewers when they are most likely to respond to them, based on their previous shopping habits.
